Ithadbeentwenty-twodays,fivehours,andthirtyminutessinceI’dsaidgood-byetoMaseatO’Hare
Airport.OncehewassureIwassafeatmyfather’shouseinChicagowithmynewfoundfamily,he
returnedtoTexastohisfamily’sranch,whichjustcouldn’trunwithouthim.

Goingbackwithhimhadbeensotempting.IwasreadytostartmylifewithMase,andIwasanxiousto

makehishomeourhome.Butfirst,Ineededtodothis.

Alittlemorethanamonthago,apolished,well-groomedItalianmanhadshownonmydoorstepin

RosemaryBeach,whereIhadworkedasamaidforsomeofthetown’swealthiestfamilies.Nottoolong
afterI’dmetMase,thefatherIhadneverknown—andhadn’tevenbeensurewasalive—hadwalked
backintomylife,wantingtobeapartofit.

Masehadbeenrighttherewithme,holdingmyhandthroughitall.Benedettohadstayedwithusin

RosemaryBeachforaweek,andthenwe’dallflowntoChicagotogether.

IsoonfoundoutthatnotonlydidIhaveafather,butIalsohadabrother.Hewastwoyearsyounger

thanIandatotalriot;Raulmademelaughconstantly.Ialsohadagrandmother,ornonna,asshepreferred
tobecalled.Shelovedtositandtalkwithmeforhours.Shetoldmestoriesaboutmyfatherwhenhewas
youngerandshowedmepicturesfromRaul’schildhood.Shealsotoldmehowshe’dpleadedwith
Benedettotofindme.Hehadhisreasonsfornotcomingafterme.Thatwasallheevertoldanyone.I
wantedtohatehimfornotcomingformewhenIwasyounger,butIcouldn’t.MylifehadledmetoMase.

ThetimeI’dspentwiththemhadbeenwonderful,butIhadmissedMase.Talkingtohimeverynight

wasn’tenough.Ineededhim.IneededhimmorethanIneededafather,brother,andnonna.Masewasmy
family.Thefirstpersonwhohadevertrulybeenthereformeafteralifetimeofabusefrommymotherand
stepfather.

Now,finally,Iwashome—orintheplacethathadbeenabouttobecomemyhomebeforemyfatherhad

shownup.MaseandIwereplanningtomoveintogether,butthathadn’tfullyhappenedyet.

Ihadn’tletMaseknowIwascomingbackearly.Iwantedtosurprisehim.
ThecabdriverpulledupoutsideofMase’sparents’houseontheirsprawlingranch.Aquicklookatthe

darkhousetoldmenoonewashome.Good.MysurprisewasjustforMase.Iquicklypaidthedriver,
pulledmyonepieceofluggageoutofthetrunk,andhurriedtowardthestables.Mase’struckwasparked
outsidebesideanothertruckIdidn’trecognize.

Iproppedmysuitcasebesidehistruck,thenmademywaydownthesmallhilltothestables.Iknew

he’dbethere,sincehe’dtoldmehewasn’tplanningtotrainahorsethatday.Myheartwasracingwith
excitement,andmyhandsitchedtotouchhim.IwasthankfulI’dhadtimewithmyfamily,butIwasn’t
leavingMaseagain.Ifhecouldn’tgowithmetoChicagonexttime,thenIwouldn’tgo.They’dalljust
havetocomevisitmehere.

FemalelaughterdriftedfromthestablesasIgotcloser.Washehandlingabusinessdeal?Ididn’twant

tointerrupthimifthiswasaclient.Icouldn’tthrowmyselfintohisarmsifhewasinthemiddleof
dealingwithahorseanditsowner.Ipausedoutsidethestables.

“No,Mase,youpromisedmetheothernightthatwe’dgoridingtoday.Youcan’ttakethatbacknowfor

work.Iwantmyride,”thewomansaid.Hervoicesentachilldownmyspine.Itwasyoungandflirty;she
wastoofamiliarwithhim.

“IknowIpromised,butIhaveworktodo.You’llhavetobepatient,”hereplied.
“I’mgoingtobatmyeyelashesandpoutifIdon’tgetmyway,”thefemalethreatened.
“Nogamestoday,Aida.Iseriouslyhavestufftodo.You’vebeenmonopolizingallofmytimethepast

twodays,”hesaidinavoicethathadmebackingup.Iknewthatvoice.Heuseditwithme.

“ButI’mbored,andyoualwaysentertainme,”shearguedplayfully.
“Seriously,Ineedyoutogivemesometimetogetthingsdonetoday.I’llentertainyoutonight.We’llgo

out,getsomethingtoeat.I’lleventakeyoudancing.”

Myheartcracked.WhatIwashearingcouldn’tbeinterpretedmanyways.Masewasspendingtime

withanotherwoman.Hecaredforher.Icouldhearitinhisvoice.

Ihadassumedhewascheatingonmeoncebefore.Ididn’twanttodothatagain,butwhatelsecould

thismean?Iglancedatthetruckparkedbesidehisandthenbackatthedoorleadinginside.Myheart
wantedmetorunawayandcurlupinaballtokeepfromfallingapart.

ButmyheadwastellingmeIneededtofacethis.Whateveritwas.IshouldatleastgiveMasethe

chancetoexplainbeforeIleft.

AlltheexcitementIhadbeenfeelingmomentsearliercompletelydied.IwasfilledwithemotionsI

couldn’tevenbegintountangle.

Thewoman’slaughterfloatedoutside,followedbyMase’slowchuckle,whichalwaysmademefeel

warminside.Hewasenjoyinghimself.Beingwiththiswomanmadehimhappy.HadIbeengonefortoo
long?Hadheneededsomeoneelse?

OrhadhefiguredoutthatIwasn’tasspecialashethoughtIwas?
“Hello.CanIhelpyou?”thefemalevoiceasked.
Isnappedmyheaduptoseeherstandinginthedoorwayofthestablesasifshewereabouttoleave.

Shewastall,withlongblondhairpulledupinaponytail.Withoutanymakeupon,shewasstillstunning.
Fulllipsandperfectwhiteteeth.Herlargegreeneyesseemedtoglitterwithhappiness.Masehadthat
effectonwomen.

“Areyouhereaboutahorse?”sheasked,whenIsaidnothing,juststoodandstaredather.Thejeans

shewaswearingweretightandshowcasedslenderhipsandtinythighs.Shewasmodel-thin.Iwasnot.

“I-I,uh—”Istammered.HowcouldItalktothiswoman?Ishouldhavejustleft.ConfrontingMase

whileshestoodthere,lookinglikeaBarbiedoll,wasgoingtobeimpossible.Hewouldlookatthetwo
ofusstandingsidebysideandseewhowasthebetterpick.

“Areyoulost?”sheasked.
Yes.Iwascompletelylost.EverythingIthoughtIknewwastrue,everythingIthoughtwasmine,

wasn’t.“Maybe,”Iwhispered,thenshookmyhead.“No.Icametosee—”

“Reese!”Mase’svoiceboomedfrombehindthewoman,andbeforeIcouldsayanythingelse,hewas

pushingpastherandwrappingmeupinhisarms.“You’rehere!Whydidn’tyoutellmeyouwerecoming
home?Iwould’vecometogetyou.God,yousmellgood.Imissedthis.Imissedyousofuckingmuch!”

Istaredoverhisshoulderatthewoman,whowasnolongersmiling.ShewasstaringatmeasifIwere

repulsive.

“Iwanted...Iwantedtosur-surpriseyou,”Itrippedovermywords,notsurewhattothink.Ihad

heardhimwithher.Iknewhewasspendingtimewithher,andsheobviouslydidn’twantmehere.

Hegrabbedmyfaceandcoveredmymouthwithhis.AsunsureasIwasandashurtasIhadbeenby

whatI’dheardbetweenhimandthiswoman,Iquicklypushedmyfeelingstotheside.ThetasteofMase

andthefeelofhislipsmovingagainstminealwaysundidme.Hefeastedonmymouth,andIclungtohim
asIinhaledhisscent.Theflickofhistongueoverminemademeshiver.Nothingelseintheworld
matteredwhenIwaswithhimlikethis.

“Ahem.I’mstillhere,guys.Rememberme?”Theotherwoman’svoicebrokethroughmydelicious

haze,andIfroze.Pullingbackfromme,Maseactuallychuckledandglancedbackatthewoman,keeping
hisarmstightlywrappedaroundme.

“Sorry,Aida,mywomanishome,andI’mgoingtobeallkindsoftiedupforatleastthenextforty-

eighthours.Maybemore.Gofindsomethingtodobackatthehouse,”hesaid,thenkissedthetipofmy
noseasheturnedhisbackonthewomanagain.

“Kindaruderunningoffandleavingmeandnotintroducingmetoyourfriend,”shereplied,with

obviousdistasteinhertone.

Masegrinneddownatmeandwinked.“She’sadiva.You’llgetusedtoher.”Thenheturnedhishead

towardtheotherwoman.“Aida,thisisReese,thewomanIhaven’tshutupabout.TheoneItalktofor
hourseverynight.”Heturnedhisattentionbacktome.“Reese,meetmyonlygirlcousin,Aida.She’sabit
spoiled,alotdramatic,andeasilybored.”

Cousin?Ifthat’sallshewas,whywassheglaringatmelikeIwasstandinginherway?
IlookedbackatAida,andshesmirked.AlthoughIwascomfortedbytheknowledgethattheywere

related,somethingaboutthewayshelookedatmefeltlikeachallenge.

How...odd.

Mase

HavingReeseinmyarmsagainhelpedeasethefrustrationthatshehadn’tletmeknowshewascoming
home.Iwouldhavepickedherupfromtheairport.Ididn’tliketheideaofherarrivingwithnooneto
welcomeher.

“Didyoutakeacab?”Iasked,notlikingtheideaofthat,either.
Shenoddedbutdidn’tsaymore.
“Iwishyou’dcalledme.”Ipulledheragainstmeandwalkedherbacktowardmytruck.Iwastucking

herinsideandgettinghertoourhome.Whereshebelonged.

“Ithoughtsurprisingyouwouldbefun.”Sheseemedoff,likeshewasupset.Maybeshewasjusttired

fromtraveling.

“I’dsaycallmenexttime,buttherewon’tbeanexttime.I’mnotgoingtobeseparatedfromyoulike

thatagain.IfyouwanttogotoChicago,I’llgowithyou.”

Herbodyseemedtorelaxthenassheleanedclosertome.ThiswaswhatIneededtoday.Aidawas

exhaustinganddemanding.HavingherherehadhelpedeasethehurtofmissingReesebutonlybecause
shewasfullofdistracting,nonstopchatter.

AssoonasMommagothomeshewouldhavetoentertainAida.
ItookReese’ssuitcaseandputitinthebackofmytruck,thenslidahandunderherperfectassand

liftedherin.Thegigglethatescapedfromhersentawarmsensationrushingthroughmyveins.Ineeded
herlaughter.

“I’mnotlettingyouleavemysideforatleasttwodays.I’mneedy,”IsaidasIclimbedin.“Besides,I

pickedyouupacoupleofbooksatthelibrarylastweek.I’mreadyforyoutoreadthemtome.”

Shelaidherheadonmyshoulderandsighedcontentedly.“IreadtoyoualmosteverynightwhileIwas

gone.”

“Yeah,butyouweren’tnakedinmybed.”
Shelaughedagain,makingeverythinginmylifefeelperfect.ShewaswhatIhadbeenwaitingfor.

Everythingbeforeherhadbeendull,includingthegirls.Noonehadmademefeeltheexcitementof
wakingupeverymorningandseeingherface.Orgoingtobedeverynightwithherinmyarms.

“Youwantmetoreadnakedinbed?”sheaskedinanamusedtone.
“Hell,yeah,Ido.Iwantyoutodoeverythingnaked.”
Reesetiltedherheadbackandlookedupatme.“You’renotserious.”
Iglanceddownathersmilingface.“Yes,baby.WhenI’mtalkingaboutyoubeingnaked,I’mvery,very

serious.”

ShelaughedagainandIpulledherclosertome.ThiswaswhatIneeded.

ReeseheadedinsideasIliftedhersuitcaseoutoftheback.Itookamomenttowatchherwalkingintomy
house,soontobeourhouse.Itfeltdifferentwithherhere.Shebroughtwarmthandsunshinewithher.

Glancingbackoverhershoulder,shesmiled.“Areyoucoming?”
“Iwasjustenjoyingtheview,”Irepliedwithagrin,andImademywaytojoinher.
AssoonasIwasthroughthedoor,Isethersuitcasedownandreachedforher.Shesquealedinsurprise

asIpickedherupandcarriedherovertothesofa.Sinkingdownontothewornleather,Iheldherinmy
lapassheclungtomyshoulders.

“Welcomehome,”Isaid,justbeforeIcapturedherlipswithmine.
Theguyinmewantedtostriphernakedandfuckheragainstthedoor.Butthemanwhoknewwhatshe

neededwasgoingtoholdherandloveheralittlewhilefirst.Ineverwantedtomakeherthinkitwasall
aboutsexforme.Ihadbeeninlovewithherbeforewe’deverhadsex.Shewastooprecioustobe
treatedlikeahotpieceofass...althoughherasswasdivine.

Reesetookmyhatoffandtosseditontotheseatbesideus,thensankherfingersintomyhair.Her

kisseswerelikewarmhoney,andIwasprettydamnsureIcouldjustdothisforever.Softcurvesinmy
handsandthemouthofanangelweremorethanIhadeverimagined.ReesewasmorethanIhadever
imagined.

Thesoftplumpnessofherlipsbrushedagainstmybristlychinasshetrailedkissesovermyface.“You

haven’tshaved,”shewhispered.

“Iwasn’texpectingyou.”
“Ilikeit.It’ssexy,”shemurmured,andhermouthcamebacktomine.
“It’llhurtyoursoftskin,”Ireplied,beforetakingherkissdeeperanddrowningmyselfinthe

sweetness.Myhandsslidunderhershirttotouchherheatedskin,andsheshiveredinmyarms.

“IthinkI’dlikeittohurtalittle.Ifit’syouthat’sdoingit,”shesaid,shiftinginmylapuntilshewas

straddlingme.Herdarkhairfellaroundhershouldersasshegavemeashy,sexylittlesmilethatmademy
bloodpumpharder.

Ireachedupandcuppedherfaceandbrushedmythumbsacrosshercheeks.“Icouldneverhurtthis

skin.Thatwouldbetragic.”

Sheblushedandleanedforward,pressingherfaceintomyhands.“Ineedyou,”shewhispered.The

sparkofexcitementinhereyeswasallIneeded.

“Liftyourarmsup.”Shedidn’tquestionmebutdidexactlyasIsaid.Itookhershirtoffcarefullyand

placeditbesideus.Takinginthesightofherinabramademefeellikeateenageragain,seeingtitsfor
thefirsttime.Fuck,I’dmissedthose.

“Iwanttheminmymouth,butIneedtoshave,”Itoldher,unabletostopsoakinginthesightofthem.
“Please,Mase.Iwanttofeelyourscruffonmyskin.Iloveit.Ireallydo.”
Shewasgoingtodrivemecrazy.Iwantedtoseethemarksofmeonherskin,too.Ifeltguiltywanting

tohurtherinanyway,buthearingherbegforitwastootoughtoignore.

Ireachedbehindherandunclaspedherbra.Myheartthuddedinmychestasbothfullbreastsfellfree.

ThoseperfectpebblednipplesneededmeasmuchasIneededthem.

Fuckit.Ibentmyheadandpulledoneintomymouth,lettingitrollovermytongue.Reese’ssighsand

moansasshepulledtightlyatmyhairsentmyadrenalinespiking.Iwantedtobitedownandhearher
screaminpleasure.ButIcouldn’t.Ineverwantedtoscareherorhurther.Iwantedheralwaystofeel
safeandcherishedinmyarms.

“Iwantyourshirtoff,”shesaidwithasoftmoan.
I’ddowhatevershewanted.Ilethernipplepopfrommymouthandjerkedmyshirtoffinrecordtime.

Mymouthwasbackwhereitwantedtobeinseconds.Reese’snailsgentlytraileddownmychest,andher
palmscoveredmypecsasshebentherbackandwhisperedmynameinawaythatmademefeellikea
king.

Onceshe’dbeenscaredofthis.Knowingshetrustedmetoloveherandmakeherfeelgoodwas

somethingI’dnevertakeforgranted.Shehadbeenbrokenonce,andIintendedtomakesuresheneverfelt
thatwayagain.Iwouldprotectherfromallharm.Withme,shewouldalwaysknowshewassafe.

Herhipsbegantorock,andIbitbackawince.Mydickwasabouttoburstoutofmyjeans.Havingthe

zipperpressevenharderagainstitcausedpainalongwiththepleasure.

Ilethernipplegoinordertoclaimhermouthagainandinhaledhersweetness.Whenshewhimpered,I

brokethekissandtouchedmyforeheadtohers.“Let’stakeoffyourjeans,”Isaid,wantingtotouchmore
ofher.

“Let’stakeoffyours,”sherepliedwithagrin,theneasedbackoffmeandstoodup.
Iwatchedassheunzippedherjeansandslowlybegantowiggleoutofthem.Iwasentranced.Apairof

blacksatinpantiescameintoview,andthepainfromthezippergotworse.Ireachedformyownjeans
andunfastenedthemtogivemyselfsomerelief.ButInevertookmyeyesoffReese.Sheslidherjeans
downherlegsandtossedthemaside.

“Panties,”Isaid,butitsoundedmorelikeagrowl.
Herfaceflushedandhereyeslitwithdesireasshequicklyremovedthose,too.Ihadhercompletely

nakednow.Iwantedherlikethatinmyarmsforfuckingever.

“Youhaven’ttakenoffyourjeans,”shesaid,staringdownatmyboxerswhichwerenowinview.
“Iwasworkingonit.Youdistractedme.”
“Thenstandupandletmehelp,”shereplied,grinningwickedly.
IswearI’djumpoffacliffifsheaskedmeto.Thatgrincouldmakemedoanything.

Reese

Masestoodup,andmyeyeswenttohisrippledstomach,whichwassohardIcouldn’tkeepmyhandsoff
ofit.

“Anythingyouwant,”hesaid,lookingatmelikeIwashisworld.ThiswastheMaseIknew.ThemanI

trusted.ThemanIknewwouldneverhurtme.Ifeltguiltyfordoubtinghimearlier.Ihadn’thadanysafe
andsecurerelationshipsuntilrecently,soIdidn’tunderstandhowtotrustinthem.Untilnow.

IclosedthelittlespacebetweenusandtuggedonhisalreadyloosenedjeansuntilIrealizedhewas

stillwearinghisboots.Ilovedhisboots.“Youneedtotakethoseoff,”Iremindedhim.

Hesmirked,bentdown,andpulledthembothoffwithease.“Done.”
HemademefeelasifIcouldaskhimanythingandhewoulddoit.Thatwasapowerfulyethumbling

emotion.Icontinuedpullinghisjeansdown,pausingtoappreciatehismuscularthighsandperfectcalves.

Istoodup,glancingathisboxers.MycheeksfeltwarmasItouchedthemandgentlybeganpullingthem

down.IcouldhearMase’sbreathinghitch,andthatsentashiverofanticipationthroughme.Mybeing
closetohimlikethis—especiallyhispenis—excitedhim.Thatwasapowerfulfeelingforme,too.
KnowinghelikeditwhenItookmytime,IpausedandglancedupathimwhenIhadtheboxerslow
enoughtoexposehim.Hiseyeswereheatedwithexcitement.

Leaningin,Ipressedakisstotheswollenredtip.
“Fuck,baby,”hegroaned.
Ilikedthat.No,Ilovedthat.
Icontinuedmovinghisboxersdownhislegs,thenstoodupandtouchedhisstomachasIranmyhands

uphischest.Hishandssettledonmyhips.

“Letmetakeyoutobed,”hesaid,pullingmeflushupagainsthim.
“OK,”Iwhispered.
Hepickedmeupandheldmecloselytohischestashewalkedmetohisroom,mylegswrapped

aroundhiswaist.Hismouthcoveredmineinahungrykissbeforehelaidmedowngentlyontheking-size
bed.

Istaredupathim,lettingmylegsfallopenasIheldmyhandsupforhim.Iwantedhimcoveringme.

Completingme.

Masefellintomyarmsimmediately.
“Iloveyou,”hesaidferventlyashekissedmyneck.“IloveyousomuchIcan’tbreathe.Youaremy

heart,Reese.Mylife.”Hecontinuedtokissatraildownmyneckuntilhewasnibblingatmycollarbone.

“Mase,”Imoaned,liftingmyhips.Iwantedmore.Iwantedhiminsideme.Fillingme.
Heslippedahandbetweenmylegs,andhisfingerslidinside.“Sofuckingwet.Damn,”hegroaned.He

tookthatsamefinger,slippeditintohismouth,andsuckedonitbeforeloweringhimselfuntilIfeltthetip
ofhishardnesspressagainstme.

ThiswaswhatIneeded.Thisconnection.
Heslowlysankintome,stretchingmewithhissize.Themusclesinhisarmsbulged,andheclosedhis

eyestightly.Iwatchedhisbeautifulface.Thetightclenchingofhisjawandtheveininhisneck.Allofit
mademehumwithpleasure.

Whenhewasfinallydeepinsideme,hiseyesopened,andhemetmygaze.Therewassomuchemotion

inthemthatIfeltmyowneyesstarttotearup.Hedidn’thavetotellmehowhefeltaboutme—Icould
seeit.Hebareditalltomeinthatmoment,andIknewit.

“Wrapyourlegsaroundme,”hesaidinahoarsewhisperasheloweredhimselfevenfurther.His

mouthbrushedmyear.

IdidasIwastold.
“Sogood,”hesaid,whisperinghispraise.
Iheldontohisshoulders,readyforhimtomoveinsideme.Iknewitwouldbesoincredible—more

thanincredible,really;therewasnowaytodescribehowIfeltduringsexwithMase.

“Keepthoselegsopenwide,baby.Letmeloveyouuntilyoucan’trememberyourname.”
Withthosewords,henearlybroughtmetothebrinkofanorgasm.Wasthatevenpossible?
“Sweet,justlikethat.Letmemakeyoufeelgood.IwantyoutoreachheaventhewayIdowhenI’m

buriedinsideyou.”

IstartedtoassurehimIwasthere,thatIknewwhathewasfeeling,buthishipsrocked,andIlostall

thoughtsandtheabilitytobreatheasIheldontight.Hemadegrowlingsoundsofpleasureashesent
sparksofheatthroughme.

Whenthefirstorgasmcrashedoverme,hescoopedmeagainsthischestandwhisperedhowbeautifulI

wasandothersweetthingsIcouldn’tquiteremember—hiswordsandthesteadyrhythmofhismovements
werealreadybringingmetomynextorgasm.Quickly.Iheldhimclose,clingingtohimfordearlife.

Bythetimethethirdonehitme,Maseroaredandcriedoutmynameashisbodyshookwithhisown

orgasm.Hepressedhisfaceintomyneckashegaspedforair.

Feelinghimfallapartovermemademetremblewithpleasureoncemore,beforewecollapsed

together,ourheartsthuddingwildly.

ThesoundofknockingbrokeintomydreamsasIforcedmyeyesopen.Ilookedaroundinthedarknessof
theroom,Mase’swarmbodypressedagainstmineasIlaywrappedinhisarms.Afterthethirdtimewe’d
madelovelastnight,wehadbothpassedout.

Masegroanedandblinkedhiseyesopen.“Whatthe...?”hissleepyvoiceasked.
“Mase!”awoman’svoicecalledout.Irecognizedit.Aidawashere.“Openup.Ibroughtfood.”
“Shit,”hegrowledasheeasedoutofbed.Hewalkedovertotheclosetandgrabbedapairofjeans

andaT-shirt.Whenheturnedbacktome,hegavemeapleasedgrin.“Youhungry?”

Iwassleepybuthungry,too.Itlookedlikewehadsleptpastdinner.Inodded.
“I’llgetyoursuitcase.Takeyourtimegettingdressed.I’llfixyourplate,”hesaid,bendingdownto

pressakisstomylips.

Maselefttheroom.Ilaythere,tuckedintoblanketsthatsmelledlikehim.
IcouldhearAidaatthefrontdoorashervoicefilledthehouse.“Whattookyousolong?Ibroughtyou

food.I’dthinkyou’dbemoregrateful.”

“Thanks,”hesaidflatly.
“Whereyougoing?”
“BringingReesehersuitcase,”herepliedashisfootstepsmadetheirwaybacktothebedroom.
“Jesus,Mase.Youcould’veatleastpickedupherunderwearbeforeyouletmein,”Aidasaidinan

annoyedtone.Shedidn’tlikeme.Iwasn’tjustimaginingthat.

Hedidn’trespond.Whenheopenedthedoor,herolledhiseyesandgrinnedatme.Ourdiscarded

clothingwastuckedunderoneofhisarmsashecarriedmysuitcasewiththeotherhand.“Ignoreher.”

Hetossedourclothingontoachairandwinkedatme.“Getdressedandcomeeat.”
Whenhewalkedoutthistime,Isatup,worriedabouthowtofaceAida.
Ididn’twanthiscousintodislikeme,butIwasn’tsureifIhadanycontroloverthat.

Mase

Mommahadsentoverenoughfoodtofeedanarmy.Ireachedtogettwoplatesoutofthecabinet.“Tell
MommaIsaidthanksforthis.Reeseisprobablystarving.”

Aidawasstandingontheothersideofthecounterwithherhandonherhip.“Youonlygottwoplates.

IsReesenoteatingwithus?”

Us?Shit.
Aidawasn’tleaving.Itwasn’tthatIdidn’tenjoyhangingoutwithherwhenshevisited,butIdidn’t

wantherhangingoutwithusrightnow.IjustgotReeseback.Iwasn’treadytoshareheryet.

“Uh,Ifiguredyouhadalreadyeaten.”
Shelookedhurt.“No,Iwantedtoeatwithyou.Wealwayseatdinnertogether.”
Damn.Thiswasn’tgoingtobeeasy.
IsawmovementfromacrossthelivingroomandglanceduptoseeReesestandingthereinapairof

cutoffsweatsandaT-shirtthathuggedherbodyjustright.Iwantedtobealonewithher,butAidawas
here,andIcouldn’thurtherfeelings.

IsmiledatReese.“Comeeat.I’mgettingyouaplatereadynow.”SheglancedatAidathenbackatme

nervously.

“Shecan’tfixherownplate?”AidaaskedinasnarkyvoiceIdidn’tlike.
“Yeah,shecan.Butshedoesn’thaveto.NotwhenI’mhere.”
MyreplyseemedtoannoyAida,butshedidn’tsayanythingelse.Whatwasherdeal?Nowonder

Reeselookednervous.Aidawasn’tbeingherusualbubblyself.Reesewasseeingabadsideofher.

“Idon’tmind.Icandoit,”Reesesaidasshemovedtowardme.Sheseemedeagertoplease.Thiswas

theReeseI’dmet.Theonewhowasunsureofherselfandshy.Aidawasn’tgoingtobringthatoutofher
again—Iwouldn’tallowit.

“Igotthis,baby,”Iassuredher.
Shewalkedtowardthecabinets.“I’llfixthedrinks,then.Aida,whatwouldyoulike?”sheasked.
IlookedoveratAida,whoseemedevenmoreannoyedbeforeshesawmelookingather.Thenshe

smiled.“I’dlikesweettea,please,”shereplied.Hersmiledidn’tmeethereyes.Iwasgoingtohavea
talkwithAida.Somethingwasoffwithher.

“Mommasenttea,too,”ItoldReese,slidingthegallonofteaacrossthecountertoher.“I’lltakesome,

too.”

Reesesmiledupatme,relievedaboutsomething,andbeganpouringthreeglasses.“Iloveyour

momma’ssweettea,”shesaid.

AndmymommalovedReese.Iwassurprisedshehadn’tbroughtthefoodoverandhadsentAida

instead.

IslidaplateovertoAidabeforeIpickedupReese’sandwalkedovertothetabletosetitdown.

Reesewassettingtheglassesofteaateachseat.Ipulledhertomeandkissedher.

“Eatalot.Youneedyourenergy,”Iwhisperedinherear,thenwalkedbackovertofixmyownplate.
Aidawasfrowningatme.“Doyouhavetodothatwithmehere?”
“Myhouse,Aida.IcandowhatIwantinit.Youdon’tlikeit,youcaneatatMomma’s.”Iwastiredof

hersnarkyattitude.Shewasneverlikethis.Ididn’tknowwhathadgottenintoher.

“That’srude,”shesaid,soundinghurt.
“WhenIwanttokissReese,Iwill.Getoverit.”
Ididn’twaitforhertosaymorebutgrabbedseveralpiecesoffriedchickenandabiscuitbefore

walkingbacktothetable.

Reesewassittingthere,staringdownatherplatewithherhandsinherlap,lookingalittlelost.

“You’renoteating,”Isaid.

Sheliftedhergazetomeetmine.“Iwaswaitingforthebothofyoutojoinme.”
Aidasatdownontheothersideofme.“Soarewestillgoingtothecattleauctiontomorrow?I’vebeen

lookingforwardtothatallweek.”

IkeptmygazeonReese.“Doubtit.Idon’texpectReesewillwanttogetupthatearly.”
“Reesedoesn’thavetogo,”Aidareplied.
Shewasreallystartingtopissmeoff.“Shejustgothome.I’mnotgoinganywherewithouther.”
IfeltReese’ssofthandtouchmyarm.“Ifyouneedtogotothecattleauction,Icangetupearly.Don’t

letmebethereasonyoudon’tdothingsyouneedtodo.”

Shewastryinghardtofixthings.Ididn’twantherthinkingshehadtodothat.Thiswasherhome.She

belongedhere.

“Myneedtohaveyoualltomyselfiswhat’skeepingmefromdoingthings.Idon’tintendtodoshit

tomorrow.Iwantyoualoneinthishousewithme.”

Reeseblushed,andasmiletuggedatherlipsbeforesheloweredhergazebacktotheplateinfrontof

her.

“Doesthatmeanyouaren’tgoingtotheStouts’forthebarbecuetomorrownight?They’reexpecting

you.”

TheStoutsownedoneofthetwobiggestranchesinafifty-mileradius;myfamilyownedtheother.I’d

grownupwiththeirson,Hawkins.Weweren’tclosefriends,butwebothknewwe’dbetakingoverour
fathers’positionsoneday.

IglancedatReese.“YouupforaTexasbarbecue?”
Shenodded.“Thatsoundsfun.”
HavingReeseonmyarmandintroducinghertothepeopleintownmadegoingtothebarbecuefeel

morebearable.

