Page 63 of Wild As Her

Violet gasps, "What do you mean?"

She shakes her head. “He’s been kind of… off. Like he’s unraveling or something.”

A hush settles over the trailer for a beat. Ollie, standing closest to her, nudges her with his elbow. “Hey. You know I got you, right?”

She smiles at him, soft and appreciative. “Yeah, I know.”

The moment lingers a little longer than it should. Interesting.

Maggie, of course, breaks it. "You know we all will help you with whatever you need."

Poppy gives a sad smile and nods. "Thanks."

Sensing she’s ready for a subject change, I say, “Alright. Let’s get these cookies packed up before everyone eats them all.”

I look over at my brother and Poppy and think if those two were together, it wouldn't be the end of the world. They've always been good friends. I think that's what I would want in a partner. Someone to be close friends with and have fun with. Someone who gets me, and I get them. I want passion, sure. But I want a lifelong partner and friend. Something like my grandpaand grandma had. Now, that was a love that was timeless. They lived their life together every day here on this ranch and were so happy. That's what I dream of, being happy.Just simple things. Like riding horses, working together on the ranch, and being together. That’s what I dream of.

Someone like Jack.Jack.

We all get to work, but my mind drifts. Sometimes, Violet and Poppy tease me about not having a boyfriend, and I laugh it off, but the truth? I don’t even look. Because if I ever met someone I could actually make a life with, I’d have to let go of the idea of Jack.

The next morning, I spend a couple hours sitting in a chair at the Jessop Ranch lodge, getting my hair and makeup done by a woman who apparently moonlights as a magician. Because somehow, I go from ranch dirt and coffee stains to looking… well,good.

This is my life now. Pretending with Jack. I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My hair is styled in soft waves that frame my face, my eyes look bigger, brighter, and my lips, don’t even get me started on my lips. The look plump and perfect. I’ve never done my make up this good. My skin is smooth, and somehow, I feel…pretty.

Jenna whistles as she comes into the room. "Cami, you look hotter than the contestants."

"Uh, no. That’s not the look I’m going for," I interject quickly.

She smirks. “Tell that to your boobs.”

I glance down. The form-fitting red top they gave me is hugging all the right places. And the bra? Let’s say it’s doing some impressive structural engineering work.

I groan. "Jenna?—"

“Too late, cowgirl. You’re a certified smoke show. Own it.” She winks like she’s not actively ruining my life and casually jerks her thumb toward the barn. “Now go bust my brother’s balls.”

“I need you to never say that sentence to me again,” I mutter. “Ever. Under any circumstance. In any lifetime.”

She just grins. “What? It’s accurate.”

“No. No, it’sdisturbing.”

Jenna shrugs like she didn’t just verbally maim me. “Tell Jack I said hi.”

“I’m telling Jack you said balls,” I mutter as I stagger dramatically out of the barn like I’ve been emotionally assaulted. “I hope he never recovers.”

She yells after me, “Get in there and make bad choices!”

I flip her off without looking back.

Truly. This is the friend I was cursed with.

Now I get to go face her brother, who is hot, infuriating, and unfortunately in possession of the aforementioned anatomy I now cannot un-think.

The second I step outside, the talking stops. Everything goes eerily quiet. A slow whistle from somewhere outside breaks the silence.

My eyes immediately scan, and I find Jack, who leans against the wooden fence, staring at me like he has just found a hundred-dollar bill in the dirt. His gaze sweeps over me, taking his time, and then a slow, sexy smile spreads across his face.

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