Page 5 of Unscripted with Mila

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Mom said.

“Um, I don’t want to go overboard.”

Cami laughed. “Don’t worry, Mila. I got you covered.”

* * *

After brunch, I wandered to the beach, sitting on the rocks and letting the sound of the lazy waves and the feel of the warm sun relax me. I loved my family and enjoyed the get-togethers, but I was always happy to be alone again. There was no doubt I was the introvert of the family. Bentley’s son Thomas was quiet as well, and so was Maddox’s daughter Shelby, but I was known as the loner. My words and books filled my life. I hated leaving the compound, although my mom and dad dragged me places, and Sammy and Reed made sure I left the house on occasion. When I was with them, I was okay, but on my own with strangers and in strange places, I became tongue-tied and awkward. I often wished I were more like Sammy—outgoing, adventuresome, and confident. But instead, I was quiet, shy, and preferred to observe rather than interact.

I doubted that would ever change.

My phone rang, and I slipped it from my pocket, smiling when I saw the caller was Sammy.

“Hey,” I greeted her. “How’s the ranch?”

“The ranch is spectacular. The owner is not,” she replied. “What a grump.”

“I assume we’re discussing Luke, not Rachel.”

She grunted, the sound furious. “Yes. He drives me crazy. He second-guesses everything, questions all my ideas, disagrees with them, then suddenly does something nice. I can’t keep up.”

I smiled widely, glad she couldn’t see me. “I see. Sounds like someone has a crush and isn’t sure what to do about it.”

“I never said I had a crush. The man is a pain in my ass!”

“I never said you,” I pointed out. “But we can talk about that as well.”

There was silence on the line.

“You little witch,” Sammy mumbled.

I laughed. “I have never heard you like this.”

She sighed. “He is frustrating.”

“But?”

“But so freaking hot, Mila. All growly and grumpy. His glowers and snark turn me on. It makes me want to press his buttons to see how far I can push him.”

“And see what happens when he explodes?”

“Yes,” she admitted.

“Are you ready for that? For what might occur between you if you set him off?”

“I know what I want to happen. And, at times, I think he wants it too.”

“Sammy Morrison, are you planning on sleeping with him?”

She laughed. “Don’t sound so shocked. We’re consenting adults. A mutual itch-scratching session could be exactly what we need.”

“Is that all it would be?”

“Yes. He’s here and not leaving this place. I roam everywhere. Not a good match. But I certainly wouldn’t mind riding that cowboy once. Or twice.”

“Be careful.”

“Don’t worry. I always am.”