Page 44 of Live, Ranch, Love

“Oh, my bad.” I squeeze against Wyatt again, running a hand down his chest, allowing myself to relish in the feel of his muscles. “Now, I’m awfully sorry, but I need to steal Wyatt away because I turn into such a horny little cowgirl when I’ve had a few drinks, and I can’t wait for my big boy any longer.”

Then I slap Wyatt on the ass and pull him away, leaving Easton choking on his drink and Holly scowling.

eighteen

Wyatt

“What the hell was that?” I ask once I’m in the truck, voice cracking. My legs feel like jelly. I only had one glass of whiskey but I’m not sure I can drive right now.

“What?” Aurora has strapped herself in, one leg crossed over the other, with an alcohol-induced, blissful glow to her face. As if she’s completely oblivious to what just happened. How she just kissed me. In front of Holly Slade.

And the problem is, it might have been the best kiss I’ve ever had. It might have completely turned my world upside down, might have made me question every single decision I’ve ever made in my life, wondering why the hell I’ve never kissed Aurora before when it felt so fucking right.

I’ve felt fireworks before. I know what a good kiss is like. But that was something else. That was a thousand shooting stars racing through my body, lighting up every single inch of me. My whole body was on fire.

If she hadn’t pulled away, I would’ve let it carry on, tasting as much of her strawberry lip gloss as possible. I would’ve let the heat of her touch devour me. I would’ve spun us around and pressed her against the bar, no fucks given about who was watching, as the feel of her body dragged me into oblivion.

I didn’t give a single thought to Holly and her boyfriend. All I could focus on was the bright, sugary taste of Aurora, wondering if she tasted just as sweet everywhere else…

But I need to stop thinking about that because I’m getting hard again. Shit. How am I supposed to suppress my stupid feelings now? I’m in goddamn trouble.

I can’t quite get any words out at first, sputtering. My eyes bulge. “Horny little cowgirl? Big boy?” I’m not proud of how high-pitched the last bit comes out.

She cackles, tipping her head back, the column of her throat shining in the moonlight. I want to run my tongue over it.

“Oh yeah, that. I just couldn’t stand seeing you sulk like a little lost puppy dog in front of Holly whilst she looked down at you.”

In the two seconds my brain wasn’t spinning from shock, I’d guessed Sawyer and Wolfman had put her up to it. But she was the one who just decided to do that. She cares enough about me to try and make me feel better in front of Holly. Warmth climbs into my chest.

“Wait, so you were doing something nice for me? Jesus, how much have you drunk?” I smirk and start up the truck, hoping the chug of the engine might overpower the sound of blood rushing in my ears.

“Enough that I’ll feel it tomorrow.” She flashes me a playful grin which I struggle to pull away from. The way she bites down on her soft pink lip afterwards makes me want another taste. And to find out I what her mouth would feel like on the rest of my body… but I shouldn’t be imagining that.

I shake my head as we drive away from the bar. I don’t know what to say, because I want you so badly right now doesn’t seem appropriate. So, I settle for, “Well, thank you.”

“Ah, don’t mention it.” Aurora waves me off, closing her eyes and snuggling into the seat. Cheeks all rosy, she looks so sweet and innocent, even though she tried to stick her tongue down my throat and slapped my ass not even five minutes ago. “Always happy to help out a friend.”

The word hits me like a tonne of bricks. Friend.

That’s what I am to Aurora. Just a friend. My stomach bottoms out, an impossible heaviness kindling where my heart sits.

Of course, I’m just a friend. That’s why she just pretended to be my girlfriend and kissed me. That wasn’t real. She’s not looking for anything more. She’s still hurting from her ex. And I didn’t think I cared. At least that’s what I’ve been trying to convince myself.

But as I drive the truck along the road, knuckles whitening from how hard I’m gripping the wheel, I can’t help but glance over to where she’s gazing serenely out at the passing hills and fields, looking so goddamn beautiful.

It’s Aurora Jones. The wildfire of a woman who came to destroy my dreams. But now I’m afraid she might be here to set them ablaze and bring them to life instead.

No, I need to snap out of this.

It’s just because I’m worked up from seeing Holly and because I’ve been going through a dry spell for the last year. I’d be feeling this way about anything touching me that wasn’t my hand. Right?

Besides, I can’t fuck up whatever we are. The dynamic we have right now works—when we’re friends, working on the retreat together, it means Aurora stays, and so does the ranch. As long as she’s here, the ranch doesn’t get sold. I can’t risk all that based on one kiss.

Nothing lasts forever, and I don’t need another woman leaving me to remind me of that.

That’s why I got my Icarus tattoo, to remind me to not get carried away and fly too close to the sun. And with the way Aurora’s always brightening up my days, I’m worried I’ve already let myself soar too high.

My phone suddenly chimes, filling the silence and making us both start. Taking one hand off the wheel, I fish my phone from my back pocket, taking a quick glance at the screen—after Aurora’s little stunt, I’m expecting plenty of messages from the guys. It wouldn’t even surprise me if they took pictures.

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