Page 100 of Wylder Ranch
Miles’s eyes flash with excitement. “Fuck yes. Nice one, Henners.”
I shuffle up so Miles can sit next to Alex.
“Morning, Haven, thank you for bringing the big man today.”
I peer around him to Alex, with a smile. “He got here all by himself, actually.”
“But he’s still sober, so that’s an improvement.”
“Milo, shut up,” Alex snaps, though it holds no real mirth and only makes Miles chuckle.
“Mum and Clemmie are on the way,” he says instead.And just like Hendricks did, he drops his head on Alex’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re here, Al.”
“Me too.”
“And you’re still coming for Christmas Day?”
He nods. “Yes, we’re still coming.”
“Good, remember it’s early doors.”
“I remember.”
We sit in silence, them reflecting on memories of their dad while I think about the future. Alex’s family, our family, Everly. And the manila envelope on the floor.
Before the others arrive, I stand to get out of their way. I want to give them space to grieve together.
“Alex, you want to give Everly to me? I’ll take her for a little stroll.”
“Are you sure?”
I smile. “Yes, have some time with your family.”
After he straps us both into the harness and gives us a kiss, Everly and I wave goodbye.
Valentine Nook is still waking up when I leave the churchyard and walk across the road to stand under the arch.
The twinkle lights strung along Valentine High Street are still bright against the lightening morning sky. I watch the store lights turn on and the door signs switch from Closed to Open. Dave at The Valentine Cook is busy stacking the displays of fruit and vegetables outside the store, but only The Beanery is in full flow, and that’s because Claudia opens it up at seven o’clock in time for everyone to grab their coffees ahead of the morning commute into Oxford and London.
Alex’s family. Everything about this place—ValentineNook—is steeped in him, their history, their father.
This is where Alex belongs, not Aspen.
If Alex wants to buy the ranch, then he can go right ahead. But the truth of the matter is, while he might say he’s happy to leave all this behind, I’m not willing to let him.
CHAPTER 24
Alexander
“Ohfuck. . .”
My mouth drags between her breasts while I thrust into her. I know how much she gets off on it. I can hear it in the way her moans become breathier and the way her pussy clenches, and fuck if it doesn’t set me off, too.
“Yes, Hayve. Let me hear you beg for it . . . Tell me how much you need my cock.”
My tongue runs up the column of her neck as I palm both her tits in my hands, soft flesh spilling between fingers, and I repeat it all over again.
“Ineedit so badly. Alex,please.” She’s practically hyperventilating.
