Page 9 of Born Wild

“Burgers and fries sound good?”

It actually does. “Yeah. And a shake too.”

“That’s my girl.”

He doesn’t mean it, I’m certain. But the adoration in those words lights me up from the inside. For a moment, I imagine he’s the father. That we’re young and dumb and in love. Together against the world. Silly as it is, I wish it were true. He’s the kind of man who’d step up and do right by his unborn child.He’s the kind of man I should have given my body and heart to the first time. Regret tries to sour this moment, but I push it away, refusing to give this baby’s father another thought when he so carelessly tossed us aside. Determination fills its place and I resolve to do whatever it takes to bring this child into a world filled with love.

4

TIM

Life is funny sometimes. For years, I’ve been dying to get up the courage to talk to Cassie. Now, after the most unlikely of situations, we talk every day. She’s become a best friend and I think she views me the same. I’ve gotten exactly what I hoped for. Well, sort of. If I had my way, Cassie would be my girlfriend.

Which is absurd.

Though, by the amount of time we’ve spent together in the last month, folks are gonna think Cassie and I are dating anyway. Hell, when she starts to show, they’re going to assume I’m the father.

I have no problem with that.

Cassie being pregnant doesn’t change how I feel about her. Actually, that’s not true. It changes everything. My admiration for her before this summer was purely surface level. In high school, I observed her from a distance and longed for her to notice me back. This summer exchanging letters, I learned she was every bit as kind, thoughtful, and smart as I expected.

Now, my priorities are different. I will do anything to protect her. And if I knew who put her in this situation, I’d hunt him down so I could give him a piece of my mind.

I’m so angry. Not at her, but on her behalf. I hate that she trusted so much of herself with a man who didn’t deserve her love. Someone who had no fucking clue what they had. I hope he trips and falls down a cliff. Or in a well. Or off a building. I don’t know what that says about me. Most of the time, I don’t let my emotions get the better of me, but if I had ten minutes with that fucker, I’d make him hurt for what he’s done to her.

I shake off the negative thoughts. I can’t let that dude ruin my mood, especially when I’m on my way to pick up Cassie for her next doctor’s appointment. My dad and my brother gave me crap about cutting out early to chase a girl around. I lied and said she wanted to go shopping down in the Valley. Maybe I should feel guilty lying to my family, but I don’t. It’s nothing compared to the secret she’s keeping from the entire town.

That’s right. Cassie hasn’t told anyone she’s pregnant. I don’t know how much longer she’ll be able to hide it. At some point her belly will swell from the growing babe inside.

I’m just glad she has someone she can trust and lean on. I’m honored to be that person for her. Even if her feelings for me are never more than friendly, I cherish that she feels safe enough to trust me with her biggest fears . . . especially after having that trust freshly destroyed by someone else.

Cassie waves from her parents’ porch as I pull into the drive. Her blue patterned sundress clutches her curves in a way that should be illegal. There’s a glow about her that’s undeniable. “Fuck,” I swear under my breath. She’s so goddamn gorgeous,and the smile that brightens her face as she walks toward my truck causes my pulse to race.

I move the gearshift to park and hop out, walking around the still-running vehicle to open her door. “Hey, sunshine, you’re looking beautiful today.” I flash her a smile. I can’t help myself. Being in her presence makes me happy.

She takes my offered hand and climbs into the truck. She meets my gaze as she sits back and reaches for the seat belt. “Thanks for driving me.”

“My pleasure.” I shoot her a wink, then shut the door and walk away before I embarrass myself. This girl turns me into a lovesick fool—and if she knew my true feelings, she might not want me around.

She’s already messing with the radio dial when I get back inside the truck, and it sends another wave of joy through my veins. I love that she feels comfortable enough to take over the music. To take what she needs.

When she finds her desired station, she sits back in her seat and turns to face me. “So, I’ve been thinking.”

“That’s not good,” I deadpan.

“Hey!” She shoves my shoulder playfully.

“What’ve you been thinking about?” I keep my gaze on the road, sneaking glances her way whenever it’s safe.

“I need to start making a plan.” She worries her bottom lip between her teeth. “Soon. I don’t know how much longer I can get away with hiding my belly. And fall’s around the corner. I can’t wear sundresses every day.”

That’s a damn shame.

“When do you want to tell your parents?”

“Never.” She laughs, but it lacks humor. “I mean, I know I have to, and part of me thinks I’m building this all up in my head. But the other part . . .”

“What’s the worst that could happen?”

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