Page 21 of Wild Heart
I’m crushed, humiliated and confused. He kissed me - I kissed him back. It was the best kiss I’ve ever had in my whole twenty-three years.
There’s no way I misread the signs. I felt the intensity; I gave into his hunger. My arms fold in a defensive hug. I take a wobbly step to the side, keeping enough distance to stop the sparks flying from his heat to mine. He swallows hard, and I want to call him out, to call him a liar. I sashay towards the waiting car, upright, shoulders back with just enough sway to keep his eyes on my retreat.
“Now that we have that small matter cleared up, how about you tell me about your mates, starting with your good-looking friend, Levi?” I duck into the car as he growls.
“Evenin’, Skins.” Hayden joins the driver up front. “Old man Sawyer's place and then Wild Hearts Ranch. Thanks for coming so quickly.”
“Not a problem,” Skins replies in a quiet, dismissive tone.
The journey takes an age, or maybe it feels that way because none of us speak. Hayden stares out the window rather than talk to me. When we finally turn onto the dirt track, I’m conflicted - feeling relieved the awkward ride home is over and pissed that Hayden is pretending he isn’t interested in me, all because I’m a cleaner, or on his payroll or whatever. He doesn’t need any more excuses than that.
The car rolls to a stop. Hayden automatically jumps out and jogs to my door. Offering his hand, I willingly accept because mastering heels on an uneven surface could result in a broken ankle. Then all would be doomed, and I’d be penniless. His fingers tighten when I stagger forward, balancing me with his strength. He lets go, and just as I think he’s leaving, he goes and sweeps me off my feet again, heaving me over his shoulder in a fireman style lift. This way he can hide his face and his thoughts.
The front door swings open, and Hayden drags me down his chest for the last time. Sawyer greets us with a shotgun pointed to the porch decking and a cigarette hanging from his thin lips.
“She’s home safe and sound.” Hayden nods. “Goodnight.”
Sawyer cocks a brow and nods back. I swing around, reaching out for him as he leaves, but his strides carry him away before I get the chance to touch him.
“Thanks, boss,” I call after him.
He spins around and catches my eye while I’m tugging down the hem of my dress.
“See ya Monday,” he says coolly, then climbs into the car and closes the door.
“Did you have a good night?” Sawyer’s voice is husky and low.
“You knew I’d stick out like a sore thumb.” He chuckles, and ash lazily tumbles in the breeze. “Thanks for the warning.” My lips crack a tight smile. “Do you have any advice about ranchers?”
“Yeah.” His hoarseness crackles in the night air. “Stay the hell away from them. They only want one thing, and you ain’t givin’ it to ‘em. He’s been warned too, that boss of yours.”
I suck in sharply. “You did what?”
“You heard me.”
“Why did you do that?”
“While you live under my roof, I look out for you. Your mother made me swear on it.”
“What is it with the men around here feeling so macho and responsible for me all of a sudden? I can take care of myself, Sawyer,” I grit out.
“Then don't go out dressed like that around here, and I’ll not have to worry. You ain’t hard to look at, and I ain't havin’ you runnin’ home with a broken heart, or worse. Now git, I’m busy.” He shoos me away with a flick of his wrist.
“Busy doing what?” I peer inside to cozy lights and warmth.
“Researching vintage parts.”
“Can I help?”
“Can you make coffee?”
“I sure can.”
“Then make us both a cup and make it strong.”
12
I’ve been upsince the crack of dawn feeding livestock and beating myself up about the incredible kiss with Summer. Damn, she felt so good in my arms, silently begging for more. Those sexy little moans are enough to drive me wild.
