Page 104 of Love Me Reckless

“She’s not eating. I was going to talk to you and Dad. I should have—” The guilt inside me burns hotter, making my voice catch.

“Hey,” he interrupts. “This isn’t your fault. We both know what she’s been doing to herself.”

What my dad said rattles around in my mind. “I wish she’d talk to us.”

“Maybe now she will.”

“Okay.” I cling to this.

“I’m proud of you,” Grayson says.

A laugh escapes my lips. “For running away?”

“For standing up for yourself.”

“Even though it’s going to ruin everything?”

“You’re giving yourself too much credit,” he says with a laugh. “We’ll find a way through this.”

“What if we can’t?”

“Maybe this is just the opening we need to get Dad to consider some of my ideas. Have faith, okay?” In the background are clicks and snaps—like the medics are getting things ready. “Do you want me to talk to Birch?”

I huff a cooling breath. “No. I will. When I’m ready.”

“Do you need anything from the ranch?” The logs in the hearth shift, sending up a burst of sparks.

“No. My friends are taking good care of me.”

“I thought so. Does that include a certain ski lift mechanic?”

My face heats. “Remember when you called him ‘not our people?’”

He curses. “I said that?”

“You were just trying to protect me, but… you were right. He’s not.”

“I don’t understand.”

Just then, Sawyer steps in from the deck. The lights from outside illuminate his profile—the broad chest and strong shoulders, the agile way he moves.

“He sees me, Gray.”

Sawyer walks through the dark kitchen to the edge of the living room, bringing him into the light from the fire. His calm brown eyes steady me.

“It’s about time someone did,” Grayson says. In the background, I hear movement and muted conversations. “I need to go, but I’ll call you soon.”

“Thanks, Grayson. For everything.”

We end the call and I set the phone next to me on the couch.

Sawyer leans against the doorjamb, crossing his arms. He’s taken off his suit jacket and tie, and his cream-colored dress shirt strains across his chest. “How’s the shitstorm?”

I try to smile. “Stormy.”

A series of car doors slam from outside. Sawyer crosses to the window and peers out the blinds. “Reinforcements. And pizza.” He walks back over to me and offers his hand.

I take it, and that same bright heat zips through me. Sawyer pulls me gently to my feet, the heavy fabric of my dress pooling around my shins. I slide my arms around his waist and lean into his chest. He releases a slow, soft sigh and cradles me.

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