“GuessIlostmydate.WhowillIdancewithnow?”Aidaaskedwithapout.
Shewasbeingexasperating.Ihadstartedtorespondtoherridiculouscommentwhenshedroppedher

forktoherplatewithaclatterandstoodup.

“Youdon’twantmehere.I’mjustintheway.”Sheturnedandheadedforthedoor.
Whatthefuck?Wherehadmyfunlittlecousingone?She’dturnedintoanangrycrybaby.Thiswasnot

likeheratall.“Ineedtotalktoher,”ItoldReese.“Idon’tknowwhat’sgottenintoher.”

Reesenoddedandgavemeasmilethatdidn’tmeethereyes.Thatbotheredme.Ihadtofixthisthing

withAidasoshewouldstopupsettingReese.

IfollowedafterAidaonlytofindherathertruck,crying.“Whatiswrongwithyou?”IaskedasI

walkeddownthestepstowardher.

Shelookedupatmewithatear-streakedface.“Idon’t...she’s...youdon’thaveanytimeforme

withherhere.”

“Aida,thisisn’tacompetitionformytime.MylifeandmyfutureallbelongtoReese.She’sapartof

me.Weareapackagedeal.Iwouldthinkyou’dbehappyforme,butyou’vehardlyevenspokentoReese.
Iwantyoutobefriends.You’remyfamily,andshewillbe,too,soonenough.”

Aidawipedathertearsandsniffed.“Sowewon’tevergettodoanythingtogetheragain,justyouand

me?”

Itriedtounderstandwhyshewascrying.IhadalwaysgivenAidaallofmyattentionwhenshevisited.

Shedidn’tcomeoveroftenwhenweweregrowingup,butwhenshedid,ItreatedherthewayItreated
mylittlesister,Harlow.Butthingshadchanged,andwewereadultsnow.Shewasn’tthatlittlegirl
anymore.Ididn’thavetoletherfollowmearound,andIwasn’tobligatedtoentertainhereverysecond
shewashere.

“IfyouwouldgiveReeseachance,Iknowyou’dloveher.She’seasytolove.Everyonewhomeetsher

lovesher.Wecanalldothingstogether.I’mnotcuttingyououtofmylife,butyouhavetounderstand
Reeseismylifenow.”

Aidasniffledandsighed.“Youwon’thavetimeformeanymore.”
Shewasright.Iwasn’tgoingtobeabletodropeverythingandescorthereverywhereshewantedme

to.“We’regrown-up,Aida.Wearen’tkidsanymore.I’mnotasingleguywhohastimetodowhatever
youwant.Thosedaysaregone.”

Shenodded,andhertearsseemedtodryup.“OK.Icanacceptthat.Butcanyouatleastnotignore

me?”

“Idon’tignoreyou.”
Aidaseemedappeasedbythatandstartedtoopenhertruckdoor.Ireachedaroundherandopenedit

forher.Sheclimbedinside.“BenicetoReesenexttime,willya?”Isaid,beforeIclosedherdoorand
headedbackinsidetomygirl.

Reese

IfinishedeatingaloneandcleanedupmyplateandAida’sbeforewalkingbacktothebedroom.Iwasn’t
surehowlonghewouldbegone,andIwishedIcouldshutmymindoffaboutwhatwasgoingon.Ihad
onlyjustmetMase’simmediatefamily.Howwoulditaffectusifhiscousinhatedme?BecauseIwas
prettysureshedid,thoughIwasn’tsurehowtofixthat.Harlowwassosweetandacceptingofme,and
shewashissister.Itshouldbeeasiertowinoverhiscousin.

ThestreamofwarmwaterfeltwonderfulwhenIsteppedintotheshower.JustasIclosedthedoor,I

heardMasecallmyname.

Ihadstartedtoopenthedoorandanswerhimwhenheappearedinthebathroomdoorway.Hewalked

straighttowardme,andIwatchedhimthroughtheglassashiseyestrailedovermelikeIwashismeal
insteadofthefoodI’dleftforhimonthetable.

Heopenedtheshowerdoor,andoureyesmetjustbeforehestartedstrippingoffhisclothes.
“Ileftyourfoodonthetableforyou,”Isaid,watchinghimstepoutofhisjeansandboxers.
“Can’teatknowingyou’renakedandwetinmyshower,”hereplied,andsteppedunderthestreamof

waterwithme.

“Youdidn’teatverymuch.”Isoundedbreathless.
Hesmirked.“Turnaround,Reese.Putyourhandsonthewall.Iwanttokissmyspot.”
Hisspotwasthefreckleundermyleftbuttcheek.Hewasobsessedwithit.Andwhenhewantedtobe

naughty,thatwasthefirstthinghekissed.

Mybodytrembledwiththethrillofwhatwastocome,andIturnedandleanedtowardthewall,

bracingmyselfasIliftedmybottomupforhim.

Hisfingerbrushedbackandforthoverthefreckle.“Lovethis.Drivesmefuckingcrazy,”hesaid,and

hislipspressedagainstthesmallofmybackandbegantrailingkissesovermyassuntilhewaslicking
andkissingthefreckle.“Myfreckle,”hesaidagainstmyskin.

Mykneesfeltweak,andmybodytrembled.
“Spreadyourlegs,”hedemanded,andthetoneofhisvoicemademyinsidesquiver.Imovedthem

apartandhopedIwouldn’tcrumpletotheground.

“Mypussy,”hesaid,justbeforehistonguebegantastingmethere.
Iwashis.EverythingaboutmebelongedtoMaseColtManning.Icriedouthisnameashebeganto

teasemyclit.

“Begood,baby.Thisismydessert.”
“Mase,”Iwhimpered,notsureIcouldstandtheremuchlonger.
“Yes,baby?”Hiswarmbreathbathedmysensitiveflesh,andthepulsingneedgrewstronger.
“Ican’t...stand,”Isaid,feelingmykneesstarttogiveout.
Hishandswereonmywaist,pickingmeupandturningmearound.“Igotyou,”hesaid,beforebending

down,takingoneofmylegs,anddrapingitoverhisshoulder.

AnotherwhimperescapedfrommeatthesightofMaseonhiskneeslikethat.
“Justletmeloveyou,”hesaidwithafiercelook,beforeburyinghisfacebetweenmylegs.
Igrabbedhisshouldersandcriedoutashetookmetoanotherrealmofpleasure.

Myeyesflutteredopenasmybackhitthesoftbed.IglancedupatMase.Hisbodywasdry,buthishair
wasstilldamp.Thesmugsmileonhisfacemademeacheformore,eventhoughIwasn’tsureIcoulddo
more.

Hepulledbackthecoversandcrawledinbesideme,thencoveredusbothup.
“Gladyou’reback,”hesaid,holdingmeclose.“Thatmusthavebeenonehellofanorgasm.”
Ifrowned.“Itwas...but...”Icouldn’trememberwhathadhappenedafterithitme.Ihadsplintered

offintoamillionpieces,andMasehadjustkeptslidinghistongueovermeuntilIcouldn’ttakeanymore.
I’dbeenbeggingandgaspingforairandthen...nothing.

“Eitheryou’reexhausted,orI’mjustthatdamngood,”hesaid,soundingpleasedwithhimself.
“Whathappened?”Ifinallyasked.
Masebenthisheadandkissedmyforehead.“Youpassedoutfromyourorgasmafterscreamingmy

name.Itwasamazing.”

“Oh,myGod,”Iwhispered.“Ididn’tknowthatcouldhappen.”
“Me,neither,”hereplied,stillgrinning.
“Youjustkeptgoingand...”
“Youtastelikeafuckingcinnamonbun,andwhenyoucome,it’slikesweetcream.Icouldn’tstop.It

wastoodamngood.”

Iburiedmyfaceinhischest.Iwasembarrassedandpleased.
Hechuckledandheldmetighter.“Toldyouthatpussywasgonnaownme.”
Iinhaledhimandclungcloser.
“Sleep,baby.You’reexhausted.Getsomerest.”
“Iloveyou,”Isaid,leaningmyheadbacktolookupathim.
“Andthatmakesmetheluckiestmanintheworld.”
Hiseyeswarmedmeup,insideandout.Ilaidmyheadagainsthischest,andsleepcamequickly.

Mase

Thenextday,IdiscoveredthatAidaandIwouldbetheonlyColtsattheStouts’party.Mystepdadhad
neededtodrivetoAustinforbusiness,andmymommahadgonewithhim.Shehadcalledandaskedme
totakeAidawithus.Shedidn’twanthertodriveovertherealone.Iwasn’tsureItrustedAidatobenice
toReeseyet,butI’daskedhertocomewithusanyway.

AftermakinglovetoReeseonthekitchentableafterbreakfast,thenagainonthesofawhilewewere

supposedtobewatchingamovie,andthenagainonthebedwhenshe’dgonetotakeanap,she’dreally
neededtogetsomerest.I’dwokenherupanhouragososhe’dhavetimetogetready.

Iheardaknockonthedoor,andwhenIopenedit,Aidasmiledupatme.Shewaswearingareddress

thatprobablycosttoomuchmoneyandapairofstilettoheels,whichactuallywasn’tunusualforthiskind
ofparty.TheStoutswereincrediblywealthyandraninelitecircles.Sheseemedhappyandinabetter
mood.Relieved,Isteppedbackandletherin.

“Reeseshouldbereadyinafewminutes,”Itoldher.
JustasIsaidthewords,thebedroomdooropened,andIturnedtoseeReesesteppingoutoftheroom

wearingashortblue-jeansskirtwithapairofboots.AllIsawwasherlegs.Holyhell,herlegswere
reallyoutthere.Mine.Menweren’tgoingtobeabletotaketheireyesoffthem.

Iliftedmygazetoseeshewasalsowearingaprettywhiteblousetiedaroundherwaist.Thefabric

showedoffthesunkissedglowofherskin.Imethergaze,andmybreathhitched.Herlongdarkhairwas
pulledtothesideanddrapedoveroneshoulder.Asalways,hermakeupwasminimal.Iwouldn’tbeable
toletheroutofmysighttonight.

“You’regorgeous,baby.Maybeweshouldjuststayhere,”Isaid,honestlyconsideringit.
Reese’ssmilebrightened,andasmiletuggedatthecornersofherlips.
“Uh,yeah...Iguessbluejeanswilldo,”Aidasaidhesitantly.
Reese’sfacefellimmediately,andworrytouchedherbrow.Iknewherwardrobewaslimited.She

didn’thavedesignerclothingliketheotherwomenwhowouldbeatthisbarbecue,butnoonetherewould
holdacandletoReese.Anexpensivedresscouldn’tcompetewithher.

“Ithoughtitwasabarbecue.Icanfindsomethingdressier.Ididn’tknow—”
“You’reperfect.SoperfectI’mnotleavingyoursideallnight,”Itoldher.
SheglancedfromAidatome,stilllookingunsureofherself.
“He’sright.You’lldo.Weneedtogo,orwe’llbemorethanjustfashionablylate,”Aidasaidatmy

side.

IwalkedovertoReeseandpulledhertome.“You’rebreathtaking.Iswear.”Islidmyhandtoreston

herlowerbackandledhertothedoor.

Aidaforcedasmileandturnedtoleave.
“Shelookssonice.Ishouldfindsomethingdressier.Idohaveheels,”Reesesaid.

“No.She’soverdressed,”Iassuredher.
Reesedidn’trelax,likeshewasn’tsureshebelievedme.
Aidawenttothepassengersideofmytruckandopenedthedoortoclimbinfirst.Ipausedfora

moment,thenledReesetomysideandhelpedherclimbintothecabsoshecouldsitinthemiddleseat
besideme.Ididn’twanttohurtAida’sfeelingsbyaskinghertogetoutandletReeseinfirst.Iclimbedup
behindReeseandsettledin.

“Iwon’tbeabletoreachtheradio,”Aidasaid,clearlyannoyed.Ididn’tthinkshehadintentionally

meanttositbetweenReeseandme,butIwasn’tsure.

“Good,”Ireplied.IneverlikeditwhenAidacontrolledtheradio.
OnceIhadusheadedtowardthemainroad,IslippedmyhandoverReese’sbarethighandsqueezed.

Thatsmallgestureseemedtoeasehersome.

“Whowillbeatthisparty?Justthepeopleintown?”Reeseasked.
“EveryonetheStoutsdobusinesswith.Bankers,lawyers,ranchers,andthenthefolksfromtheir

restaurantchainwhoownoneoftheirfranchises.Theyflyinfromeverywhere,”Aidasaid,sounding
pleasedwithherself.

Reesestiffenedagain.
“YoumaketheStoutssoundmoreimportantthantheyare,”IsaidtoAida,shootingheranannoyed

glance.

Aidashrugged.“Theyaretothoseofuswhosefathersaren’tlegendaryrockstars.”
“Myfatherisarancher,”Ireplied,notlikingthefactthatshe’dbroughtupKiro.Ididn’ttalkaboutmy

biologicalfathermuch.Hewasn’tapartofmylife;mystepdadwastheonewhohadactuallyraisedme.
MyonlyconnectiontoKirowasthroughHarlow.Hehadbeenamuchbiggerpresenceinmyhalfsister’s
life.

“Whatever,Mase.Youhavefameinyourblood.Getoverit,”Aidasaid,andsmirkedatme.
Reesesmoothedherskirtnervously.Shewasworriedaboutthisdamnbarbecuenow.Iwantedtoforget

thestupidthing.Ididn’twanttoforcehertodoanythingthatupsether.

“Wecangohomenow.Youjustsaytheword,”Itoldher,squeezingherthighagain.
“What?No,wecan’t!I’mnotmissingthisparty.”Aida’shigh-pitchedwhinewasoutofline.
“Iwanttogo,”Reesesaid,andleanedintome.
“Ifyoudecideyouwanttogohomeatanypoint,justtellme.I’llgetAidaaride.”Iignoredtheglare

Aidawasshootingmyway.

Reesedidn’tsayanything;shejustleanedinevenclosertomyside.
Thelargeirongatesstoodopen,andacoupleoflargemeninsuitsstoodattheentrance.Istoppedand

rolleddownthewindow.

“Name?”Themanasked.
“MaseColt,”Ireplied,leavingtheManningoffofmyname.Mostpeoplearoundherethoughtofmeas

aColt.

Henodded.“Welcome,Mr.Colt.Youmayproceed.”
Ifollowedtheextravagantbrickdriveuntilwecameuptothefrontofthethree-storyhouse,whichwas

biggerthanmostfolks’homesaroundhere.Thevaletstoodwaiting,butIwasn’tlettingsomekidinatux
parkmytruck.

Whenthevaletapproached,hehadafakesmileplasteredonhisface.
“Icanparkmyowntruck,”Iinformedhim.
Helookedconfused.“Uh,well,it’soutthere...butit’sawalk.”Hepointedouttowardtheleftofthe

house,whereseveralcarswerealreadyparked.

“Thanks,”Ireplied,thenglancedbackatReeseandAida.“Y’allcangoaheadandgetoutheresoyou

don’thavetowalk.”

Reesereachedupandtookmyarm.“I’llstaywithyou.Idon’tmindwalking.”
Aidarolledhereyesandreachedforherdoor.“I’mgettingout.”
Thevalethurriedtoopenherdoortherestofthewayandhelpedherout.Assoonasheclosedit,I

drovedowntotheparkingarea.Ineverlikedleavingmykeyswithsomestranger.Amancouldparkhis
owndamnwheels.

Reese

Thebackyardwherethebarbecuewasbeingheldlookedlikesomethingoutofamagazine.Lanternshung
frommassiveoaktrees,castingtheirlightasnightfallapproached,andtwinklywhitelightswerestrung
fromtreetotree,makingawhimsicalcanopyoverthetablesandwhiteupholsteredchairs,whichdidn’t
lookliketheybelongedoutside.

Abandwasonthestageplayingeverythingfrompopularcountrymusictoclassical.Therewasevena

dancefloor,withthesamecanopyoflightsastheeatingarea.

Butwhatstoodoutthemostwasthewaythewomenweredressed.Aidahadbeenright—ablue-jeans

skirtdidn’tfitinhere.Notevenmenwerewearingbluejeans.IshouldhavequestionedthefactthatMase
hadonapairofstraight-leggedkhakiswithhisbootsinsteadofhisusualjeans.Thebutton-downbaby-
blueOxfordshirtwasdressierthananythingheeverwore.Whyhadn’tIinsistedthatheletmegoback
andchange?

Hishandrestedonmylowerbackashedirectedmetowardthecrowd.Peoplestoodaroundingroups,

champagneglassesintheirhands,astheytalkedamongthemselves.Diamondsglitteredonthewomen’s
hands,wrists,ears,andnecks.HadMaseneverbeentooneofthese“barbecues”before?Ifiguredhe’d
cometomanyofthem.WhyhadhesaidAidawasover-dressed?

“MaseColt,”atall,broad-shoulderedmanwithgrayinghairathistemplescalledoutinadeepvoice

aswesteppedintothelight.“It’sgoodtoseeyou.Iwasn’thereforthelastexchange.Hawkinssaid
everythingwentsmoothly,asalways.”

“Yes,sir.Dadwaspleased¸”Masereplied.
Thiswasthesecondtimehe’dbeenreferredtoasColt,notColtManning,tonight.I’dneverheardhim

drophislastnamebefore.

Theman’sattentionmovedtome,andforamoment,Iwantedtorunandhideunderatable.“AndIsee

you’vebroughtabeautifulwoman.”

Mase’shandremainedonmyback.“Yes,sir.ThisisReeseEllis.Reese,thisisArthurStout,abusiness

partnerofoursandthehostofthis‘modest’barbecue.”

Arthurchuckled.“That’sactuallymywife’sfault.Shecan’tdoanythingsmall.It’sapleasuretomeet

you,Reese.AbouttimeMasehadawomanonhisarm.Everygoodmanneedsagoodwomanathisside.
BeentryingtotellHawkinsthatforyears,buthedoesn’tlisten.”

“Whenhemeetsher,youwon’thavetotellhimanything.It’lljusthappen,”Masesaid,makingmyheart

thudandmychestfeelwarm.

ArthurStoutgrinnedandnoddedhishead.“Reckonthat’sso.Godknowsthat’showitwaswithhis

momma.Godresthersoul,shetookapartofmewhensheleftthisworld.”

“Arthur,honey,youmustmeetChantel.She’sfromtheclub.Iwasjusttellingyouaboutourlovelytea

theotherday,”saidawomanwholookedonlyafewyearsolderthanme.Thediamondonherhand

caughtthelightandtwinkled.

“Coming,darling,”hereplied.“Imustgo.Youtwoenjoyyourselves.”
Iwatchedhimgo,thenlookedupatMase,alittleconfused.
“Piperishissecondwife.Hisfirstwifepassedawaytenyearsagofromcancer.HemarriedPiperfour

yearsago,”Masesaid,understandingmyconfusion.

“Butshelookssoyoung,”Iwhispered,watchingthewomanclingtothearmofamanwhohadtobein

hissixties.

“Shewastwenty-twowhenhemarriedher.Hisson,Hawkins,isayearolderthanher.”
Ew.
Maselookedatmyfaceandchuckled.“Comeon.Let’sgetadrink.Stoutstartedhisownbreweryabout

sevenyearsago.Hehassomecidersyoumightlike;Iknowyou’renotafanofbeer.”

Iwalkedwithhimtowardtheextravagantbar.
“Thereyouare!IsawAidaearlier,andshesaidyouwerehere.Iwonderedifyoudroppedheroffand

thenwenttohide.”

Masestoppedandturnedhisheadtowardthevoice,justasIdid.Anattractiveguywithshortblond

hairandpaleblueeyeswaswalkingtowardus.

“Aidadidn’ttellmeyoubroughtadate,”themansaidashestoppedinfrontofus,lookingatmewitha

pleasedsmile.

“Hawkins,”Masereplied,withahardertonethanhe’dusedwithHawkins’sfather.
HawkinsgrinnedevenbiggerandfinallylookedatMase.“Pleasetellmeshe’sanothercousin,”he

said.

Mase’shandslidaroundmyback,nowgrippingmeatmyhipashepulledmetowardhim.“No.She’s

mine.”

Hawkinskeptsmiling.
“Reese,thisisHawkinsStout.Hawkins,thisisReeseEllis,”Masesaid,soundingannoyed.
Hawkinsheldouthishand.“It’snicetomeetyou,ReeseEllis,”hesaid.
Islippedmyhandintohis,wonderingifweweregoingtoshake,butheliftedmyhandtohismouthand

pressedakissthere.Ifroze.Iwasn’texpectingthat.

Maseclearedhisthroat,andHawkins’sgazeleftmetolookatMasewithamusement.“Easy.I

understand,”hesaidwithasmirk,thentookastepback.“Enjoyyourevening.Wehaveseveralnew
brewsyouwouldenjoy.”

“Headedtothebarnow,”Masereplied.
Hawkinsgavemeonelastsmilebeforeexcusinghimselftogreetotherguests.
Istartedtosaysomethingbutdecidedagainstit.Masedidn’tsayanything,soItookhisleadand

walkedtowardthebar.

Heorderedabeer,andIdecidedontheblueberrycideraftertryingasample.Oncewehadourdrinks,

weturnedtoseeAidacomingdirectlyforus...orforMase.Shelookedupset.Reallyupset.

“Ineedyou,”shechokedout.
“What’swrong?”heasked
Shelookedpointedlyatmeandthenbackathim,pleadingly.“Ican’ttalkaboutithere.Please,”she

begged.

Masenodded.“OK,wheredoyouwanttogo?”
“Somewherewecanbealone.Ijust...Ican’t.”Shecoveredhermouthandsqueezedhereyestogether

dramatically.Iwasn’tsureifIbelievedsomethingwaswrong.

Masenoddedtowardthehouse.“Let’sgoinside.”
Shenodded,andthenMase’shandwasatmyback,guidingmeforward.Iknewthiswasn’tAida’sidea

of“alone.”IhadstartedtosaysomethingwhenshesawIwasfollowingalong.

Herfacecrumpledagain.“Ican’ttalkaboutthiswithher.Justyou.”
Maseshookhishead,asifhewasabouttoargue.
“It’sHeath.He’sherewithher,”Aidasaidwithasob.
Mase’sfrowngrew.“Iknowthat’shard,Aida,butIcan’tleaveReesealone.Shedoesn’tknowanyone

here.”

ThiswasmychancetowinAidaover,ifonlyalittle.“Yes,youcan.Ihaveadrink,andIcansitinone

ofthoselovelychairsandwait.Gowithher.She’supset.”

Masedidn’tseemconvinced.
Aidasobbedagain.“Please,Mase.Ineedyoutotalkmeoffaledge.”
“Go,”Irepeated.
Finally,Masesighedandpressedakisstomyforehead.“I’llbebackquickly,”hewhispered.
Inodded,andhefollowedAidainside.Iwatchedthemuntiltheyreachedthehouse,andthenIturnedto

surveythescene.Iwasatapartyfullofstrangers,andnooneelsewassittingdownyet.Maybethetables
wereofflimitsuntilweate.

Imademywaytotheshadows,wherethelightsfromthetreesdidn’treach.Icouldseethehousefrom

here,andwhenMasereturned,I’dbeabletoseehim.

Itwasn’tuntilIwasoutofthelightandmyeyesadjustedtothedarknessthatIsawIwasn’talone.I

paused.ShouldIbeconcerned?OrmaybeIshouldjustexcusemyselfandfindanotherdarkspot.

“Heleavesyouforanotherwoman,andyouhideinthedark,”adeepvoicesaid.Icouldjustmakeout

theshapeofamanleaningagainstabaleofhaywithabeerinhishand.IstudiedhimquicklytoseeifI
shouldbeworried.ThefirstthingInoticedwashisjeans,thenhiswhiteOxfordshirt,similartoMase’s
blueone.Buthissleeveswererolleduptohiselbows.TheonlythingIcouldmakeoutclearlyfromhis
featureswashisgreeneyes,whichburnedwithaninnerlight.

“Youdecidedyet?”themanasked,makingmeself-consciousthatIwasstillstaringathim.
“What?”Iasked,confused.
Alowrumblethatsoundedlikealaughcamefromhim.Hetiltedhishead,andIrealizedhishairwas

pulledbackinaponytail.Althoughitwasdark,Icouldmakeouthighlightsinhishair.Seemedlikehe
spentalotoftimeinthesun.“AmIsafetobearound?That’swhatyou’retryingtodecide,isn’tit?”

Washesafetobearound?
“That’sdebatable,ifyouaskme,”hesaid.
“What’sdebatable?”Iasked.
Hetookadrinkofhisbeerandstudiedmeamomentbeforerespondingtomyquestion.“WhetherI’m

safeornot.”Helaughedagain,althoughitwaslowandalmosthardtohear.“Youhaveanexpressive
face.”

Howcouldheevenseemyfaceouthereinthedark?
Heshiftedhisstanceandcrossedhisleftankleoverhisrightone.Iglancedathisbootsandrealized

theyweren’tlikeMase’sboots.Theyweremorelikecombatboots.

“Whyareyououthereinthedark?”Iasked,notmeaningtoactuallysaythatoutloud.
Hehelduphisbeer.“Drinkingmybeerinpeace.”
Inodded.Thatmadesense.Maybehedidn’tlikecrowds,either.
“Whyareyououthereinthedark?”heasked.
Iglancedbackatthehouse,andtherewasnosignofMaseyet.“I...myboyfriendwenttodealwith

something.Hiscousinisupset.”

Theguystaredatmewhilehedrankhisbeer.Itmademenervous.Itwaslikehecouldreadallmy

thoughts.“Butheknowsyouaren’tcomfortableinacrowdofpeopleyoudon’tknow.Amanshouldn’t
leavehiswoman.”

Hedidn’tunderstandthesituation.Whowashetojudgesomethinghedidn’tknow?“Hiscousinis

upset.Itoldhimtogo.”

“Doesn’tchangethefactthatheshouldn’thaveleftyou.”
Ididn’tlikethisman.Iwouldratherfacethecrowdthanhideoutherewithhim.“Don’tmake

assumptionsaboutsomethingyouknownothingabout,”Isaidangrily,beforeturningandwalkingback
intothelight,justintimetoseeMase,hiseyesscanningthetablesforme.Hislongstridesquickenedas
hewalkeddownthestepsandpassedseveralpeoplewhoweretryingtospeaktohim.Whenhisgaze
finallylandedonme,helookedrelieved.

Ihurriedtowardhim,decidingIwouldn’tmentiontheguyintheshadows.

Mase

Aidawasbeingdramatic.She’dstarteddatingHeathwhenshecametovisituslastyear,butithadmeant
moretoherthantohim.She’dbrokenupwithhimayearagobecausehe’dcheatedonherwithaformer
friendofhers.IhadwarnedherwhenshestarteddatingHawkins’scousinthatHeathStoutwasaplayer.
Now,ayearlater,shewashavingadramaticbreakdown?Sheknewhe’dbehere.

IhatedleavingReese,butIknewAidawasn’tgoingtoletupuntilIdid.IscannedthecrowdforReese.

Shewasn’twhereshe’dsaidshewouldbe.Iheardmynamecalledbyseveralpeople¸butIkeptmyfocus
asIsearchedforher.WhenIturnedandsawherwalkingtowardme,Iletoutasighofrelief.Shewas
OK.

“I’msorryaboutthat,”Isaid,asIslippedmyhandbackaroundherwaistandpulledheragainstme.

“Aidawasbeingadramaqueen.”

“Itwasfine.Ididn’tmindatall.Ijustwalkedaroundandcheckedthingsout.”
Iglancedbacktowhereshehadcomefromandsawamanwalkingoutoftheshadows.Hewasstaring

atmewithanamusedsmirk,butIdidn’trecognizehim.Hewasdressedinjeansandcombatbootsand
hadamoreimpressiveponytailthanIdidwhenIpulledmyhairback.

“River,comehere,Iwantyoutomeetsomeone,”ArthurStoutbellowed.IturnedmyheadtoseeArthur

walkinguptomeashewavedatthemanwiththeponytail.

Riverdidn’tseemtobeinahurry.
Oncehereachedus,Arthurslappedhimontheback.“Mase,meetRiverKipling.He’sbeenrunningthe

StoutandHawkinsSteakhouseinKeyWest.Headdedfreshseafoodtothemenu,andit’snowourmost
successfulfranchiselocation.I’vebroughthimheretodothesamefortheDallaslocation.Heknowshis
seafood,”Arthurexplained.“River,thisisMaseColt.He’sourmainsupplierofbeefcattle,otherthanthe
onesweraiseourselves.Coltranchisaboutpurequality.Youneedtomakeavisitandseewhathe’sgot
goingonthere.”

“FromKeyWesttoDallas.That’sabigchangeofscenery,”Isaid,notlikingthewayhisgazekept

goingtoReeseorthewayshetensedupbesideme.

“Somesceneryisbetterthanothers,”hereplied,hiseyesfixedonReese.Ididn’tlikethatshitatall.
“ExpectRivertocomeforavisitwithmenextweek.I’vegotafewotherpeopleIneedtointroduce

himto.Drinkup,andtakethatprettygirloutonthedancefloor,”Arthursaid,beforeheturnedtoRiver
andledhimaway.RivertookonemorelookatReeseandfollowedhim.

“Idon’tlikehim,”Reesesaidfirmly.
Iglanceddownather.“Who?”
“ThatRiverguy.Herubsmethewrongway.”
Grinning,Ileaneddownandkissedherlips.Iwantedthoselips.Ialsowantedherupagainstawall

withhershortlittleskirtpusheduparoundherwaist.Thebootscouldstayon.

“I’mnotafan,either.”
Twohourslater,Ihadforcedasmileandspokentoeveryonemystepdadwouldhavewantedmeto.

Reesehadbeensafelytuckedatmysidethewholetime.I’dhadtoremindmyselfnottogetfuriouswhen
men’sgazesfelltoherlegs.Shewasshowingthemofftonight,andIhadtoexpectthat.ButIdidn’thave
tofuckinglikeit.

Reesehadsurprisedmeandchosentheribsfordinner.Iwaspositiveshewastheonlywomaneating

ribs.Watchinghereataribwassexyashell,andI’dhadahardtimefocusingonmyownplateoffood;
myeyeskeptgoingtohermouthandthewayhertonguekeptflickingouttolickthesauceoffherlips.

IwasreadytoheadhomeandlookedaroundforAida.IwantedtoleaveherheresoIwouldn’thaveto

dealwithherwantingtocomebacktomyplacetonighttovisit.IhadplansforReeseandthatskirt...
andthoseboots.

