Page 36 of Wild Hearts

“Love you too.”

I feel worry settle in.

Time sensitive.

Is he getting called up early? My heart races as I make my way to the front door. I look out over the land, wondering where they might be.

Just as I’m about to hop on a four-wheeler to go out and look for them, I hear the motors of their own four-wheelers headed toward the house.

I let out a sigh of relief.

When they come to a stop before me, Mick hops off, sweeping me in his arms.

“I missed you.”

“You guys are so gross,” Josh mutters from behind him.

“You’re just jealous that you don’t have your own woman,” Mick says before kissing me.

“That’s my sister. I’m not jealous at all.” He pushes past us in the house.

“Hey, Mick. Your mom’s trying to reach you. You should call her back before dinner. She said it’s important.”

He frowns. “Is everything okay?”

“I think so. I’ll go finish dinner while you call her.”

“Okay.” He leans in and kisses me.

I make my way into the house as he pulls out his cell phone. I find Josh in the kitchen, drinking a glass of water.

“How’d today go?” I ask.

“Good. I think all the general maintenance on this place should be done by Friday. That’ll give us Saturday to rest before we leave Sunday.”

I smile. “Thank you so much for doing this, Josh. You didn’t have to pause everything to come home, but I appreciate it.”

He ruffles my hair. “That’s what big brothers are for. Besides, now you’ll have Mick here to help you. It shouldn’t get behind like that again.”

I give him a small smile. “I guess so.”

He frowns. “What’s wrong? Are you not happy? Did he do something? I’ll still kick his ass, best friend or not.”

I laugh. “I’m happy. He’s amazing. I’m just worried about this separation. We’re great together, but what if he gets back over there and changes his mind? What if a better offer comes along? It really hasn’t been that long.”

“That’s your insecurities talking. Mick’s crazy about you. He told me so himself. Trust me when I say that there isn’t anything better over there. He’s going to be insufferable these next six months while he pines after you. The one who should be worried is him. Are you sure you won’t find better?”

I roll my eyes. “Like I’ve found the last twenty-seven years of my life?”

He gives me a serious look. “You’re not settling, are you?”

“Settling?”

“Mick’s giving you the attention you’ve always craved. You’re not just settling with him because you’re scared there’s nothing else out there, are you?”

“Absolutely not. I know I’m not perfect, but I would never play with his heart like that. I’m in this. That’s why I’m so worried about him leaving. I don’t want him to forget about me.”

“He won’t. Trust me.”

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