Page 19 of Wild Hearts

“When you live out here, reception can be spotty,” she squeaks on the last word as I take her nipple back into my mouth.

“Oh dear, Shane sweetheart. I think your phone must not be working.”

“Is that?” Shane asks, eyes wide.

“My mother,” I groan, dropping my head onto her stomach.

“I tried calling all three of you, but no one answered. I just want to check in and make sure everyone is okay. A mother worries, you know,” my mother scolds. “Oh dear, I’m almost out of time, someone call me back soon or I’ll be forced to drive down there.”

I feel Shane’s body shake from silent laughter.

“This isn’t funny,” I grumble.

“You were just cock blocked by your mother,” Shane chokes out between fits of laughter.

“You were too, you know.” I raise a brow, sliding her shorts back into place.

“Such a shame,” she says dramatically. After a beat, she bites her lip. “Do you want to go somewhere with me?”

I grab her sports bra, slipping it back on her. “Of course.”

Shane’s smile takes over her entire face. “Perfect. Now how about we eat this wonderful meal you prepared for us? Then we can get ready to go.”

I smile warmly at her. “It’s not much.”

“You made it with me in mind.” She leans in to kiss me softly. “It’s more than you know.”

It’s in that moment that I realize that Shane is more than meets the eye. She’s one hell of a woman, and I’m determined to learn everything there is to know about her.

* * *

Shane

There’ssomething about Mick that makes me feel off-balanced in the best kind of way. I’ve never wanted a man the way I want him, which should scare me, but it doesn’t. Even if he leaves in three weeks and decides not to keep in touch, I won’t regret this.

I’m not the type to make the first move, but with Mick, I want to. No, Ineedto.

I walk into my bathroom and put my hair up high in a ponytail. I lean on the counter and look at myself. My tan cheeks are tinted red, my lips swollen, and a light hint of a beard burn trails down my neck and between my breasts. I trail the mark with my fingertips and shiver with anticipation. I look back at my face and see my eyes dilated.

“Make the move, Shane Grace,” I whisper to myself.

I push off the counter and head down to the mudroom. I fill two packs for us with provisions. You never want to go out without supplies, even if you know where you’re going. I grab a flannel off the coat holder and slip it on. Even though it’s fall, it’s still chilly out. As I sit down and slip on my hiking boots, I hear his footfall. I look up and see Mick step into the room.

“Hey you.” I smile, feeling my cheeks heat.

Mick squats down next to me, bats my hands away from my laces. He ties my boots for me.

“I know how to tie my shoes,” I tease, softly.

“I know.” Mick shrugs. “But I like doing things for you.”

He leans forward and brushes his lips against my forehead.

“Thank you.”

He doesn’t respond but sits down next to me and slips on his boots. “Did you grab some water and snacks?”

“I did. I keep the packs pretty well packed because the weather can turn on a dime up here, but you can go through it if you want.”

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