“Dancewithme,”Aidasaid,andherhandclaspedmyarm.Shehadsnuckupbehindme.
“I’mreadytogo,”Ireplied.
Shepouted.“Youhaven’tdancedwithmeallnight.Wealwaysdanceattheseparties.”
IhadstartedtosaynoagainwhenReesesteppedslightlyawayfromme.“Go,dance.I’llwaitright

here.”

“See?Shedoesn’tcare.Let’sdance.”AidawasinamuchbettermoodthantheoneI’dleftherin.She

wasalittletoohappy.Hermoodswingsthepasttwodaysweregivingmewhiplash.Iwasn’tusedto
havingheraroundforthislong;sheusuallyonlycameforafewdaysacoupleoftimesayear,thoughshe
didstayforawhilewithuslastsummer.

Ididn’twanttodancewithher.Ihadn’tevendancedwithReese,mostlybecauseIwasafraidshe

wouldpanicattheideaofdancingwithallthesepeoplehere.Itwasobviousshedidn’tfeelcomfortable
amongstrangers.DancingwithAidaseemedwrong.

“Please,please,please,”Aidabegged,drawingattentiontoherselfasshepulledonmyhand,tryingto

tugmeforward.“Wecanleaveafteronedance.”

WewouldleaveassoonasIwasready.
“Go,”Reesesaid,pushingmegently.
Dammit.Ididn’twanttodothis.AidaandIhadbeentaughttodancebymymotherwhenwewerekids,

andithadentertainedAidawhenshewasyounger.Shehadn’tlikeddoingthingsIenjoyed,likefishing,
hiking,andcamping.Harlowhadloveddoingallthosethingswithme.ButAidawasalwaysdifferent.
Sheenjoyedattention.

Shekeptpleadingandpullingmyarm.Iwasn’tgettingoutofthis.
“Fine.Onedance,”Ireplied,andshebeamedbrightly.
IglancedbackatReeseasshepulledmeforward.“I’llberightback.”
Reesenoddedandsmiledatme.
Thiswasabadidea.

Reese

“Doeshealwaysdancewithhiscousinlikethat?”adeepvoiceasked.AlthoughIhadonlymettheguy
once—ortwice,technically—Iknewwhoitwaswithoutlooking.

“Yes,”Ireplied,eventhoughIhadnoidea.
Theyreallyweresomething.IhadnoideaMasecoulddancelikethat.Peoplehadstoppedtalkingand

werewatchingthemnow.Onedancehadturnedintotwo.

“He’snotrealsmart,”RiverKiplingsaidwithadrawl.
Therehewentagain,makingmemad.Iturnedtoglareupathim.Inthelight,hewasmuchmore

attractivethanIhadrealized.Therewasacarefreelookabouthim,andheseemedunaffectedbytheparty
aroundus.“He’sbrilliant,”Ireplied.

Rivergrinnedandshookhishead.“You’resomethingelse,ReeseEllis.”
Iwasn’tsurewhathemeantbythat,butIdidn’tcare.HesaidmeanthingsaboutMase.Ididn’tlike

him.Atall.“Theyliketodance,”Isaid,feelingtheneedtodefendMaseevenmore.

“Thenheshouldhavedancedwithyou.Shametohaveyouonhisarmandmissthechancetospinyou

aroundthedancefloor.”

Masehadn’taskedmetodance.Ithoughtmaybehedidn’tliketo,buthewasputtingonashowwith

Aida.Iwatchedashepickedherupanddidsomeflippything.Thecrowdclappedandcheered.“She’s
betteratdancingthanIam,”Iadmitted.“Icouldn’tdothatkindofstuff.”

IthoughtthatwouldshutupRiverKipling,butIwaswrong.“Thatlookslikework,notfun.Holdinga

womancloseandfeelingyourbodybrushagainsthers,theteaseofknowingyoucan’ttouchanythingthe
wayyouwantto.”Hepaused.“That’swhyyoudance.”

Iwantedhimtoshutup.Ididn’tneedhiminmyear.IwastryingtofindawaytofitintoMase’sworld.

Thisguywasn’thelpingbyputtingdoubtsinmyhead.Thesongended,andMaseshookhisheadwhen
Aidaobviouslybeggedhimtodanceonemoretime.

Whenheturnedtowardme,IsawhimtenseupashisgazeshiftedtoRiverbesideme.
“Bethestopsdancingnow.You’rewelcome,”Riversaidinanamusedtone.
Iglancedbackathimashewalkedoff.Hedidfilloutapairofjeanswell,andhehadaswaggerwhen

hewalked.Buthewasinfuriatingotherwise.

“Washebotheringyou?”Maseasked,ashishandsslippedaroundme.
IforgottheaggravatingmanandlookedupatMase.“No,hewasjusttalkingabouthowgoody’all

danced.”

Masefrownedatthat.“Yeah,sorryshemademedotwo.She’scomingnow,sowecango.”
Inodded.
Aida’slaughtertrailedbehindusaswewalkedtowardthetruck.“Ilovedancing!”shesquealedloudly

intothedarkness.“Weneedtodothatmore.”

Masedidn’trespond.Hewalkedmetowardthedriver’s-sidedoorandopenedit,thenliftedmeupand

setmeontheseat,asifIcouldn’tdoitmyself.

“Icandothatwithouthelp,youknow,”Iteased.
Heleanedin.“Butifyoudoit,yourskirtwillrideup,andI’llseemyfreckle.Aida’swithus,soI

wouldn’tbeabletotakealick.”

Myfacegrewwarm,andIshivered,thinkingofhowgooditfeltwhenhedidthat.“Oh,”Imanagedto

replybreathlessly.

“Yeah,oh,”herepeated.“Whenwewalkthroughthatdoortonight,I’mbendingyouoversoIcanvisit

myspot.”

Anticipationmademybreathhitch.“M’kay,”Isaid,notknowinghowelsetorespondtothat.
“Weneedtogooutdancingnextweekend,”Aidasaidassheopenedthepassengerdoorandclimbed

in.

Masemovedmeoverandclimbedinbesideme.
“Reesecancomeandwatch.Wecandanceallnight,”Aidasaid.
Iwasn’tgoingtowatchMaseandAidadanceallnight,butIdidn’tsayanything.
“Gladyouenjoyedit,Aida,”Masesaidsimply.
“Ilovedit!Nooneelsedancesasgoodasyou,”Aidasaid.ThenIfelthergazeonme.Iturnedtoward

herandsawasmirkonherface.“IguessReesedoesn’tknowhowtodance,sinceyoudidn’tdancewith
herallnight.”

Thatstung.Alittle.
Mase’shandslidovermythigh.“Shecandance.”
“Oh...well,then,youmustnotenjoydancingwithher.It’sOK,Reese.He’shadmetodancewithfor

mostofourlives,andwemovetogetherlikeawell-oiledmachine.”

Ididn’tlikethewayshesaidthat.Therewassomethingoffabouthertone.
“IlovedancingwithReese.Letthisgo,Aida.”Thatstilldidn’tanswermydoubt.Iwasbeginningto

thinkmaybeAidawasright.Hedidn’twanttodancewithmebecausehewasusedtoshowingoff,andI
couldn’tshowoffwithhim.

MaseletAidaoutathismother’shousewitha“goodnight,”andIknewthatwashiswayoflettingher
knowshewasn’twelcomeupatthehousewithus.Istartedthinkingaboutwhathe’dsaidaboutbending
meover,andIsquirmedalittleinmyseat.

“Ididn’taskyoutodancetonightbecauseIwasafraidyouwouldn’twanttoinfrontofallthose

people.Youseemednervous,andIdidn’twanttoaddtothat.ButthereisnothingintheworldI’drather
dothanholdyouagainstme.”

HehadwaiteduntilAidawasgonetoexplain,andIappreciatedit.Ididn’twanthertoknowIhadfelt

intimidatedbythemdancing.Leaningover,Ikissedhisarm.“You’reright.Iwouldhavebeennervous.”

“Feelingyourbodymoveagainstmineistheultimateturn-on.IfI’ddancedwithyou,Iwouldn’thave

beenabletostay.WemightnothavemadeittothetruckbeforeIhadmyhandupthebackofyourskirtto
cupyourlusciousass.”

Thistime,Ilaughed.Ilikedthatexcuse;itmademefeelmuchbetter.“Whydon’twegoinside,andyou

canshowmeexactlywhatyouwantmetodo?Irememberithadsomethingtodowithmebendingover..
.”

Mase’seyeslitupwithhungerashegrabbedmeandpulledmeoutofthetruck.“NotsureIcanmakeit

inside,”hesaid,justbeforehismouthwasonmine.Iheldontobothhisarmsandsankintohim.His
kissesalwaysmademeweakintheknees.Nothingelseintheworldmatteredwhenhismouthmoved
overmine.Hemadeeverythingperfectbysimplykissingme.

Iletoutasmallcryofprotestwhenhebrokethekiss,buthiseyesgleamedwithexcitementand

possessiveness.

“Bendover,andholdontotheseat,”hesaid,inanauthoritativetonethatmademystomachfeel

fluttery.

“Outhere?”Iasked.
Hegavemeawickedgrin.“Noone’southere,andit’sjustalittleplay,baby.Iswear.”
Thatlookonhisfacecouldmakemedoanything.Iturnedaroundanddidexactlyashesaid.
“Fuck,”hemuttered,ashishandsslidupthebacksofmythighsuntilhewaspushingmyskirtupand

overmybottomandIwasexposed.Hisfingerranovermyfreckle.Icouldn’tseeit,butIknewwhereit
was.Hespentalotoftimethere.Itwasalsocurrentlyalittlesensitivefromhislackofshavinglastnight.

“Idon’tlikeyouinshortskirts,”hesaid.“Makesmeworrythatyou’llbendoverandsomeoneelse

willseethis.It’smine.Idon’twantanyoneelseseeingit.”

Iclosedmyeyesandtookadeepbreath.Hewasgoingtokillmewithhisverysexywordsbeforehe

evendidanything.

“Spreadthemwider,”hedemanded.
HishandstookholdofmythighsandpushedthemopenuntilIknewIwascompletelyexposedtohim.I

letoutawhimperashisfingerslowlytracedtheheatbetweenmylegs.

“Sowet,”hewhispered,thenpressedakisstomyinnerthigh.“Sosoft.”
“Oh,God,”Imoaned,feelingmylegstremble.
“I’mnotGod,baby,”hesaid,soundingamused.Igrinnedandheldontotheseatinfrontofme.“But

I’mabouttotakeusbothtoheaven.”Iheardhiszipperslidedown.

Hewasgoingtomakelovetomeouthere.Outintheopen.
“IknowIsaidIwasgonnajustplay,butyou’resoakingwetandsmelllikesweetcream.Ineedinside

ofyou.”Hisvoicewasdeepbutgentle.

Hishandsgrabbedmywaist,andheslowlysankintomeasImoanedhisname.BeingfilledwithMase

wasincredible.Iyearnedforthisfeelingallthetime.EverytimehegavemethatsexysmirkorIsawhis
musclesflexunderhisT-shirt,Idaydreamedabouthismusculararmsholdinghimselfoverme,flexingas
hepumpedinandoutofme.

Oneofhisroughhandscaressedmybottom.“Lovethis,”hegroaned.
Icouldn’tagreemore.TheonlythingIlovedmorethanthiswasthemanhimself.

Mase

Overthenextweek,Igotverylittleworkdoneontheranch.WhenIwasn’tspendingeverysecondIcould
withReese,therewasAida,whoalwaysseemedtoneedmeforonethingoranother.BecauseReesehad
insistedIgo,ItookAidahorse-backridingtoherfavoritespotdownbythelake.Then,onanotherday,
Aidahadwantedtogotothecattleauctionwithme.AlthoughIhadintendedtotakeReese,shehadsaid
shewouldratherstayatthehouseandreadsoIshouldtakeAida.

IknewReesewastryingherbesttogetAidatolikeher.Itwaswhyshewasconstantlypushingmeto

dothingswithmydemandingcousin.Ijustwasn’tsureAidawasappreciatingitthewaysheshould.
Everychanceshegot,shecomplainedaboutReeseorthetimeIspentwithher.Iwasgrowingwearyof
defendingReeseallthetimetoher.AidawasgoingtohavetochangeherattitudeaboutReese,orI
wasn’tlettinghernearReeseagain.

IfAidathoughtthiswasacompetition,sheneededtoknowshehadalreadylost.Aidawasmycousin.

ShehadbeencompetitivewithHarlowonetimewhenhervisitoverlappedwithAida’s.GivingHarlow
allmyattentionhadn’tgoneoverwellwithAidathen,either.Butwe’dbeenkids,andIhadsimply
ignoredher.Wewereadultsnow,andshewasactinginsane.

MybiggestconcernwasthatReesewasgoingtogetboredbeingattheranchallthetime,sowhenIgot

thecallfromHarlowtoinviteustoLilaKate’sfirstbirthdaypartyinfourdays,Iwasrelievedtohavean
excusetoescapewithReese.ItwaspasttimeAidawenthome.

BlaireandRushFinlaywerehostingLilaKate’spartyattheirbackyardpool,andsincetheirhousewas

practicallyonthebeach,Harlowwasdoingaluautheme.Ihadn’tevenrealizedI’dbeenanunclefora
yearalready.Thetimehadflownby.

ReesewasexcitedaboutgoingbacktoRosemaryBeach,whichonlyworriedmemore.Shehadnothing

todohereinTexas.WhenIwasn’twithher,shewasalone.Ihatedtheideaofherbeinglonelyorsad.I
hadtofixthis.MaybegetherbackintoclassesandencouragehertokeepworkingonherGED.

AlthoughIpreferrednottorelyonmyfather—thebiologicalone,thatis—mysisterwasn’talwaysso

cooperative.SlackerDemon’sprivatejetwasscheduledtopickusupandtakeustoFloridainacouple
ofdays.Ourfather’srockbandstillwentonhugetoursallthetime,sotheprivateplanewasanecessity
forthem.Notforme.IcouldarguewithHarlow,butIknewshe’dendupwinning.Thejetwasalready
stoppinginDallastopickupaguestofBlaireandRush’ssoshewantedReeseandmetotakeadvantage
ofit.

IgotthingstiedupandtakencareofsothatReeseandIcouldflyoutthedaybeforetheparty.Wewere

alsoplanningtospendafewextradaysintownafterward;IknewReesewantedtoseeherfriendJimmy.
Hehadbeenherclosestfriend,andshespokewithhimatleastonceaweekonthephone.

WhenwelandedinFlorida,HarlowhadasilverMercedeswaitingforusattheairportformetodrive

therestofthewayintotown.Iknewthishadtobeourfather’sdoing,butitwasmoreforHarlowthanfor

me.HarlowwastheonlyoneofKiro’sthreekids—includingmeandHarlow’shalfsister,Nan—he’dhad
ahandinraising,soHarlowactuallythoughtofhimasadad.Helovedherthemost,butthenagain,she
waseasytolove.Hell,Ihadlovedherthemost,too,untilReesewalkedintomylife.Theonlyperson
whowaseverbitteraboutthisfavoritismwasNan.

Reesetouchedthebutter-coloredleatherinterioroftheMercedesandsmiled.“Wow.Thiscaris

something,”shesaidinawe.Shehadbeeninaweallday.Thejethadmadeherjawdropforagoodfive
minutes.Justwatchingherwalkaroundandexplorethecabinwithchildlikewonderhadmadethe
experienceworthit,evenifitwascourtesyofKiro.

“I’msurethisisfromKiro,too,”Iexplained.“IfI’dbeenpayingforthis,wewould’vebeendrivinga

Dodgetruck.”

“W-will,uh,willhebethere?Attheparty?”sheasked,almostwithcaution.Asifaskingwouldupset

me.

Inodded.“Hewouldn’tmisshisgranddaughter’sbirthdayfortheworld.Atleast,anygranddaughter

Harlowgiveshim.Andthiswillbetheonlyone.Harlowcan’thaveanymorekids.Shealmostdied
givingbirthtoLilaKate.”

“SoHarlowishisfavorite?”
Ilaughed.Thatwasanunderstatement.“Harlowistheonlychildhisbelovedwife,Emily,gavetohim.

HeadoredEmily.Hestilldoes,eventhoughshesufferedbraindamageinanaccidentyearsagoandcan’t
speakordoanythingonherown.”

Reesefrowned.“WhataboutNan?”
Isighed.“Wedidn’tevenknowNanwasoursisteruntilafewyearsago.Kirodidn’tclaimher,andher

motherliedaboutwhoherfatherwas.Itwasaclusterfuck.AndNanisameanviper.Youknowthat.
You’vedealtwithher.ShehatesHarlowbecauseourfatherlovesher.It’snotagoodfamilysituation.”

“That’ssad,”Reesesaidsimply.
Iglancedoverather.“What’ssad?”
Shelookedupatmewitheyesfullofsorrow.“Tobetoldyourfatherwassomeonehewasn’tand

findingoutthefatheryoudohavedoesn’twantyou.Thatwouldmakeanyoneunhappy.Thentoseethat
fatheradoreanotherdaughterwhilehebarelyacknowledgesyou.Thathastocutdeep.Iimagineshehas
sufferedfromalotofemotionalwoundsinlife.”

WasshereallymakingexcusesforNan?Noonehadanexcuseforbeingevilandcruel.YethereReese

was,feelingsorryforher,evenafterworkingasNan’shousemaidforashorttimeandexperiencingher
uglinessfirsthand.ReesewasbeingunderstandingofwhyNanwasthewayshewas.

“Youmightchangeyourmindafteryou’vespentmoretimewithher.Ifthateverhappens.”
“Won’tshebeattheparty?”
Idoubtedit.“BeforeGrantmetHarlow,hehadathingwithNan.WhenGrantfellinlovewithHarlow,

thatdidn’thelpNan’shatredforher.ThefactthatNandonatedbloodtoHarlowwhenshewasgiving
birthtoLilaKatemadeahugedifferenceandatleastshowedalittlehumanity.ButIdoubtthat’senough
forGranttoinvitehertohisdaughter’sbirthday.Besides,KiroandNandon’tgetalong.Everytime
they’reinthesameroom,itusuallyendsinscreaming.”

Reesedidn’taskmeanythingelse,butIcouldtellherwheelswereturning.Shewastryingtoputthis

alltogethersothatitmadesense.Problemwas,nothingwiththissideofmyfamilymadesense.Kirohad
fuckeditallupyearsago.HarlowandherdaughterwereallIcaredaboutonthissideofmyfamily.And
Grant,attimes.He’dprovenworthyofmysister,butIwasstillwatchinghim.I’dkillhimifheeverhurt
her.

Reese

Ihadcleanedfabuloushousesbefore,butnoneofthemcomparedtothisone.TheFinlays’placewas
massiveandgorgeous.Itsatdirectlyonthewater,andexpensivecarsfilledthedriveway.Wewere
stayingwithGrantandHarlow,buttheyhadleftearlytogetthingsready.WehadofferedtokeepLila
Kate,butGrantsaidshe’dgetfussyifhewasn’tcloseby.MasesaiditwasmorelikelythatGrantwould
getfussy.WatchingGrantCarterwithhisdaughter,asshewobbledaround,tryingtowalk,wasadorable.
Hehoveredoverherconstantly,readytocatchherifshefellatanymoment.Thefewtimesshedidfall,
hereactedlightning-fast,swoopingherupandcheckingheroutwhilekissingherlittlechubbyknees.

“Kiro’shere.HemusthaveDeanwithhim,sincetheybroughtthelimo,”Masesaidwithoutemotion.
Iwasgoingtomeettwoofthemusicindustry’slegends,butMasewasunimpressed.Thenagain,if

Kirohadignoredhimmostofhislife,Iunderstoodwhyhewasn’texcitedaboutseeingtheman.Iwasn’t
sureIwasgoingtolikehim,anyway.Hehadalotcountingagainsthiminmyeyes.

BeforeIcouldstepoutoftheMercedes,Masewastheretogivemeahandandhelpmedown.Ilethim

helpme,sinceIwasholdingthelargepink-and-brownpolka-dotboxwithLilaKate’sbirthdaypresentin
it.WehadgoneshoppinginDallastofindtheperfectpresentforhisniece’sfirstbirthday.Whenwesaw
apairofpinkcowboybootswithamatchingpinkleatherhat,Masehadinsistedwebuybothofthem.
TheywereperfectgiftsforLilaKatefromheruncleMase.

Ihadboughtheraplushhorsethatshecouldcarryaroundtogowithhernewoutfit.Masehadsaidthat

hewouldteachhertorideoneday,butafterwatchingGrantwithhisdaughter,IdoubtedLilaKatewould
evergetonthebackofahorse.Ididn’tthinkGrantcouldhandlethat.

“Let’sgoparty,”Masesaidwithawink.
Ismoothedoutmyyellowsundressafterhetookthepresentfrommyhands.Itwasaluau,soIhad

dressedinmybestbeachdressandapairofstrappysandals.Harlowhadbeendressedsimilarly,soI
wasn’tworriedaboutbeingunderdressedforthisparty.

“Therearealotofpeoplehere,”Isaid,lookingaroundatthecarsthatkeptarriving.
“Yeah,Grant’sbeeninRosemaryBeachmostofhislife.He’sfriendswitheveryone.”
Maseknockedonce,andawomanwhocouldhavebeenaVictoria’sSecretAngelopenedthedoor,

smilingbrightly.“Mase,hello,”shesaid,thenturnedherstrikinggreeneyestome.“Hi,Reese.Howhave
youbeen?”

“Thankyouforhavingme,Blaire.It’swonderfultoseeyouagain.”
Blairestoodbackandwavedusin.“Me,you,Harlow,Bethy,andDellaneedtohaveagirldaysoon.

EvenifweneedtoflytoTexastodoit,”Blairesaid,soundingdetermined.

Ihadneverhadagirlday.Thatsoundedlikefun.
“Harlowisoutatthepool.GranthasLilaKateinthepoolwithRushandNate.Y’allgoonoutthere

andseeeveryone.I’mondoordutyrightnow.I’lltakethegiftandputitwiththeothers.”

“Thanks,Blaire,”Masesaid,thenplacedahandonmylowerbacktoleadmethroughtheFinlays’

breathtakinghometowardanimpressivebackpatio,withstairsthatleddowntoapoolthatlookedlikeit
belongedataluxuryresort.

Therewerepeopleeverywhere.Someofthewomenwereinbikinis,whileothersweredressedin

shortsundresseslikemine.Themenwhoworeswimtrunksalllookedlikefitnessmodels.Iscannedthe
crowd,lookingforafamiliarfaceotherthanHarlow’s.

MyeyeslandedonsomeoneIhadn’texpectedtoseehere.Lounginginachairinapairofswimtrunks,

showingoffatanthatmostoftheothermendidn’thave,helookedlikehelivedonaboat.Hishairwas
exactlyasIremembereditfromthebarbecue.Brownwithhighlights,pulledbackinamessyponytailthat
lookedlikehehadn’tbrushedit.Evenwithaviatorson,Icouldfeelhisgazelockedonme.Whattheheck
washedoinghere?

“Mase,it’ssogoodtoseeyou,”afemalevoicesaidfrombehindus,andIturnedtoseeafaceI

recognized.I’dmetDellaKerringtonbefore,butthistime,shewasholdingasmallbundleinablue
blanket.

“AndReese,”shesaid.Hergenuinesmilemademefeelimmediatelycomfortablearoundher.“I’mso

gladyou’rehere.”

Masenoddedhisheadatthebabyinherarms.“Congratulations.Iheardthelittleguywasbornlast

month.”

Dellagazeddownatthebundleandsmiled.“Yes.Hecameamonthearly,buthe’sperfect,andIcan’t

remembereverbeingthishappy.Hecompletesus.”

“What’shisname?”Maseasked.
“Cruz,”shesaid,lookingbackupatus.“CruzWoodsKerrington.”
“Coolname.Ilikeit,”Masereplied.
“Me,too.Andcongratulations,”Iadded.
Dellasmiledwarmly.“Thankyouboth.Iintendtospendalittlemoretimewithyou,Reese.Butright

now,Ihaveahungrylittleboytofeed,”shesaidbeforeheadinginside.

“Ilikeher,”IsaidasIwatchedhergo.
“Yeah,she’sthebestthingthateverhappenedtoKerrington.Dudewasaman-whorebeforeher,”Mase

said,andwinkedatme.

Ilaughedasheslidhishandaroundmywaistandledmedownthestepsandtowardthepool.Iglanced

overatthechairwhereI’dseenthatfamiliarfaceearlier,buthewasgone.Weird.

“Watchmejump,Daddy!”asmallvoicecalledout,andIturnedtoseeanadorablelittleboystanding

onthetopofarockwaterfall.Helookedtoosmalltobeupthere,buthehadadeterminedgleaminhis
eyes.

“I’mwatching.Showmewhatyougot,”amancalledoutfromthewater.Iwastooworriedaboutthe

littleboytotakemyeyesoffhimandseewhohisdaddywas.Didtheboy’smotherknowhewasup
there?

Theboyflashedabiggrinthattoldmehewasacharmer,evenifhewasjustalittlekid.Thenhe

jumpedhighandtuckedhissmallbodytightlyandflippedtwiceintheairbeforedivingintothewater.

Everyoneclappedandhollered,includingme.Iwasamazed.
Hislittleheadsurfaced,andhehadprideshiningonhisface.Itwasprecious.“ToldyaIcoulddo

two,”hesaid,lookingatGrant.Thenheswamoverandgaveamuscular,tattooedmanahigh-five.
WithoutRushFinlayturningaround,Iknewexactlywhoitwas.I’dseenhiminmagazinesandon
televisionbefore.HewasDeanFinlay’sson.HeturnedaroundtosmirkatGrant,whowaschuckling.

“Don’tdoubtmyboy,”hesaid,whichonlymadeGrantshakehisheadashelaughed.
RushFinlayhadturnedtoswimtowardtheladderwhenhiseyesliftedandsawMase.IfIweren’t

completelyinlovewithMase,I’dhavetosaythismanwasthemostbeautifulthingI’deverseen.ButI

didloveMase,andnoonecompared.Rushwouldhavetocomeinaclosesecond.

“Mase,”Rushsaidwithasmirkbeforepullinghimselfoutofthewater.Ihadtolookaway,because,

seriously,hewaspushingit.Heevengotoutofthewaterinanattractiveway.

“Talentedkidyougotthere,”Masereplied.
“Hell,yeah,heis.Justlikehisdaddy,”Rushsaid.
“Andhelikestoremindeveryoneofthat,”Grantcalledoutfromthepool.
IforcedmyselftoturnbackaroundtofaceawetRushFinlay.Iwasthankfulhehadatowelwrapped

aroundhimnow.Didn’ttakeawayfromthewaterdropletsrunningdownhischest,though.

Rushturnedhisattentiontome.“Reese,”hesaid,surprisingmebyknowingmyname.“Nicetomeet

you.”

Imanagedtogetouta“Nicetomeetyou,too.”
ThenheturnedhisattentionbacktoMase.“YouseenKiro?”Rushasked.
Maseshookhishead.“Notyet.”
“He’sinsidewithEmily.Hedoesn’twantheroutinthesuntoomuch.”
Mase’seyeswentwide.“Emilyishere?”
Rushranahandthroughhisshort,wethairandnodded.“Yeah.Hedidn’twanthertomissher

granddaughter’sbirthday.”

Wow.FromeverythingMasehadtoldmeaboutHarlow’smom,IneverwouldhaveguessedKiro

wouldtakeheroutofthespecialmedicalfacilityinLosAngeles,evenforaday.

“Guessnowthattheworldknowsshe’salive,hefeelssafetakingherplaces,”Masesaid,witha

concernedlookinhiseyes.

“DadsayshethinksthisisthelastyearKirowillevenrecordwithSlackerDemon.He’safraidKirois

readytoleavetheband.Ifigureit’stimeforallofthem.They’vebeenatitfortwenty-fiveyears,after
all.”

“It’sabouttimetheyretired,”Maseagreed.
“Musicworldwon’tagree,though,”Rushsaid.“Butifthey’reallready,thenit’stimetostop.Ijust

don’tknowifmydadisthereyet.”

Theycontinuedtotalk,andIturnedmyattentiontotheothers.Iscannedthepoolandacabanasetup

nearby,andmyeyescollidedwiththoseaviatorsagain.Hewasstillwatchingme.

Mase

Wehadn’tseenHarlowsincewearrivedattheparty,butnowweknewshemustbewithherparents.
BeingaroundEmilywashardonher.She’dlivedmostofherlifethinkinghermotherwasdead.Whenshe
haddiscoveredEmilywasverymuchalivebutunabletocommunicateordoanything,ithadbeendifficult
forhertohandle.HadKiroeventhoughtaboutHarlow’sfeelingswhenhechosetobringEmilyhere?

Frustrated,IlookedforsomeoneIcouldtrustwithReesesoIcouldfindmysisterandmakesureshe

wasOK.Ifourfatherhadruinedthisdayforher,Iwasgoingtobepissed.Foronce,heneededtothinkof
someoneotherthanhimself.

Blairesteppedoutside,andItouchedReese’selbow.“IneedtocheckonHarlowandmakesureshe’s

OKwithhermotherbeinghere.It’sallnewtoher,andI’mworried.I’mgoingtoleaveyouwithBlaire
forafewminutes.IsthatOK?”

Reesenodded.“Ofcourse.”
Blairesawusheadedherwayandwalkedtowardus.“IwasgoingtogoinsideandcheckonHarlow.

She’snotouthere,andIknowEmilyishere,so...”Itrailedoff,knowingBlairewouldunderstandmy
concern.

Blairenodded.“Goonin.ThisgivesmetimetogettoknowReese.We’llhaveMaiTaisandchat.”
IglancedatReese,andshenudgedmetogo.“She’sgivingmeMaiTais.I’llbefine.Go.”
Onceitfeltsafetoleaveher,Iwalkedtowardthehouseinsearchofmysister.

Itdidn’ttakelongtofindher.Shewasstandinginthekitchen,staringblanklyatthewall.Thiswaswhat
I’dbeenafraidof.Harlowshouldn’thavetodealwiththisshitonherdaughter’sbirthday.Sure,itwas
hermother,butshehadn’tbeengivenlongtoprocessthatsheevenhadamother,muchlessacceptthefact
thatourfatherhadkeptherlockedawayandasecretfromeveryone.

“Harlow,”Isaidquietly,notwantingtostartleher.
Sheturnedaround,andhereyeswerewaterywithunshedtears.“Hey,”shesaidsoftly.
“I’mgoingtotellhimtoleave.Heshouldn’thavedonethistoyou,”Isaid,myvoicebetrayingmy

anger.

