She’s a line I shouldn’t even be standing near, let alone inching closer to. I need to be stronger than this. Smarter than this.
Because if I’m not?
My friendship with Kamden could be destroyed. Years of trust gone in a heartbeat.
And her career? Jesus. One wrong move, one rumor, one mistake and she’s the one who pays the price.
I don’t want to be that guy.
I don’t want to be the reason chaos and pain rip through something good.
I drag a hand down my face, pacing the length of my living room as the thoughts stack up, heavy and relentless.
And then my phone buzzes.
I freeze.
Amelia:When do you want to spread the ashes?
Fuck.
My pulse spikes instantly, and my dick doesn’t seem to give a shit about logic or consequences. I stare at the screen, knowing exactly what I should do.
Tell her forget it.
Tell her I changed my mind.
Tell her this is a bad idea.
My thumbs don’t listen.
Me:Tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at midnight.
Her reply comes almost immediately.
Amelia:I’ll be waiting.
Fuck.
I drop the phone onto the couch, chest tight, heat coiled low and dangerous.
So will I, Doc.
So will I.
ELEVEN
Amelia
I’m waiting by the window when his headlights cut across the street, my heart jumping like I wasn’t already wound tight.
This is a terrible idea.
I know that. I’ve known it all day. And yet, excitement hums through me anyway. It’s sharp and electric and impossible to ignore. I’ve been fantasizing about him far more than I should. About his hands. His voice. The way he looks at me like he’s trying not to touch.
I grab my jacket, forcing myself to breathe, and step outside.
Wilder is leaning against his truck when I reach the curb, dark jeans hugging his thighs, black T-shirt stretched across a chest that looks like it was made to ruin good decisions. He straightens when he sees me, eyes lighting in a way that makes my stomach flip.
