Page 44 of Wild Desire

I pulled up to my mom's house. It was a small house on an older street. Christopher maintained the landscaping, so it was well cared for. I didn't want to feel embarrassed by my upbringing, but being here with Killian was bringing all sorts of emotions to the surface.

"So this is where you grew up?"

"I thought we established I grew up at the lodge." I played with the Wildes, did my homework on a desk while my mom cleaned, and later snowboarded on the slopes. I spent more time at the resort than at home.

"But this is where your heart is," Killian said, and my heart contracted.

"I suppose it is."

I got out to help him out of my low car. Then we slowly made our way up the sidewalk. I took a deep breath and unlocked the door with my key.

Winnie appeared in the hallway.

"Winnie, you remember Killian."

She grinned at him. "You were at Christopher's race."

"That's right. How are lessons going?"

"They're so much fun."

Killian waved a hand at his knee. "I wish I could be the one teaching you, but maybe I can give you some pointers when I'm better."

"You're like a famous snowboarder." Now her eyes were a little starstruck.

I wrapped a hand around Killian's elbow. "Let's get this guy into a chair."

Winnie moved out of our way so we could make our way down the hallway into the living room.

Mom was bustling around the kitchen.

"Mrs. Richards, it's so good to see you again."

"Please call me Bianca. You're not a kid anymore."

Killian winked at her. "I'll do that."

"We're happy to have you here. It's nothing fancy. But it's our favorite meal. Enchiladas."

"I love enchiladas. Thank you for having me over."

"You know the Wildes are welcome anytime."

Except no one had ever been invited here. When I mentioned Killian wanting to come, Mom had panicked. She worried our house would look worn compared to what his family was used to. But like Killian said, this home was my heart.

Instead of sitting, Killian maneuvered to the wall of frames where Mom had printed and hung photos throughout our childhoods. "Is this Noelle as a toddler?"

I was naked in the tub, but you could only see my grinning face and shoulders. "Why do you still have this one up, Mom?"

"So your dates can see you naked," Killian teased as I stood next to him."

"I haven't brought anyone home."

Killian's gaze swung in my direction. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Don't act so surprised."

"We've never met any of Noelle's boyfriends. I'm starting to think she doesn't date," Mom said.

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