Page 122 of Reckless Hearts

They love bull riding.

It’s stitched into their bones.

And I can’t ask them to stop.

I won’t be the girl who begs someone to give up the thing that makes them feel alive.

But I also can’t survive waiting for the call.

Can’t survive another casket.

Another funeral.

Another promise broken.

I love them.

God, I love them so much it hurts.

But I already know I won’t survive staying.

Not forever.

Maybe not even through the end of the season.

The thought splits something inside me so viciously I have to shove it down hard.

Swallow it.

Tonight is supposed to be happy.

Tonight, we’re supposed to breathe.

Colt shifts, brushing a kiss against my forehead, his fingers still curled tight around my waist like he can sense I’m slipping away inside.

Maverick nuzzles into the side of my neck, from his spot on the chair, his hand slipping over Colt’s.

Their weight. Their warmth. Their stubborn, reckless, perfect hearts.

I let myself drown in them.

Just for a little while longer.

I pretend this moment could last forever.

I love them both fiercely with everything I have left to give.

Even knowing I won’t stay.

Even knowing I wasn’t built to survive this kind of love.

Chapter 42

Colt

The tires crunchover gravel as we roll up the long drive, and for the first time in weeks, I feel like I can actually breathe.

Porch light’s on. Wind chimes still hang from the rafters, jangling in the breeze.

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