Page 124 of Burn the Wild

“I know. That’s what I realized when you were at the bar tonight. I don’t want your secrets.” I lean in and her eyes widen. “I want you, Reese.”

“That’ll change once you know.”

“Not happening.” I catch her by the hips and pull her into me, instantly feeling calmer. “Whatever you tell me doesn’t matter, so keep your pretty lips closed or don’t. Either way, rest of the summer, I want you sleeping in my bed.”

Her smile is happy. Beautiful. “Pretty big demands, Country Boy.”

“We lost a week together, baby. Which means…” Grinning, I pick her up and she squeals. My heart wants to punch through my chest to hers. “We better get started. Fast.”

I kiss her. Like it’s the most primal need in the world.

Fuck Reese’s secrets.

I just want her.

As long as I can have her.

The hot summer July sun burns. One hundred degrees.

But what’s even hotter?

Me and Ford.

Adjusting my skirt, I exit the Warrior Heart Home, quickly followed by Ford. One last kiss and we part ways. Buttoning up the pearl-snaps on his collared shirt, he glances over his shoulder and gives me a wink.

I blush. There’s no escaping his charm.

As he hustles to the garage, my eyes linger on him. So damn handsome. My hardworking, blue-collared man. With that hat turned back, and those forearms of steel, keeping my cool has never been so hard.

Look at what we keep doing. All because I wasn’t strong enough to walk away.

I decided to give in. To the madness. To his kisses. We may be friends with benefits, but it feels like more. He won’t push me, and I’m grateful for that, but I have to tell him. Soon.

The ranch is abuzz with activity. Ruby is hosting a flower arranging class in the pasture, while Charlie leads a group into the lodge.

I wrap up my chores for the day—checking the chicken coop and pulling weeds alongside the cowboy cabins.

When I’m finished, as I make my way back to the lodge, my phone rings.

Slipping it out of my back pocket, I stare down at it.

UNKNOWN NUMBER.

I swallow and think of the black SUV I saw on Main Street. I should have told Ford, but why borrow trouble if it’s nothing? I chew a nail and examine my phone.

I wouldn’t put him past Gavin to be calling from a blocked number. Except for a few texts exchanged, I’ve successfully avoided him since he showed up at the ranch. I hate that he still has the power to control me. The only thing that gives me slight satisfaction is knowing I’ll be free in a little over a month.

I answer it.

“Hello?”

“Reese? Reese Austin?” A breezy female voice sounds on the other end of the line.

“This is she.”

“Oh, wow. Let me just say I am ecstatic to speak with you right now.”

I frown. “Who is this?”

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