Page 26 of Wildest Dreams

She says nothing.

I couldn't believe this. Stepping towards the edge of the porch, my hands are back on my hips as I look out at the picturesque scenery in front of me. Sloped, mountain sides, points that brush fingertips with the angels above us and rolling green hills.

My chest rattles as I exhale.

Letting my head fall forward, I softly shake it before turning to face her. My hand lifting from my hip, fingers rubbing across my mouth.

“So, you were a thing then?” I ask, and I am fully aware my tone has bite to it like I am jealous. I am not jealous. Far from it actually.

The skin on the back of my neck erupts in goosebumps.

“Not that it’s any of your business,” she begins to bounce a fussing Lainey in her arms, rocking her hips slowly from side to side, “But no, it was a one-time thing.”

She averts her gaze from me, looking out at the same picturesque scenery that I was just besotted with.

“Well, maybe a two- or three-times thing but definitely no more than that.”

I scoff.

I am judging her.

Felt a dick for doing it, but I couldn't help it.

“Don't scoff at me, you have no right to judge me.”

Rolling my eyes, my hands are back on my hips as I begin to pace.

“This why you’re back then? Clay's funeral?” My legs stop as my eyes burn into her.

She gives a shallow nod. “Great, so you're staying in my home, under my roof just so you have somewhere to stay before you attendhisfuneral.”

I watch as she rolls her lips and I shake my head once more.

“Why didn't you tell me?” rage simmers inside of me as her ocean blue eyes connect with mine.

“I didn't know how,” she answers softly, stepping closer to me for just a moment. “But it is also none of your business. Your mom and dad took me and my daughter in. You out of all people should know how hard that was for me, I have nothing here, no family, no home... I packed up and ran. I wanted to make a better life for myself and yet...” she pauses, and I see the glisten of tears in her eyes. Her throat bobs as Lainey's sweet cries begin to fill the tense atmosphere between us.

Her eyes search mine for something, anything, but I turn away from her and begin to walk down the steps and onto the dusty ground, my boots crunching.

I needed to clear my head, it was full and fuzzy, messy and hectic.

I don't look back behind me as Lainey's cries go from soft whimpers to piercing screams.

I throw my arm up, cowboy hat tilted down, and I walk to the only place that feels like my second home.

The Warren's.

CHAPTER EIGHT

TRIPP

My legs feel heavy from trudging through the fields. The grass is long, wildflowers bloom and my boots are covered in mud. Walking down the fence line and smiling when I see the small nightlights that are lined at every fence post.

I don't knock. Just climb the porch steps and let myself in.

“Blue? Buck?” I call out as I stand in the hallway.

“Tripp?” Blue's eyes widen and she looks so damn tired. I scoop her into my arms, holding her tightly.

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