Page 148 of Wildest Forever

Sliding her from me, she stirs and a soft moan passes her lips.

Her eyes flutter at me, blinking a few times.

“I’ll be back soon baby, I’ve got to go meet Riggs,” she pouts and her brows furrow. “Don’t leave the house,” and she rambles something incoherent before rolling and dragging the bedsheet with her, wrapping it around her naked body.

Dragging my dirty jeans from the floor, I tug them up then pull my tee over my head. I bring it to my nose and do the sniff test. Not great, but not rotten either.

Running my hand through my hair, I pick my hat from the back of the door and slip it onto my head. I catch my reflection in the mirror and I give myself a smile.

Proud of the man I am becoming.

Never thought I would feel this whole, and yet here I am.

Wanting nothing more than an easy life with my wife.

My eyes glisten a little, my lips curled into a smile and my stubble neat and my moustache growing nicely.

Glancing over my shoulder again, I watch her for just a moment, and I would love nothing more than to be back in bed with her.

Pulling in a deep breath, I step outside the room and close the door softly behind me and leave her behind.

Hated it the second I stepped out that door.

Walking down the stairs, I dodge the creaky board that I still haven’t fixed and make a mental note to make sure I get that done as soon as I have a free half an hour.

Swiping the truck keys from the side, I unlock the front door and step out on the porch before locking it behind me. I check it three times to make sure she is safely tucked away.

I really wish she would get a phone, but apparently, she doesn’t need one.

Scoffing a laugh at the way she crossed her arms in front of her chest and stomped her little foot like a bratty teenager when I brought the conversation up will always be one of my favorites.

That and the day I watched her walk down the aisle.

Up there in my top memories.

Climbing in the truck, I yawn before scrubbing my face then turn the engine on. Driving slowly out the drive, the skies are violet, the stars shining brightly and I would do anything to be stargazing with her on the back of my truck right about now.

The drive is short to Rivera Ranch and I can see the dimly lit light of the bunkhouse glowing.

Slowing to a halt, I cut the engine and drop out of the truck. Tiredness bites behind my eyes causing them to sting but I shrug it off. My heavy legs lead me to the front door and I knock three times.

I don't wait to be called in and I don't wait for the door to be opened for me, I push the handle down and step up and over the threshold.

Riggs and Tripp's eyes are on me, they both give a heavy nod as I close the metal door behind me.

“Evening,” my gruff voice fills the room and Tripp holds his whiskey up.“That bad?” I lift my hat from my head and rub my hand around the back of my neck and try to rub the tension out.

Riggs lets out a drawn out, heavy sigh as he stands from his chair and begins to pace.

“What's happened?” and his dark eyes find mine, his hand running over his beard.

“I think I've worked out who is behind everything...” he trails off, eyes bouncing to Tripp before they're back on me.

“Who?”

Riggs takes a mouthful of his whiskey and then winces as the burn hits the back of his throat.

“I can't say...” his eyes lift to mine, silence burning through the room like wildfire, tension growing by the moment, “not yet anyway, I just need to check a few things out.”

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