Page 73 of Pretty Wild

“Son of a bitch,” I find myself saying out loud.

“Yeah,” Logan replies.

The camera finally cuts back to Ryan and her mom, who continue to celebrate her big deal with Goodman’s, all while having no clue how her boyfriend just confessed to the world he’s only dating her for what he can get from her father.

“I’ll never watch another Vaughn Cramer movie again,” TD announces.

“Me either,” Gavin says, shaking his head. “What a Grade A asshole.”

Anger courses through my veins like a raging tornado. It takes all the strength I have not to jump up from the couch, climb in my truck, and drive to LA to kick his fucking ass. “She didn’t know,” I say as realization sets in.

“Hallie said she saw it with the rest of the viewers.”

“What the hell?” Gabe asks, trying not to wake his sleeping daughter.

“That’s bullshit,” Gavin adds.

“I don’t say this very often, but that guy deserves to get his ass kicked,” TD states, shaking his head.

I nod in agreement, but my mind is spinning. She found out her boyfriend was using her by watching it on TV. That’s why she’s here. Why she’s hiding who she is and is laying low. This isn’t just a vacation or a month-long getaway.

She ran away from the mess back home.

Suddenly, phones around the room start blowing up. “Girls’ night is over,” TD announces, checking his phone.

Collectively, everyone starts prepping to head over to Gabe and Blair’s to pick up their wives and girlfriends. I wonder if Ryan will call me. I told her to, but that doesn’t mean she will. She could just as easily jump into any one of these guys’ trucks. I know they’d take her back to the cabin, but dammit, I want to do it.

I’m just about to send her a message when my screen lights up.

Ryan

Party’s over. I could use a ride, if the offer still stands.

Me

On my way, Princess.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I turn to Logan. “Thanks for having me.”

He pulls his eyes away from securing his daughter into her infant carrier and nods. “Of course.” I can tell he has more to say by the way he holds my gaze. “Be good to her, man. She went through a lot before she came to town.”

I nod once, understanding what he’s telling me. “We have an arrangement,” I remind him.

I’m not sure I’m saying that more for him or myself.

Gabe is loading up his daughter in her seat as well, while TD and Gavin grab diaper bags, trash, and anything else that needs picked up before we leave. I head out to kick some dirt on the coals and make sure the fire is on its way out for the night. The guys all step outside, and Logan makes sure the cabin is locked up tight.

“Thanks for coming, guys.”

Everyone replies as we make our way to our respective vehicles. I climb behind the wheel of my old Chevy and start the engine. I watch both Gabe and Logan secure their daughters into their vehicles, and the sight brings a smile to my lips.

My, how things have changed in the last few years.

TD has his stepson, Brody.

Gavin’s got a daughter.

Gabe and Logan too.

---