Page 123 of Burn the Wild

“C’mon, Sunflower. Let’s get you to bed.” The way Ruby giggles, and the way Charlie looks at her makes me think sleep’s the last thing on their mind.

With that, the party breaks up as everyone heads to their respective homes.

Which leaves me and Reese.

“Excuse me,” she says, doing her best to step around me.

Not fucking happening.

I step around her, blocking her path before she can go. I can’t handle her being mad at me. Not for another damn minute.

“What do you want, Ford?” Nostrils flaring, she props her hands on her waist in a challenge, her bratty attitude a pretty little poison in my bloodstream.

“I want to talk to you.” It feels like she’s got my heart attached to a yo-yo.

I fucking love it.

“Well, I don’t want to talk to you.” She looks toward the barn. Crosses her arms. Does that haughty little chin tilt that pushes me right over the edge. “I’m mad at you.”

My cock twitches. That pink pout of hers. Those beautiful emerald eyes flash fire. I can tell she’s faking it, because I know her. Every goddamn inch of her.

Either way I have no intention of letting her walk away this time.

“I miss you,” I rasp, stepping closer.

All my cards are on the table. Undeniable power over me. It’s what this girl has.

She sniffs. “I don’t miss you.”

My hand shoots out, snagging her bangle-clad wrist. Her breath catches in her throat.

With a few gentle steps, I move her back toward my truck, pinning her there. “I don’t believe you.”

After what feels like an eternity of silence, her pretty face softens. “Fine. I guess I missed you, too.”

Damn music to my ears. I blow out a breath. Smile. “You did?” It sounds too goddamn desperate but her missing me does something warm to my soul.

“I did.” She touches the stubble on my cheek, then yanks her hand back. “But it doesn’t matter. We’re friends. That’s all.”

Friends.

The term makes me want to punch a wall, but I don’t want to ruin it. Not when I just got her back.

“I was wrong,” I admit, causing her eyes to widen. “I pushed you away, Birdie. I shouldn’t have.”

Her haughty chin lifts. “You did.”

“I’m sorry.” Truth pushes me to be honest. “I kept thinking about Savannah and what she did and—” I exhale roughly. “You’re not her. I know that.”

She gives me a small smile, understanding in her eyes. “Good. Maybe you’re not an idiot after all.”

I chuckle. “Maybe we’re still friends?”

“Yeah. Still friends.”

I lift a brow, tug on her arm. “Friends talk to each other.”

Her lips thin. “I can’t give you my secrets until I’m ready, Ford.”

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