Page 19 of Wild Bred

He nods and wipes at his eyes again.

“Are you okay?” I ask gently.

“Yeah. I just…Mackenna, I just…” Justin looks at me for a moment, then leans forward to try to kiss me. I jump back, inhaling a surprised breath. My stomach flips as I register what he just tried to do.

“It’s over,” I choke out. “You’re fired.”

He stares at me. “What?”

I point at the door. I’m freaking out inside, terrified of what else he might try to do, but somehow I’m able to keep my panic from showing. “You’re done here. I’m not going to say it again.”

“He did what?” Reid says, his words thundering around us. “Jesus. Are you okay?”

I’m not, but I nod, because I don’t want my drama with Justin to ruin my evening with Reid. “I’m fine.”

“I can’t believe he tried to kiss you. That’s not fucking okay.”

“At least it’s over now,” I say.

“He better not show his face around here again,” Reid says, setting his jaw. “If he shows up, I want you to call me, all right?”

I manage a small smile and a nod.

“Hey,” he says, stepping closer to me in my living room. With a gentle but firm hand, he lifts my chin and pulls my gaze to his. “Are you sure you’re fine?”

I shrug. “I just feel dumb for giving him so many passes. I should have fired him sooner.”

“This is in no way your fault, Mackenna. It’s completely on him.”

“I know, but I could have done something about it sooner…”

“It’s not your fault.”

I press my lips together. I’m grateful that Reid is being so supportive and protective, but I’m still struggling with the guilt I feel about the whole situation.

“Deep down, I’ve known I needed to do something about it. I just have a really hard time with cutting people out of my life.”

“I understand,” says Reid. “It’s not an easy thing to do.”

“No, but it’s especially hard for me because…” I swallow, wishing I didn’t have to tell him what I’m about to say. But it’s important that he knows. “Reid, I was abandoned as a baby. I have no idea who my parents are. I was dropped off at a fire station, and grew up in the foster care system. It’s why I don’t have family around here, and why I don’t have many people in my life. So having to push away someone who actually wants to be around me is…tough. Even if it’s an unhealthy situation.”

Reid is quiet for a few moments. Then, without saying a word, he wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. I close my eyes and sink against him.

It’s the best hug anyone has ever given me.

“You deserved so much more than that,” Reid says, still holding me. “I’m so sorry, Mackenna.”

“Thank you.” I peer up at him, and my heart flutters as I take in the sight of his strong jaw and ruggedly handsome face. “Who knew you were this sweet, Reid?”

He laughs under his breath. “I don’t know about sweet. I’m just calling it how I see it.”

“Well, either way, it’s appreciated.” I ease out of his hug and gather myself. “Okay. Enough serious stuff. I have a dinner to cook for you.”

“You sure you’re still up for it? I’ll understand if it’s too much right now.”

“I’m definitely still up for it. Besides, there’s no way I’m letting those groceries go to waste.”

“Can I help, at least?” he asks.

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