Page 51 of Rocky Top

I stared at the screen like it might bite.

Me:Define busy.

Rocky:Meet me at the Wild Dog. We gotsomethin’ to talk about.

My heart thudded.

I didn’t know if it was fear or excitement.

But either way, I texted back.

Me:Can’t Eliza has my car.

Rocky:I’ll pick you up.

I agreed. Because part of me needed to see him.

And part of me was scared that once I did...

I’d stop pretending this whole thing was a joke.

Because what if it wasn’t?

What if the wild wasn’t just in my head?

What if it was real...

And already under my skin?

Rocky picked me up on his Harley. And wouldn’t you know it? The second I walked in, the boys werenice.

Too nice.

Rocky went behind the bar, wiping down glasses like it was his actual job. Even TNT gave me a nod instead of his usual grumble.

“Birdie,” Rocky said like he was testing my name on his tongue. “You want some coffee? We got fresh brewed.”

Fresh brewed? They hadn’t had coffee that wasn’t from a gas station thermos inmonths.

“I’m good,” I said, crossing my arms and raising a brow. “What’s going on with y’all? This place feels like Stepford Sons of Anarchy.”

Rocky chuckled, but it was nervous. “Ain’t nothing going on, sunshine.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Knox and Eliza just want to talk to us.”

Knox came around the corner with a warm smile that screamed he was hiding something. Eliza came in a few minutes later with Emma in tow, looking like she hadn’t slept either.

“Hey, Eliza. Knox.” Rocky said, sounding like a robot.

“Hey.” Eliza attempted a casual smile. “So, we’re here. You guys wanted to talk?”

She gave me a hug, her eyes searching mine, like she needed something from me. Like for me not to mention her crazy story from last night. I hadn’t said a word to anyone.

“Birdie, you doing okay?” Knox asked, his voice careful.

“Hey, Eliza,” I said. “How are you feeling today?”

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