Page 36 of Chasing the Wild
Holy shit.
Holy shit.
Holy shit.
Whatever was just about to happen between us was most definitely going to happen, and I’m immediately scolding myself for being so forward.
I shouldn’t have put Colt in that position.
He should have moved away.
We’re both being reckless with how close we keep getting to the precipice—one that neither of us can come back from if we plunge over the edge.
Guilt thunders through me. Not because I still feel anything for Kayce. My concern is entirely for Colt. I’m flirting with him and pushing him, and that’s the thanks I give the man. Someone who not only provided me with a job, solved my disaster with the finance company, and on top of all that, has given me a temporary roof over my head.
What the hell was I thinking?
I slide everything into the dishwasher and turn it on. Behind me, I hear Colt’s low voice as he talks to his son over the handset. I’m guessing the vehicle Kayce has taken down to town has a linked-up radio unit like the one I’ve seen installed in the cab of Colt’s truck.
“You’ve got a place to stay?”
The line crackles, and I can’t quite make out Kayce’s reply. When I dare to peek at where Colt is standing in his small office, I see his broad back and he’s got one hand dug into his hair.He’s illuminated by the glow of the small lamp, light spilling through the open doorway. With his other hand, he fists the radio handset close to his mouth.
“Road’s going to be clear in about a week.”
There’s more muffled chatter from the other end.
I really want to know what Kayce is saying, so I carefully make my way closer and linger out of sight in the hallway with my back pressed to the wall.
“… Got something to take care of down here.” My ex’s voice floats out into the hall.
Colt lets out a heavy sigh. “Could have given me some fucking notice at least.”
“Yeah I feel bad. Are you gonna be alright dealing with everything for another week on your own?”
There’s a pause, and Colt coughs a little. “I’ve got help.”
My heart skips a beat.
“Fuck, that’s lucky. Is it Storm, or one of the other guys from down the Peak?”
Holy shit. Is he going to tell him I’m here?
“Not exactly.”
Kayce lets out a laugh that makes the static go crazy. “Don’t tell me you’ve got a chick up there?”
I clap my hand over my mouth.
“It’s not like that.” Colt grinds his words.
“Yeah, sure, Dad. It’s about time you found someone. Though I can’t imagine who would put up with your bullshit.” Kayce has definitely been drinking. Even through the radio I can hear the buzz in his voice.
“Kayce—” I don’t know if Colt is aware I might be able to hear their conversation or what, but he tries to cut in, only it’s no use.
“Have I met her before? Is she hot?”
I think I’m going to die.