Sheshookherhead.“No,that’snotit.Hetoldmehewasbringingher.It’sjust...I’mnotcrying

becauseofher.I’mcryingbecauseofhim.Watchinghimwithherisheartbreaking,Mase.Youhaven’t
seenit.There’sthissidetoourfatherthatIdidn’tevenknowexisteduntilrecently.Whenyouseehim
withher,itmakescompletesense.Hemakescompletesense.Shewashiseverything,andhelostherso
tragicallyaftersuchashorttime.Ijustseehim,andIthink...whatifIhadn’tmadeit?WhatifIhaddied
inthatdeliveryroom?WhatifGranthadbeenlefttoraiseLilaKatewithoutme?Wouldhehavebeen
abletobethisadoring,wonderfuldaddythat’she’sturnedouttobe,orwouldhehavebecomewhatKiro

became?”Shesniffledandwipedathereyes.“Youholdsomuchagainsthim,andIunderstandwhy.I
knowhedidn’tdorightbyyouoryourmother.Buthewassobroken,andforamoment,mymothersaved
him,onlyforhimtoloseher.Hedoesn’tknowhowtobehappy.Helosttheloveofhislife.”

Istartedtoarguethatthesonofabitchhadkidstothinkofandresponsibilities,butIstopped,because

Reese’sfaceflashedbeforeme.I’dfoundher.Shehadchangedmyworld,andevenaftersuchashort
time,Iknewshewasmyfuture.WhatifIlosther?Whatiftomorrowshewasgone?HowwouldIcope?
CouldIeverhealfromthat?

“Howishewithher?”Iasked,needingtobelievethatKirocouldlovelikethat.Evenstill,Iwanted

themanwhogavemelifetohavesomeredeemingqualities.I’dgrownupbelievinghehadnone.

Harlowsmiled,andhereyesshowedsomuchemotion.“Hetreatsherlikeshe’sprecious.Themost

important,mostpreciousthingintheworld.Hebrushesherhairandtellsherstoriesoftheirpast.He
callsherhisangel.It’s...it’sbeautiful.Iwishhe’dhadachancetolivelifewithher.Ithinkwe’dboth
havegrownupwithaverydifferentkindoffather.MaybeevenNanwouldbedifferentbecauseofit.”

Couldlovingsomeonedestroyyouthatcompletely?I’dneverthoughtsodeeplyaboutit,butmorethan

once,I’dwonderedifKirohadasoul.Iwatchedthewayhelivedandwonderedhowmymothercould
havemadesuchamassivemistakesleepingwiththatmanevenonce.

Butifhe’dlosthissoulwhenhe’dlosthisfuturewithEmily,thenitmadehimlessofamonsterinmy

eyes.Itmadehimhuman—nottherockgodtheworldknewbutamanwhohadlovedwithhisentirebeing
andlostthatlove.

“Helovesus.Helovesyou.He’sproudofyou.IheardhimtellingEmily...mymom...aboutyouthe

otherday.Apparently,mymotherlovedyou,too.Hewastellingherwhatafineyoungmanyou’veturned
intoandhowproudshe’dbeofthelittleboyshehadadored.Hedoesn’tshowemotionwell,butEmilyis
hisheart.She’shisonlylinktohappiness.Iwantherherewithhim.”

I’dneverhadKirotellmehewasproudofme.Iswallowedtheemotionthattightenedmythroatand

nodded.“OK.Thencomeoutsidewithme.Enjoyyourdaughter’sparty.Let’scelebratelife.Yoursand
hers.”

Harlowgrinnedandwalkedovertowrapherarmsaroundmywaist.“You’reanotherreasonIlove

Dad.Hegavemethebestbrotherintheworld.”

Myeyesdidn’tstingwithunshedtears.
Well,maybejustalittle.

Reese

BlairegotuseachaMaiTaifromunderthecabanaandledmeovertoacoupleofloungechairs.She
pointedattherockwaterfall.“Youdon’twanttomissthis.”

IturnedmyattentiontothewaterfallasItookasipofmydrink.NateFinlaywasontopoftherock

again,butthistime,hewasholdingthehandofanolderman.Evenwithouttheslender,muscularbody
coveredintattoosandthegoldbraceletsonhisarms,Iknewthatman.

“DeanFinlay,”Isaid.Ihadknownhewouldbehere,butseeinghimlikethiswasnotsomethingI

expected.

“Yep,”Blairerepliedinanamusedtone.
Nateyelled“Go!”andbothofthemdoveintothewater.
“He’sbeentryingtogetDeantoflipwithhim,butDeanwon’tdoit.Saidhe’dbreaksomething

importantifhetried.”

Ilaughed,thinkingofhowfunnyitwouldbetoseeDeanflippingoffarockwaterfall.
“Youtookmychair,”adeepmalevoicesaidbehindme.Irecognizeditinstantly.
Iwasn’tsureifIshouldlookupandmeethisgazeorwhat.Istillcouldn’tfigureoutwhyhewaseven

here.IkeptwaitingforMasetonoticehimandsaysomething,butheneverdid.

“Benice,Captain.Ifyouwanttojoinus,youcanhavethatseat.”Shepointedtooneontheotherside

ofme.

Captain?ButIthoughthisnamewasRiverKipling.NeitherofthosenamessoundedlikeCaptain.
“Reese,thisismybrother,Captain.He’sasmart-assonehundredpercentofthetime,”Blairesaid.
Herbrother?What?
“Notasmart-ass,Sis.ToldyouIjustsaywhatI’mthinking.Idon’tbeataroundthebush.Nopointin

wastingbreath.”

Blaireletoutachuckleandrolledhereyes.“He’sactuallyaniceguyonceyougettoknowhim.”
Ihadmethimbefore,andIdisagreedabouthimbeinganiceguy.ButtheguyImethadliedabouthis

name.

“I,uh...”ShouldItellBlaireIhadmethimbefore?
“Whatshe’stryingtosayisshe’smetmealready.Wewereatthesamepartymynewestbusiness

partnerwasthrowing.However,IintroducedmyselfasRiverKipling.”Heturnedtome.“That’smy
givenname.Captainisanickname.”

Blaire’seyeswidenedasshesatupstraighter.“Really?”
Inodded.Iwantedtoaddthathewasanassthen,too,butIdidn’t.IlikedBlaire.Ididn’twanttoinsult

herbrother.

“Yourboyfriendbeendancinganymorewithhiscousin?”Captain,River,whateverhisnamewas,

asked.

Ireallydidn’tlikethisguy.Imanagedatightsmileandshookmyheadno.Althoughtheyhadgone

horsebackridingandtoacattleauctiontogether.IhadtoldMasetodobothinhopesthatIcouldwinAida
overasthelaid-backgirlfriend,butitdidn’tdoanygood.Shestillglaredatmeorshotmetriumphant
littlegrinswheneversheleftthehousealonewithMase,likeshehadwonsomesortofcompetition.It
wasincrediblyweird.

“I’dwatchthat,”hesaid.“IaskedHawkinsaboutthem,andhesaidAidawasn’treallyMase’scousin.

She’shisstepfather’sniece,andshe’salsoadopted.Girllookslikeshehashereyesonyourman.”

“Captain,that’senough.MaseisverytakenwithReese.She’smovedtoDallastolivewithhim.And

thewayhewatchesoverheristhesamewayRushwatchesoverme.Don’tgogivingherthingstoworry
about.”

IappreciatedBlaire’swords,butifwhatCaptainsaidwastrue,then...wasitpossibleAidafeltmore

forMasethanjustafamilybond?Didshewantmore?Icringedatthethought.Thatwouldbesomessed-
upifitweretrue.

“Youain’tseenhiscousin,”CaptainsaidinresponsetoBlaire’sremarks.“Longblondhair,alllegs

andcurves.She’ssomethingtolookat.”

Whattheheck?Washetryingtoscareme?Andwhydidthismandislikemesomuch?Ihadn’tdone

anythingtohim.FromthemomentImethim,he’dbeenrude.

“So,Reese,whatdoyoudooutthereonaranchallday?”Blaireasked,obviouslytryingtochangethe

subject.

OtherthanhavesexwithMase,walkaround,andclean,Ididnothing,really.Ineededtodosomething.

Ididn’tlikelivingoffMase.Iwantedtomakemyownmoney,andIwantedtogetmyGED.Itwas
somethingIplannedontalkingtoMaseaboutwhenwegotback.Ineededaplanforlife.

“IvisitedmyfamilyinChicagoforamonth,buteversinceIgotback,I’vejustbeenspendingtimewith

Maseandhangingaroundtheranch.Ineedtogetajobfirstthingwe’reback.Ihaven’tstartedlookingyet,
butI’mthinkingmaybecleaningwork.AndI’dliketogobacktoschool.”Ididn’tmentionthatschool
meantclassestogetmyGED,followedbyanonlinecollegeprogram,ifIcouldsaveenough.

“Doyouenjoycleaninghouses?”Blaireasked.
Notreally,butforsolong,itwasallIcoulddo.NowthatIcouldreadbetter,Ihadotheroptions.Iwas

justworriedaboutwhetherIcouldfocusonreadingandwritinginapinchifIgotstressedoutonthejob.
“Itisn’tmydreamjob,butI’mgoodatit.Ifsomethingbettercamealong,I’dtakeit.Iwanttomoveon
fromcleaninghouses.”

Blairesmiled.“Yeah,IwantedtomoveonfrombeingacartgirlwhenIworkedatthegolfcourse,soI

completelyunderstand.”

“Reese.”Mase’svoicewasarelief,andIlookeduptoseehimstandinginfrontofme.Hisgazeshifted

frommetoCaptain.

“Kipling,wasit?”hesaid,lookingconfusedandalittleangry.
“Colt,wasit?Ihearit’sactuallyManning,”Captainreplied,andhelookedupatMasewithabored

expression.

“Mase,thisismybrother,Captain,buthisrealnameisRiverKipling,”Blaireexplained.
“Brother?”Maseasked,shootingheracuriousglance.
Shenodded.“Yep.”
“Smallworldandallthatshit,”Captainsaid.
“Yeah,”Maseagreed,thenheldoutahandtome.“Thankyou,Blaire,forwatchingovermygirland

givinghersomecompany.Harlow’sgoodandcomingouttoenjoyherdaughter’spartynow.”

Blairelookedrelieved.“Good.”
IslippedmyhandintoMase’sandstoodup.“Ienjoyedtalkingwithyou,”IsaidtoBlaire,while

avoidingeyecontactwithCaptain.

IthoughtIheardalowchuckleatmyobviousslightofhim,butIignoredit.
“I’llbebytheranchnextweekwithHawkinstoseethecattleoperation,”CaptainsaidtoMase.
Masenoddedhishead.“Seeyouthen.”
IcouldtellIwasn’ttheonlyonewhodidn’tlikeCaptainRiverKipling.
Wewalkedacrosstheyard,andMasegotmeanotherdrink.Asheturnedtohandittome,hiseyes

focusedonsomething,orsomeone,behindme.

“Kiro,”hesaidsimply.
Kiro.AsinKiroManning.I’dwatchedDeanFinlayjumpoffarockwithhisgrandsonintothewater,

andnowKiroManningwasstandingbehindme.

“Gladyoumadeit.Harlowwantedyouhere,”adeepvoicereplied.
Maseglaredathim.“I’veneverletmysisterdown.”
Themanbehindmemadeahmphsound,andMase’sbackwentrigid.Ireachedoverandranahandup

hisarmtotrytocalmhim.

“Yougoingtointroducemetoyourfriend?”Kiroasked.Istillhadn’tturnedtolookbackathim.
Masegazeddownatme,andImovedtofaceKiro.HewasjustlikeallthephotosI’dseenofhimand

movedthesamewayhedidinthemusicvideos.Buthe’dalsoabandonedhissonforyears.Icouldn’t
forgivehimforthat.

“Kiro,thisismygirlfriend,Reese.Reese,thisismyfather,KiroManning.”
Kirogrinnedatmeandshookhishead.“Thisboydoesn’tintroduceanygirlsashisgirlfriend.You

mustbesomethingelse.”

“Uh,it’s,um...nicetomeetyou.”Kirosmirked.ItlookedsomuchlikeMase’ssmirkthatIstaredfor

amomentinfascination.

“IgottogofindmygranddaughterandseeifIcan’tgetherfromGrantlongenoughtotakeherinsideto

seeEmmy,”hesaid,thenwalkedoff.

Masedidn’tseemsurprisedbyhisfather’sabruptdepartureatall.Instead,hetouchedmylowerback

andledmeaway.“Let’sfindsomethingtoeat.”

Mase

Spendingtimewithmysisterandniecewasnice,andIhadmissedthem,butIwasmorethanreadytoget
backtoTexaswithReese.Havingsexhadn’tbeeneasyinmysister’shouse,andIwantedReeseallto
myself;Harlowkepttakingherawayfromme.IknewReeseneededgirlfriends—shehadneverreally
hadany,andIwantedthatforher—butImissedhavingherclose.

Oncewegotbacktoourownhouse,Ibreathedasighofrelief.IgrabbedthebagoutofReese’shand

andsetitdownbeforepullingherhardagainstme.I’dbeentemptedtodothisontheplane,butIfigured
she’dbeembarrassedthattheattendantcouldhearusintheback,soI’dlethercurluponmeandgoto
sleep.

Butwewereintheprivacyofourhomenow,andIwantedhernaked.
“Strip,”Isaid,andIjerkedmyshirtovermyhead.
Reeselaughedasshestoodthereandwatchedmeunbucklemyjeans.
“Notkidding,baby.Ineedinyounow.”
Shedidn’tlaughthistime.Instead,shepulledofftheshirtshewaswearingandslippedoutofherskirt.

JustwhatIneeded.

“I’mnotlettingyououtofthatbedroomuntiltomorrowattheearliest,”Iwarned.
Shebitherbottomlipandfinishedslippingoutofherpanties.Thatsightnevergotold.“Proveit,”she

tauntedme.

Ipickedherupandthrewherovermyshoulder.Islappedherbareass,makinghersqueal.Oncewe

wereinthebedroom,Iputherinthemiddleofthebed.“Wefuckfirst,thenI’llplay,”Ipromisedher.

Reeseflashedmeateasinggrinandrolledover,stickingherbottomintheairasshegotontoherhands

andknees.Iranbothhandsoverherplumpbottomanddownthebacksofherthighs.“Youwantedtofuck.
Sofuckme,”shesaid,glancingbackatme.

Shewasbeingbrave.Makingthefirstmove.Mysweetgirlwasbeingnaughty.Ifuckinglovedit.Ibent

overherandkissedhershoulder.“Howdoyouwanttobefucked,baby?Easy?”

Reeseshookherhead.“No.Iwantyoutofuckmethewayyouwantto.”
Thatwasaloadedanswer.ButthefirstthingIdidwaskissmyfreckle.ReesegiggledasIpaidthat

spotextraattentionbeforemovingahandupbetweenthesilkinessofherinnerthighs.

“OKtofuckfirst?Yousure?”IaskedherasIranmylipsupwheremyhandshadjustbeen.
“Yes,Mase.Fuckfirst,”shesaid,withasoftmoan.
Herwishwasmycommand.
Icameupbehindher,grabbingherhipsandeasingin,slowlyatfirst,untilshehadtakenallofme.

ThenItookwhatshewantedmeto,butitwasn’tuntilIheardherscreammynameoverandoverasher
bodytrembledthatIletoutmyownshoutofpleasure.

ArthurStoutwasmeetingmeatthebarntoday.Hehadcalledyesterday,sayinghewantedtotalktome
aboutpurchasingoneofmyolder,well-brokenquartersforhiswifetousefortheridingschoolsheranon
theirranch.Normally,IonlydealtwithcattlewhenitcametotheStouts,buteveryonceinawhile,his
wifeneededadependablehorseforherclasses.Arthuralwayscametome,andIhadtwoforhimtolook
atthatIthoughtwouldfitMrs.Stout’sneeds.

IhadkissedReesegood-byeandleftherinbedbeforethesuncameup.Itbotheredmetoknowshe

wouldbetheremostofthedayunlessshecamedowntoseeme.Shedidn’tneedthatseclusion.Aidahad
gonetovisitGrandmaColtforafewdayswithmymother,andithadbeenarelieftoknowIwouldn’t
havetodealwithherdramawhileIfiguredouthowtomakelifefullerforReese.

Arthur’sF-450pulledup,andIdustedthedirtoffmyhandsandwalkedouttomeethim.I’dbathedand

brushedButtercupandRoseforhimtoinspect.Bothofthemwouldbefourteenyearsoldthisyear.They
weretheperfectagefornewlearners.

“Morning,Mase,”Arthurcalledoutashewalkeddownthehilltomeetme.
“Morning,”Ireplied,tiltingmyhatbacksoIcouldseehimbetter.
“It’s’boutafternoonforarancher,though,isn’tit,boy?”Hechuckled.
Itwasonlynineinthemorning,buthewasright.Wegotupearlyenoughforninetobemorelike

twelveformostfolks.Whenhegottothehill,helookedoutovermytrainingringandnodded.“Looks
good.Thingsmustbegoingwellforyou.Gladtoseethat.”

“Yes,sir.Businessisgrowing.”
“Good,good,”hesaid,thentookoffhishatandwipedthesweatfromhisforeheadwithhissleeve.

“I’mheretoseethosehorseslikeIcalledabout,butIgotanotherpropositionforyou,too.Mywife’s
businessisgrowing,andshe’sneedingmorehelpintheofficepartofthings.Takingphonecallsand
makingphonecalls.Readinge-mailsandansweringthem.Evenjustcleaningthetackandwhatnot.”He
pausedandputhishatbackonhishead.“Iheardyourgirlfriendwaslookingforajob.Ilikedthegirl,
andIthinkshe’dworkwellwithPiper.”

WherehadheheardReesewaslookingforajob?Shehadn’tsaidanythingaboutit.Iwasn’tsureI

wantedherontheStouts’property,either.NotwithHawkinsaround.

“I’mnotrealsureshe’slookingforajob.She’snotmentionedit.Don’tknowwhereyougotthat

information,butshe’sgoingtolookintogoingbacktoschool.Iappreciatetheoffer,though.”

Arthurlookeddisappointed,buthenodded.“Understood.JustthoughtI’dcheck.Piperhasinterviewed

afewwomen,andthey’vebeen...olderandtreatedherlike,er,well,let’sjustsayitdidn’tworkout.
Sheneedssomeonemoreherage.”

InoddedthatIunderstood,butIwasn’tentertainingthisidea.“Youreadytoseethegirls?”Isaid,andI

headedtowardthestallswithoutwaitingforhimtofollow.

Reesewasn’tlookingforajob.Ifshewas,she’dhavetoldme.Wouldn’tshe?

Reese

IfluffedthepillowsonthesofaonemoretimebeforeIcontinuedpacingthelivingroom.Allday,I’d
cleanedandthoughtabouthowIwasgoingtotellMasethatIwantedajob.IalsowantedtogetmyGED
andtakeonlinecollegecourses,butinordertodoallthat,Ineededasteadyincome.

Stayingherealldaywasnotgoingtobeenough.EvenwithMase’stwo-hourlunchbreak,Ineeded

somethingtodowiththerestofmyday.TellingMaseIwantedtohavemyownmoneyandpaymyown
waywasn’tgoingtogowell.Icouldjustfeelit.Hewouldgoallcavemanandinsisthecouldtakecareof
me.Ineededtogoanotherroute.IneededtoemphasizethatIwantedapurpose.Iwantedtogetoutinto
theworldanddosomething.

Hewasareasonableman.HewouldseewhatIwassayingandunderstand.
BeforeIcouldgetmorenervous,thedooropened,andinwalkedMase,lookingdirty,sweaty,andvery

sexy.Hewasmyownpersonalcowboy,andIlovedthat.SeeingthesmileonhisfacewasallIneeded,
wasn’tit?Thatsmilemadeeverythingelseseemlessimportant.DidIwanttoupsethim?DidIwantto
arguetonight?Orjustcurlupinhisarmsandtalkaboutotherthings?Thingsthatmadehimhappy.

Yes...no...ugh!Ihadtotalktohim.Ihadtofacethis.Itwasmylife.Ourlife.Ihadtofindmy

directioninit.

“Iwanttogetajob,”Iblurtedout,forfearthatIwouldn’tsayitifIwaited.“Iwanttogetajobanda

GEDandtakecollegecoursesonline.”

There.Ihadsaidit.
Masestoppedandstudiedme.Hedidn’tsayanythingforamoment,andIworriedthatI’dsounded

ungratefulorunhappy.Iwasn’tunhappy.Ilovedhim.Ilovedbeingwithhim.Ijustneededmorethan
beinghereallthetime.

“Youwantajob?”heasked.“Whohaveyoumentionedthatto?”
Ishookmyhead.“Justyou,”Ireplied.Ididn’tthinkI’dsaidittoanyoneelse,butmaybeIhadtold

Blaire,orwasitHarlow?Icouldn’tremember.

“Whydoyouwantajob?”
“Iwanttomakemoney.Idon’twantyoupayingformyschooland”—Iheldmyhandsout

—“everything.Iwanttocontribute.Stayingherealldayis...it’snotdoinganything,really.Ineedto
work.IneedtogetmyGED.”

Maseletoutasighandputhishandsonhishipsashestudiedhisbootsamoment.Hewasupset.Ihad

upsethim.ThiswaswhatIdidn’twanttodo.Ihadopenedmymouthtoapologizewhenhelookedback
upatme.“OK.Iunderstand.Howdoyoufeelaboutansweringphonecallsande-mailsandcleaning
horsestalls?”

What?Washetryingtogivemeajob?Thatwasn’twhatImeant.Hedidn’tneedme.Hewasmakingup

ajobforme.Ihadtofeelmoreindependentthanthis.Ineededthatsecurity.“No,Mase.Youcan’tmake

upajobforme.Youdon’tneedhelp.Ihavetogetajoboutintheworldandbringmoneyhome.”

Asmallgrintuggedonhislips.“Itwouldn’tbeforme.”
“Huh?”
Hereacheddownandpulledoffhismuddybootsandsetthemnearthedoor,thenwalkedtowardme.

“ArthurStout’swife,Piper,giveshorse-ridinglessonsattheirstables.Sheneedsanassistant.Arthur
offeredyouthejobtoday.”

Hereachedformyhandandhelditinhislikehewasexaminingapricelesstreasureinhispalm.

“You’dhavetoanswerphonesandtakenotes.Writethemdown.You’dhavetoreade-mailsandreplyto
them.Ididn’ttellArthuraboutyourdyslexia.That’ssomethingforyoutotellPiperifyouwantthisjob.I
believeyoucandoit.Ibelieveyoucanbethebestdamnassistantintheworld.ButIneedtoknowifyou
believeit.”

Ajobthatdidn’tinvolvecleaningtoilets.Anassistantjob.Inanoffice.Wow.ThatwasmorethanI

thoughtIcoulddo.“I’dtellher,”Iassuredhim.“Yes,Iwantit.Thatwouldbeagreatjobtohaveonmy
résumé.”

Henodded.“Iagree.AndIthinkyoucandoit.Ihatetothinkofyougoneallday,butIalsowantyouto

behappy.Iwantyoutohaveeverythingyouwantinlife.”

Iwantedhim.Hewasthemostimportantthing.ButIdidwantotherthings,too.Thiswasthefirststep

towardbeingmyownperson.Reachingup,Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneckandheldhimclose.
“Thankyou.Thankyousomuchforthis.”

Masekissedmyhead.“Don’tthankmeforwantingtomakeyouhappy.Iintendtokeepyouhere.

WhateverIneedtodotomakesurethathappens,I’lldo.”

Smiling,Ilaidmyheadonhischest.
“I’mfilthy,”hesaid,runningahanddownmyhair.
“Idon’tcare.Ilikeyouthisway.You’remysexycowboy.”
Masechuckled.“Sexycowboy,huh?”Inodded,andheheldmetightlyagainsthim.“Whydon’tIfixus

somesandwiches,andthenyoucantakeashowerwithmetomakesurethiscowboygetsallclean.”

Ipulledbackandsmiledupathim.“WhatkindofgirlfriendwouldIbeifIstayedherealldayand

didn’tfixyouanydinner?”

“Ididn’tsmellanything,”hesaid,lookingtowardthekitchen.
“Becausethefishisbattered,andthehushpuppiesareallrolledupandreadytogo.Iwasjustwaiting

foryoutofrythemsothey’dbeniceandhot.Fixyourselfsomesweettea.Itwon’ttakemebuttenminutes
tofryeverythingup.Thecoleslawisalreadychilledinthefridge.”

Hiseyeslitup.“Seriously?Friedfish?Hotdamn.I’llwashupandsetthetable.”
Grinning,Iranafingerdownhisdirtyshirt.“Whydon’tyoutakeashowersoyoucanbecleanfor

dinner?”

“Ashowerwithyousoundslikemorefun,”hesaid,withapoutylookthatmademewanttofollow

afterhim.

“You’llenjoyeatingifyou’reclean.Wecanalwaysgetdirtyagainlater.”
“Keeptalkinglikethat,andwewon’tbeeatinguntillater.”
Giggling,Irantothekitchentograbthefishoutofthefridgebeforehecouldgrabme.
“Fine.Butwe’regettingdirtylater.Youpromised.”
Iflashedhimagrin,thenwentaboutgettingtheoilhot.

Masehadleftmeearlythismorning,likealways,buthecamebackaroundeightthirtytowakemeup.
PiperhadbeenthrilledtohearthatIwantedtocomeinandspeakwithheraboutthejob.Shewas
expectingmearoundeleven.Luckily,Piperdidn’tlivebyranchhours.Shelikedhersleep.

HekissedmeandreassuredmethatIcoulddothis.Healsosaidhewouldcomegetmeataroundten

fortytogivemearidethere.Ididn’thaveacarhere,butIwasn’tsureofmywayaroundanyway.This
wasanotherthingIhadn’tconsidered.HowwasIgoingtogettomyjobeveryday?Icouldn’tjustwalk.

Mase

Ihadn’tbeenabletojustdropReeseoff.IneededtobewithherwhenshemetPiper.Ialsowantedto
holdherfuckinghandthroughthewholeinterview,butIcouldn’t.IfReeseneededtoshowPipershe
coulddothis,thenhavingmearound,coddlingher,wasn’tgoingtohelp.

PiperhadgivenReeseagenuinesmilewhenweapproachedandhadbeenveryfriendly.Shemusthave

seenmyreluctancetoleave,becauseshe’dturnedtomeandtoldmethatReesewasingoodhandsand
shewouldgivemeacalllater.Thathadbeenherhintformetoleave.

Reluctantly,Iwentbacktotheranch.Mymother’struckwasinthedriveway,whichmeantAidawas

back.ButMajor’swasparkedrightnexttoit.Ihadn’tseenhiminatleasttwomonths.Iheadeduptothe
house,inneedofsomesweetteaandsomethingtogetmymindandmyworriesoffReese.

Openingthescreendoor,Isteppedofftheporchandintothesmallentrancethatleddirectlytothe

kitchen.Majorwassittingatthetablewithaplatefullofbiscuitsandgravy.Aidawasacrossfromhim,
scowlingaboutsomething.Iglancedoveratmymother,whowasstillworkingatthestoveonwhat
smelledlikebacon.

“Littlelateinthedayforbreakfast,isn’tit?”Iasked,takingoffmyhatbeforemymommacouldfussat

meandhangingitontherackbythedoor.

Allthreesetsofeyesturnedtome.
“Herfavoriteboyishome.She’sgottafeedme,”Majorrepliedwithastupidgrin.SometimesIthinkhe

honestlybelievedthat.

“Oh,stopit.Butyes,Major’shere,andhelookedstarved.Iknewwhatwouldputsomemeatbackon

hisbones,”Mommasaid.

MajorlookedjustlikehedidthelasttimeIsawhim.Hewasbynomeansstarved.
“Surehedoes,”Idrawled,rollingmyeyes.“Canyoursecond-favoriteboygetsomeofthat,too?”I

asked.

IwalkedoverandkissedMommaonthecheek,andshesqueezedmearoundtheshouldersthebestshe

could.“You’remynumberonealways,andyouknowit.Sitdown,andletmefeedyou,too.Ialsowantto
knowallaboutReese’snewjob.”

“Reesegotajob?”Aidaasked,hereyeswidewithsomethingIdidn’trecognize.
“Youalreadyputhertowork?Damn,man,what’syourdeal?Womanlikethatbelongsinabedallday.

Happyandtakencareof,”Majorsaid,andIknewhemeantit.

“MajorColt,thatisenough.Notalklikethatatmytable,”Mommasaidsternly.
HewinkedandpuckeredhislipslikehewasdirectingakissatMomma,beforetakinganotherbite.As

always,mymotherlaughedathisantics.Ifthathadbeenme,she’dhavebackhandedme.

“Reesewantedajob.Ididn’tmakehergetone.AndPiperStoutofferedheronethatIthinkshe’ll

enjoy.”

Majorfrownedandtookadrinkofhistea.“ShegonnabeworkingattheStouts’?”
Inodded.
“You’restupidassh—uh,Imean...”Hestoppedfromcursingashiseyesliftedtomymother,who

wasglaringathiminwarning.

“IthinksheandPiperwillgetalongfine.”
Majorcockedaneyebrow.“Wasn’tPiperIwasreferringto.YoudorememberHawkins,right?”
Thatwasmybiggestconcern,butItrustedReese.Therewasnoquestionthere.Ijustdidn’twant

Hawkinsevermakingherfeeluncomfortable.

“Ifatanytimehestepsovertheline,Iwillhandleit.ButIcan’tkeepherlockedupawayfromthe

world.Sheneedsalife.”

Majorshrugged,thenwentbacktoeating.“Whatever.Butdude,yourwomanissmoking.”
Aidaletoutashortlaugh,likeshethoughtthatcommentwasamusing.BothMajorandIturnedtoher.
“What?Youdon’tagree?”Majoraskedher.HewasalwaysupforafightwithAida.WhileIwasthe

cousinshegrewupadoring,hewasthecousinshegrewupfightingwith.

“She’sfat.Haveyouseenherbutt?Nooffense,Mase.It’sjustyoucoulddobetter,”Aidasaid,looking

atmewithwhatshethoughtwasanapologeticsmile.Itwasn’t.

“Aida!Reeseisnotfat.Ican’tbelieveyou’dsaysomethingsoharsh.”Mommaturnedherdisapproving

gazeAida’sway.

Aidashrugged.“I’msorry,Idon’tmeantoberude,butsheis...she’salittletoocurvy.”
Majorletoutaloudlaugh.“IamsogladIcamebackhere.Iwasmissingthis,andnoonetoldme.”He

continuedtocacklewithlaughter.

