Page 153 of Burn the Wild

Our heartbeats slow in our chests, mapping each other.

When we pull back, Reese runs her small hands up my shoulders to clutch at my face. She bites at her lower lip, then asks, “Are you sure you’re okay? Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

“I’ll be moving slow for a few days, but nothing I can’t handle.” I glance down, checking her over. “What about you? Are you okay? You’ve been takin’ care of yourself?”

She gives me an exasperated look. “Ford. I’m fine.”

Reese stiffens when her phone vibrates. Her hand flies to the back pocket of her jeans, and I don’t miss the flash of fear on her face.

“What is it?”

“It’s Gavin.”

My hand curls around her phone.

Last chance to come home, Reese.

I need you back, Reese.

You’re mine, Reese, and don’t you forget it.

“Motherfucker.” I seethe.

Her eyes flick to mine. “They’re just texts.”

“They’re not texts. They’re threats.” My vision goes red. “Piece of fucking shit.”

Rage gnaws at me. I hate that I was out of commission and she was going through this alone. Gavin’s fucked in the head. All the signs point to him being controlling, but this…it’s something else entirely.

“He’s scaring me, Ford. He’s never acted like this before.” Her hands are firm, but lightly trembling as she takes the phone.

I step into her, gripping her tight. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know.” She smiles and kisses my lips. Her trust messes with my head. My heartbeat. “All I have to do is hold out four more weeks.”

My heart thunders. Four weeks until Reese is free of her asshole manager. Four weeks until I can figure out how I keep this girl.

I slip a hand into her hair, hold her eyes with mine. “Reese, I—”

I stop short of telling her that I love her. That I want her on the ranch. Because am I a selfish bastard for wanting her to stay?Everyone’s always kept this girl. She’s never had a choice. I don’t want to cage her. Hell, I won’t.

But I can be honest.

So I take two steps back and go about it the old-fashioned way. The cowboy way.

“I want to take you on a date.”

There’s something hesitant in her emerald eyes. “A date?”

“Yeah. A date.”

She laughs. “Ford. Friends, don’t—”

I gently grip her jaw, cutting her short. “We’re not friends, baby. Say that word again and I’ll put you over my knee and spank that ass pink until you forget it.”

Her pouty pink mouth forms anOof surprise. She stares at me with dazed eyes, then, as if snapping herself out of it, she shakes her head. “Why are you telling me this, Ford? Why does it matter?”

I give her a look, effectively ending her protest. “Don’t you dare act like you don’t want this as much as I do.” My hand curls around her neck and I pull her closer. “I won’t play games about what this is and what you are to me.”

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