Page 76 of Every Single Wildflower
Ivy
“Talk to me.” Maddox places a kiss on my knee before he parts my legs and nestles his way between my thighs.
I laugh, placing my laptop on the coffee table before laying back against the arm of the couch.
After the talk with Brady, we spent the remainder of the day taking a walk out to the ridge on Sugarfoot, before we came back to cook us something to eat. Brady apologized for the things he said, for the things he did when we were together, and I’ve never seen him and Maddox be in a better place. Millie even called to congratulate us on our new relationship and told me she lovedme. Another person I was sure would write me off. I’ve never been happier, but at the same time I’ve never felt a deep sadness like the one I feel when I think about losing this place. Losing mychildhood.
“I don’t know what to do,” I admit.
He presses a kiss to my neck. “You’ll figure it out.”
I turn my head, giving him full access as he continues to pepper soft kisses along my skin.
“Dad will never sell. He’ll go down fighting.” I close my eyes.
“Reminds me of someone else I know,” he murmurs against me.
“I know this place is his pride and joy, but what if he did sell? He could come out with some money to put back. Buy him and mom a nice place. He won't have to be out of the house at sunup and coming in at sunset. He could retire.”
Maddox leans up, resting his head on my stomach. “That sounds nice, Goldie. But being a rancher never ends. Not for men like your dad. Or his father, or the ones before him. This land is Mayson land. Always will be. He has dreams to pass this place down. See his grandchildren running through the pastures. This ranch is who your dad is, baby. It’s in his blood. That’s why he’ll never sell. He wouldn’t be just giving up his own dream, he’d be giving up his legacy.”
I reach up, running a hand through his messy hair. “When did you get so smart?
“Probably around the time you were earning that business degree,” he taunts.
“Please. You were living your best life. A single cowboy with a booty call anytime he wanted.” I can practically taste the jealousy on my tongue. “Emily didn't hold anything back on those details.”
I can feel his stare on the side of my face. It heats with how I just lashed out. It’s not fair and I know it, but I can’t help it. Her ugly words still swarm around in my brain like a tiny amoeba.
“Look at me.” Maddox’s voice is hard, and for a second I’m afraid he’s angry with me.
I turn and meet his narrowed eyes.
“What Emily said was out of line. Back then I knew you were aware we had hooked up. I never hid that from you.”
I lift a brow. “Yeah, you just flaunted it.”
He shoots me a pointed look. “I honestly can’t even remember the last time I spent time with her.”
“Maddox, I’m not angry. I understand you had needs...”
“My needs were met with my right hand and have been since the day you left this ranch. Until the night I slid inside of you again.”
My jaw drops. He what?
I laugh nervously. “What are you saying?”
He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. “What I’m saying is not one woman has warmed my bed since that night in the barn.”
I stare, stunned. “You can’t be serious.”
“Deadly. Now put away any of that old shit and come here and kiss me,” he demands.
Smiling, I lean forward, pressing a kiss to my favorite pair of lips. He begins to deepen it when my phone buzzes on the table next to me.
My heart drops to my stomach when I read the text.
Cooper: Family meeting at Penelope’s. Now.