“Reese’sbacksidehappenstobetheverythingthatcaughtmyinterest.It’sperfect,andit’smine.I

neverwanttohearyousayanythingnegativeaboutherbodyorheragain.Doyouunderstandme?”

Aida’seyeswentwide,andIrealizedI’dnevertalkedtohersocoldlyorharshlybefore.Butshe’d

saidthewrongthing.Beingcruelwasn’tacceptable.BeingcrueltoReesewouldcompletelyturnme
againsther.

Majorfinallystoppedlaughing.“Reesehasthebodyofapornstar,Aida.Youhavethebodyofa

model.Womenwantyourbody.MenwantReese’s.It’sasimplefact.Butseeingyougetjealousandugly
aboutitispriceless.”

Aidastiffenedathiscomment.“I’mnotjealous!”
“Don’ttalkaboutmywoman’sbodybeinglikeapornstar’s,orwe’llhavetotakethisoutsidemy

momma’skitchen,andI’llshutyouupmyself,”IwarnedMajor.

“I’mnotjealousofher!”Aidasaidforcefully.
“Iwasjustmakingacomparison.ItwasthebestIhad,”Majorsaidwithashrug.
“Don’t,”IwarnedhimagainbeforehesaidsomethingIcouldn’tforgive.
“Maseismycousin!WhywouldIbejealousofwhohedates?”Aidaspatoutangrily.
MajorturnedhisattentionbacktoAida.“Becauseyou’vealwaysbeenjealousofanyonewhohastaken

hisattentionoffyou,beitme,Harlow,or,hell,adamnhorse.Becauseeversinceyouturnedsixteenand
thehormoneskickedinandyourealizedthere’snotonedropofbloodsharedbetweenyoutwo,you’ve
beenobsessedwithhim.Hecan’tseeit,becausehedoesn’tseeyouthatway.ButIcanseeit.Youdo
anythingyoucantogethisattention.Problemis,you’remissingthebigpicture.Heseesyouashiscousin
andnothingmore.”

What?WherehadMajorcomeupwiththis?Aidadidn’tthinkofmelikethat.
Aidastoodupandranoutofthekitchenwithoutaword.Whatthehell?
“Someoneneededtosayit,”Majorsaid,thenleanedbackandtookadrinkofhissweettea.
“I’dbettergocheckonher,”Mommasaid,turningoffthestove.“Youtwocanhelpyourselftothe

bacon.”

IwatchedasMommawentoutthedoortolookforAida.
“Youdidn’tknow,didyou?”Majorasked.
Knowwhat?ThatAidahadathingforme?Fuck,no.“Idon’tthinkyou’reright,”Itoldhim.
Hechuckled.“Yeah,I’mright.Didyourmommacorrectmeorreprimandme?No.ShewentafterAida.

SheknowsI’mright,too.Weallsawit.Justnotyou.”

Shit.WhatwasIsupposedtodowiththis?IknewAidahadbeendifferentsinceI’dbroughtReese

home.WhenAidawasn’taround,Ididn’tthinkaboutherorworryoverherlikeIdidwithHarlow.We
weren’tthatclose.

“Shealwayswantedtodothingswithjustyou.‘Takemedancing,Mase.’‘Let’sgoriding,Mase.’

‘Someboybrokemyheart,holdme,Mase.’Allthatshitwasridiculous,butyoudiditanyway,never
oncerealizingwhatshewasafter.”

Ididn’tsayanything,because...Iwasafraidhewasright.
“Hell,it’sagoodthingitwasyoushewanted.Ifithadbeenme,I’dhavefuckedher.Ihavenomorals.

Besides,she’sadopted,soI’mnotreallyrelatedtoher,either.Andherlegsareprettydamnnice.”

Shakingmyhead,Istoodup.Icouldn’tsithereandlistentothis.Ineededtobealone.Figureouthow

totalktohernow.She’djustmadethisawkward,andsheneededtogohome.Icouldn’thaveherhere
aroundReeseanymore.Notwiththiscrazyshitgoingoninherhead.

Reese

“Thatmanofyoursisafinespecimen.Seeinghimallcavemanandprotectiveoveryouishot,”Pipersaid
withawink.Shewasdressedinskintightjeans,brownleatherridingboots,andaflannelshirtthatwas
tiedatherwaist,showingoffherflatstomach.“Thisistheofficeyou’dbeworkingin,”shesaid,pointing
towardalargebarndoor.“Let’sgooninsideandtalk.”

“OK,”Isaid,assheturnedandheadedforthedoor.Iwasnervous.SincethemomentMasehadletgo

ofmyhandandleft,myhearthadbeenpoundinginmychestandmythroatfelttight.Thiswasit.My
chanceatajobthatcouldhelpmeinlifeandreallygetmesomewhere.

Thedooropened,andItookamomenttolookaround.Theceilingwentallthewaytotheroofof

exposedwoodenbeams.LargeEdisonbulbshungfromlongcordsfromtheceiling,castingtheroomin
flatteringlight.Bookshelveslinedthebackwall,andthreetallfilecabinetswereagainsttheleftsideof
theroom.Acomputerwithamassivescreensatonawhitewashedwoodentable.Twobrownleather
chairswereacrossfromthedesk,withasmallroundbarrelfunctioningasanaccenttablebetweenthem.

Pipertookaseatinoneofthechairsandwavedformetotaketheother.
“So,”shesaid,crossingherlegsanddrapinganarmacrossherthigh.“MaseinformedArthurthatyou

don’thaveanyexperiencewithhorsesorthetypeofworkIwouldrequire.Hedidsaythatyouwerea
hardworkerandhebelievedyoucoulddoanythingyouputyourmindto.WhatIwanttoknowaboutis
you.Whatyouthinkyoucando.Whatyouwanttodo.”

Thiswasit.Iwouldhavetotellheraboutmydyslexianow.Nopointingoinganyfurtherifthiswas

unacceptableforher.Iunclenchedthetightfistinmylapandtookadeepbreath.Ihadnothingtobe
ashamedof.Iwasnotstupid.Ihadlearnedtoread,andmywritingskillshadimprovedeversinceMase
beganteachingme.

“First,IwantyoutoknowthatIdohavedyslexia.”Ididn’tpauseandgivehertimetosayanything.

“UntilImetMase,Icouldn’treadorwrite.Hecameintomylifeandhelpedmeidentifytherootofmy
problem,andthenhegotmehelp.Ireaddailytohim,andIalsowritedailyinajournal,whichMase
readsovertocheckmyspelling.I’veworkedhardtogettowhereIam.However,whenI’minatense
situationandfeelpressured,Icanmisspellsomethingorpossiblyfreezeupandnotbeabletowriteatall.
Iunderstandifthisissomethingyoudon’tthinkwillworkwithyourneeds.However,Idowantthisjob,
andIwilldomyverybesttomakeyouhappy.”

Pipersatthereamomentbeforespeaking.
Ifocusedonnotfidgetingwithmyhands.Iwasnervous,butthiswasapartofmylife.OneIhadto

learntoworkwith.

“Thisjobwillrequirealotofreadingandwriting.However,fromwhatI’vejustheard,Ithinkthat

havinganemployeewhowantstodoagoodjobanddoesn’ttakeitforgrantedisthebestkindtohave.I
willneedyoutoanswerphonecalls,takenotes,readandreplytoe-mails,andthenhelpmesomewith

thetackandcleaningthestalls.Ifyouareupforthischallenge,Iwanttoofferittoyou.Ilikefighters,
ReeseEllis,andyouseemlikeafightertome.”

Icouldfeelthetearsstingmyeyes,butIblinkedthemback.Reliefwashedthroughme,andIsmiled.It

wasprobablyoneofthosebig,cheesygrins,butIdidn’tcare.Ihadgottenthejob.Me.Ihaddonethis.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,wishingIhadwordstotellherhowtrulythankfulIwas.
Piperleanedoverandpattedmyknee.“Don’tthankmeyet.Youmayhatethisjob,butI’mhopingyou

won’t.”

Iwouldn’t.Iwasgoingtoloveit.BecauseitwassomethingI’dgottenonmyown.

Sittingbehindthedesk,aloneintheoffice,Icheckedthethirdthingoffthelistinfrontofme.Piperhad
goneovereverythingwithmeandthenleftmealistofthingssheneededmetodotoday.Onceshehad
left,I’dletoutahugesighofrelief.Beinginherealonemadeitsomucheasiertoreadandwrite.Ihad
completefocus.

Thenextthingonthelistwastoreadandreplytothee-mails.Pipergotalotofinterestinher

horseback-ridinglessons.I’dalreadyhadfourphonecallsaboutit.WhenIopenedthein-box,therewere
eighte-mailinquiries.

Ibeganreadingthefirstonebuthadbarelymadeitthroughbeforethedooropenedafteroneshort

knock.IglanceduptoseeafamiliarfacebutnotoneIhadexpectedtoseeorwantedtosee,forthat
matter.Hismessy,sun-streakedhairwaspulledbackagainandcoveredbyabackwardbaseballcap.

“Yougotthejob,”hesaid,withasmuglookonhisface.
Howdidheknowaboutthejob?Inoddedbutdidn’tsayanything.
Captainchuckledandsteppedintotheoffice.“Youlikeit?”heasked,lookingasifhehadeveryrightto

bestandinginthisroom.

Inoddedagain.
Hisgringrew,andadimpleappearedonhisface.“Isyoursilenceachallenge,Reese?BecauseIlike

challenges.”

Dangthisman.Hewasdeterminedtodrivemecrazy.“Actually,itwasahintforyoutoleave.”
Captaingavemeasmirk,steppedovertooneoftheleatherchairs,andsankdownintoit.Hestretched

hislongjeans-cladlegsoutinfrontofhim,thencrossedthemattheankle.“Iwastoldtowaitherefor
Piper.She’swithaclient.Ineedhersignatureonsomeforms,andArthurisinAustintoday.Piperhasto
signwhenhe’sgone.”

Great.Ididn’tknowthatseeingCaptain...River...whateverIwassupposedtocallhimwaspartof

myjobdescription.

Iturnedmyattentionbacktothecomputerscreen,butIcouldfeelhiseyesonme.Ihadahardtime

concentrating.Itfeltlikehewastryingtomemorizemyeveryfeature.

“Yourmanstillrunningaroundwiththatcousinofhis?”
Istiffened.Whywashesointentonmakingmethinksomethingthatwasn’ttrueaboutthem?Iknewthat

Maselovedme.Ialsoknewthathedidn’thaveathingforAida.Althoughshemightverywellhavea
thingforhim.“No,butthat’snotyourbusiness.”

“Don’treckonitis.ButIdon’twanttobetoofarawaywhenhescrewsup.He’sgotsomethingIwant.”
Allthewordsonthescreenblurred,andmyheadpounded.Whatwashetalkingabout?Masehad

somethinghewanted?Me?Washetalkingaboutme?No.Helikedtosaythingstoupsetme.Hedidn’t
flirtwithme.Hewasanasshole.“You’llbewaitingalongtime.Masedoesn’tmessup.He’sthebest
manIknow,”Isaid,staringatthejumbledwordsonthescreen.Myfocuswascompletelygone.

“Noman’sperfect,sweetheart,”hedrawled.
Ididn’tlikehimcallingmesweetheart.IalsohatedhiminsinuatingthatMasecoulddosomething

wrong.Somethingtohurtme.Hewasn’tlikethat.JustbecauseCaptainRiverWhoeverwasajerk,that
didn’tmeanallmenwerejerks.

“Maseis,”Irepliedtightly.
Hedidn’trespondrightaway,andItriedtotakeadeepbreathandfocusonthewords.Pretendhe

wasn’tthere.“Hesavedyou?Isthatwhyyoutrusthimsomuch?Youneededasavior,andhecamealong
attherighttime.Isthatit?”

Yes,hesavedme.Helovedme.Butthatwasn’tthisman’sbusiness.Nothinginmylifewasthisman’s

business.“Hechangedmyworld.”

Captainletoutasighthatcaughtmyattention,andIturnedtolookathim.Hestoodup,andIhopedthat

meanthewasleaving.Ihadworktodo.Hewasmessingwiththat.“Icanchangeyourworld,too,
sweetheart.ButI’llwaitmyturn,”hesaid,thenwalkedoutthedoorwithoutanotherword.

Istaredatthecloseddoorwithmixedfeelingsofdisbelief,confusion,andanger.Whodidhethinkhe

was?Andwhywasheinterestedinme?Itwasn’tlikehecouldn’twalkintoaroomandcrookhisfinger
atanygirlhewanted.Heneededtofindsomeonewhowasactuallyavailable.

Mase

ThesmilethatlitReese’sfacewhenIopenedherofficedoormadeallthepainofmissingherand
worryingaboutherfadeaway.Toseehersmilelikethat,sittingbehindsuchanicedesk,madeitall
worthit.Shewashappy.

“Ididit.Idideverythingonmylist,”shesaid,withprideinhervoice.
Iwalkedovertoherasshestoodupandreachedforherpurse.
Pullingherintomyarms,Iheldhercloseandinhaledherscentbeforecoveringhermouthwithmine.I

neededatastebeforewewentbacktomytruckfortheridehome.Herhandscameupandclungtomy
arms.Iloveditwhenshedidthat.Likesheneededtoholdontome.

WhenIhadenoughtogetmehome,IpressedonelastkisstoherlipsandmovedmyheadbacksothatI

couldtakeherin.“I’msoproudofyou.”

Shebeamedatme.“I’mproudofme,too.”
That.ThatwasallIneeded.Anythingshewantedtodo,I’dmakeithappenifIcouldhearthosewords

fromhermouth.Shehadalottobeproudof.Ineverwantedhertodoubtherselfagain.

“Readytogohome?”Iasked.
Sheslippedherpurseoverhershoulder.“Yes.”
Iputmyhandonherlowerback,andwewalkedoutthedoor.Sheturnedandlockeditwithhernewset

ofkeys,thenglancedupatme.“Piperleftearly.Shesaidshe’dseemetomorrow,soIdon’thavetolet
herknowI’mgone.”

Good.ThesoonerIgotherhome,thebetter.

Ontheridehome,shetalkedaboutherdayandallthee-mailsandphonecallsshe’dgotten.Shesounded
excited,likeshehadenjoyedeveryminuteofit.Iletherhappinesspushawaymyownfeelingsaboutthe
dayI’dhadoutofmymind.Aidahadstayedgoneallday.MommasaidIjustneededtogivehersome
spacetodeal.ShesaiditwastimeAidagotoverthiscrushshehadonme.Majorbringingitupwasthe
bestthingthatcouldhavehappenedtoher.Shehadtogetoveritnowandmoveon.

Thatdidn’tmakeiteasier,andIwasconcernedaboutwhereAidahadrunoffto.Shewasyoungandso

naiveandsillyaboutthings.Thefactthatshehadacrushonmeprovedthatevenmore.Ididn’twanther
goingoutandgettinghurtbecauseofthis.I’dblamemyself.

Whenwepulledintothedriveway,Aida’struckwassittingthere.LookedlikeIwasgoingtofacethis

soonerratherthanlater,andIdidn’twantReesehearinganyofit.Aidawassittinginthedriver’sseat
withherheadonthesteeringwheellikeshewascrying.Great.

IparkedthetruckandlookedoveratReese,whowasstaringatAida.IneverwantedReesetoknow

thatAidahadathingforme.ThatwassomethingIhadtoshutdownnowsowecouldgetonwiththings.

Reese’semotionsweren’tgoingtobemessedwithhere.Ihadtoprotectherfirst.

“Ineedtotalktoher.She’sgoingthroughsomethingrightnow,andI’mtheonlyonewhocanhelpher

moveon,”Iexplained.IwantedtogoinsideandeatdinnerwithReese,thenenjoyalongshowertogether
beforewecurledupandshereadtome.Butthatwasn’thappeningtonight.Ihadtoputthisbehindus.

Shenodded.“OK.I’llgofixussomedinner.”
Thetoneinhervoicesoundedoff,butIwasprobablyimaginingthings,sinceIwasalreadyworried

aboutthisshitwithAida.Ileanedoverandkissedherbeforegettingoutofthetruck.

ReeseclimbeddownbeforeIcouldgettoher.“Godowhatyouneedto,”shesaid,andshewalkedup

thestairswithoutlookingbackatme.

Thatwasn’tlikeReese.Maybeshewasjusttiredandreadytogoinside.Iwantedtogowithher.Shit,

thiswasallkindsoffucked-up.

Iwalkedovertothedriver’s-sidedoorofAida’struckandopenedit.“Moveover,I’mdriving,”Isaid

whensheliftedhertear-streakedfacetolookatme.

Shedidn’tquestionme.Onceshewasontheotherside,Iclimbedin.“Putonyourseatbelt,”Itoldher

whenshedidn’treachforit.

Onceshewasbuckled,Ipulledoutofthedrivewayanddrovetothemainroad.Weneededtotalk,butI

wasgoingtodrivewhilewedidit.Ineededsomethingtodootherthanlookatherandfacethisshit.

“Talk,Aida.Stopcrying,andtalktome.”
Shesniffled,andIwatchedherwipeatherface.“Whatdoyouwantmetosay?Majorsaiditall.”
Well,thatclarifiedthat.“Whatthehell,Aida?Seriously?Howdidthishappen?”
Sheletoutashakysigh.“Youwere...aremyeverything,Mase.Youalwayshavebeen.You’rethere

whenIneedsomeone.Wehavefuntogether.Welaugh.Wefit.Ijustdon’tknowwhyyoucan’tseethat.
She...shedoesn’tfityou.Ido.Iknowyousomuchbetterthanshedoes.”

Motherfucker.HowhadImissedthis?Ifeltsoblindsided.“You’remycousin.Hell,Aida,Isawyoua

coupletimesayeargrowingup.Itwasn’tlikewewereinseparable.Thewayyoutalkaboutussounds
likewedideverythingtogether.Idon’tseehowyoucookedallthisupinyourhead.I’veneveronce
givenyoureasontothinkwehavesomethingorevenhadsomething.Wehardlyseeeachother.”

Aidasighed.“Youdon’tseeit.We’vealwayshadaconnection.Icouldfeelit.Iknowyoudid,too.

Reesemessedthisallup.Youthinkyouloveher.Youjustdon’trememberwhatwe’vehadtogether.”

Yes,IlovedReese.IlovedReeselikeamaninsane.Shewasmyworld.Thatwasn’teverchanging.

“Aida,ReeseiseverythingIneverknewIneededbutIcan’tlivewithout.Tellingyourselfthatthereis,or
was,somethingbetweenusispointless.You’vealwaysbeenjealousofothersgettingmyattention.Iknew
that.Butwewerekids,andyouweredemanding.Ioverlookeditorignoredit.Butthiscan’tbeignored.
Reeseisthemostimportantpersoninmylife.”

Aidaletoutanothersob.“Whycan’tthatbeme?WhatdoesshehavethatIdon’thave?HowcanIbe

her?HowdoIwinyourlove?”

Holyhell.“Youcan’t.Itdoesn’tworkthatway.Youcan’tbelikeherandwinmylove.Reeseismy

one.Youwillfindaguyonedaywhowillbethatforyou,andnoonewillevercompare.”

“Idon’twantanyoneelse.Ineverhave,”shesaidinasadvoice.
“I’mtryingtobeunderstandinghere,butyou’remakingithard.Idon’tgetit.Thisisn’thealthy,Aida.

You’vegottoseethat.”

Shebegancryingsoftlyagain,andIjustdrove.Shehadtoseethetruthhereanddealwithit.Thelights

ofFortWorthappearedinthedistance.Ihopedacoffeeshopwasopen,becauseIneededsomethingto
getmethroughthis.

“Whatifsheisn’tyourforever?Whatifonedaysheleaves?Oryoufalloutoflovewithher?You

don’tknowthefuture.Noonedoes.Peoplebreakup,andtheyevengetdivorced.Whataboutwhenyou
don’tloveheranymore?”

Noneofthatwashappening,andhearingherevenmentionitpissedmeoff.“Notme.Thatisn’tme.I

don’tgiveup.I’dnevergiveuponher.”

Aidalaidherheadbackontheseatandletoutafrustratedgroan.“You’resostubborn.”
Ialmostlaughed.Shewascallingmestubborn.Seriously?“Thishasgottoend,Aida.I’mnotkidding.

Reeseismine.She’smyhappiness.Myreasonforwakingupinthemorning.Sheiseverysmileonmy
face.That’sit.Nothingwillchangethat.”

AidaclosedhereyesasIpulledintoaStarbucksdrive-through.Abeerwouldbebetter,butIhadto

drive,soablackcoffeewasgoingtohavetosuffice.“Youwantanything?”Iaskedher.

“No,”shesaidsulkily.
Iorderedmine,andwesatthereinsilence.OnceIhadmydrinkIturnedbacktowardtheranch.
“She’llleaveyouoneday,andI’llbegone.You’llregretthis.Iswearyouwill,”Aidasaid,lookingout

thewindow.

TheonlythingIwouldregretwasthatIhadmissedallthesignsandletitgetthisfargone.Aidaneeded

togohome.Hervisitwasover.Ihopeditwouldbeyearsbeforehernextone.

WhenIfinallygothomeafterdroppingAidabackatmyparents’house,I’dbeengoneformorethantwo
hours.Aidahadwantedtotalkmore,andIhadlistened,butIdidn’tfeellikeIhadmadeanyprogress
withher.ShewasstillwarningmethatIwasmessingup.Iwasbeginningtothinkmycousinwasmentally
unbalanced.

AsIopenedthedoor,thesmellofgarlicandbuttermetmynose.Walkingintothekitchen,Icouldsee

spaghettisimmeringinapotofboilingwateronthestove.ToastedFrenchbreadrubbedwithgarlicand
buttersatbesideit.

ButReesewasn’tthere.
Iheadedforthebedroom,andjustasIreachedthedoor,Iheardhervoice.Istoppedandrealizedshe

wasreading.Alone.Withoutme.

Shehadworkedherfirstdayatanewjob,andI’dleftherhere.Insteadofpoutinglikemostwomen

would,shehadcookeddinnerandwasnowgoingonwithhernight.Mygutknottedup.Ifeltlikeanass.I
shouldhavebeenherewithher.Ishouldhavecookedforher.AndIshouldbethereholdingherwhileshe
read.Thatwasourthing.

Openingthedoor,Isteppedintotheroom,myeyesinstantlyfindingher.Shewascurledupinourbed,

withherhairinlowpigtailsanddressedinatanktopandpajamapants.Shestoppedreadingandlooked
upatme.

Thenshesmiled.
ThatsmilewasallthatIneededinlife.Thatandhavingherrightthereinmybed.Nothingwasas

perfectasthis.

“I’msorry,”Isaid,needingtosayit.Myguiltandregretoverleavingherwaseatingatme.
Sheshrugged.“It’sOK.Sheneededyou.”
ButsodidReese.Ineverwantedtochoosesomeoneelse’sneedsoverReese’s.“Ishouldhavebeen

herewithyou.Ishouldhavecookedyoudinnerandlistenedtoyoutalkaboutyourday.AndIshouldbein
thatbedlisteningtoyoureadtome.”

Reeseputherbookdowninherlap.“Iwouldhavelikedthat.”
Thosehonestwordsslicedthroughme.ThatridewithAidadidnothingbutletmesayhowIfelt.I’d

wastedmytime.AndI’dletReesedown.

“Ihavetogetupearly.I’dliketostayupwithyouwhileyoueatandshower,butPiperneedsmeatthe

officeateighttomorrowmorning.Shesignedonforsomeearlierlessons,soIneedsomesleep.”

Althoughshesaideverythingwithasmile,therewasasadnessinhereyesthatmademefeelhelpless.

Thenshelaydownandrolledover,endingourconversation.

Ihadscrewedup.

Reese

Whenmyalarmwentoffatsixthirty,Irolledoverandstretched.Lastnight’sevents,andthesadnessI’d
gonetobedwith,camebacktome.MasehadgonetoAidaandstayedgoneforhours.Ihadwaitedtoeat
withhimformorethananhour,untilIwastoohungrytowait.OnceI’deatenandcleanedup,Itooka
shower,andhestillwasn’thome.

BythetimeI’dgottenmybookandstartedreading,Irealizedthiswasapattern.WhenAidaneeded

him,hewenttoher.Itconcernedme.Shewasn’thisbloodrelative,buthehadnevertoldmethat.
Someoneelsehad.

Ishookmyhead,threwbackthecovers,andgotoutofbed.Ihadtofocusonworktoday.NotMase.

NotAida.ThatwasasituationIneededtofindmywaythrough.Ihopedgoingtosleeponhimwhenhe
gothomelastnightsenttherightmessage.Hehadupsetme.Iwantedhimtoknowthat.Ididn’twantto
takeabackseattohiscousinforever.

Hewasmyfirstconcern.Shouldn’tIbehis?
Iwenttobrushmyteethandgetdressed.Todaywasaboutprovingmyworthatmyjob,notsulking

becauseMasehadletmedownlastnight.

WhenIsteppedoutofthebedroom,myeyesfellonMasestandingatthestove.Hisbackwastome,but

hewasdefinitelycooking.Iwalkedtowardthekitchenthroughthelivingroom,hopingtoseewhathewas
doing.

MaseturnedjustasIgotintothekitchenandgavemethatsmilethatmademyheartflutter.“Morning,

beautiful.Breakfastisalmostdone.”

Breakfast?Wenormallyatecerealorsomethinghismom,Maryann,broughtus.Andwasn’tMase

supposedtobedownatthestablesworking?

“Haveaseat,andI’llgetyourorangejuice,”hesaid,wipinghishandsonthedishtowelstuckinthe

frontofhisjeans.

Ididn’tmove.Iwasstilltryingtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.
Hepausedwhenhesawmestillstandingthere.“Yougood?”heasked,lookingconcerned.
Imanagedanodandmovedtothetablewhilehepouredmeaglassoforangejuice.
“Coffeeisbrewing.I’llgetyousomeinafew.”
“Whatareyoudoing?”Iblurtedout.
Heslidwhatlookedlikeanomeletfromapantoaplate,thenturnedtomeandhelditup.“Fixingyou

breakfast.Ididn’tgettomakeyoudinnerafteryourfirstdayofwork.SoIthoughtI’dfixyoubreakfast
beforeyoursecondday.Notthesame,butIdidn’tsleepmuchlastnight.Iwatchedyousleepandbeat
myselfupoverlettingyoudown.”Hewalkedovertomewithaseriousexpressiononhisface.Whenhe
settheplatedowninfrontofme,hebentoverandlookedintomyeyes.“Ineverwanttobetheonetolet
youdown,andIdidthatlastnight.Iwon’tdoitagain.You’rethemostimportantpartofmylife.”

Myheartwentintoasillybeatofgiddiness.Ihadbeenupsetwithhim,butthismadeallthatmeltaway.

ThiswasMase.ThemanItrustedandloved.Ireturnedhissmile.“Thankyou,”Iwhispered.

Heleanedinandkissedmesweetly.“Don’tthankme.Idon’tdeserveit,”hesaidagainstmymouth.

“Bemadatme.Throwthingsatme.Hell,baby,slapme.Butdon’tthankme.Thatkillsme.”

Ireachedupandcuppedhisface.Iadoredthatface.“HowaboutIloveyou,then?”Isaidwithasmile.
Heclosedhiseyesandleanedintomyhand.“Thatalwayssoundsgood.”
Imovedmyhandandlookeddownattheplateinfrontofme.Theomelethe’dmadelookeddelicious

andfullofcheese,butitwasalsobigenoughforthreepeople.“Gogetanotherplateandeatwithme.
Thisismassive.”

Hechuckled.“Yeah,Iguessitis.”
Duringourbreakfast,ItoldhimeverythingIhadwantedtotellhimlastnight.Hetoldmeabouthisday,

althoughIfeltlikehewasleavingsomethingout.Itwasinhiseyes.AndhenevertoldmewhatAidahad
comeoverfor.

Thatbotheredme.

Themorninghadgonebyquickly.Piperwasbusywithonelessonafteranother,andIhadtogooutand
helpherdosomecleaningandbrushdownthehorses.She’dexplainedhowtodoitandshowedmeonce
yesterday,andIhadpickeditupquickly.Iwasfeelingveryaccomplishedbythetimelunchtimerolled
around.

Ihadn’tpackedabiglunchtoday,andIwasstarving.Myturkeysandwichandapplewouldnotbe

enough.Iwantedabig,thickhamburgerandalargeorderoffries.Notthatmybuttneededit,butIsure
wantedit.Maybeevensomechocolatechipcookies.Iwouldhavetousemyimaginationandeatthe
sandwichI’dbroughtandpretenditwassomethingyummier.

“Youhavesomethingtoeat?”Piperasked,stickingherheadthroughthedoorway.
NotwhatIwanted.“Yes,”Ireplied.
“Good.Takeyourlunchbreak.I’mheadeduptothehousetomeetArthurforlunch.Seeyoulaterthis

afternoon.”

Inodded,andsheclosedthedoorbehindher.Sighing,Ipulledoutmypaperbagandsetitonmydesk.

TomorrowIwouldprepareahugelunch.Somethingdelicious.Somethingwonderful.

Thedooropenedagain,andIlookedup,expectingtoseePiperagain,butitwasn’tmyboss.Itwas

someoneelse.SomeoneIdidnotwanttosee.

“Piperjustleftforlunch,”Isaid,soundingmoreannoyedthannecessary.
Captaingrinned,andInoticedhisdimpleagain.Wereguyssupposedtohavedimpleslikethat?Itwasa

deepone.

“Broughtlunch,”hesaid,holdingupalargepaperbag.Muchbiggerthanmine.
“Ididn’taskforlunch,”Isnapped.
Myattitudedidn’tdeterhim.Hewalkedintotheofficeandclosedthedoorbehindhim.“No,you

didn’t,butIwasgettingmine,andIthoughtwhatthehell.Dosomethingniceforsomeonetoday,Captain.”
Hesetthebagonmydesk.Thesmellofsomethingmouthwateringhitmynose.Muchbetterthanmy
sandwich.“SowhenIorderedthebestdamnburgerinTexas,Idecidedtogettwoandbringonetoyou.
Daytwoonthejob,figuredyouneededatreat.”

Hehadbroughtmeaburger.Washekiddingme?Didthismanreadminds?
Whenheplacedthelargeboxinfrontofme,IwasprettysureIwasdrooling.Itsmelledamazing.He

wasjustbeingnice.WhowasItoturndownalunchthatIhadjustbeendreamingabout?

“Iwasexpectingmoresnarkycomments.Possiblyathreattothrowthedamnburgerrightinmyface.

Thatkindofthing,”Captainsaid,soundingsmug.

