Page 57 of A Reckless Memory

“Cody is going to lose his shit.” I wasn’t hiding my relationship, and I refused to think about me and Ansen as temporary. My brothers would learn about us sooner rather than later.

“So will Wilder. And Eliot. Austen might even call when he hears.”

Ansen’s trailer came into view. A few flakes blustered into the air, hitting the windshield and melting. “I don’t know where this is going, but we don’t have a deadline.” That I knew of.

“Then you already have an advantage you didn’t have last time. But...” My heart pounded, waiting for Sutton to finish. “When your dad passes and the inheritance is dispersed, the guys are going to be suspicious as hell of Ansen.”

I didn’t want to think about Daddy dying, or I’d start crying. And my brothers were already distrusting of Ansen. “I know. I don’t want to deal with them.”

“As far as I’m concerned, this conversation didn’t happen.”

“I don’t want you to hide things from your husband just because he’s my brother.”

“Your brother would have to be home first. But he prioritizes the safety and security of the people and property in this damn county.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah.” Her voice was soft, resigned. “It’s not like I didn’t know what I was getting into.” Fancy let out a mournful meow as if she didn’t trust road trips—not after getting dumped and then having surgery at the end of a couple. “I’d better let you go.”

“Talk to you soon.” I pulled up in front of the trailer. The old garage twenty feet from the trailer was full of old, rusted equipment the previous owners had left and discarded metal parts that might have once been used for decoration. I’d have to let Ansen know he could make room for his pickup inside. The structure wasn’t heated, but it’d save him from clearing snow off and scraping windows each morning.

I got out, my face getting dotted with snowflakes. I brought the cat carrier with me to Ansen’s door and knocked.

He opened it, not wearing a shirt. I’d been all over that chest last night, and I was ready to do it again—with my tongue.

He grinned, not shivering at all from the blast of cold air. “Hey. She do okay?” He took the carrier from me and let me in.

“She’s good. Can you take her?”

“Sure, I’ll get her set up in the spare room. There’s nothing in there she can jump up and down on and pull her stitches.”

“No—can you take her? I feel so damn guilty making her recover in the barn right before it’s going to snow.” I fluttered my hands, oddly nervous about pushing an animal on him. “Want a cat?”

He carefully set Fancy on the floor. Golden eyes watched us from the slats. His brown eyes were confused. “You’re giving her to me?”

“Her kittens are used to the outdoors and hunting, but she’s an indoor cat. Seems harsh to put her back out if I don’t have to.”

He folded his arms and his biceps bulged. I had to get home and walk Tex, or I’d undress right now. “You think this makes up for stealing my dog?”

“Tex is the only one who preferred me over you.” I smiled, but there was a catch in my chest. Sure, my family had been upset with Ansen once they learned of the bribe. Before the truth got out though, he’d been like another brother to them.

Ansen’s gaze softened. “Now you’re exaggeratin’.”

“So if I go out into the pasture, Shelby won’t go running to you?”

He smirked. The other four would too. They adored him.

My phone buzzed. I checked it quick to direct my gaze at something other than his pecs. “It’s Dr. Jake.”

“He’d better be callin’ about animals.”

“He had his hands all over my pussy earlier.” I couldn’t suppress my grin as I flicked my gaze to Fancy.

“You’re playing with fire, girl.”

I read the message. It was about the pig he’d texted me about earlier. I hadn’t studied the books yet, but I made some quick calculations. Before I messaged Dr. Jake back, I asked Ansen, “Want to help me pick up a pig after work tomorrow?”

He nodded. “Give me the details, and I’ll get a pen ready.” He squatted in front of the carrier. “What do you think, Fancy? Want to be my cat?”

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