Page 185 of Burn the Wild

“Everyone shut up.” Davis’s voice rings with authority.

A giggle from Ruby.

“Okay,” Ford says, stopping. “Open your eyes.”

“Oh my God,” I breathe. A smile stretches across my face.

It’s Nowhere, but Nowhere transformed into something special. Streamers hang from the ceiling, and a high-top table in the corner has a reserved sign. Bags of Combos and gummy bears sit next to a beautiful cake on top of the bar. Behind it, Beef raises a pitcher of beer. Locals lift their glasses, then turn back to their own business.

Ruby squeaks and grips the table as a rowdy bunch of rednecks slam into it. “I’m not sure this is the best place for a party.”

Ford scrubs the back of his head. “We couldn’t rent it out, but—”

“No. It’s the perfect place.” Full circle.

I blink back the tears that threaten to fall. I’ve never had an actual birthday party. But it’s more than a birthday party. It’s a Reese-is-almost-free party.

In two days, I’ll be twenty-seven. Two days until I’m free of Gavin.

Not even his texts, his threats, can chase away this bright ray of hope. Of happy.

I grip Ford’s shirt and kiss him hard. “Thank you. I love it.”

“Happy birthday, baby.” The apple of this throat works. “You deserve it.”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “You ready to chase me around the bar again, Country Boy?”

His eyes darken. “I ain’t gonna tell you what to do, Birdie. Just know that if you dance on a bar top, I’ll get into a fight tonight.”

I flush as his heated gaze drinks me up. I have my best dress on. Slinky and golden.

“He’s kidding,” Davis tells the group.

Ford gives his twin a look. “I’m not kidding.”

“Fuck yeah, here we go,” Wyatt drawls, rubbing his hands together in glee.

Davis rolls his eyes. “No fights.”

Fallon scoffs and slinks around their massive frames. “These Neanderthals don’t have a chance.” She glances at Dakota. “Let’s light this fucker.”

Wyatt whips out a lighter.

I can’t take my eyes off the glittering candles of the birthday cake.

“Make a wish, Reese,” Ruby says, sitting on Charlie’s lap.

I lean in but pause. If you would’ve told me last year that this would be my life now, surrounded by friends and family, I would have laughed. Dreams do come true.

“No wishes,” I tell the table. Slowly, I puff out each candle. “We should play a game.”

Davis looks uneasy. “We don’t do so well with games.”

“It’s your typical bloodshed sport,” Charlie offers.

“A game?” I wonder.

Ford says, “Stick with us, you’ll see it all.”

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