Ishouldhavedoneallthosethings,butIwantedthefood.Theideaofeatingmyturkeysandwichnow

wasjustsad.

“Tosweetenthedeal,Igotyouasliceofstrawberrycake,”headded.Notchocolatechipcookies,but

thatwasagoodsubstitute.HeopenedmyboxasifIcouldn’tdoit.

“Youwin.I’mstarving.”
Helaughedthen.Areallaugh.Notonethatwasall-knowingorassholish.Ilikedhislaugh.Itwasn’t

bad.Notnearlyasannoyingashewasingeneral.

“Well,thankyou.ThismeansmygooddeedforthedayiscompleteandIcangoaboutmybusiness

beingabastard.”

Thistime,Ilaughed.
Whenhepulledupachairandstartedopeninguphisfood,Irealizedhewasstaying.Iwasn’tsure

aboutthat.Itseemedalittletoofamiliar.Weweren’tfriends.Weweren’tanything.

“Justeat,Reese.I’mnotgoingtocomeacrossthetableandgrabyou.I’mjusteatingbeforemyfood

getscold.”

Right.OK.
Iwatchedashepickeduphisburgerandtookabite.Itlookedsogood.Ipushedmyconcernsasideand

didthesame.

Weateinsilence,andIdecidedthiswasOK.Notweirdatall.AndtheburgerwasthebestthingI’d

putinmymouth.Thefrieswerealsofulfillingmyfantasies.WhenIhadalmostfinished,hespokeagain.

“Youhangoutathomealonelastnight?Sinceyourmanwasoffgettingcoffeewithhiscousin?”
He’dgonetogetcoffeewithher?Ihadthoughtshewascrying.They’dstayedoutlatehavingcoffee?

“Shewasupset.Hewastryingtocomforther,”Isaid,pushingthefoodaway.Iwasn’thungryanymore.
Noteventhetemptationofthestrawberrycakeappealedtome.

“Uhhh,shedidn’tseemupsetwhenIsawthem.Ievensawhimlaugh.Shameheleftyouathomeat

night.Itwasyourfirstdayatwork.Heshouldhavebeentherewithyou.”

“Stopit,”Isaid,standingupandputtingdistancebetweenus.Ididn’twanttolistentohimvoicemy

ownfears.Itwasenoughformetoheartheminmyhead.

Heclosedhisboxandleanedbackinhischairtolookatme.“Youdon’tdealwellwiththetruth,do

you?”

“I’mfinewiththetruth,”Ireplied,myvoicerising.Hewasgettingtome.Hewasmakingmeangry

again.Hewasgoodatthat.

“ThenwhydoesmetellingyouwhatIsawandhowIthinkitwaswrongupsetyou?I’mjustspeaking

thetruth.Anymanwhohasyouathomeshouldkeephisassrighttherewithyou.”

No,no,no.Iwasnotlisteningtothis.HewassayingthesethingstomakemedoubtMase.Iwouldnot

doubtMase.I’ddonethatonceandalmostruinedeverything.“Hefeltbadforleavingme.Heapologized
overandoverandevenmademebreakfastthismorning.Maseisagoodman.Helovesme.Stoptryingto
makemedoubthim.”

Captainstoodupandkepthisheatedgazeonme.Hewasn’tsmirkingnoworlookinglikehewasabout

tosaysomethingelsesnarky.ItwasthefirstrealexpressionI’dseenonhim.“I’mnottryingtoupsetyou.
I’mtryingtoshowyouthatnotallmenarewhattheyseemtobe.Nooneis,sweetheart.I’veseenittoo
manytimes.AndthefirsttimeIlookedintoyoureyes,IsawapainIunderstood.Beforeyouopenedyour
mouthandenchantedmyhard,bittersoul,Iwantedtoprotectyou.Ican’thelpthat.”

Ididn’thavewords.Hehadtogo.Thiswasnotaninnocentlunch.“Leave,please,”Isaid,pointingat

thedoor.

Hedidn’targue.Hesimplynoddedhishead,turned,andwalkedout.
Istoodtherestaringatthatcloseddoorforseveralminutes.Hewasdangerous.Icouldn’tlethimget

nearmeagain.Ididn’twanthishonesty.Ididn’twanthistruths.IjustwantedMase.

Mase

SomethingwasbotheringReese.FromthetimeI’dpickedherupthisafternoon,shehadseemedoff.Her
smiledidn’tmeethereyes.Shealsoseemedclingy.NotthatIwascomplaining.Butshedidn’tletmeget
farfromher.Wehadshoweredtogetherandhadsexonthebathroomcounterbeforemovingtothesofa
andcurlinguptogether.

Shewascurrentlysittinginmylapwithherarmaroundmyshouldersandherheadonmychest.The

guiltaboutlastnightwasstilldiggingatme.Wasthatwhyshewasactingsodifferently?Shewasworried
I’dleaveheragain?Didshethinkshehadtoholdontome?Ifuckingloveditwhensheclungtome,butI
didn’twantherdoingitbecauseshefeltlikeshehadto.

IwantedhertoknowIwasalwayshers.Noneedtoclingtome.Iwasn’tgoinganywhere.Itrailedmy

fingertipsoverherbarethighs,thinkingaboutallwe’dbeenthroughandhowfarshe’dcome.

Shehadgrownsomuch,andIwouldneverforgivemyselfifmystupidactionstookthatawayfromher.

Shewasmine,butIwasjustasmuchhers.Nooneelsewouldhavemethisway.

“Iloveyou,”Iwhisperedintoherhair.
“Iloveyou,too,”shereplied,andtracedaheartonmychestwithherfinger.
“Iwon’tleaveyouagain,”Itoldher.Ineededhertobelieveme.
Shedidn’treply.Instead,shecontinuedtracingthatheartonmychestoverandover.
“Youownme,Reese.Knowthat,baby.KnowthatI’myours.”
Shestoppedtracingonmychestandtiltedherfaceuptolookatme.“Whatif,oneday,you’renotmine

anymoreandyoucan’thelpit?”

Whatdidshemeanbythat?“Icansweartoyouthatyouwillalwaysbeitforme.Noonefitsmelike

you.Noonemakesmefeelwhole.Nooneelseeverwill.”

Shesmiledandpressedakisstomychest.“Iwanttobelievethat.”
Well,fuckme.Iwantedhertobelievethat,too.Ithoughtshedid.Hadmyonestupidmess-uplastnight

madeherdoubtthat?Doubtme?

Icuppedherfaceandheldhersothatshewaslookingdirectlyintomyeyes.“Doyouseeme?Thisman

infrontofyouwillloveyouuntilthedayhedies.You’remyone,Reese.Myone.”

Sherelaxedinmyarmsandleanedintome.“OK.”
OK?Ha!Thatwasallshewasgoingtosay?OK?
“Doesthat‘OK’meanyoubelieveme?”
Shenodded.“Ibelieveyou.Ialwaysbelieveyou.”
Pullinghertightagainstmychest,Iheldontoher.Thiswasmyhome.Shewaswheremyhomewould

alwaysbe.ItwastimeItookthenextstepandprovedtoherthatIwasallin.Forever.

Reesewastalkingtoherfatheronthephonethismorning.Shedidn’thavetogotoworkuntilnine,soshe
hadcalledherdadtocatchhimuponthings.Checkinginwithfamilywasn’tsomethingReesewasusedto
doing.Iexpectedhimtowanthertocomevisitagainsoon,andIneededtopreparetheranchformy
absence.Shewasn’tgoingwithoutmeagain.

“Yes,Iloveitthere.Piper,myboss,isreallygreat.AndIlearnedtobrushdownthehorses,”shesaid,

chattingawayhappily.

Justhearinghermademesmile.Ihadn’tbeensurehowIfeltabouthimwalkingintoherlifelikehehad

atfirst.I’dbeenafraidhewasoutforsomething.Buthehadn’tbeen.He’dhonestlywantedtoknowhis
daughter.ReesehadneededthatmorethanIevenrealized.Thehorrorfromherpastseemedtobefading
awayforher,thoughIknewitwouldalwaysbeapartofherinsomeway.Shejustwasn’tlettingitdefine
herlife.Shedidn’tusehermotherandherstepfatherasexcusesnottoachievemore.Reesebelievedin
herself.

AfterIdroppedReeseoffatwork,IwenttoMomma’s.Ihadn’ttalkedtohersincetheAidathing.I

knewAida’struckwasgone,butIdidn’taskaboutit.Seeinghergonewasmoreofarelief.

Major’struckwasstillthere,though.He’dbeengonealldayyesterday,butapparently,hehadn’tleft

town.Iparkedmytruckandheadedinside.

Majorwasdrinkingacupofcoffeeandeatingagain.“Whatdoyouthinkthisis?Abed-and-breakfast?”

Igrumbled,walkinginsidetogokissmymommaandgetmyselfacupofcoffee.

“Don’tbehating.There’splentyforyou,too,”hesaidwithamouthfulloffood.
“Goodmorning,son,”Mommasaid.
“Morning,Momma.”
“Reeseatwork?”sheasked.
Inoddedandtookasipofthehotliquid.
“Didyoutellheryourcousinhasthehotsforyou?”Majorasked.
Ifwehadn’tbeeninMomma’skitchen,I’dhaveputmyfistinhisface.
“Major,”Mommawarned.
Heheldupbothhands.“Justasking.”
“Aidawentbacktoherparents’house.Shetookofffromcollegethissemester,andthey’regoingto

forcehertomakeitupthissummer.Herdaddyisnothappythatshetookofftocomehere,”Momma
explained.“Butshe’syoung,andshe’lllearn.Let’sjustputthisbehindus.”

“Soyoudidn’ttellReese,didyou?”Majorasked,grinning.
Iglaredathimovermycoffeecup.
“Iwouldn’thavetoldher,either.It’screepy,ifyoureallythinkaboutit.”
“Wouldyoushutup?”Igrowled.
Hestoodupwithhisemptyplateandheadedtothesink.“Sure.I’llshutup.Igotajobtogetto.”
“Job?”Iasked,surprised.
“Yep.I’mworkingonbuildingtheadditiontoStoutsandHawkins.Hisnewguyoverseeingtheproject,

RiverKipling,hiredme.IfthisoneisassuccessfulastheoneinKeyWest,thenArthurissendinghimto
RosemaryBeachtobuildanother,andI’llbegoing,too.FindmeoneofthosehottiesI’veheardsomuch
about.”

TheideaofRiverKiplingmovingtoFlorida,farawayfromDallas,wasveryappealing.

Reese

PiperwalkedintotheofficeanhourafterIhadarrived,carryingtwocupsofcoffee.“Goodmorning,”she
saidbrightly.

AsweirdasitwastoimaginehermarriedtoArthur,amanwhocouldbeherfather,Ireallyliked

Piper.Shewasdown-to-earth,andI’dwatchedherwiththekidsshetrained.Shewaskind.Ifeltguilty
nowforthinkingArthurhadmarriedherforherbeautyandyouthwhileshe’dmarriedhimforhismoney.I
didn’tgetthatvibefromPiper.

“Goodmorning,”Ireplied,takingthecoffeecupshehandedtome.“Thankyou.Ineedthis.”
“Everyonealwaysneedsagoodcupofcoffee.”Shetookoneoftheleatherseatsacrossfromthedesk.

“So,tellme,howareyoulikingthisjob?”

Ilovedworkinghere.IfeltIwasbeingproductive.“I’menjoyingitverymuch.”
Pipersippedfromhercupandsmiledatmeovertherim.“Good,”shesaid.“I’mveryhappywithyour

work.Everythingyou’vedoneyou’vegivenonehundredpercent.Youworklikeyouownitanditmeans
somethingtoyou.That’shardtofindinanemployee.IhopeIcankeepyouaroundforawhile.”

“Thankyou,”Ireplied,feelingmychestswellwithpride.IhadbeensoworriedIwouldn’tbeableto

dothisjobcorrectly,buthereshewastellingmeshewasimpressedwithmywork.Icoulddothis.Mase
wasright.Hebelievedinme,andIneededtostartbelievinginme,too.

“Nowthatyou’veshownmeyoucanhandlethedailytasks,Ineedtoaddonemorethingtoyourlist.

Myhusbandhasaguyworkingonbuildingandexpandingthemenutoincludeseafoodathissteakhouse
hereinDallas,whichhehasalreadydonesuccessfullyinKeyWest.RiverKipling.He’saskedforsome
helpfilinghisreceiptsandbills.Untiltheexpansioniscomplete,Arthurneedstousemyextrafiling
cabinettoorganizeallofthat.We’llneedyoutofilethepaperworkthatRiverbringsin,andhe’ll
occasionallyaskyoutomakephonecallsonhisbehalfwhilehe’son-site.”

Oh,no.HowcouldItellherIdidn’twanttoworkwithRiver?She’djustsaidIwasdoingagreatjob

andwantedmearoundforawhile.Icouldn’trefusetodothis.Besides,hewouldjustbedroppingstuff
offeveryonceinawhile.Notabigdeal.IwasmakingmoreoutofthisthanIneededto.

“OK,sure,”Ireplied,notfeelingsureatall.
Shegavemeanapprovingsmileandtookonelastdrinkofhercoffeebeforestandingup.“Heshould

bebysometimebeforelunchtogooverthingswithyou.Itoldhimyou’dbeexpectinghim.”

Today?Already?Ineededmoretime.Inodded.ItwasallIcoulddo.
“Great.Well,backtowork.Ihaveastudentarrivinginaboutfive.Enjoyyourmorning,Reese.”
IthinkImutteredsomethingaboutherenjoyinghermorning,too,butIwasn’tsure.Mymindwason

dealingwithRiver...orCaptain.IneededtotellMaseaboutthis.HeneededtoknowthatI’dbeseeing
Rivermoreoften—butthenwhat?Hewouldbefurious,andI’dprobablylosethisjob.

Ilikedmyjob.Iwouldn’tgetabetterone.Havingthisonmyrésuméwasgoingtointroducemeto

moreopportunities.

Atsomepoint,IwasabletogetmymindoffofCaptainlongenoughtofocusonmycallsande-mails.I

brusheddowntwohorsesforPiperandmadeanotherpotofcoffeeandbroughtheracup.JustbeforeI
wasreadytotakemylunchandafterPiperhadlefttoeatwithherhusband,myofficedooropened.I
knewwithoutlookingupwhoitwouldbe.

Samemessyhairinaponytail,samesmart-assgrin.IonlygavehimaglancebeforeIlookedback

downatmycomputerscreenandfinishedreadingane-mail.Oratleasttriedto.

“Areyoumadaboutthisarrangement?”heasked,walkingovertosetabagonmydesk.
Icouldn’tignorehim;Piperhadaskedmetohelphimout.Iforcedmyselftolookathim.“Whatdoyou

haveforme?”Iasked,inwardlycringing.

Hesmirked.“First,IhavesomeofthebestMexicanfoodinDallasforyou.Onceweeat,wecangetto

theotherstuff.”

Hehadbroughtmefoodagain.Thiswasn’tjustfriendly—Iknewthat.Hewastryingtoflirtwithme.

ButIwasMase’s,andthiswasn’tgoingtowork.“I’vealreadyeaten,”Ilied.

Captainshookhisheadasifhewasdisappointedinme.“I’mnotafanofliars.”
Ugh.Thismanpissedmeoff.“Let’sjustgettobusiness.Whatdoyouneedmetofile?”Iwasn’tgoing

toplaythiscat-and-mousegameorwhateveritwashewastryingtodowithme.

Heopenedthebagandpulledoutthemostdelicious-smellingtacointheworld.Heunwrappedit

beforetakingabiteandsittingdowninoneofthechairsacrossfromme.Whatwashedoing,tryingto
tortureme?“It’smylunchbreak.ThoughtI’dsharewithyou,butsinceyouwanttopretendlikeyou’ve
alreadyeaten,I’msureyouwon’tmindifIeatinfrontofyou.I’mstarving.”

Fantastic.ItriedtobreathethroughmymouthsoIcouldn’tsmellthedelicioustaco,butIcouldalready

tasteit.AndIwantedsome.Swingingmygazebacktomycomputerscreen,Irereadthesamesentence
threetimes,andeachtimeitsaidsomethingdifferent.Hewasmakingmefeelflustered,andIdidn’tlike
it.

“Couldyoutossmeanothertaco?”heasked,andIjerkedmygazeuptoseehimwaddinguptheempty

wrapper.

“Iwasn’tawaremynewroleincludedfeedingyou.Getityourself,”Isnapped.
Thisonlymadehimlaugh.Icouldseehimoutofthecornerofmyeyestandupandgetanothertacoout

ofthebag.Hestoodthereandunwrappedit,thenplaceditrightinfrontofmebeforereachingintoget
anotherandtakinghisseatacrossfrommeagain.“Damngoodtacos,”hesaid.

Itriednottolookdownatthetaco.Whywashesodeterminedtofeedme?Andwhydidhealways

bringgoodthingstoeat?Whycouldn’thebringsomethingIdidn’tlike?Thingswouldbemucheasierthat
way.

“Justeatit,Reese.It’snotamarriageproposal;it’samotherfuckingtaco,forcryingoutloud.”
Ishothimanangryglare,thengaveinandpickedupthetacototakeabite.Ididn’tlookathim,andhe

didn’tgloatintriumph.Wesattheresilently,andIfinishedoffthetaco,althoughIfeltatugofguiltwith
eachbite.

“Onemore?”Captainasked.
IfiguredI’dalreadyhadonesoImightaswellhavetwo.Wedidn’ttalk.Wedidn’targue.Itwas

peaceful,andIwashopingthebusinesssideofourrelationshipwouldgojustassmoothly.

Hecleanedawayourtacofeastandthenpulledoutalargeenvelopeandplaceditinfrontofme.“This

firstbatchisamess,andtherearealotofreceipts.I’lltrytogetthemtoyoueverycoupleofdayssothis
doesn’thappenagain.Also,doyouhaveacellphone?IneedtobeabletotextyouwhenIhavecallsI
needyoutomakeforme.”

Ididhaveacellphone,butIwasn’tsurethathavinghimtextmewasagoodidea.Ijuststaredupat

himsilently.

Hesighedandraisedhiseyebrowswhilegivingmethatexasperatedlook.“WouldyouratherItextyou

orvisityoueverytimeIneedyoutomakephonecalls?”

Iquicklygavehimmynumber,whichmadehimchuckle.
“I’llbehereonMondaytogooversomeotherthingsIneedfiledandcategorizedseparately.”
Inodded.Couldheleavenow?
Captaingavemeasmirk,thenturnedtogo.“Enjoyedlunchwithyou,”hesaid,justbeforehewalked

outoftheoffice.Healwaysgotthelastword.Itwasannoying.

Mase

“Fridaynight.Comeon,man.Reesewillenjoyagoodhonky-tonk.Youhaven’tbeenwithmeinages.
Let’sdrinkup,playsomepool,anddance.It’llbefun.”Majorbadgeredmeashesatonthefencepost
whileIworkedononeofmynewquarterhorses,Bingo.

IwasmorethanpositivethatReesewouldnotenjoyahonky-tonk.IignoredMajor’ssuggestionforthe

fifthtimeinarow.“Don’tyouhaveajobtodo?”Iasked,annoyedthathe’ddecidedtocomebugme.

“Igoinaftertwo.Hey,let’sgobowling.Icanwhupbothyourasses.”
Ishothimaglare.Iwasn’tgoingfuckingbowling.“Areyoulonely?Isthatwhatthisis?Youdonewith

Cordeliaalready?”

Hefrownedlikehewasn’tsurewhatIwastalkingabout.“Cordelia?Hell,man,Ihaven’tseenherina

monthormore.Itwasn’tlikeIwantedtoputaringonit.Shewasjustagoodfuck.”

Rollingmyeyes,Iwentbacktowork.Hewasimpossibletotalktosometimes.
“You’regonnamissmewhenI’minFlorida.Youknowyouwill.MightaswellgetalltheMajoryou

canwhileI’mhere.”

“Igetenoughofyouasitis.You’realwaysinmymomma’skitchenstuffingyourface.”
“Awww,areyoujealousbecauseshelovesmemore?”
“No...butareyousleepingwithyourdad’snewgirlfriendyet?”Iretorted,thinkingthatwouldpiss

himoff.He’dcontributedtotheendofhisdad’slastmarriagebysleepingwithhisstepmother.

Hejustlaughed.“Notyet.”IfIdidn’tknowhimsowell,Iwouldthinkhewasjoking.Sadly,hewas

probablyveryserious.“How’sReeselikingthejob?”heasked,jumpingdownfromthefence.Maybethat
meanthewasabouttoleavemeinpeace.

“Shelovesit.Piper’sbeengoodtoher.”
“GoodtoknowIwon’thavetokickanyone’sass,then,”hesaidwithasmirk.
Ididn’tevenacknowledgehim.Helovedtotrytomakememad.“Gotowork,”Itoldhim.
“Nottimeyet,”hereplied.
“Goinearly.”

Iwasgoingtobuyaringtomorrow,oratleastlookforonethatIwantedtoseeonReese’shand.I
couldn’tpicturewhatthatwouldbe,exactly,butithadtobeperfect.IthadtobeReese.

WhileIworkedallday,Ithoughtofdifferentwaystopropose.Iwantedtomakeitsomethingspecial

thatshe’dneverforgetandthatshecouldshareoverandoveragain.Shedeservedthebest.Iwasgoingto
givethattoher.Fortherestofmylife.

Thosethoughtsgotmethroughthedayandkeptmefrommissinghertoomuch.Ilookedforwardto

pickingherupeveryday.Icheckedtheclockasitgotclosertofive,growingmoreanxiouswithevery

minute.

WhenIopenedherofficedoor,herbottomwasupintheairasshebentdownoveralowdrawerofa

filecabinet.Thejeanssheworefitlikeasecondskin.

“Don’tmove,”Isaid,walkingupbehindherandslidingmyhandsoverherplumpbottom.
Shetiltedherheadtothesideandlookedupatmewithagiggle.“Well,hellotoyou,too.”
“Mygirlhasafineass,”Ireplied,caressingitwhilesheremainedbentoverforme.
“Thankyou,butifIstayinthisposition,I’mgoingtogetacramp.”
Itookmyhandsoffherbottomandsteppedbackreluctantly.Whenshestoodup,Ireachedforherhips

andpulledherbacksideupagainstmyfront.“Mmmm,”Imurmuredinherear.“Missedyou.”

Shemeltedbackintome.“Missedyou,too.”
Islidmyhandsupthefrontofhershirtandcuppedbothofherbreasts,lettingtheirheavinessfillmy

hands.

Shelaidherheadbackagainstmychestandmadeasoftmoaningsoundthatonlyencouragedmemore.

Withatug,Ipulleddownthelacecupsofherbraandrolledeachnipplebetweenmyfingers.“Feelsso
good,”Iwhisperedinherearbeforekissinghertemple.

“Icouldn’tagreemore,”shesaidbreathlessly.
Havinghergoallbutter-softandwillingonmewashardonmyself-control.Iwasalreadyimagining

bendingheroverthedeskandtakingusbothtoahappyplace.Istartedtoslidemyhandsdown,butshe
grabbedthemandheldthemthere.

“Don’t,”shesaid,pressingherchestfurtherintomyhands.“Ineedthisjob.”
Ineededher,butthiscouldbedoneinmytruckifwecouldn’tmakeithome.
“Iwanttopulloffthesetightjeansandsinkinsideyou,baby.Weneedtoleave.Now.”
Herhandswenttoherwaist,andshestartedunbuttoningherjeans.Whatthehell?Reeselikedhaving

sex,butshewasneveronetoinitiateitinapublicplacelikethis,wheresomeonecouldwalkin.
Includingherboss.

“PiperleftforabusinessmeetingwithArthur.Noone’shere,”shesaidassheshovedherjeansdown

andwiggledherhips.Herjeansfelltoherankles,andthensheplacedbothofherhandsontheedgeofthe
desk,throwingherhairoverhershoulderandlookingbackatme.“Ineedyounow.”

Thiswasn’tlikeher,butIwasn’tgoingtocomplain.Hersweetasswaswigglingandwaiting.Noway

inhellwasItellingherno.Ifsomeonewalkedin,I’dcoverherup;Icouldn’tgiveashitiftheysawmy
ass.

Shespreadherlegsasfarasherjeanswouldletherandstuckherbottomuphighintheair.This

wasn’tasightamancouldturndown.Itwasbeautyandsexallrolledintoone.

Iquicklyundidmyjeansandshovedthemdownbeforeslidingmyhandsbackuphershirtandgrabbing

herbreasts,nowswayingfreelyasshebentover.“Areyouwet?”Iaskedher,pressingakisstoherback.

“Mypantiesaresoaked.”
Fuck.
Iusedonehandtopositionmyself,thensankinwithoneswiftthrust.Shecriedoutandbuckedbeneath

me.HerbreastsfilledmyhandsasIbeganslidinginandoutslowly,enjoyinghertightheatandsoft
moans.

IkissedeveryspotonherbackandneckthatIcouldreachwhilemyhandswenttoworkpleasingher

nipples.

“Mase,”shepanted.“Oh,God.”
Notgonnalie;IloveditwhenshecalledmeGod.“Myhot,sweetpussy,”IrepliedasIworkedmyway

inandoutofher.

Soonshe’dhavearingonherfingertellingtheworldshewasmine.Thethoughtofthatmademyinner

cavemanroartolifeandmydickpulseharderinsideher.Iwantedtoclaimher.Markherandmakesure

nooneelseevertouchedher.

“Yes,”shemoaned.“Harder.”
Ibegantopumpinsideherwithmoreintensity,andherhandsfistedagainstthedeskasshecriedmy

name.Herwallssqueezedme,andIbegantospasmandtightenasIreleasedintoher,hernameonmy
lips.

Ittookseveralmomentsforbothofustocatchourbreath.Whentheworldcamebackintoview,I

smiledasshelayacrossthedesk,sated.

“Ican’tbelievewedidthat,”shesaidbreathily.
“Honestly,me,neither.ButI’msuregladwedid.”
Shelaughedandburiedherheadinherhands.“Me,too.”
Mychesttightenedwithemotion,andIranmyfingertipsdownherback.Shewasmywoman.

Reese

ThenextfewdayswentbywithoutmehavingtodealwithCaptain.Ithadbeenarecklessmovetohave
sexinmyoffice,butIneededtoassociatetheplacewithMase.ThenexttimeCaptainputfoodonthis
desk,I’dknowitwasrightwhereMasehadtakenme.Itfeltlikeourspotnow.Inmymind,itclearedall
theCaptainoutofhere.IcouldevensmellMasenowwhenIwalkedin.Hehadmarkedthisarea,andI
likedthatfeeling.Itgavemeconfidence.Itfeltlikehewasherewithme.

TherewasnosignofCaptainonFriday,andIbreathedasighofreliefattheendoftheworkweek.No

morelunches,nomorecommentsmeanttomakemequestionMase,nomoreflirting.Icouldenjoymyjob
withouthisannoyingpresence.

MaseandIhadjustarrivedhomewhenMajorpulledup,dressedinapairofjeans,afittedblackT-

shirt,boots,andacowboyhatonhishead.“Wheny’allreadytoheadout?”heasked,asifwehadplans.

IglancedupatMase,whowasscowling.“Itoldyouweweren’tgoingwithyou.”
Majordidn’tletthatgettohim.“ButIgotthreeticketstohearPatGreenatBillyBob’stonight,”he

said,holdingupthetickets.“Youcan’tmakemegoalone.Besides,it’sPatGreen.Getyourasses
dressed,andlet’sgo.”

IhadnoideawhoPatGreenwas,butIcouldtellbythelookonMase’sfacethathedid.Heseemedto

becontemplatingit.Iwaited,andthenheturnedtolookatme.“Youupforaconcerttonight?Orwould
youratherstayhere?”

Icouldtellhewantedtogo,andhonestly,itsoundedlikefun.Ididn’tknowwhatBillyBob’swasor

whoPatGreenwas,butIwasupforanything.Inodded.“Yep.Ilikeconcerts.”Ihadactuallyneverbeen
toaconcert,butIdidn’tmentionthat.

“Andyou’llfuckinglovePatGreen.Ain’tnothingbetterthanhiminconcertexceptRobertEarlKeen.

Wishlikehellhe’dbeenplayingtonight.Butthat’sforanothertime.Gogetyoursexyassfixedup,”Major
said,whichdrewascowlfromMase.

Majorjustchuckledandsaunteredpastusintothehouse.
“Onceyougetoverhisdumb-assshit,he’stolerable,”Masesaid,stillsoundingannoyed.
Ilaughed.IlikedMajor.Hewasfunny.“Hedoesn’tbotherme.”
Masedidn’tlookconvincedasweheadedtothebedroomtogetready.
“Nofuckdickeryinthere.Wegotashowtogetto.Besides,itain’tfairformetohavetolistenandnot

gettowatch,”Majorcalledoutbehindus.

WeatedeliciousbarbecueatthecaféatBillyBob’sbeforefindingourseats.Ididn’thavecowgirlgear

tomatchthetwocowboysIwaswith,butIdidhaveonmybootsandjeans.Ihadtiedupaflannelshirt
thewayI’dseenPiperdotorevealmymidriff,butMasehaduntiedit,shakinghishead,andtuckedit
backinforme.

Thisplacewasn’twhatIpicturedahonky-tonkwouldlooklike,andI’dsaidasmuchwhenwedrove

up.Masetoldmeitwasn’tatruehonky-tonk;itwasabigbuildingwitharestaurant,astore,andahuge
stage.Icouldn’ttakeineverythingfastenough,thoughIquicklyrealizedIwasintheminoritywithouta
cowgirlhat.

Oncewefoundourseats,MasetooktheonebetweenMajorandme.Thereweretwoemptyseats

besideme,buttherestoftherowwasfillingupfast.AfterMaseandMajorlefttogetbeersfor
themselvesandasodaforme,Isettleddownandwatchedthepeopleastheyarrived.Severalgirlshad
theirshirtstiedlikeI’dtriedtodomine.Smiling,IthoughtofMase’spossessivestreak;Ilikedthathe
didn’twanttoshowmeoff.

Someoneslippedintotheseatbesideme,andIglanceduptoseefamiliargreeneyesandthatstupid

smirk.Whattheheck?Heapparentlyreadmyfaceeasily,becausehissmirkturnedintoagrin.“Fancy
meetingyouhere,”hedrawled,asifhedidn’thaveahandinthissomehow.

Awomanwithcurlyblondhairandanoverlybrightsmileleanedoverhim,showingmeherimpressive

cleavageintheshinysilvertanktopshewaswearing.“Hi,I’mKinsley,”shesaidassheplacedahandon
Captain’sleg.Ifeltlikesighinginreliefthathehadadate.Iwishedhe’dletKinsleysitbymeinstead.

