Page 67 of Fastlander Phoenix

The giggles faded from her belly as she slid her hand to the back of his head. He was giving her another gift. He wanted time with her before he started his day.

“I would love that.”

He looked so handsome in the glow of the dying embers in the fireplace. His eyes were reflecting like an animal’s, in this reddish-gold color that made her want to say the L-word to him again.

“When is your first client coming in today?” he asked.

“Noon.”

“Okay, good. Bring the blanket and dress warm. You don’t need to put on your makeup.”

“Why, silly boy?”

“Because I like you just like this.”

Disheveled? Bare-faced and natural? Sleepy-looking?

But before she could ask, he kissed her on the cheek and pushed off the bed, assured her he would “Make her iced-pumpkin shit,” and then disappeared down the hallway.

She curled in on herself again and made a soft squeal to expel some of the excitement that trilled through her body when he was that close.

Her phone was on the nightstand, and she pulled it to her to check the time. A couple of text threads showed up on the screen.

One was from her sister, Sasha.I am really happy for you, just so you know. You’re on the exact right path. Your friends are awesome. So is Wreck.A trio of pictures were attached. One was of her and the ladies of the Fastlanders standing on the stage in that bar singing karaoke, huge grins on their faces.

The next picture was of Sasha and Timber in a selfie, with Sloane and Silver in the background of the bathroom, making silly faces.

The last picture was of Wreck, sitting at a table, ignoring whatever Owen was saying to him. Wreck’s attention was on Timber as she looked through the songbook for karaoke night with the girls. He wore the softest smile as he looked at her.

The picture touched her heart. Wreck looked like he was completely in awe of her, and she didn’t know if any man had ever looked at a woman that sweetly before.

Thanks, sis. Send.Want to come out with us next weekend?Send.

Timber knew there would be a next weekend, and she also knew Sasha could use nights out with no drama when she had shifts off from the hospital. The family stuff was heavy, and maybe at some point they would talk about what happened, but God, it was so nice just to have fun instead.

After she sent that message, she checked the next one, and her heart sank. It was from Brandon. Oh, she’d blocked him, but he always greeted her the same.Hey gorgeous girl.It was from an unknown number. This was the second time he’d found another phone to text her from.

She took a few seconds before opening the text, because she really didn’t know her feelings on it.

Hey gorgeous girl. Last night was crazy, and it definitely made me reevaluate some things. You look good. Real good. I came to talk to you and make sure you’re okay, and I saw you through the window of that bar you went to with those shifters. You were singing karaoke with some of them. You were smiling, and I made myself not go inside. I could never give you smiles like that. I hate your new dude. Hate him. You’re different with him. Better. Happier. If I could’ve made you happy like that, maybe I would’ve been able to stop myself from making the decisions I did. You seem stronger now, and I didn’t think I would ever say this, but it’s hot. If you ever want to come back to the family, I can make that transition easier for you. And if you ever want to revisit old times, I’m different too. Maybe we would match better now. Miss you.

A flare of anger boiled her blood, and she gave in to the whip-crack urge to respond.

Fingers flying, she typed out,You’re different? You know I’m with someone, you saw that yourself, and you’re with someone, and you’re still texting me this absolute bullshit. Now you want me back? When I’m off the table? I’m assuming the ‘decisions’ you are talking about are you cheating on me? Or is it stealing my family? Are you talking about the way you took everyone’s side but mine from day one? Are you talking about how you took everyone’s side AGAINST me? How muchcrap did you talk about me behind my back while telling me to my face that you loved me? That smile you saw on my face last night is because I’m happier away from you and YOUR family. I am stronger. It cost me dearly to get here, and I’m not going back. Not ever. Why would I go back to a low-value man who doesn’t know a damn thing about loyalty, and will destroy any progress I’ve made for his own selfish reasons? You are a vacuum, Brandon. You won’t drain anything from me ever again.

Wreck has me.

Message me again, and I will send every screenshot to your girlfriend.

That’s a promise.

Out of your reach for eternity,

Timber

“You okay?” Wreck asked, and she startled hard.

Timber huffed a breath and hit send, then handed him her phone.

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