Page 2 of Wild Desire

Killian had been vulnerable that night. His usual confident demeanor nowhere to be found. He'd admitted that he wanted to go to college to escape his family. I'd been shocked because to me, the Wildes were perfect. A big happy family that never had to worry about money. He didn't need a scholarship to go to college. He could go wherever he wanted. When he turned toward me, my heart was so full of him, I couldn't resist kissing him.

Except he hadn't kissed me back. As soon as I realized he was stiff and unresponsive, I scrambled away from him, unable to meet his gaze, apologizing profusely. It was the single most humiliating moment of my life.

A few days later, when my mom's back gave out again, she'd told me she didn't think she could work anymore; I did what I had to do. I turned down the scholarship, got a job, and helped my family as much as I could. I had two younger siblings whose father had walked out on them years ago. Killian never sought me out, not that I expected him to.

I avoided him when he came home. I didn't want to confront the man I'd kissed. I'd ruined our easygoing friendship. He'd talked to me about things he didn't share with his many girlfriends. We had something special, and I'd ruined it. "It's better this way."

The line between his brows deepened. "What if I don't think so?"

I sighed as I remembered the pictures of him at races, the women that were never far from his arm. "I'm sure you're used to getting your way, but that's not going to happen with me."

His lips quirked. "And why is that?"

I chewed my lip. "I'm not like those other women."

He cocked a brow. "What other women?"

I was nothing like those women who tracked him on the race circuit. I had a family to take care of and money to make. I didn't have time to follow a man around the world, living his dreams. I was too busy building my own. "I have work to do."

This time when I made a move to escape, his arms loosened. I gathered the items we'd brought with us to the small building and turned off the light. My heart was pounding hard, and I had the sudden desire to run from this man who always made me feel too much. I'd acted on those feelings once, and it had blown up in my face. I wouldn't let him charm his way back into my life,only to embarrass myself when he reminded me he didn't feel the same.

Men like Killian Wilde didn't go for women like me. His life was too big. He was meant for greater things than his family's ski resort. Telluride would always be my home. It was where my family was and ultimately my heart.

Killian Wilde was a silly teenage crush. It would be foolish to harbor feelings for him after all these years.

A Few Weeks Later

Iwas supposed to be helping Addison host the charity event for foster-care kids. The cause was near and dear to her heart because she was a social worker, and her new boyfriend and Wilde cousin Walker's daughter, Dakota, had been in the system recently.

I was on edge, worried that something could go wrong, and that we wouldn't raise enough money. I was also avoiding Killian.

He was home with an injured knee, and his brothers had asked me to be his personal assistant. It was a good opportunity, especially since I was the one who'd pitched the idea for personal assistants for guests staying at the lodge.

If I could attach my name to his, it would boost my new business, and I needed the money. Between my various businesses—a donut maker, an event organizer, and a holiday decorator—I was struggling. Not one of them was bringing in steady income.

My family needed me, and I needed to come up with something that would make our lives easier.

I tried not to spend too much time thinking about how life could have been different if I'd followed my dreams and went to school on the athletic scholarship. That wasn't my reality.

I felt Killian's heated gaze on me as I moved around the room. I wasn't worried he'd tug me into his lap since he couldn't get up and cross the room easily on crutches.

He thrived on his reputation as being strong and athletic. And now he was injured, unable to perform the sport he loved. He was cranky and irritable.

Every time my mind drifted back to that day I sat on his lap, my body heated. What had he been playing at? Was he bored without his adoring fans? Was he playing with me because I'd kissed him so many years ago?

Ever since I'd kissed him, his light had shined brighter while I'd struggled to keep mine aflame. It flickered and threatened to go out, but I always rallied to keep it burning. No matter how low the light was, I kept moving. One of these business ventures had to be successful. My family deserved a break.

What I wouldn't give to be able to afford everything my family needed. What I wouldn't give for a little more sleep.

The caterer signaled for me from across the room, and I immediately moved without thinking about my path. My heart stuttered when Killian reached out and snagged my wrist. He pulled me close so that I was leaning down to hear his gruff voice.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm working the event."

He kept a tight grip on my wrist, and I wondered if he'd pull me down to his lap like he had before. "Aren't you supposed to be my assistant?"

My heart pounded in my ears. "Apparently, your brothers think you need a babysitter."

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