“Nicetomeetyou.I’mReese,”Ireplied,withasmilethatIdidn’thavetoforce.Itwasveryniceto

meether.Nicerthanshecouldpossiblyknow.

“Isn’tReeseaboy’sname?”sheaskedwithagiggle.“Imean,I’veneverheardagirlcalledthat

before.”

IdecidednottopointoutthatReeseWitherspoonwasafamousactress.Ijustshrugged.“Well,you

havenow,”Irepliedandwentbacktolookingatthepeoplearoundmeandhopingthatwastheendofthis
conversationwitheitherofthem.

“Didn’tknowyouwereaPatGreenfan,”Captainsaidbesideme.IshothimaquicksmilethatIdidn’t

feel.

“Ihavenoideawhoheis.ButMaselikeshim,sohereweare.”
Captainmadeatskingsound.“Amanshouldtakehiswomanwhereshewantstogo.”
Ifistedmyhandsinmylap.Hewasalreadystartinginonme.“Hedoes.Iwantedtocometonight.I

likemusic,andI’veneverbeentoaconcertbefore.”

Hedidn’tsayanythingatfirst,butmyluckranout.“Sothisisyourfirstconcert?Ever?”Histonewas

disbelieving.

Inoddedbutdidn’tlookathim.
KinsleyaskedhimsomethingthatIcouldn’thear,andasshechattedaway,Iknewshewasfightingto

keephisattention.Icouldn’tbemorethankfulforher.IfMaseandMajorwouldhurryupwiththedrinks,
thenI’dhaveMasetoleanintoandfeelsafefromCaptain’snonstopbadgering.

“PatGreenisagrassrootskindofcountry.He’sTexascountry.Ithinkyou’llenjoyhim,”Captainsaid

tome.“Heputsonagoodshow.”

Iturnedtolookathim.“Outofalltheseatsinthishugearena,howdidyouendupintheoneright

besideme?”Iasked.Thiswasn’tjustcoincidental.

Captainlookedsmug.“WheredoyouthinkMajorgottheticketsfrom?”hedrawled.
Iknewit.Dangthatman.
“IfI’dknownyouhadneverbeentoaconcertbefore,I’dhaveoptedforsomethingbigger,though,”he

said.

Ilethiscommentsinkin.Whatwashegettingat?Itwasn’tlikehehadgottentheseticketsforthesole

purposeofgettingmehere.Hedidn’tevenknowwhoMajorwasgoingtoinvite.Ordidhe?

IhadstartedtoaskhimwhenIspottedMase’shat,followedbyhislong,muscularbodycladinblue

jeans,walkingtowardme.Hewasmine—thismanwhomadewomen’sheadsturnregularly.Itwashard
tobelieveit,buthewas.

“Sorryittookmesolong.Thelinewasbad,”hesaid,sinkingdownbesidemeandhandingmethesoda

Ihadrequested.Hehadn’tnoticedCaptainyet.

ButMajorhad.Heheldupahandandgrinned.“Hey,River,Kinsley.Greatseats,man.Thanks!”
Masetensedbesideme,thenturnedhisheadtoseeCaptainandhisdatebeforelookingbackatme.I

leanedintohimandsmiledtoassurehimthateverythingwasfine.Heputhisarmaroundmyshoulders,
andIleanedclosertohim,whichseemedtoeasehistension.

“Rivergavemethetickets.Kinsley’stheheadwaitressattherestaurant.Theyhookeduprecently,”I

heardMajortellMase.

Masejustnodded.Iknewhewasn’tafanoftheideaofbeingataconcertpaidforbyCaptain.Heran

hisfingertipsovermyarm,tracingpatternswhileheheldmeclose.Hiseyesremainedontheemptystage,
andIknewhewasthinkinghard.

Captaingotupandheadeddownthestairs—fordrinks,Ifigured.IsmiledatMase.“I’mlooking

forwardtothis.”

Hepressedakisstomynose.“Me,too.Oneofhissongsremindsmeofyou.Havingyouherewhilehe

singsitwillbeprettydamnperfect.”

Ilikedknowinghethoughtofmewhenheheardasong.Itookasipofmysodaandrelaxed.Wewere

goingtoenjoyourselves.NoneedtoletCaptainruinit.Besides,Masedidn’tcareforhimbecause
Captainhadsaidafewrudecomments.Hedidn’tknoweverything.He’dgetoverCaptainbeingthere
soonenough.

Whenthelightswentdownandthestagelitup,everyonestoodupfromtheirseats,hootingand

hollering.Whistlesandshoutsof“Hell,yeah!”filledtheplace.Masestoodup,reachedformyhand,and
pulledmeinfrontofhim,wrappinghisarmsaroundme.Ileanedbackagainsthischest.Nothingelse
mattered.

IwaswrappedupinMase,andthemusicwasgreat.Majorsangalongbesideus,andIwassurprised

byhowgoodhesounded.Like,reallygood.IneveroncelookedoveratCaptainandKinsley.They
weren’tevenhereasfarasIwasconcerned.

PatGreenstoodonstageandstartingtalkingaboutasong,andeveryonearoundmeseemedtoknow

whathewastalkingabout,becausethecheeringbeganagain.“Thisisit,”Masewhisperedinmyear.“My
songtoyou.”

Thatgotmyimmediateattention.Istoodtallerandwaitedforthemusictostartagain.Masecaressed

myarmsasheheldmeandpressedhismouthnearmyearashesangthewords.Havinghimsingtome
mademelight-headed.

AllI’mlookingforisyou.
ThewordsmademyheartflutterinmychestandIturnedtolookupathim.
Youcameuponmewaveonwave.
HesangwithsuchintensityinhiseyesIclungtohimtighterandprayedthismomentwouldneverend.

Justushere,together,withMasesingingtome.Itwasaperfectnight.

Mase

AfterdroppingReeseoffatworkonMondaymorning,IpulleduptothestablesandsawafaceIdidn’t
expect.Youcouldlookatmeandneverguessmyfatherwasarocklegend,butyoucouldn’tsaythesame
forRushFinlay.Hehadthelook.Eventhoughhehadathree-year-oldsonnow,hedidn’tlooklikeadad.
Idoubtedheeverwould.

Butwhythehellwasheatmyranch?Gettingoutofthetruck,Iclosedthedoorandheadedtowardhim.

Hepushedhissunglassesupandsmiledatme.“Youalwaysgettoworkthislate?”heaskedwithasmirk.

“HadtotakeReesetowork.Didn’texpecttogetbackandseeyoustandinghere.”
Hegaveasmallshrug.“BroughtBlaireandNatetovisitwithherbrother.FiguredI’dgivethemsome

familybondingtimeandcomeseehowthingsweregoinghere.”

I’dalmostforgottenthatCaptainwasBlaire’sbrother.RememberinghimsittingbesideReeseatthe

concertthisweekendstillpissedmeoff.

“YoulooklikeyouknowBlaire’sbrotherandwouldliketosmashhisfacein,”Rushsaidwithan

amusedlaugh.

“HeworkswithsomeoneIdobusinesswith.He’smadeafewcommentsIwasn’tcrazyabout

concerningReese.”

“SoundslikeCaptain,”Rushsaid.“He’sjustasmart-mouth.FirsttimeImethim,hepointedoutthatI’d

gottenBlairepregnantbeforemarryingherandthatitwasthebackwardwaytodoit.Pissedmethehell
off.He’sgrownonme,though.”

MaybeIwasbeingtoohardonhim.Itwasn’tlikehewassniffingaroundReese.Iwasjustbeing

touchyandpossessive;thevibeIwasgettingfromhimwhenhewasaroundReesecouldpossiblyjustbe
meoverthinkingthings.“I’llkeepthatinmind,”Ireplied.“Soyoucometohelpmemendsomefences?”I
knewgoodandwellthatRushFinlaywasn’theretodoanyhardlabor.

“I’llpassonthatoffer.IwascheckingtoseeifHarlowhastalkedtoyouaboutKirolately.”
Huh?Ishookmyhead.
Rushsighedandnoddedlikehe’dexpectedthat.“Harlow’smomisn’tdoingsowell,andhe’snot

dealingwithit.He’sfallingapart.Dadsaidtheywouldn’tlethimnearherforthreedaysbecausethe
medicineshewasonloweredherimmunesystem.KirogotsohammeredthatDadhadtothrowhimintoa
showertogetthevomitoffhimbeforeputtinghimtobed.Hewakesupandstartsdrinkingrightaway.He
yellsateveryone.Theonlypersonhe’stalkingtoisHarlow.She’sworriedabouthim.Thoughtyoumight
wanttoknowaboutit.”

Shit.Motherfuckingshit!Harlowdidn’tneedthis.Andwhyhadn’tshecalledme?IthrewthefeedI’d

carriedoverfrommytruckagainstthewallandsworeloudly.

“Dadsaidwedon’tgetit.Wedon’tknowhowKirowasbackwhenhehadEmily.Hetoldmeitwould

belikemelosingBlaire.Andman,Ican’timaginethat.IfKirolovesEmilylikeIloveBlaire,then,dude,

he’sinfuckingpainandhasbeenfortwenty-threeyears.”

IunderstoodthatKirolovedEmily.Itwasobvious.Butdammit,hehadadaughterwithaheart

problem.Oneyearago,HarlowhadbeengivenamiraclewhenshegavebirthtoLilaKateandlived
throughtheprocess.Shedidn’tneedthisshitonhernow.Heneverthoughtofanyoneelse,onlyhowmuch
hewashurting.

“Harlowcan’tdealwiththis,”Isaidangrily.Mybrainwasalreadyspinning.Ihadtodosomething.I

couldn’tleavehertodealalone.IalsoneededtoseeKiro.Thisshithadtostop.Oneday,Emilywould
passaway.She’dbeengivenmuchlongerthananydoctorexpected.Kirohadtocometogripswiththat.

Rushnodded.“ShehasGrant.He’sworriedlikehellabouther.She’scryingalot.Ifiguredyouneeded

toknow.Harlowneedsyou.Sheneedsyoutodosomethingwithyourfather.”

Hewasright.Shedid.“Thanksfortellingme.Don’tknowwhyshehasn’tcalledme.”OrGrant,which

pissedmeoff.Grantshouldhavecalledme.

“Shesaidyou’dgetmadatKiroanditwouldn’thelpanything.SheaskedGrantnottocallyou,so

Grantcametomeinstead.Sheneveraskedhimnottotellmetotellyou.”

Damn.Ihadtogivemybrother-in-lawmorecredit.“IneedtopackandletMommaandDadknowI’m

leaving.Shit!Reesehasanewjob.She’snotgonnawanttotaketimeoffyet,andhonestly,Idon’twant
herseeingallthisshitwithKiro.It’sfucked-up.Shedoesn’tneedtobeinvolved.”

“Goonandfigurethingsout.We’llbeflyingoutatsixtonightifyouwanttoleavewithus.We’vegot

thejet.”

“Thanks.I’llseeyouthen.”
“Lifeasarocker’ssonsucksmorethanitdoesn’t,”Rushsaid,andheheadedupthehilltoleave.
Icouldhavesaidheunderstood,buthedidn’treally.HewasthesonofDeanFinlay.Deanhadnever

donetheshitKirohaddone.Deanhadbeenaloving,presentfather—forthemostpart.Deanwasn’t
alwaysmixedupinsomecrazyshit.RushhadnoideahowitfelttobeKiroManning’sson.

Itsucked.That’swhatitfuckingdid.Itsucked.Allthetime.

Reese

Whentheofficedooropenedjustaftertwo,Isomehowknewitwasgoingtobehim.Myentirebody
tensedasIlookeduptomeetCaptain’seyes.Therewasagleaminthemashesaunteredintotheroom.

“Goodafternoon,Reese.Ihavesomepaperworkandreceiptsforyou,”hesaid,ashesankdowninto

theleatherchairclosesttomydesk.

“OK,”Irepliedsimply.I’dalreadyresignedmyselfnottoaskhimabouttheconcerttickets.
“Youlookedlikeyouenjoyedtheconcert,”hesaid,asifhehadreadmymind.Again.Howdidhedo

that?

“Itwasagreatconcert,”Isaid.AlthoughIhadnothingtocompareitwith.
Hesmirked.“Yousaythatnow.WaituntilyouseeabandlikeU2inconcert.Thenyou’llknowwhata

greatconcertis.”

Ididn’tevenknowwhoU2was,soIjustignoredhisremark.“Thepaperwork?”Iasked,holdingout

myhand,wantingtogetthisoverwith.

Hechuckled.“Youdon’tlikeme,Reese.Whyisthat?”
Ididn’thaveananswer,otherthanthathemademenervous.Andheflirtedwithme.Well,Iguessthat

wastheanswer.“Youflirt.Idon’tlikeit,”Ireplied.

Hestudiedmeforamoment,andthenhisamusedsmileturnedtosomethingmoreseriousasheleaned

forward,placinghiselbowsonhisknees.Hisfacewasclosertome,andthetablebetweenusfeltlikea
safetyguard.

“Ihaven’tbeenflirtingwithyou,Reese.WhenIflirtwithyou,you’llknowit.”
Oh.OK.Well,whathewasdoingnowseemedkindofflirty.ButwasIwrongaboutthat?WasI

assumingthathistryingtobefriendlywasflirting?No.HehadmadecommentsaboutwantingwhatMase
had.

“You’vemadecomments,commentsaboutme...”Itrailedoff,feelingmyfacegrowhot.
Heshrugged.“I’mhonest.Idon’tworryaboutwhatothersthink.IfIwanttosaysomething,Ido.

Doesn’tmeanIwasflirting,baby.”

Hewassoconfusing.Ifistedmyhandinmylap,totallyfrustrated.“OK.Well,then,let’sforgetallthis

andgettobusiness.Whatdoyouhaveforme?”

Hereachedintohisbackpocketandpulledoutamanilafolder.“Hereyougo.”Thenhestoodupand

headedforthedoor.“Ifyouhavequestions,youcancallortext,”hesaid,withoutlookingbackatme.
Whenthedoorclosedbehindhim,Isankbackintomyseatandletoutafrustratedsigh.HowhadIended
upsoundinglikethejerk?Hehadbeenhonestandturneditaroundtomakemelookliketheidiot.

Shakinghimoff,IopenedthefoldertofindmorepaperworkandreceiptsthanIwasgoingtohavetime

tohandletoday.IstillhadseveralthingstodoforPiper.Shewouldbegonetomorrow,andIhadtofeed
andwaterthehorses,ontopofbrushingthemdownandcleaningstalls.Piperhadrecentlyletherstable

helpgobecausethegirlhadkepttalkingonherphoneduringbusinesshours.Shehadn’thireda
replacementyet.

Ihadabusyfewdaysaheadofmeandneededtoworklatethatnight.Ihadpulledoutmyphonefrom

mypocketandstartedtodialMasewhenhisnamelitupmyscreen.

Smiling,Ianswered,readytohearhisvoice.“Hey,Iwasjustabouttocallyou.”
“Hey,baby,I’vegotaproblem.Ihatetohavetocallyouaboutthis,butI’mpackingupnowandhave

tonailsomethingsdownbeforeIflyoutatsix.”

What?Packing?“What’swrong?”Iasked,notlikingtheideaofhimgoinganywhereonsuchshort

notice.

“It’sKiro.Harlow’smomishavinghealthcomplications,andKiroisn’tdealingwithitwell.He’s

actingoutlikehealwaysdoes,andHarlowhasbeendealingwithitonherown.Shedoesn’tneedthis
shit.Herheart...well,I’vetoldyouaboutherheart.Ijustneedtohandlehim.Gethimcalmand
reassuremysisterthateverythingisgoingtobeOK.I’dtakeyou,butthisisgoingtobeugly.Kiro...
isn’tnormal.He’sacrazyfuck.ButIdon’twanttoleaveyou,either.I’mhavingahardtimewiththis.”

Icouldn’tleave.IhadmoreworkthanIcouldhandleasitwas,plusPiperwasgoingoutoftownand

wasrelyingonme.“Ihavetoworkanyway.Piperisleaving,andIhavetocoverforher.Justgo.Help
Kiro,andkeepmeupdated.”

“Iloveyou.I’mgoingtomissyou.I’llcalleverynight.Mommasaidshe’dgiveyouaridetoandfrom

work,andshe’llpickyouupatfivetonight;Ihavetoleavefortheairportbeforethen.”

“Iloveyou,too.I’llbefine.I’llmissyou,butyourfamilyneedsyou.Doyouthinkthere’sanyway

Maryanncancomegetmeatsixthirtyinstead?Ihavetoworklatetonight.”

Hehesitated.“Yeah,shecan.Ijusthatetheideaofyouworkingthatlate.”
Iwantedtohughimtightandfeelhiskissonmylips.Myhearthurtalreadyfrommissinghim.ButI

wouldn’tlethimknowthat.Hehadenoughtodealwithrightnow.Iwasn’taddingmoretoit.“I’llbefine.
Ijusthavealotofpaperworkthatneedstobefiledfirst.Travelsafe,andcallmewhenyougetthere.”

Hesighed.“God,Ihateleavingyou.”
Ihatedit,too.“Itwon’tbetoolong.I’llmissyou,butI’llbeherewhenyou’reback.”
“Iloveyou.Sodamnmuch,”hesaidfervently.
“Iloveyoumore,”Ireplied.

Mase

WetooktheprivatejettoFloridasoIcouldcheckonHarlow,butIwasn’tstayingwithherlong.Ihadto
gettoLosAngelesanddealwithKiro.IjusthadtotalktoHarlowfirst;sheknewwhatallwasgoingon.I
alsowantedtoassureherthatIwouldhandlethesituationright.Anythingtokeepherfromworrying.

GrantopenedthedoorbeforeIevenknocked.I’dtextedhimthatIwasonmywayfromtheairport.He

lookedstressed.“Thanksforcoming,”hesaidinawhisper.

Inodded.“Getintouchwithmesoonernexttime,yeah?”
Grantnoddedhisheadtowardthebackofthehouse.“She’soutonthebackporch.She’scallingDean

tocheckonKiro.LilaKateisalreadyinbed.”

Idroppedmyduffelbagontothefloorandheadedbacktotheporch.
IsawHarlowsittinginachairwithherphoneinherhand,danglingatherside.Herchinrestedonher

knees.“Hedidn’tanswer,”shesaid,soundingsad.Shestillhadn’tlookedatme.ShethoughtIwasGrant.

“I’mheadedouttherelatertonight.I’llfindouthowheisandcallyourightaway,”Isaid.
Atthesoundofmyvoice,herheadjerkedup,andsheturnedtolookatme.Immediately,hereyesfilled

withtears.“Itoldhimnottotellyou,”shesaidwithachokedvoice.

“Hedidn’t.Rushdid.Youshouldhave,”Isaid,walkingovertoher,reachingforoneofhersmall

hands,andholdingitinmine.

“You’llbemadathim.Hedoesn’tneedthat.He’shurting,”shesaidwithasob.
Iknewthat.Andifitwasn’tforHarlow,I’dgobeathisassforactinglikethis.ButIwouldn’thurtmy

sisterinanyway.“Iwon’tdothat.Iknowhe’shurting.I’mgoingtotalktohim.SeeifIcan’tgethimto
seethingsclearerandlayoffthevodka.He’sgottofindanotherwaytocopewithoutturningtoalcohol.
Next,he’llbebackondrugs.Someonehastostophim,andwebothknowDeancan’t.”

Harlowdroppedherforeheadtoherknees.“Heloveshersomuch.Ican’timaginethat,Mase.Ican’t

comprehendhowhedealswithseeingthewomanhelovessomuchlostinherownbody.Itbreaksmy
heart.Iwanthimtofindawaytobehappyagain.Hehasn’tbeenhappyinsolong.”

IfanyofKiroManning’skidsweregoingtocryoverhim,itwouldbeHarlow.Shelovedhiminaway

Ididn’tunderstand.ThefathersheknewwassodifferentfromtheKiroIwasfamiliarwith.Iwasthankful
thathecherishedHarlow.I’dhatehimandcompletelywashmyhandsofthemanifhedidn’tadore
Harlowthewayhedid.Thatwashisoneredeemingqualityinmyeyes.Helovedmylittlesister.That
wasenoughformetotrytostophimfromkillinghimselfwithhisownstupidity.“HehasheldontoEmily
foralongtime.Thisisrockinghim.Hefeelslikehe’slosingheragain.Buthe’sgoingtolosehimselfif
someonedoesn’tshakesomesenseintohim.Iwon’tbemeantohim,butIwillforcehimtoseethebig
picture.Heneedsthat,Harlow.”

Shesniffledandnoddedasshewipedatastraytearthatrolleddownherface.“Ilovehim,”shesaid

softly.

Ireachedoverandpulledherintoatighthug.“Iknowyoudo.Andbecauseyoudo,I’lldoeverythingI

cantosavehimfromhimself.”

Sheclungtome,andwesattherelikethatuntilherquietsobsdieddown.Whenshepulledback,she

usedhersleevetocleanhertear-streakedface.“Where’sReese?”

Reese.I’dhadtoleaveReese.IhatedleavingReesebehind.Ineededher.“Shehasanewjob,andher

bossisn’tgoingtobetheretomorrow.Shehastofillinforher.Andhonestly,Idon’twantReesetobe
theretoseeKiroinhiscurrentstate.”

Harlowgavemeasadsmile.“I’msorryyouhadtoleaveher.”
Iwas,too.IreachedoutandtuckedastrayhairbehindHarlow’sear.“Imissher.Iwon’tlie.Butright

now,Kironeedshelp.Andforyou,I’mgoingtomakesurehegetsit.”

Harlowsighedandsankbackintoherseat.“Helovesyou,too,youknow.He’sproudofyou.He

doesn’tsayit,buthe’sproudofthemanyoubecame.Thatyou’renotlikehim.”

Iwasn’tlikehimbecauseIwasraisedbyagoodman.Ididn’tsaythattoHarlow,though.Ijust

nodded,becausethatwaswhatsheneeded.

Shelaughedandreachedovertosqueezemyhand.“You’reagreeingwithmebecauseyoudon’twant

meupset.You’reasbadasGrant.Iknowyoudon’tbelieveit.Idon’tknowifyoueverwill.ButIknow
Daddy.Iknowhelovesyou.”

Ismiledatthesoundofherlaughter.Thateasedthetightnessinmychestsome.“Ijustwantyouto

promisemeyou’llstopworrying.Don’tcry.Rest,enjoyLilaKate,andgivepoorGrantabreak.Theman
isworriedsickoveryou.”

Harlowglancedbackatthehouse,andasweetsmiletouchedherlips.“Igotluckywithhim.He’s

wonderful.Hemakeseverythinginmyworldbrighter.”

Good.“Focusonthat,then.ThebrightshitGrantcreates.Juststopworrying.”
Harlowlaughedagain,andIfeltmuchbetterabouther.IcouldleaveheranddealwithKironow,

knowingshewasbetterandhermindwasatease.

Thedooropened,andGrantstuckhisheadout.“DidIhearherlaugh?”heaskedinahopefultone.
“Yes,youdid.Ibringthemagic,man.Youcouldtakelessonsfromme,”Isaid,standingup.Iwalked

overandpressedakissontopofHarlow’shead.“Loveyou.”

Shesqueezedmyarm.“Loveyou,too.”
Grantwalkedovertoher,andshestooduptocuddleagainsthischest.Hebegancaressingherback

andtuckedherheadunderhischin.“Thankyou,”hesaid,lookingatmelikeI’djustsolvedallthe
world’sproblems.

“Callmenomatterwhatshesaysnexttime.Noreasonforhertoworry.She’sstubborn,butyoucanbe

morestubborn.I’veseenit.Iwastherewhenyoustoodatahospitaldoor,refusingtomoveuntilyour
wifecameoutofthatroomalive.”

Amomentoffearandthenreliefflashedthroughhiseyesatthememory.“Noted,”hereplied.
Harlowgrinnedatme.“You’reteachinghimtoganguponme.”
Ishrugged.“Whenit’saboutyourhealthandhappiness,littlesis,I’lldowhateverthehellIhavetodo.

Andsowillhe.”

HarlowpressedakisstoGrant’schin.Heturnedhisattentionbacktoher,andIwassuddenly

invisible.IhadstartedtotellherIwasleavingforLosAngeleswhensheturnedtolookatme.“You
aren’tleavingtonight.You’restayingthenightandseeingyournieceinthemorning.Thenyou’reeating
breakfastwithus.IwantsometimewithyoubeforeyoutakeofftodealwithDaddy.”

IwantedtogetbacktoReese,butIwasalsoexhausted,andshewasright—IshouldseeLilaKatefirst.

Inodded,andGrantchuckled.“What?”Iaskedhim.

Hesmirked.“It’sfuntoseethatshehasyouwrappedaroundherlittlefinger,too.”
Iwoulddenythat,butIlovedHarlow,anditwashardtotellherno.

Besides,ifIsawKirowhileIwasexhausted,Iwasn’tgoingtodoanygood.IcouldmakeHarlow

happyandbeproductivewhenIfinallydealtwithhim.

Reese

Lastnight,thebedwaslonelywithoutMase.I’dfinallymanagedtogetsomesleep,butitwasn’tenough.
I’dwokenupyawning.BeforeMaryanngottheretopickmeup,Ifixedalargepotofcoffeeandputitin
thethermosthatMaseusuallyused.

IheardMaryann’struckpullupandquicklygrabbedmylunchandthethermos.Runningouttothetruck,

Irealizeditwasn’tMase’smomdrivingbutMajor.Iopenedthepassenger-sidedoorandstuckmyhead
in.“Areyoumyride?”Iasked,makingsurehehadn’tjustshownuplookingforMase.

Hisgrinalwayslookedlikehewaskeepingabigsecret.“Yep.Maryannhadtohelpwithsome

complicationswithacalf.Shetoldmetogiveyouaride.”

Iclimbedinandputmythingsdownontheseatbesidemebeforebucklingup.“Thankyou,”Itoldhim.
“You’rewelcome.ButI’llbecompletelyhonesthere.Shepromisedmebiscuitsandgravy,so...”
Ilaughed.MasewasalwayscomplainingbecauseMajorateallofhismomma’sfood.FromwhatI’d

heard,Majordidn’thavemuchofamom,soIkindoffeltsorryforhim.Butthenagain,hehadsleptwith
hislaststepmother.Maybehedidn’tdeservemysympathy.

“TalkedtoMase?”
“Yes.HecalledlastnightwhenhelandedinFloridatoletmeknowhewasgoingtoseeHarlow.”
Majorletoutalongsigh.“Thatfamilyiswack.”
Masewasacelebrity’skid.Lifewasn’tsupposedtobenormal.Butapparently,itwasworsethanIhad

realized.“Heseemsworried,”Isaidsimply.

Majorglancedoveratmebeforehepulledoutontothemainroad.“Heisworried.Buthe’sonly

worriedaboutHarlow.Ifitwasn’tforHarlow,hewouldn’tgiveashitaboutKiro.Thatmanmayhave
givenhimlife,buthe’snotMase’sdad.”

Ihadtoagree,thoughitmademesadtothinkthathedidn’thavearelationshipwithhisrealfatherthe

wayHarlowdid.Kirohadmissedoutonknowingthiswonderfulmanhe’dhelpedcreate.

“Sohow’sthejobgoing?Likingit?Readytoquit?”
Iopenedmythermosandyawned.“Ilikeit.Piper’sreallygreattoworkfor.”
Henodded.“That’sgood.Sucksyoucouldn’tgowithMase,though.”
Yes,itdidsuck.
“Youreckonhe’sgonnapopthequestionsoon?”
Popthequestion?Huh?Ifrownedandputmythermosdown.“Whatquestion?”Iasked.
MajorlookedatmelikeIwasjoking.Thenhelaughedandhelduphislefthand.“‘Willyoumarry

me?’Thatkindaquestion.”

Oh...Oh!Ihadn’tthoughtofthatyet.Sure,IwasplanningonmyfuturewithMase,butthiswasn’t

somethingIwasexpectinganytimesoon.Wehadjuststartedlivingtogether.

MysilencemadeMajorchuckle.“Guessnot,”hereplied.

Ilookedoverathim,wonderingwhatheexpectedmetosay.Luckily,hewaspullinguptotheStouts’

ranch,andIcouldendthisconversationsoon.Oncehedroveuptothestables,I’dbefree.Ihadno
answerforhimotherthanthatIdoubtedit.

Whenhistruckcametoastop,heturnedtome.“Justoutofcuriosity,isthatsilencebecauseyoudon’t

wanthimtoaskyouthatquestionorbecauseyouthinkhedoesn’twanttoask?”

IdecidedtotakeapagefromCaptain’sbookandbehonest.“Ithinkheisn’tready.We’restillkindof

new.Ifhewasreallyreadytomarrymenow,hewouldhaveaskedalready.Ithinkhewantstowaituntil
we’vebeentogetherforawhile.”

Majornoddedandthenshrugged.“Maybe,”hesaid,thentippedthefrontofhiscowboyhatatme,much

thesamewayMaseoftendid.“Haveagoodday,Reese.”

IgotoutofthetruckfastbeforeMajorcouldthinkofanymorenosyquestions.

Twohoursintowork,Ihaddrunkmyentirethermosofcoffeeandwasworkingonanewcupfromthe
coffeepotintheoffice.Iwaskneelingonthefloor,lookingforafilethatPiperhadcalledfor,whenthe
doortomyofficeopened,andinwalkedCaptain.

Iwasnotgoingtoberudetoday.Hehadsaidhewasn’tflirtingwithme,soIwasn’tgoingtobeso

defensive.Wewouldbeworkingtogetherforawhile,andIneededtofindawaytodothatwithout
feelingIneededtokeepmyguardup.Besides,Iwasn’tnormallyarudeperson.Itwashardtodo.

Inlightofmynewattitude,Igavehimasmile.“Goodmorning,”Isaid.Icouldseethesurpriseonhis

face.Iwasn’tgoingtolethimsaysomething“honest”andmessthisup.“I’vegottolookforafilefor
Piper,thenI’llhelpyouwithwhateveryouneed.”Iwentbacktohuntingforthefile.

“DidIwalkintothewrongoffice?”Captainasked.
Iknewhewasgoingtosaysomething.Hehadto.Itwasthewayhewas.Iflashedhimanotherfriendly

smile.“Nope.Justtryingtomakethiseasier.Ihavenoreasontobedefensivewithyouifyou’renot
flirtingwithme.”

Finally,thefileappeared,andIgrabbedit.Istoodupanddustedoffmyjeansbeforewalkingback

behindmydesk.“Morepaperworkformetofile?”Iasked.

