Page 30 of Burn the Wild

Be free.

A hammering shakes the door, cutting through the buzz of my dark thoughts.

I jolt and glance over to see a broad form standing at the door, illuminated by the porch light. Inhaling a breath, I wipe at my face, then hurry to the door, yanking it open.

Ford. Scowling.

His dark blond hair is a wild mess, swooping low across his forehead. Gone is the dusty cowboy get-up from earlier. Now he wears soft gray sweatpants, and a white T-shirt stretched tight over his chest and biceps. In his hands: a round Tupperware container.

His eyes widen the moment he sees me, and that’s when I realize that not only am I still wrapped in a towel—there’s also one on my head.

A month ago, I would’ve been mortified if anyone saw me without lashes and lipstick and a tiny dress. Old Reese would’ve flirted with this rude cowboy, teased him into a frenzy, and then left him begging for more.

Kyler’s face flashes in my mind. His hand gripping my thigh while he asked me over and over again until I gave in. Just like my entire fucking life.

I don’t want a man. Least of all this one.

And it’s clear from the stormy look on Ford’s face that he doesn’t want me either.

“To what do I owe this pleasant intrusion?” I ask. “Kicking me out already?”

A muscle jumps in his jaw. “We save the evictions for morning.”

“Great. I’ll be packed.”

He wiggles the knob, and I didn’t think it was possible, but that frown on his face gets even deeper. “In the habit of not locking your doors?”

“Are you the door inspector? Did you come to inspect me?” I drawl it out in a tease.

His gaze roams over me, heating the space between us. It lingers too long on my face, like those deep amber eyes can see my secrets. For one long second, I wish he could.

Ford sighs heavily. Tension pulses in his sharp, stubbled jaw. “This far out here, no one can hear you scream.”

“That’s…comforting.” The man needs to work on his cowboy skills. “Unless that’s what you want. Knock me off, so I’m not your problem.”

His lips twitch. “Believe me, I’ve thought about it.”

I roll my eyes and lean against the doorframe. “What do you want, Ford?”

The porch light catches on the angles of his sculpted face. “I didn’t see you in the lodge, so I brought you dinner.”

“Oh,” I say, as he shoves the Tupperware into my hands. My mouth waters as I’m hit with wonderful aromas. Freshly baked bread. Mac and cheese. I sniff. Shredded chicken.

“I can’t eat all this,” I say before cursing myself. Why did I say that? I could eat it all if I wanted to. I’m no longer concerned with what Gavin thinks or wants. Or demands.

His face reverts to its former hardness. “Yeah, well, try.” His eyes scan my frame and I shiver. “My sister-in-law went to a lot of work for you.”

I have the sudden inclination to smack this bossy cowboy’s arrogant head right off those broad shoulders.

That’s when a furry sensation wraps itself around my legs. I yelp and jump back. As I glance down, I catch sight of a black cat weaving in between my legs.

The cat meows, sounding like the tiniest tea kettle.

I smile and dip down to pet her under the chin. “Hey there.” She flops on her back and lets me tickle her belly. Her green eyes match mine. “Are you the unofficial welcome wagon? You’re much better than the current situation.”

A grunt or a chuckle comes from Ford and he crouches beside me. “Mouse.”

I glance at him. He’s so close I can smell his soapy post-shower scent. “Hate to break it to you, Country Boy, but that’s a cat.”

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