Page 91 of Sweet Escape
“I think it’s more to do with the melon I’ve smuggled in under my outfit, but thanks, Big Guy.”
I shift my hand to her belly and smile. Our gazes lock, and her eyes dip to my lips. “We could give them something else to stare at. Kiss me, Pretty Girl. Stake your claim.”
She eyes me warily. “You want that?”
“Fuck yes.” I fist her hair and crush her mouth against mine. A few of the drunk townies hoot and holler in the distance.
She giggles against my lips, and the sound goes straight to my dick.I’m so fucked.
Following our very public, almost indecent display, our attention is pulled to the stage, where Ruby settles on a stool in front of a mic with an acoustic guitar in hand. Ruby is in her element, looking every bit the country music star that she is. She’s wearing her pink bell-bottoms and a crop top, topping off the look with a white jeweled cowboy hat. She waves a hand toward a set of three tables that have been pushed together. “This one’s for you, Mags. Happy birthday.”
Olivia
After an incredible set, Ruby takes one final bow and dashes off stage. I distantly wonder if she’s rushing to see the broody ginger bartender who has been eyeing her from across the room. He seems to be MIA, too.
“Olivia!” Maggie bounces on her feet, swishing her lavender dress as she flags me down. “Come dance with us!”
I met Maggie and her best friend Paige shortly after I moved back to Oak Ridge, and Grammy convinced me to join their book club. I wouldn’t say we’re besties, but we’re friendly enough, and I could really use some friends outside of the ranch. Three grown men and a toddler might be a great movie title, but they don’t make for the best company.
“Go,” Wilder says. “ I’ll be right here when you’re done.”
I lift onto my toes and kiss his cheek. “Try not to get into any trouble without me.”
I can still feel his gaze on me when I leave to join my friends.
“Happy birthday, Mags,” I say.
She pulls me in for a one-armed hug. I can smell the tequila seeping out of her pores. My nose scrunches.
“Having fun?” I ask.
“Best fucking birthdayever!” she squeals. “Didn’t think I’d be spending it sandwiched between two very pregnant people, though.”
I snort, and Ivy shrugs, cradling her baby belly. She’s a few months further along in her pregnancy. I’m surprised she’s here at all, to be honest. She could safely go into labor at any moment. It’s probably why Luca hasn’t taken his eyes off her the entire time she’s been dancing with us.
“I’m sure you’d much rather be sandwiched between Miles Barlow and the wall, but you’re stuck with us for a little while longer,” Ivy quips.
The music slows to a ballad, and both Ivy and Maggie are drawn away by their men. I’m just about to head back to the bar for a bottle of water when two large hands land on my hips. But it’s not Wilder; I always know it's him before I see him. I bristle under the touch, trying to pull away, but the grip on my hips only tightens.
“If you know what’s good for you, you'll let go of my woman.”
Wilder.
“She wasmywoman first,” the other man says.
My face pales. “Jake? What the fuck are you doing here? Let me go!” I elbow him in the ribs, and his hands drop.
Wilder pulls me into his chest, one palm splaying across my belly. “Are you okay?”
I nod, breathing deeply in an attempt to slow my racing heart. Wilder’s lips touch my forehead, soothing my ragged nerves.
“Is it even his?” Jake asks. “Bet you made your way around this whole fucking town, spreading your legs for any man who was willing to fuck you.”
Wilder lunges, but I grab his bicep and pull him back. I’ve never seen him so angry. Gone is the composed cowboy I’ve come to know, replaced by a fierce protector hellbent on defending me. “Watch your fucking mouth.”
“What are you even doing in Oak Ridge?” I ask. “Where’s Amber?”
“She wanted to come here and apologize to you, but she got shit faced and ran off with some guy instead. How come you never looked like this when we were together?” His eyes stray to my chest a little too long.
