Page 33 of Untamed

I turn my head, scowling, only to freeze when Colter meets my gaze. Our eyes stay locked for a brief moment, before he turns away. Asshole.

Nova exhales beside me, squeezing my hand in a comforting gesture. “Well shit, Mila, that’s a lot to process. My guess is he likes you.” Hope blooms in my chest only for it to crash and burn when she continues. “But he has a lot to lose. That’s why he’s pushing you away,” she nods her head in his direction. “And messing around with that woman. It’s a shitty move, but if you look closely, you can tell he isn’t into it.” I try to see what Nova is seeing but all I see is two people caught up in each other. My shoulders deflate, tears burning the backs of my eyes. “You also gotta remember, he will lose everything if he pursues you. But you? Yeah, your pops will be pissed, but you’re his daughter. He will forgive you. I love you Mila, but you know me, I’m never going to sugarcoat things to make you feel better. You don’t have anything to lose. Come fall you’ll be going off to USC and this won’t matter.” She laughs, “Hell, this could just be a blip in your story, something you tell your friends. How the ranch princess messed around with the grumpy cowboy all summer. It’s like something out of a smutty book,” she shakes her head. “But I digress. For Colter it’s make or break. The difference between having a steady paycheck and a roof over his head, or having nothing. It’s not that risky for you, you’ll get to have your fun and lose nothing if your father ever finds out.”

I drop my gaze to my lap, swallowing hard. Nova’s bluntness hurts but it’s what I needed to hear. “I know. It still doesn’t make his rejection any easier. And if he wanted to pursue something, I don’t know, we could figure things out. I wouldn’t just leave him to deal with things alone. I really like him, Nova. More than I’ve liked anyone.” As I say the words, I realize how true they are. “Itsounds stupid because I barely know the guy and I don’t really have much experience with men, but when I’m with him,” I sigh wistfully, trying to rationalize my thoughts. “I feel alive. Like this thing brewing between us is something powerful, untamed, raw and real; an adrenaline rush I never want to stop. It’s both scary and thrilling.” I shake my head, heat creeping into my cheeks as Nova watches me try to explain myself. I sigh. “I know I sound like a silly, naïve girl and it’s selfish of me to keep going after him, but I want more.”

Nova is quiet for a long moment. She stares at me, her eyes searching every inch of my face. I shift in my seat, suddenly feeling ridiculous for what I just told her. I want to go back in time before any of the word vomit fell from my mouth.

After what feels like forever, Nova finally speaks. “Wow. I don’t really know what to say to that. If that’s how you feel, then it’d be wrong not to explore it. Talk to him, Mila. Only Colter knows how he feels. He is the only one that can give you answers.”

I glance over at him once more, but this time, he isn’t looking at me. His eyes are unfocused, his lips a tight line. He looks lost in his own world.

“Easier said than done,” I mutter.

“You’re strong, Mila. Don’t ignore it, face it head on,” she says softly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

Despite feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders, my lips curve into a smile. Nova is right. The only way to resolve things with Colter is to confront it head on.

“But…” Nova trails off, mischief dancing in her eyes. She’s plotting trouble. “But first, you get even. Show that grumpy asshole, you won’t take his shit.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

COLTER

My eyes narrow at Mila as she laughs at something Brandon says. They’re standing around the fire pit, his hands moving around wildly as he tells her a story. My gaze shifts to Brandon’s face, the big grin curving his lips, and the way his eyes light up like he has won the fucking lottery. He is enjoying every second of Mila’s attention…

And I can’t help the jealousy that sparks inside me.

It’s ridiculous. I have no claim on her. Yet, she feels like mine. Our stolen moments, the kisses… Fuck. I scrub a palm across my mouth, grinding my teeth together so hard, I’m surprised they haven’t turned to dust.

Mila’s immaturity is pissing me off. I may have started this when I allowed Tina, Tess, Tara, or whatever the hell her name is to drape herself over me. But still. Watching Mila flash one of her genuine smiles at him doesn’t sit right with me.

I tell myself I shouldn’t be bothered. I was done with whatever was brewing between us, and had told myself it was for the best. Focus on my job, on getting back on the circuit, on finding my place in the world. No distractions. No complications. But here I am, Mila taking up every little space in my head, like she belongs there. This girl I’ve tried to push away,tried to forget. But she has this hold on me despite me wishing things were different.

I’m aware of my hypocrisy when it comes to this girl. Tina, Tess or Tara is grinding in my lap, her mouth to my ear, whispering words full of promise, as if she has the right to. I can’t even blame her. I’ve allowed her to use me as her own personal seat.

“Why don’t we find somewhere more private,” she purrs, pressing her lips to my neck. I feel nothing. My dick doesn’t even stir with a hint of interest. All I see is Mila.

“Fuck,” I mumble, running a hand across my stubble.

“What’s up, baby?” Tina, Tess or Tara pulls back and runs a finger across my neck. Her dull brown eyes are alight with desire. She thinks this is a done deal. That I’m going to fuck her in a dark corner, or maybe even behind some random car in the parking lot. She couldn’t be more wrong.

Irritation slithers through my veins, disgust curling my lips. Without saying a word, I rise from my seat abruptly. The brunette lets out a yelp, falling to the ground as she shouts curses my way. My gaze moves to Garrett, who’s by now way past drunk. He’s stumbling around, bouncing from groupie to groupie. I’m pretty sure he’s fucked at least three of them against the wall of the dirty restrooms.

“Where are you going, Grady?” Garrett’s slurs are almost unintelligible.

Ignoring him, I quickly cross the parking lot and head to my truck. I need to get out of here.

Footsteps crunch the gravel behind me. I don’t turn around, just pull the door to my truck open and slide inside, exhaling a breath. Shoving the key into the ignition, I turn the engine on. My hands grip the steering wheel and I’m just about to put the vehicle into drive when there’s a knock at my passenger window. It’s Leroy, a big frown on his wrinkled face. “Can I catch a ride?”

I nod, reaching over, unlocking the door and letting him climb inside. He slides onto the bench, sighing heavily.

“Didn’t fancy partying with the rest of them?” I ask, putting my truck in gear and pulling out of the lot.

“Nah. I’m tired, man. It’s been a long couple of days,” he replies, squinting at the windshield.

He’s not wrong. We’ve all been working nonstop lately. It’s been hectic and I guess we could all use a break.

“Yeah,” I agree absentmindedly, my thoughts back at the rodeo. On Mila.

---