Page 177 of Burn the Wild

But it is real.

We’re real.

I trust Ford with my life. My heart. But more importantly, my future.

Ourfuture.

Before I can answer, Fallon swivels to face me. “It has to be. Did you see the paper?” She nudges a copy of theBillings Gazettemy way.

Country Music Star Reese Austin Spotted with Baseball Legend Ford Montgomery

I smile. The best headline I’ve ever seen.

“I don’t know about the music,” I say. “But I’m here to stay.”

Ruby squeals.

Fallon’s hazel eyes scan the photo of me and Ford, fingers laced, leaving the bar. He has a protective arm out, blocking me from the crowd, and I’m gazing up at him like he’s every star in the sky.

“Fuck, they’re too cute.” Fallon slams back her beer. “I’m lighting my house on fire.”

“You hear from the boys?” I ask, glancing out casting my eye to the window. Big, black clouds hover ominously. Storm of the Century, the papers are calling it. Ford and his brothers took a trip to Elk River to lay sandbags before the incoming storm.

Ruby shakes her strawberry blonde head and starts cleaning empty glasses, her pretty face tight with worry. “Charlie said we might have to close early for the season.”

Fallon hops off her barstool. “Beer for the road?”

Ruby hesitates. “Don’t you have practice?”

“Maybe you shouldn’t drink and operate heavy machinery,” I suggest gently.

Fallon’s eyes get a sad, faraway look to them.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Fine.” She jerks her chin toward the door. “Anyone want to tell me who the creeper is?”

I follow her shrewd gaze.

Then I see him.

Gavin.

My stomach plummets as he stalks toward me, an expression of fury on his face.

“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,” I whisper, suddenly wishing Ford were here.

Ruby tosses a panicky glance at me. Her phone is in her hands. “Should we get help?”

“No.” I swallow, taking a step toward Gavin. “I’ll handle it.”

I think about picking up my guitar and taking a swing at him, but I remember Bosko’s words of warning. Play it cool. Lead him on. Lie.

Gavin meets me in the center of the lodge. For one long second, I don’t know what to say. To think. Then I start with the obvious.

“What’re you doing here?”

Gavin runs his eyes over me. “I’m here because you’re avoiding my calls. Avoiding business that needs to be done.”

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