Page 38 of Heat Stroke

I came looking for Wren when she didn’t come find me. She only had a couple of things to grab, but I never expected to see her standing with Morgan and Rodge. Rodge was always a follower of mine in school. We were friends, but I knew he was a jerk. And Morgan was always queen bitch. She wanted me, but once she realized that was never going to happen, she went after Rodge. And… she’s still making his life miserable from the looks of it.

How dare that fake bitch call Wren a loser though?! Wren is the furthest thing from a loser I’ve ever seen.

She probably always was. I was just too stupid to notice or give her a chance.

Looking over at her as she stands at my side and confronts some of her high school bullies, I feel sorry for myself.

If I hadn’t been such a selfish and ignorant prick, maybe we’d have been together all these years.

Damn, I was so stupid.

But, I have her now and I’m never doing anything to lose her.

She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

My love…

Morgan glares at Wren and snaps, “How dare you speak to me like that. What you think because you have a few tattoos now and decide to show some skin that you’re somebody?! You’re still a nobody! So, you’re sleeping with Blaze now. Who cares?!

“I remember the pathetic loser you were. We’d just look at you and you’d scurry off with your tail between your legs. You’re still that sad ass girl…” She waves her hand at Wren and twists her lips. “Blaze might enjoy fucking you… but, you’re not the kind of woman someone like him needs. He’ll tire of your simple ass, and then, you’ll remember who you are.”

Excuse me?!

Is this bitch serious right now?

My eyes lock on Morgan and I see her jerk back. Uncertainty comes into her eyes as I glare at her. I can feel the rage rolling off my skin so I know they can see it. My voice is stone cold as I say, “Rodge, you might want to rein your woman in. What’s sad is that it’s eight years later and she’s still the same poser self-righteous bitch she always was.” Her eyes widen as Rodge coughs beside her, but says nothing.

I address her directly, pinning her with my gaze, “You might want to remember whereyoucome from, Morgan, dear. I know where you lived. I know what your parents were. I know where your clothes came from. You always pretended to be something you weren’t…” My eyes flick over her ridiculous outfit. “I see you still are. You can put Natural Light in a crystal glass, but it’ll always be Natural Light.”

Morgan’s mouth drops open and she turns to Rodge with a squeal, “Rodge! Are you going to let him talk to me like that? I’m yourwife! Do something!”

Wren smirks beside me and taps on my wrist, where it’s resting on her stomach. “Come on. We have everything we need. Ole Rodge can deal with hislovelywife without us. We’ve wasted enough time here.”

Leaning down in the middle of the store, ignoring Rodge and Morgan, I press a kiss tomywoman’s lips. Releasing her lips, I smile down at her. “I’m sorry I hung out with them back when I was a stupid boy. But, I’m so glad that you allowed me to show you the man I am now. Because, this man right here is some kind of in love with you, Wren LeSalle. Besides… I never liked Natural Light.”

Cupping my cheeks with her palms, she laughs with me before saying with love in her eyes, “The boy you were was a dick, but, I love the man youare. I love you, Blaze Carrington.”

Elation fills my chest as we turn together and leave the bickering couple from our past behind us. My fingers link with hers and I lift both of our hands to kiss her fingers, one at a time before grinning at her. “Feel free to tell me that every day like a thousand times. You can even shout it if you feel the need.”

Wren rolls her eyes and mutters, “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Smirking, I say, “That’s ok. I’ll do it for you.” Her eyes widen and her cheeks turn bright red as I do just that. In the middle of the grocery store, I yell at the top of my lungs, “This beautiful woman that I do not deserve, but I sure do cherishlovesme! She loves me! I’m the luckiest son of a bitch on the whole planet!”

Epilogue

Wren

Fourteen months later

It’s the Saturdayof Labor Day weekend and here I am getting the finishing touches on my makeup in the Bridal Suite at the Gatehouse. I still can’t believe that I’m marrying my perfect man today… and that he’s the same guy who practically ruined my life in my younger years.

He’s certainly made up for it in the year plus that we’ve been together.

Sighing, I squeeze the envelope in my hand. I have quite a surprise for Blaze. It’s almost as good as the surprise he gave me this morning.

I hope…

It will be…

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