Page 26 of Stay Wild Darlin’

Nope. Nope. Stop.

My grip tightened, and I pumped slowly, teeth grinding, my hips jerking up like my body was done pretending I had any fucking self-control. Every stroke I was groaning under my breath.

I pictured her curled up on my couch, barefoot, hair a mess, and legs tucked under her after the baby was asleep.

I’d crawl over her, rip those leggings down, and shut her up with my cock. That mouth would look so much better stuffed full, eyes wide, cheeks flushed⁠—

“Fuck,” I hissed, picking up the pace, hand slick now, my body moving without conscious thought.

I couldn’t stop. Didn’t want to stop.

It hit me fast. Hard. My whole body tensed as I came with a low, broken moan, head falling back, hitting the tile. Hot streaks all over my hand, my stomach, my thighs.

Jesus.

This was supposed to help. Burn it out of me or something.

“Keep it professional,” I muttered, voice rough.

I shut off the water, toweled off with jerky movements, and grabbed my bag. I needed to get out of this house. Get on the road. The weekend would be good for me—a reset.

I’d be gone, she’d watch Cora, and I’d come back with my head on straight.

No more staring. No more thinking about that mouth. Focus on your daughter.

Yeah.

Easy.

12

Poppy

“All right, Cora. You’re all strapped in, and first things first: we’re going to use the money your dad left on the counter to get you some new clothes.” The little girl, her wisps of blonde hair sticking out in all directions, blinked up at me with wide eyes. “Then we’ll swing by the big city for some furniture.” I tickled her skin where her socks didn’t quite reach her leggings. As I’d gotten her dressed this afternoon, I noticed she’d outgrown every pair in her drawer. “We might pick out some new toys and a highchair too. You’ll be eating real food soon enough, and you’ll want to see what I’m cooking ya.”

Cora cooed happily, and I chuckled as I clicked her car seat into the base. I slid behind the wheel and noticed a mirror Dalton had installed so I could see her from the driver’s seat—practical and surprisingly thoughtful.

The drive to the outskirts of Dallas was calm. Cora slept most of the way, and I tried not to speed, but my foot kept inching heavier on the gas whenever my mind drifted to everything I needed to do—clothes for Cora, maybe some fresh decor for my new space back at Dalton’s. By the time I finally rolled into the sprawling shopping center’s parking lot, the sun was dipping low, staining the sky with early evening colors.

I eased into a spot near the front, grateful I’d beaten the real Friday night crowds. As I shifted the Wrangler into park, I glanced at the rearview mirror and saw Cora stir. Her eyelids fluttered, tiny fists rubbing at her cheeks. She was probably hungry again.

“Looks like we made it, little girl,” I murmured, shutting off the engine.

Reaching into the back, I found the bottle I’d prepped and started warming it with a small travel warmer plugged into the Jeep’s outlet. Once it felt right, I scooted into the back seat beside Cora, gently unbuckling her from her car seat. She blinked up at me, wide-eyed and yawning, her little lips stretching into a half smile that made my chest tighten with unexpected warmth.

“Ready to eat?” I whispered, lifting her carefully. She let out a contented gurgle as I settled her in the crook of my arm, bottle at the ready.

As she latched on, I braced my phone against my knee, thumb scrolling through notifications.

I glanced at Cora, contentedly sucking on the bottle, her eyes drifting closed again with each swallow. “You good, little munchkin?”

Her eyelids fluttered in a lazy response.

The air felt warm, even with the sun starting to set. I popped the Jeep’s rear windows open a crack to let in a breeze. Might as well get comfortable, I thought, watching the last few gulps of formula disappear. I carefully lifted Cora upright against my shoulder, patting her back in a gentle rhythm.

“Just a little more, then we can head inside,” I said softly, my attention already swinging back to my phone.

Might be a good idea to text Dalton or Fable, let them know we made it. I hesitated—Dalton was either on the plane or busy. I’d seen him out, and maybe he was busy getting it in since we’d agreed not to bring other people to the house.