It’s not like I’m lying. I don’t scare easily.
But when I read that text from Rose, I was paralyzed with fear.
In all the years I’ve known Wesley, and all the stories I’ve heard about his sister getting knee-deep in mischief, never, and I meannever, did I hear that she picked up the phone .?.?. and called him for help.
The things that went through my mind. The sheer panic that consumed me.
Instantly, I stopped the search for an intruder on the property and sent everyone home. Then I hopped in my truck and all but busted through the gates to get to her.
It was two minutes to get off the property. And a five-minute drive—at that hour and my speed—but I got there.
When Dallas tossed her into my arms—unharmed, breathing, whole—the relief that washed over me was profound. An overwhelming warm embrace.
She’s watching me in that way I’m starting to hate—like she gets me, despite my walls. “Yes, you are all those things, and I’m not disregarding how upset you are with me.” She shrugs like she’s struggling for the right words. “Look, I’ll be honest, you all left me here with no way to get around, so I’m not sorry I took matters into my own hands.”
She winces at my scowl, and fuck, it’s adorable. “But I am sorry for causing so much trouble tonight.” She licks her lips, and I can’t stop my eyes from dipping to them. Even poutier now with that frown. I’m about to shut her down to the best of my ability, but then, raspy, raw, and unguarded, she adds, “Especially to you.”
And I’m royally fucked.
You’regoingtobeverybusy.
Andverytired.
The second the words came out of my mouth, I regretted it. Because of the way her eyes flared with heat. And because my dick clearly misunderstood my meaning as well.
I couldn’t just say,You’regoingtocleanupthemessyoumade.
No, I had to get all creepy about it.
I crack my neck, loosening the tension from last night. The sun was already over the hills when I stepped out to do my morning rounds with Tuscan—my horse.
The air was already thick with heat, which reminds me of my first task of the day. Pulling his reins, I pause and scan thehorizon of golden fields, smirking as I dial one of my off-site cowboys. One of the few I trust not to ask questions when I have an odd favor. “Hey, Jeff, mornin’.”
“Mornin’, boss. Got the cart settled back at the lot,” he says cheerily. He doesn’t ask what happened to it or why it was parked outside of Bones.
“Yeah, do me a favor. My new assistant offered to fix it up for us. Would you mind dropping it off at her cabin this morning?”
He hesitates. “It’s going to need a little more than a dusting, Wilder.”
“I’m aware. Just bring her everything she needs .?.?. a bucket, rags, whiteout, I don’t care. Just drop it off, and I’ll let her know.”
“On my way.”
“Thanks.”
I roll my shoulders back and lift my hat to rub the exhaustion off my face. Sure hope she managed to get some sleep.
She’s going to need the energy.
Wilder:Dropped off your first task of the day. Go to town.
Wilder:And I don’t mean literally.
Twenty minutes later, after I’ve settled into my office, Jeff returns the keys, dropping them on my desk.
“Assuming you didn’t want me to leave these with her?”
I look up at him as I shove the keys in my pocket. “Smart man.”
