Page 90 of Wild For You

Chapter Twenty-Five

Erin

There’s a saying in sports, which says you’re only as good as your reputation. Or your win. Or a gold medal. Or whatever you’re fighting for. The same saying can be applied in business.

The deal is done. Dillinger’s mine. It’s been a long two days of hard bargaining and a lot of cash exchanging hands, the process both tiring and bringing me relief because I can finally close this chapter of my life.

That’s right, I’m done with it because there’s something else in my life now that brings me even more fulfillment.

It started out as a crazy thought, an idea. After Erin mentioned that she hated the idea of bulls being tortured, it was a done deal to me.

I had to have him.

There was no way I’d let an invincible bull like Dillinger be put down just because he had become replaceable. He almost killed me, yes, but he also helped me meet Erin, and for that I’ll always be grateful.

As I pull up to the house, I can’t wait to see my woman. I should have called Erin, talked to her, told her about my plans, but I needed to find closure myself, on my terms.

Buying Dillinger was all the closure I needed, the final step to put my past behind me.

It’s early morning, the sun still low on the horizon.

The car comes to a screeching halt in the driveway. I barely remember to slam the door before I’m up the stairs and heading into the hallway.

The house is eerily quiet, but the female touch is everywhere. In the vases with wildflowers and the cushions that are adorning the leather sofas.

My woman’s touch.

I smile as I realize just how much I’ve grown to love having Erin’s presence around me, how much peace her words of encouragement and her calm nature have brought me. Her touch and smile have made a difference in my life.

I missed her during my two-day absence.

Two whole days wasted without her.

My body missed her. My heart was empty without her.

Erin has become my life.

It took me a while to realize that the feelings I have for her won’t pass, and now I can only hope that she feels the same way about me. The thought of asking her to move in with me, not just as my therapist, but as my girlfriend, fills me with excitement.

Dillinger’s made me realize life’s too short to let something good pass. She’s that something good, that special someone who’s made me want to leave my past behind and be excited about the future.

I can’t wait to share my victory with her and then celebrate together in my bed, where I intend to keep her for the rest of our existence.

Or as long as our love will last.

“Erin,” I call out impatiently, burying my hand in my pocket, fingering the other thing I acquired in the city.

She’s not answering, but she can’t be far. I search the kitchen and the living room, then move down the hall, checking out my bedroom first because that’s where I expect to find her.

Sleeping in our bed, the sheets barely covering her delicious body.

Instead, strange noises carry over from her bedroom. Noises that sound like—

Frowning, I stop dead in the doorway, taking in the picture before me.

Erin’s leaning over her suitcase, stuffing everything in haphazardly, her beautiful face determined and furious.

Fuck, she’s packing again.

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