Page 23 of Wild Hearts

"You got me. I'm jealous of your physical ability and charm," I said sarcastically. Everyone was used to Xander and his over-the-top mannerisms. The ladies loved it, but his brothers and I gave him shit for it.

"I forgot how you guys were. It's been a while," Addison said affectionately.

"I warned you, Dakota. I said we could go somewhere else," I teased.

"It's okay. I kind of like it," Dakota said, and my chest filled with hope that this could work out. That Dakota could be happy here. Our future was tenuous, but I could see myself living here with Dakota.

Dinner was loud with my cousins trying to outdo each otherwith embarrassing stories of me growing up. I didn't mind because Dakota and Addison seemed to enjoy it. Addison had been used to my family, but she listened with rapt attention to the stories like they were new to her.

"It sounds like it was fun to grow up here." Dakota sipped her soda.

"It was a little crazy," Eli agreed.

"My boys were wild, but I had Kylie to even things out," Claire said.

"Where is Kylie?" She was my youngest cousin and only girl.

"She wasn't feeling good. But said she'd be here next time," Aunt Clara said.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy meeting another girl in the family," Scarlett said to Dakota.

We finished eating, and we helped Scarlett and Eli clean up the dishes and leftovers. Then we went outside to start a bonfire in the fire pit. It was cold, but we enjoyed evenings around the fire. Scarlett brought out fixings for s'mores and hot chocolate.

After dessert, Dakota disappeared inside with Joey to play a game.

Addison sat next to me. "That went well."

"I'm afraid things are too good to be true."

"I'm not saying you won't have tough times. She's a teenager after all. But so far she seems to enjoy your family and the idea of living on the resort."

I nodded toward the guys. "I could do without my annoying cousins."

Addison nudged me with her elbow. "You don't mean that."

"There are times I could do without them. Why do you think I enlisted?" I meant to say it in a teasing manner, but bringing up my enlistment wasn't a good idea.

Addison looked away from me.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

She shook her head. "Don't worry about it. It's in the past."

I knew that wasn't the case because Addison looked uncomfortable, and then she stood without looking directly at me. "I'm going to look for Dakota."

I didn't follow her because I figured she needed some time to herself. Instead, I tried to focus on the success for the night: Dakota fit with me and my family.

6

ADDISON

The last time we were all together, I was Walker's girlfriend. Now I was forced to spend time with the people who had at one time been like a second family.

For years, I wondered how could he walk away from me so easily. But now I didn't want to know the reasons. In order to move on and to give other men a chance, I took his breakup at face value. He didn't want me. End of story.

None of the others were forever material. Something always held me back, and now I was wondering if it was Walker.

I was able to push our history into the back of my mind and enjoyed spending time with the Wildes until Walker brought up our breakup. I didn't want to revisit that time in my life. I didn't need to hear that he thought we weren't compatible or that he didn't see a future with me.

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