That’s not even including the conversation with his sister I overheard. I didn’t hear everything, but enough to guess Easton is going throughsomething.
“I get it,” I tell him nonchalantly. I’d never want him to feel like he owes me an explanation, but being honest won’t hurt. At this point, he’d be doing me a favor. “You can tell me if you’re seeing someone or just not interested in me. You won’t hurt my feelings.”
“No,” he blurts out. “I mean, no. I’m not seeing anyone.”
“So, you just aren’t interested in me?”
He’s flustered and struggling. If we weren’t on horses, I’d hug him. Despite basically telling me he’s not interested.
“No, that’s not it.”
“So, you are interested?”I’m so annoying.
“No. Fuck. I don’t know, okay?” he stammers, frustrated at himself. “I don’t know much of anything anymore. But don’t think it’s you because it’s not. I’m attracted to you, Collie.” His gaze runs the length of me. “Fuck, am I ever. But I’m so off in the head right now. I’m not sure going there is the best idea.”
That wasn’t exactly denial.Baby steps.
“That’s okay,” I tell him as kindly as possible. “I would never pressure you into fucking me, Easton. That’s not my style. Just know I’m here if you ever change your mind. Anytime. Anywhere.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Needing to change the subject, I seek out where we’re headed. “Soooo, wanna race?”
“Race?” he speculates. “I’m not sure you can keep up. Wouldn’t wanna bruise your ego.”
There’s the fun I was looking for.
I bark out a laugh and look ahead. “Hilarious. Let’s make things interesting, then. What’re we playing for?”
He contemplates for a second as we pull our horses to a stop. “Loser cooks dinner tonight.”
Before he can respond, I tug the reins and Beavis takes off, my voice calling out from behind me. “I like my steak medium rare. Fat trimmed. A1 on the side. See ya in the winner’s circle, Ranger.”
This is bliss.Being in the middle of America’s countryside with no plans, a hottie for some company, and not a thought about what’s to come next.
Except maybe getting into my new husband’s pants.
For ten more days at least.
15
EASTON
Soundsecho around me outside the crammed camper. The space so confined in the vastness of the forest—I hear everything.
Birds chirping. Branches crumbling. Woodpeckers pecking. Wolves howling. Collie’s deep breaths. The soft whimpers she makes when she hits REM sleep.
I’ve been up for hours with nothing on my mind but the way my hand gripped her slender thigh like it was second nature on the horse yesterday. Not to mention how she kept it there like she never wanted me to let go.
I can’t get her bold offer out of my mind.“I could use some relief, and by the looks of it, you could too.”
I’m fucked.
The sun is starting to rise, and although it’s still early in the morning—close to five, if I had to guess—I can see every detail across Collie’s perfect complexion from the glow of the moon still lingering beyond the sunroof. We kept the shade open last night, refusing to let go of the tranquility that comes with the gloom of the forest for a while longer.
But Yellowstone can’t compare to the natural beauty of awoman. Collie’s, to be exact. The way freckles delicately dance across her nose. The nose that I’ve noticed perks in this cute and innocent way when she’s curious about something.
And fuck, is the woman curious. It draws me in.
