Page 96 of Pretty Wild

“Then that’s where I’ll stand. I’ll be where you need me. Whether that’s behind you, beside you, or in front of you. I won’t always be able to be with you, but when I am, I’ll make it count.”

I know he’s referring to the distance between where he lives and where I do, but I know that’s something we can talk about and overcome. My mom’s words from last week come back to me. I can work anywhere.

I shove his necktie into his suit jacket. “I want you comfortable. I realize you’re wearing this suit for me, and I truly appreciate it. Besides, this open collar thing is kind of sexy.” I run my fingers over the V at his throat, wishing I could unfasten the rest of the buttons.

“Yeah?” he asks, his eyebrow shooting upward as a smirk spreads across his kissable lips.

“Totally. Later, I’m going to strip this suit off you, but for now, I need to go back out there and mingle.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” he says, taking a deep breath. I know this isn’t his scene, but I appreciate him trying.

“Thank you.”

He leans in and whispers, “I have a confession. I’m already picturing stripping you out of that dress later and bending you over the nearest bed. I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of thewildlater. It’s what’ll get me through the rest of the night.” He’s referring to all the media attention I used to get calling me a wild child.

A nervous, yet excited giggle spills from my mouth. “Well, I do prefer the wild. We’ll add that to the list as soon as we get back to my place.”

“Damn right we will.” He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze.

I go up on the balls of my feet, pressing my lips to his. “I love you, Marcus. Thank you for coming, even though we decided this was just a fling.”

“It was never just a fling with you, Ryan. You were always more.”

I feel my cheeks heat as I give another uncontrollable grin. “Ready?”

“Lead the way, Princess.”

EPILOGUE

Marcus

2 months later

Icome home from work and find my place a disaster. I slowly take in the open boxes around the living room, the fluffy pillows on the couch and chair, and the knickknacks spread all over every surface in the cabin, and smile.

Buddy barks over the sound of music and comes running, happy to have me home. The last couple of days, he’s stayed home with Ryan instead of accompanying me to the shop. I think he likes it better. You know, a comfy bed and a gorgeous woman to hang with all day? What’s not to love.

After giving him a good scratching behind the ears, we take off in search of the woman who brought utter chaos into my world. I find Ryan standing at the counter, reading something on her phone screen before measuring out an ingredient and adding it to a large bowl. I lean against the doorjamb and watch, damn happy to see her making herself at home in the cabin.

This past weekend she officially moved in. It wasn’t easy, considering all her stuff was in California, but we made it work. I went out to her place and helped her pack and then hired a moving company to deliver what she was keeping here. While she opted to sell a lot of her furniture, the amount of clothes this woman has is insane. Like closets and closets full. And don’t get me started on the shoes…

We spent the last two months traveling back and forth, but I admit, she did most of the travel. It was much easier for her to come here, thanks to me owning my own repair shop. I did hire another mechanic to help while I was away, and it was a great decision. It gives me a bit more flexibility to be able to go see Ryan or travel with her for upcoming work trips.

Now, she lives with me.

Me.

Marcus Wright.

I fell in love and moved a woman into my place of solitude.

I never expected that to happen, but when it came to Ryan, I didn’t have a choice. She owns my heart and always will.

She spins around to go to the fridge and jumps. A yelp falls from her lips as her hands go to her mouth. “Holy shit, you scared me.” She runs over and turns down the pop music pumping through the speaker on the counter. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

“I could tell,” I reply, meeting her halfway and taking her in my arms. I press my lips to hers, reveling in the feel of her tongue against mine. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

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