Page 192 of Burn the Wild

He meets my gaze. “Way it’s gonna be, Birdie.” His voice is husky. “Can’t fucking wait.”

The crackle of the two-way radio cuts through the chatter.

“Anyone alive up there?”

“You got all of us, Tina,” Davis says as he moves away from the breakfast bar to speak to the ranch’s Guest Services manager. “What’s goin’ on?”

“Did everyone check out of the chalets?”

From his spot in the hallway, Davis looks at me. “Reese is in one of the West Chalets.”

I laugh as I grab a muffin. “Time to kick me out.”

Ford chuckles, gives my hand a squeeze. “You’re not goin’ far.”

“We had another guest in there this summer,” Tina says. “Before you started the reno. I show they’re still active in the East Chalets.”

Charlie groans.

The radio crackles. “And not to add more bad news, but two horses got out of the barn.”

Another groan. This time from Wyatt.

“Thanks, Tina,” Davis says. “We’ll handle it.”

“Should you be out in the storm?” Dakota asks, worried.

“No,” Davis says, holstering his radio. “But we can’t leave the horses or a guest unprotected.” He glances at Ford. “You and Wy take the chalets? Make sure they’re clear.”

Ford nods, and Wyatt takes a huge bite of a cinnamon roll in answer.

The brothers move away from the table, grabbing jackets, securing two-way radios, and everyone follows.

“I can help,” Fallon says, reaching for her rain jacket.

“No, you can’t,” Wyatt grunts, and Dakota puts a hand on her sister’s shoulder.

Davis roves his intense gaze around the group. “I want y’all staying indoors. That means you too, Fallon.”

She rolls her eyes.

Charlie tugs the two-way radio off his hip and hands it to his wife. “Phones are down, Sunflower. Use this if you need anything.”

Gripping Ford’s arm, I pull him toward me. “Be careful.”

“I will.” He cups my cheek in his hand, his amber eyes burning. “Stay here.”

“Don’t be a hero,” I tease. “I love you.”

Eyes darkening, Ford lowers his mouth to mine for one hard kiss. “Love you, baby.”

Hushed whispers float through the air as everyone says goodbye, then the floorboards rattle as the men storm for the front door. My heart thumps as they melt into the storm outside.

“Men are the worst,” Fallon grumps. She sits cross-legged on Dakota’s rug with Duke in her arms. She kisses the top of Duke’s dark head. “Except you.”

“They want us safe, Fallon,” Dakota says. She sets a tray of hot tea and coffee on the coffee table. Despite the storm, the large sliding glass doors are open to the deck. Rain comes down in a drizzle. Though it’s only noon, it’s nearly pitch-black outside. A heavy, eerie feeling lingers in the air.

The men have been away for only thirty minutes, but the storm outside is unnerving. Biblical. I hope Ford makes it back quickly.

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