Page 22 of Heart & Hope

He screws his face up for a second before canting his head. “I’m surprisingly okay with that. Either way, I’m all yours. Let me know when you need me, baby.”

“First, please get me out of this tree.”

He chuckles and swings off his branch, clinging to the trunk with both hands as he nods behind him. “Hop on, wifey.”

I shake my head. “Uh-uh.”

“Come on. If you’re gonna be my wife, Ruby, you’re gonna have to trust me.”

I groan and hang my head. “Fine.”

The moment I’m pressed against his back, the air leaves my lungs. I close my eyes as he descends the tree. I’m sure my grip is way too tight. But he doesn’t say anything, and when we hit the ground, his head turns. “You can let go now.”

His words are breathy and soft, making me never want to let go.

But my rules and my head override that sappy thought, and I drop to the ground.

“Time to wash up, Reedsy. Oh and, can we keep this fake marriage thing between us? I don’t want to annoy your ma. She’s so sweet.”

“You got it. Happy wife, happy life.” He winks at me and walks inside.

Oh god.

I’ve created a monster.

How the hell am I going to keep this professional?

I straighten my shoulders and suck in a breath.

You got this, Ruby. Keep your play inside the rules. Rule number one. And rule number three.

That won’t be hard; I’ve done it all my life.

But my life was never out here, in this place, with these people.

My heart flings against my ribs as Reed disappears down the hallway, pulling his shirt over his head. His back muscles move, and his arms are all ropey veins and bulging tone from climbing trees.

Fuck.

Chapter Six

REED

I’d sell my soul for her name to be Ruby Jane Rawlins. But fake husband... I’ll take it. Figures—no one has ever taken me seriously, why should she? Never before have I been so helpless when it comes to a girl.

A woman.

But fuck me if she doesn’t have me dancing on the strings she pulls. And worst of all, I fuckin’ love it. Without her around, I would come undone like a puppet with his strings cut.

And if she needs my help, I’ll be damned if I’m not there. In any capacity she wants me to be.

Right now, I can’t think of Ruby. I have to greet guests and entertain Ma so the boys can sort out the finishing touches. Mack’s orders.

Mack, who I have rarely seen since he got back from tour. And I’m not okay with that. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites. But he’s my favorite brother. There isn’t a childhood memory I have without him in it.

Dressed up and ready to go. Best Wranglers, check. Best dress shirt with my sleeves rolled up, check. Shiny goin’ out boots, check. The belt and buckle Ma gave me when I turnedtwenty-five, check. Hair washed, face shaved, and aftershave donned, check, check, check!

I give the complete look a once-over in the mirror before heading to the living room to intercept Ma. She is fawning over a small gift the ladies from her book club have given her. Well occupied, I leave her alone and pad outside to find Ruby at the gate with Addy.

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