Page 79 of Pretty Wild

As she thinks, she smiles. “I want to put more into my makeup and skincare line. We have a huge reveal and celebration event coming up when I return. I want to watch it grow and am committed to putting the time and energy into doing so.”

I can’t help but feel her excitement, her passion. “You’ll do just that. I know it.”

She gives me a questioning look. “How do you know that?” Her question is hesitant, her voice laced with worry.

“Because I see it in your eyes, Princess. You’ve been feisty since the day I met ya, and if you want to do something, then dammit, that’s what you’ll do. So if you want your business to succeed, I know you’ll do whatever possible to help it get there. I have faith in you.”

Her eyes fill with tears. She blinks rapidly, trying to keep them at bay. Usually, I’d run away as if my ass were on fire at thefirst sign of crying, but with Ryan, all I want to do is take her in my arms, comfort and console her.

But that’s not what I do.

I can’t.

She’s leaving in less than two weeks, and I can’t afford to invest any more of my heart. I’ve already given her more than any other woman before her, sadly. I’ve not tried to keep myself closed off, but I realize that’s probably what I’ve done all along. Why? Good question. It doesn’t take a psychologist to realize it most likely stems from the fact everyone has left me. My dad died, my mom didn’t want to be a parent and left me with my grandparents. When I was in high school, Gram passed away, and a few years back, Grandpa. Now, I have no one, and if I keep everyone at arm’s length, it hurts a lot less when they go.

“What about you, Marcus? What do you see in your future?”

It would be too easy to picture her there. In such a short amount of time, I’ve become attached, and that’s not like me. I’m a pro at keeping my distance. It’s what I’ve done my whole life.

Needing to keep things light, I opt to pull it away from the heavy stuff.

“I see you and me naked in the shower in my future.”

She giggles and lifts her feet, wiggling her toes. “My feet do probably need a good scrubbing.”

Making my way toward her, I carefully grab her around the waist and lift her off the chair. Positioning her over my shoulder, I easily maneuver her like a sack of potatoes. Her squeal of laughter makes me hard, as does the anticipation of getting her naked and in the shower. Giving her a firm slap on the ass, I say, “We’ll be scrubbing more than your feet, Princess.”

Taking the steps two at a time, I cart her up to my bathroom to help her wash the dirt off her body, all while getting her dirtied up all over again.

“Shower. Now.”

23

RYAN

Ican’t help but smile, looking up and letting the sun warm my face.

What a gorgeous day.

“Excuse me.”

I quickly move, stepping aside on the sidewalk so I’m not blocking anyone’s path. “Sorry,” I reply politely to the group of young girls already moving past me.

I can’t help but notice the number of people moving around. Everyone warned me about the summer tourist season, but for some reason, it seems to have doubled overnight. There are people everywhere, vehicles lining the streets and filling every parking spot imaginable.

My instincts have me lowering my head, blocking my face, thanks to the ball cap I’m wearing. I’ve become accustomed to wearing it, the hat part of my normal attire when I’m in public. I try not to make too much eye contact, because I’m afraid that’s when I’ll be recognized. If some of the locals have figured out who I am, they haven’t said a word, at least to me.

I just left the small boutique, picking up a cute pair of shorts and some adorable jewelry made by a local resident, and my nextstop is the bakery. Jillian is supposed to make apple turnovers, and I don’t want to miss it. She said by the afternoon they’d be sold out, so I definitely want to stop before it gets too late. Though, with all the extra out-of-towners running around, I might be out of luck.

I slip inside the bakery, noting the extra-long line. I almost turn around and walk out, not wanting to wait for my sweet treat. Just as I turn to exit, Jillian looks up and spots me. Her eyes go wide, and she waves me toward her. People start turning, so I lower my head, and head in her direction. I can hear grumbles about me bypassing the line, but I ignore them as I reach the side of the counter.

Jillian reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a firm tug. “I’ll be right back,” she hollers to her employee, Lisa.

I’m practically dragged down the hallway to a small office. “Where in the hell have you been?” she asks before the door is even closed.

“What?” I ask, surprised by her insistent tone.

She faces me, her eyes wide with worry. “We’ve been trying to call you all morning.”

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