Page 334 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
“You’re glowing.” Natalie tilts her drink toward me with a grin. “That’s a Wilde-glow if I’ve ever seen one.”
“Oh, it’s the glow of post-orgasm bliss.” Josie fans herself. “I mean, she did disappear with him for a long time after the steer roping.”
“I’m pretty sure she even had rope in her hand as they strode away.” I’m shocked at Hannah’s addition.
“We all know he likes kinks, so the question is, how much do you like the kinks?” Josie waits like I’m going to answer her.
I like the kinks a lot.
All of the kinks.
All the fetishes.
Every kink and fetish alongside Hart.
But I like the lovemaking too—the cuddling, caressing, and all the sweet things he says to me.
I don’t tell them any of that.
“She does.” Natalie smiles. “It’s written all over your face.”
My sister’s crack.
I wasn’t expecting Natalie to join in on my sisters’ teasing. I blame it on the drinks they’re enjoying.
“Hey, be nice. She’s practically family now.” Levi pulls out a chair for Hope.
His palm hovers near her back like a safety net. Hope eases herself down with both hands on her belly.
Practically, family is a little soon, but instead of saying it, I smile and sip my drink.
“Before we know it, she’ll be an official Wilde.” Hope spears a pickle with her fork.
“Alright, let’s not get carried away.” I feel those familiar walls inching back together.
The ones I use to protect myself, to be in control.
“Living at North Wilde Ridge.” Levi sits beside his wife, arm slung over the back of her chair. “Hart was just talking about it yesterday.”
What is North Wilde Ridge?
“It’s one of the Wilde properties.” When Hope answers, I wonder if I’ve asked out loud. “They’ve got land sprinkled all around Rocky Ridge Creek, and they’ve named the properties.”Hope’s eyes flicker toward the pitcher of sweet tea, and before the thought even settles, Levi’s hand is on the handle.
“Like the cottage Sterling and Ellie are fixin’.” The ice clinks as he fills her glass. “And North Wilde Ridge already has a cabin. Fixer-upper, but Hart was keen on getting it done. Even asked me to help him.”
“Oh.” Did I say that?
“In that case. I bet you’ll be movin’ in by summer’s end.” Josie fans her face with a napkin after eating another spicy wing.
That’s absolutely not happening. I’m not planning on just moving in with Hart. Good Lord, we’ve spent the last ten years hating each other. I’m not about to give up my space and jump into a house with him, on Wilde land.
“Next thing you know, she’ll be raising horses and babies.” Josie smacks her lips together and reaches for her tall glass of sweet tea.
Babies?
I almost choke on my own spit.
I’m not ready to have babies, if I ever am. I’ve never pictured babies. Does Hart want kids?