Hetiltedhisheadandstudiedme.Well,crap.Thiswassupposedtobeeasy,buthewasgoingtomake

abigdealoutofit.“Nottoday.IactuallyneedtoseeareceiptIbroughtyoulastweek.Ifyou’llpointme
totherightcabinet,I’lldigthroughtofindit.”

Inodded.“OK.Theseconddrawerhasfileslabeledwiththedatesonthereceipts.”
Hewasstilllookingatmelikehewasn’tsurewhattodowithme.Finally,henoddedandwalkedover

tofindhisreceipt.ItookthatasmyopportunitytositdownandfindtheinformationthatIneededtotext
Piper.Ipulledoutmyphoneandtookseveralpicturesofthepaperworksheneeded.ThenIsentthemto
herinatext.

Itwastimetoreturnvoicemailsaboutlessons,butCaptainwasstillinmyoffice,whichseemed

awkward.Besides,ifhewaswatchingme,Iwouldn’tbeabletowritewithoutmessingup.

Idecidedtogetanothercupofcoffee,eventhoughIwasgettingjitteryfromallthecaffeine.Ihadtoget

bettersleeptonight.MaybeIcouldsleepwithoneofMase’sshirts.IfIsmelledhim,itmighthelp.

“Foundit,”Captainsaid,standingupwithapaperinhishand.“Thanks.That’sveryorganized.”
Inodded.Iwasproudofthat.BeforeMase,Ineverwouldhavebeenabletofileanythingaccordingto

itsdate.Hehadchangedthat.

Captainwalkedoverandkepthisgazeonme.“Therewereacoupleofdatesthatwerealittlemixed

up.Ifixedthem.I’msurestaringatnumbersthatmuchgetstoyoureyesafterawhile.”

Crap.Ifeltmyfaceheatup.HereIwasfeelingsoaccomplished,whenI’dmessedupsomereceipts.

Ofallthepeopletonotice,ithadtobeCaptain.

“Noneedtolooklikeyoudidsomethingunforgivable.Itwasjustacoupleofreceipts.”
Myfaceonlyflushedmore.Iwantedhimtoleave.Ineededamomenttoregroup.ThenIwasgoingto

checkallthefiles.Ididn’twantPipertoseethemandthinkIcouldn’tdothisjob.Iwasproudofthisjob.
Iwasgoodatit.Or,atleast,I’dthoughtIwas.

“Reese,lookatme.”Captain’svoicesoundedcommanding,andmyheadjerkeduptomeethisgaze.

“Youlooklikeyou’reabouttocry.Fuck,ifI’dknownitwasgonnaupsetyoulikethat,Iwouldn’thave
toldyouaboutthefewreceiptsIfound.Itwasanhonestmistake.”

Myeyesstungwithtears,andIhatedthat.Ididn’twanttofeelweakordamaged.Ialsodidn’twant

Captaintoseemyweakness.

“SweartoGod,ifyoucryoverthis,I’mgoingtobepissed.Whyareyousoupset?”
MaybeitwasexhaustioncoupledwithallthecaffeineI’dpouredintomyself,butIwasdefinitely

emotional.IwasalsomissingMase.Hewasmysecurityblanket,andwithhimgone,Ihadtobestrong.I
hadalwaysbeenstrongbeforeImetMase.WhywasIfallingapartnow?

“Reese—”
“I’mdyslexic,”Iblurtedout.
Hewentstillforamoment,andthenregretflashedinhiseyes,andforthefirsttimeever,IsawCaptain

lookapologetic.Ididn’twantsympathy,though.

“I’mlearninghowtoworkaroundit,andI’vecomealongway.Ijusthatemakingmistakeslikethat.It

remindsmeofwhereIwasbefore.Idon’twanttofeellikethatagain.”IpreparedmyselfforCaptain’s
apologyandgrittedmyteeth.Ididn’twanttohearit,butIknewitwascoming.

“Lockup,andcomewithme.There’ssomeoneIwantyoutomeet,”hesaid,asifIwoulddoexactlyas

hetoldme.

Ishookmyhead.“Ihavetowork.”
Hefrowned.“Fine.Afterwork,then.”
Iwasn’tgoinganywherewithCaptain.“Ican’t.”
“BecauseofMase.”Itwasn’taquestion.Hewasjuststatingafact.“ThenI’llbringhimtoyou.”
Who?IhadstartedtoaskwhenCaptainturnedandwalkedtothedoortoleave.
Heglancedback.“Idon’twantyoutoevercryagainoverthat.Youshouldonlybeproudofwhat

you’veaccomplished.Hell,that’sanhonestmistakeanyonecouldhavemade.Don’tletyourweakness
defineyou,Reese.Ever.Yourstrengthsshoulddefineyou.”Thenhewasgone.

Mase

DeanFinlayopenedthedoortothemansionhesharedwithKiroinBeverlyHills.“He’salreadypassed
outforthenight.I’vehadaroompreparedforyou,”hesaidwhenIwalkedinside.“He’llbeamean
bastardinthemorning.It’shisnewroutine.”

Iwasn’tscaredoftheoldman’stemper.“I’llhandlehim.Thisshithastostop.He’ssodamnselfish,”I

said,angrythathewasmakinglifehellnotonlyforHarlowbutalsoforDean,hisbestfriend.Otherthan
Harlow,Deanwastheonlypersonwholovedtheman.

“Youdon’tknowwhatshewastohim.Unlessyoulivedthroughitwiththem,youcan’tunderstand,

Mase.Hewasadifferentmanbecauseofher.Theaccident,itcreatedsomeonenoneofusrecognized.It
shatteredhissoul.Whenthathappenstoyou,younevercomebackfromthat.”

IwastiredofhearinghowlosingEmilygavehimtherighttobeaworld-classasshole.“Youknowthis

becauseyou’vehadthatkindoflove?’Causeyousureashelldon’tactlikehim.”

Deansighedheavilyandshookhishead.“Neverbeeninlovelikethat.Afterseeinghowitchanged

Kirowhenhelosther,Ineverletanyonegetcloseenoughtome.Iwasn’tgoingtoeverknowthatpain.
Don’twantit.”

Iwasn’tsurewhichwasworse,lovingandlosingornoteverknowingthatkindofloveatall.Life

withoutReeseseemedempty,devoid,pointless.WouldIbecomelikemyfatherifIlosther?Iwantedto
believeIwouldn’t,butIwasn’tsureamanwithoutasoulcouldbeanythingelse.Ifthatwastrue,then
couldIforgivetheman?CouldIunderstandhimandnothatehimforwhathewasdoingtomysister?Had
shealreadymadethisconnection?ShehadnotonlyGrantbutLilaKate,too.Ididn’twanttothinkofher
losingeitherofthem.

“Don’tjudgehimwhenyouhaven’tbeenthere,”Deansaid,withaslaponmyback.“Now,gogetsome

rest.You’regonnaneedit.Hewon’tbethrilledtoseeyou.”

Hewasright.KirowasgoingtobepissedthatIwasheretodealwithhim.Hedidn’twantdealing

with.Hewantedtowallowinhispain.ButwhenIfacedhimtomorrow,IknewIwasgoingtoseehim
differently.IhadtoremindmyselfthatthiswouldbemeifIlostReese.Aworldwithoutherinitwas
incomprehensible.

I’dsetmyalarmtowakemeupatninesoIcouldbedressedandreadytofacemyfather.Iwouldneed
coffeebeforeIdidthis.Yesterday,HarlowhadkeptfindingreasonstokeepmeinRosemaryBeach.
Finally,IhadtoldherIlovedherbutIhadtogo.GettinghometoReesewasimportant,andIhadtogetto
KirobeforeIcouldgohometoReese.

Headingtothekitchen,Iheardtwovoices.IrecognizedDeanbutnotthefemalehewaswith;shehad

anaccent.Steppingintothebrightroom,IsawanolderladyworkingoverthestovewhileDeansatatthe

table,drinkingcoffeeandleafingthroughanissueofRollingStonemagazine.Heglancedupandsmiled
atme.

“Goodmorning,sunshine.Yougotupbeforehim.Thankfuck,”hesaid.
“Coffee?”Iasked.
Theladywipedherhandsonherapronandstartedtohurryovertothecoffeepot.
“Igotit,”Itoldher.“Justpointmetothecups.”
Shegavemeanervoussmile,thenglancedoveratDean.
“Marlanaisnew,”hesaid.“Marlana,thisisKiro’sson.Youdon’thavetowaitonhim.He’snothing

likehisfather.”

Sheglancedupatme,stilllookingnervous,thenreachedintothecabinetandgotmeacupbefore

hurryingbacktoherskilletonthestove.Poorwomanhadtodealwithmycrazy-assfather.Nowonder
shewasanervousmess.

IpouredmycoffeeandwalkedovertothetabletositacrossfromDean.
“Youwantanewspaper?Ithinkthere’soneoverbythefrontdoor.Marlananormallygetsitandputsit

there.Don’tknowwhywehaveone,sinceneitherofusreadsit.”

“Igetit,”Marlanasaid,turningaroundandhurryingoutoftheroom.Ididn’tneedthepaper,butshe

wasfast.

Deanshrugged.“She’sveryeagertoplease.IfKirodoesn’tscareherofffirst.”
“MyplanistomakesurehisheadisonrightbeforeIleavehere.”
“Plansdon’talwayspanout.Remember,thatmanlivesandbreathesforthatwoman.He’sreallylosing

herthistime.”

Mychestached.AllIcouldthinkofwaslosingReese.
“Makesyouregretfallinginlove,eh?”Deansaid,lookingbackdownatthemagazineinhishand.
Hewaswrong.I’dneverregretReese.Iwouldneverregretthosefeelings.Shehadopenedupmy

worldinawayIhadneverimagined.Shehadchangedmylife.Shehadgivenmetruehappiness.Ishook
myhead.“No,itdoesn’t.”

Deanlookedbackupatme.
“BeforeReese,Ididn’tknowthattheworldcouldbefullofdreams.Thatyoucouldwakeupeveryday

excitedtobreathe.Thatonesmilefromhercouldmakemefeellikeafuckingking.Lovingherisworth..
.it’sworthitall.Livinginfearofloveisn’tliving.”

Hefrownedandputhismagazinedown,thencontinuedsippinghiscoffee.Hedidn’tlooklikehe

believedme.Inreality,hewasassadasKiro.Hedidn’tknowtrue,rawemotion.Hedidn’tknowthatone
womancouldmakeyoufeeleverything.

Icouldtellhewasthinkingofsayingsomething,buthechangedhismind.
“Kirowon’tcrawloutofbedforanothertwohours.Isuggestyoulethimgetuponhisown.Ifyou

wakehim,you’rejustgoingtohaveamoredifficulttime.”

“Fine.I’lleatandthencallReese.”
Deansethiscupdown.“Marlanaismakingpancakesandsausage.Orshewas,untilsheranofftoget

yourpaper.Atleastlookatthedamnthing.Thewomanistoooldtoberunningaroundsomuch.”

Thatwasallhesaidbeforehewalkedoutofthekitchenwithaswaggerthatwassimilartomyfather’s.

Idecidedalongtimeagothatonlyrockstarsknewhowtowalkthatway.

Marlanacameshufflinginandputthepaperinfrontofme.“Breakfastreadysoon,”sheassuredme,

thenwentbacktothestove.

Iopenedthepaper,notgivingashitwhatithadtosay,but,likeDeansaid,she’dgoneandgottenitfor

me.Ididn’twanttohurtherfeelings.

Reese

IhadcalledandgottenMaryanntopickmeupanhourearlyyesterdaysoIwouldn’tbetherewhen
Captainreturned.ThemoreIthoughtaboutit,themoreIwishedIhadn’ttoldhimaboutmydyslexia.What
wasitabouthimthatmademeblurtstuffout?

MasehadcalledmewhenhelandedinLosAngeles.Wetalkedduringhisridetohisfather’shousein

BeverlyHills.Icouldtellhewastenseandnervousaboutwhathewasgoingtofindwhenhegotthere,
andIfeltguiltyaboutnotbeingtherewithhim.

Tomakeupforleavingworkearlyyesterday,Ihadcomeinearlythismorning.Ihadsleptbetterthan

thenightbeforebecauseIwassotiredfromlackofsleep.Ifallwentwelltoday,Masewouldbecoming
home.

Piperwouldalsobebacktoday,andIwantedtomakesureeverythingwasneatandreadyforher.I

checkedonthehorsesandsweptthefloorsofthedustthathadblowninovernight.ThenIheadedbackto
myoffice.

Therestofthemorningwentquickly.IkeptwaitingforacallfromMase,butIfocusedongettingall

myworkdoneincaseanythingnewcameuptoday.

RightafterPiperleftforlunch,thedooropened,andinwalkedalittleboywhocouldn’thavebeen

morethanten.Atfirst,IthoughthewasastudentofPiper’swhoseparentshadgottenthetimewrong.
UntilCaptainwalkedinbehindthekid.

What?
“Gladyou’rehere.HenryandImadethedriveoutyesterdaytofindyou’dalreadygonehome.Early.”
Hehadplannedonbringingakidtoseeme?Iwasconfused.“Um,yes,Ifinishedupearly,”whichwas

alie.Ifeltatwingeofguilt.

“That’sallright.HenryandImadeplanstocomebackheretoday.Weevenbroughtsteakfajitasfrom

therestaurant.Henry’sdadistheheadcookatStoutsandHawkinshereinDallas.He’sbecomemybud.I
wantedtointroducehimtooneofmyotherfriends.”

Whatwashedoing?BringingmefoodagainandusingakidsothatIwouldeatwithhimandbenice?

Captainmadenosense.Hesaidhewasn’tflirtingwithme,butthenhedidthingslikethis.

“Mydaddymakesthebeststeakfajitas,”Henrysaidproudly.Hewasacutekid.“Hemadeyouspecial

ones.Withhissecretsauce.”

“Oh,thankyou.Itsmellsdelicious,”IsaidtoHenryasCaptainbeganlayingthefoodoutinfrontofme.
“Canwehaveapicnic?It’smorefuntoeatoutside.Besides,thisplacesmellslikehorsepoop,”Henry

said,lookingupatCaptainandcrinklinghisnose.

Captainlaughedandbroughthisgazetomine.“WouldyoubeOKwiththat,Reese?”
LikeIwasgoingtotellthiskidno.Heknewthat.Danghim.“Ofcourse,”Isaidthroughclenchedteeth,

thenforcedasmileasIpickeduptheboxCaptainhadputinfrontofme.

“Great.I’llgrabtheblanketoutofthebackofmytruck,”Captainsaid.Heheadedouttohistruck,

leavingHenryandmewithourhandsfulloffood.

“Hehasablanketinhistruck?”Iasked.
Henrynodded.“Yep.Welookatstarsonnightsmydaddyhastoworktoolate.”
SoCaptainwatchedalittleboywhilehisdaddyworked.NotwhatIwasexpecting.Thatdidn’tgowith

theimageofCaptaininmyhead.

“Kinsleywentwithustheothernight.Shewasoffwork,andwegotmilkshakesandwenttoseethe

stars.ButKinsleydidn’tlikeitmuch.Shegripedalot.”

Thatdidn’tsayalotabouthercharacter.IhopedCaptainwouldn’tforcehertobearoundHenry

anymore.Hedidn’tneedthat.IwonderedwhereHenry’smotherwas,butitdidn’tsoundlikeshewas
around,soIdidn’task.

“Gotit.Leadtheway,Henry.Takeustoaprimepicnicspot,”Captainsaid,grinningattheboy.Ihad

neverseenthatgrinonhimbefore.Itwasreal.Itwasn’tcalculatedorplanned.Itwasn’tabadsmile.

HenrywalkedashortwayfromthestablesandstoppedwhereIassumedhecouldn’tsmellthehorses

anymore.Henoddedhisheadtoletusknowweshouldsettlehere,hisshaggybrownhairfallingintohis
eyes.Iwantedtotuckitbehindhisear,butIwassurehewouldn’tappreciateit.

Captainspreadtheblanketoutforus,tookthefoodfromme,andplaceditontheblanketwhileHenry

laidoutthefoodhehadbeencarrying.CaptainreachedintohisbackpocketandtossedHenryacanof
soda.Thenhelookedatme.“Gotyouone,too.”

Hehandedmethecan,andImanageda“Thankyou.”Isatwithmylegscrossedandplacedtheboxof

foodhehandedmeinmylap.

“Ain’tgonnabeeasyeatingfajitasouthere.Butitdon’tstink,andit’smorefun,”Henrysaid,smilingat

me.

“You’reright.Itdoessmellbetter,andit’salotmorefun.Besides,Ieatinmyofficeeveryday.Thisis

anicechange.”

HenrylookedatCaptain.“She’sbetterthanKinsley.Sheknowswhat’sfun,”theboysaid.
Ididn’tlookatCaptain.Instead,Ifocusedonmyfood.Ihadtogetthroughthislunch.Iwouldset

CaptainstraightwhenHenrywasn’twithhim.Ididn’tknowwhathismotiveswereforbringingthechild
here.Washetryingtomanipulateme?

Ididn’ttrusthim.Thisonlyjustifiedthatfeeling.
Ipickedupmyfajitaandtookabite.IcouldseeHenry’seyesonme,waitingforareaction.
“Mmmm,thisisamazing.ThebestfajitaI’veeverhad.You’reright,yourdaddysureknowshisstuff.”
Henrybeamed,thenturnedtohisownfoodandbeganeating.
IcouldfeelCaptainwatchingme,butIwasn’tgoingtolookathim.Iwasgoingtoeatthisfoodandbe

nicetoHenry,andthenIwasgoingtostartlockingmyofficedoorwhenPiperwasout.NomoreCaptain
interruptions.

“Whydon’tyoutellReeseaboutthebookyou’rewriting,Henry?”Captainsaid.IwatchedasHenry

lookedathimshyly,asifhewasunsure.“She’llloveit,promise,”Captainencouragedhim.

Henryfinallyturnedhisbigbrowneyestome,andthefrecklesonhisnosemadehisfaceevencuter.

“BackinNovember,Iwonthespellingbeeatmyschool.ThenIwenttoastatewidespellingbee,andI
wonit,too.I’llbegoingtothenationalsinMay.”

Wow.Thatwassomethingtobeproudof.Athisage,Ihadn’tevenbeenabletowritemyname

correctly.“That’sawesome!”Ibeamedathim.“Youmustbeaverygiftedspeller.”

HenryglancedatCaptainagainbeforelookingatme.“That’swhyI’mwritingabook.BecauseI’m

dyslexic.That’swhenyoudon’talwaysseewordsandnumbersthewayotherpeopledo,”hesaid,
watchingmeclosely.

ThereasonCaptainhadwantedmetomeetHenrywasnowbecomingclear.Thishadn’tbeensome

scheme.Inoddedmyhead.“Iknowwhatdyslexiais,”Iassuredhim.

Heseemedrelievedthathedidn’thavetoexplainhimself.“Lotsoftimes,kidswithdyslexiaget

ignoredorbelievetheycan’tdosomething.Iwanttotellthemtheycan.MydaddyandIspelledwords
everyminutewehadachancetoformonthsbeforethosespellingbees.Ithinkpeoplewithdyslexiacan
doanythingtheywantto.Theyjusthavetobelieveinthemselves.”

Ifeltemotionclogmythroat.Thislittleboywasgoingtoliveafulllife.He’dneverbetoldhewas

stupid,andhewouldhaveachancetofinishhighschoolandgetacollegedegree.Ididn’tknowhis
father,butIlovedhim.IlovedthatHenrywasn’tsufferingwhatIhadgonethrough.Iputtheunfinished
fajitadownandsniffled,tryingnottocry.“That’sawonderfulthingtodo,Henry.Kidsandadultswith
dyslexianeedtohearthatmessage.Theyneedtobeinspiredbyyourstory.”

Henrywassmilingfromeartoearnow.“Ithinkso,too.Ifithadn’tbeenformydadtellingmeIcould

doanythingoverandover,Idon’tknowifI’dhavetriedoutforthespellingbee.ButIwantedto,andhe
convincedmeIcould.”

Iwantedthatforallkids.Itwasheartbreakingtoknowthatnoteveryonewouldgetthatkindofsupport

intheirlivesorbetoldthatnothingwaswrongwiththem.Knowingtheywerecapableofsomuchwould
dowondersfortheirself-esteem.“Yourdadsoundslikeaveryspecialman,”Isaidsincerely.

Henrynodded.“Heis.He’sthebest.”
Onceagain,nomentionofhismother.
ItwastimeformetoadmittoHenrythatIhaddyslexia,too.Sharingthiswithpeoplewasn’tsomething

Ieverdid.Itwashardonme,butthislittleboywasgoingtosharehisstorywiththeworld.Hewasproud
ofwhathecoulddowhiledealingwiththischallenge.Therewasnoshameinbeingdyslexic.

“Henry,”Isaid,andhelookedupatmeashechewedhisfood.“Ihavedyslexia,too.”
Hislittleeyeswentwide,andthenahugegrinbrokeacrosshisface.“Iknewyouwerespecial,”he

replied.“Justlikeme.”

Thosewordssankintomyheart,andIknewthey’dstaythereforever.

Mase

ItwaswellpastlunchtimebeforeKirocamestumblingintotheentertainmentroom,whereIwassitting
withDeanwhileheplayedontheXbox.IhadthreatenedtowakeKiroupseveraltimes,buteachtime,
DeanshookhisheadandwarnedmeIwouldjustmakethingsworse.

WhenKiro’sbleary,bloodshoteyessawme,hestopped.“Fuck,”hemuttered,thenwalkedtowardthe

bar.Thatwasmycuetostandupanddosomething.

“I’mheretotalk,Kiro.I’dprefertodothatwithyousober.”
Hetriedtoshovemeaside,buthewastoohungoverandweak.Ididn’tbudge.“Myfuckinghouse,boy.

Moveoutofmyway!”heyelled.

Ididn’tflinch.“Well,Harlowismysister,andyouupsettingher,stressingherout,andmakinghercry

ismyfuckingbusiness.Sosityoursorryassdownandlistentome.”

JustlikeIknewhewould,hesnappedoutofhisstuporatthesoundofHarlow’sname.“What’swrong

withmybabygirl?”heasked,runningahandthroughhishair,causingittostickupevenmore.

“She’sworriedaboutyou.Shelovesyou.Andyou’reupsettingherbyactingthisway.Thinkabouther

heart,Kiro.Wedon’twantsomethinghappeningtoherbecauseyoucan’tgetyourshittogether.”

Heshookhishead.“No,nothingcanhappentomybabygirl.Ineedher.Can’tloseher,”hesaid,

soundinglikeabrokenmaninsteadoftheangrydrunkwhohadwalkedinhere.

“Thensnapoutofthis.Getyourheadonstraight.IsthisthewayEmilywouldwantyoutobehave?

Wouldthismakeherhappy?”

“Don’ttalkaboutmyEmmy!”heroared,thistimeshovingmebackwithmoreforce.“Youdon’t

understandwhatthisis!Youdon’tfuckingunderstand.Myheart.”Hestopped,tiltedhisheadback,and
lookedupatthesky.“Shestolemyheart.Thatprettyangelface.Soinnocentandsweet.She’llalways
haveit.Mylifewithherwasperfect.”Heturnedhishauntedgazebacktome.“Perfect!Sofucking
perfect!Butitended.Iended.AndifIloseallIhaveleftofher,Idon’twanttoliveanymore.Ican’ttake
thispain.”

Hiseyesweren’tthoseoftherocklegendwhoappearedonthecoversofmagazineslookinglikehe

ownedtheworld.Hedidn’thavethatswaggerthatdefinedhim.Notnow.Hewasshredded.

KiroManningwasgone.Inhisplacewasamanwhowasabouttobecomeuntetheredfromthisearth.If

he’dbeenagoodfathertome,ifIlovedhimthewayHarlowdid,Iwasn’tsureI’dbeabletostandhere
andtakethis.MychesttightenedinpainforamanIhadspentmostofmylifequestioningifhegaveashit
aboutme.

“Harlowneedsyou.LilaKateneedsagrandfather,”Isaidsimply,remindinghimthatifEmilywaslost,

hiswholeworldwasn’tgone.“Ifsomethinghappenstoyou,Harlowwillbecrushed.Thatgirladores
you.Couldyoureallydothattoher?Can’tyoufindthewilltosurvivethisandbethefathersheneeds?”

Kirostumbledbackandleanedagainstthesofa,holdinghisheadinbothhands.“She’sfadingaway.I

don’tknowifIcanmakeitwithouther.Ilovemybabygirl.Webothloveourbabygirl.She’sgrownup
tobeabeautifulwomanandmother.I’msoproudofher.I’vegivenhernothingtobeproudof.”

Iwouldhavelikedtoagreewithhim,butIknewHarlowwouldn’tagree.SoIspokeformysister,who

didn’thavetheabilitytohandlethisherself.“You’rewrong.She’sproudofyou.She’salwaysbeenproud
ofyou.Andwhenshefoundoutthatyoustayedbyhermother’ssidethroughallthis,itrockedher.She
knowsyoulovehermother.She’sseenit,andthatmakesherevenmoreproudofyou.Shesawasideof
yousheneverknewexisted.Wealldid.”

Kirorubbedhisfaceandgaveafrustratedroarbeforelettinghishandsfalltohisside.“DidDeancall

you?Idon’tneedthisshitrightnow,son.Whycan’tIdealwiththistheonlywayIknowhow?”

HiswayofdealingwasgettingtrashedandupsettingHarlow.“Yourwayaffectsmysister,sothat

affectsme.Deandidn’tcallme.Rushpaidmeavisit.Grantwasworriedabouthiswife.He’llprotect
Harlowanywayhecan.Surelyyoucanunderstandthat?Yourlittlegirlislovedjustasfiercelyasyou
loveEmily.”

AtthesoundofEmily’sname,Kiroflinchedasifitpainedhim.“Whatisityouwantmetodo?Be

fuckingSuperman?I’mnotmotherfuckingSuperman!I’veneverbeen.Can’tstartnowjustbecauseyou
comeinheredemandingit.”

Kirohadtunnelvision.Hewashurting,andthatwasallthemancouldsee.HewaslosingEmily,and

hecouldacceptnothingmore.Iwantedtograbthemanandshakehim.Instead,Iclenchedmyhandsatmy
sidesandtookadeepbreathtocalmmyfrustration.“DoyouwantHarlowtoloseyouboth?Doyouthink
shecanhandlethat?Doyouwantherbrokenhearted?Don’tyouwanttobeapartofyourgranddaughter’s
life?Here’syourchancetobethemanEmilywouldhavewantedyoutobe.YouandIbothknowyou
weren’tthefathershewouldhavewantedforHarlow.Youcan’tsaveher,butyoucangranthertheone
thingwebothknowshe’dwant.ShewouldwantyoutobethebestdamngrandfatherontheplanetforLila
Kate.”

“I’mthebestgrandfatherontheplanet.He’llhavetobesecond,”Deanspokeupashekeptplayingon

theXbox.

Seriously?Didthemannotrealizethisconversationwasimportant?
“Fuckoff,asshole,”Kirogrumbled.
“Justsettinghimstraight,”Deanreplied.
AhintofasmiletouchedKiro’slips.“IwanttomakeEmilyproud.ShelovesLilaKate.Shebrightens

upwheneverHarlowbringshertovisit.Ifshecould,she’dbethefuckingbestgrandmotherthereever
was.”

“Iwon’targuewithyouonthatone.Emilywasspecial,”Deansaid.
“Isspecial,”Kirosnapped.“Sheisfuckingspecial.”
DeantosseddowntheremotecontrolandturnedtolookatKiro.“Sheisspecial,Kiro.Butweboth

knowshe’snotthesame.TheEmilywholeftthedayoftheaccidentdidn’treturnthesame.She’sbeen
lockedinthatbody,unabletofunction,fortwenty-threeyears.You’veheldontoherlongerthanany
doctorbelievedpossible.Towanttokeepherherelikethatisselfish,man.Imissher,too.Shemadeyou
abetterman.Thatmanwaslosttwenty-threeyearsago,too.Theboyisright.Youcan’tsaveher.Butyou
candamnwellmakeherproudofyou.Don’tyouwanthertobethankfulthatshehadalifewithyou?Of
courseyoudo!Youwoulddoanythingforthatwoman.Dothisforher.Fuckingdothis.For.Her.”

Ididn’tneedtosaymore.Deanhadsaiditall.Perfectly.He’dlivedinaworldwheremyfatherhad

lovedawomanandbeenhappy.HeknewthingsIdidn’t.SeeingKirothroughDean’seyeswas
enlightening.

“She’dwantmetobestrong.She’dexpectit,”Kirosaid,staringatthefloorinfrontofhim.
Neitherofussaidathing.Welethimtakeitallin.Deanhadstoodupfromhisspotonthesofa,andwe

lookedateachotheroverKiro’sbenthead.Webothwantedourmessagetogetthroughtohim.

“Iwanttheretobeaheaven.Iwantitforher.Sheshouldbedancingandlaughing.Shehasthebest

laugh.Iwanttheretobeaplacewhereshecanhaveallthat.Tellmethatwhenthislifeends,it’snotover,
thatshehasanewlifeaheadofher,fullofallshewasrobbedofinthisone.”

Iswallowedthroughtheemotionconstrictingmythroat.God,Ineverwantedtogothroughthis.Kiro

hadbeenanassholemostofmylife,butnoonedeservedtodealwithpainthisintense.

DeanwalkedoverandthrewhisarmoverKiro’sshoulder.“There’saheaven,man.Therehastobea

heavenforangels.AndEmilywasanangel.Shewasyours.Itain’toverafterthislife.”

Kiroclosedhiseyesandnodded.“You’reright.MyangelwillbeOK.She’lldanceagain.”
Deanglancedoveratmeandnodded.Kirowasgoingtomakeit.Hehadahardroadstillahead,buthe

wasnowfocusedonmakingEmilyproudofhim.Thatwastheonlythingthatcouldshakehimoutofthis.
Heneverwantedtoletherdown.

Reese

Iwastuckedintobedandholdingmyphoneinmyhand,waitingforMasetocall,whenitfinallyrangand
theimageofhiscowboybootsshoweduponmyscreen.

“Hey,”Isaid,sittingup,excitedtohearhisvoice.Whenhegothome,Iwasgoingtotellhimaboutmy

picnicwithHenryandCaptain;itwouldbetoohardtoexplainoverthephone.

“Hey,baby.I’mheadinghomeinthemorning.IspentthedaywithKiro.Wehadabreakthroughthis

afternoononcehefinallygotoutofbed,buthe’ssovolatile.Idecidedtostayandmakesurehewasgood.
Imissyou.”

“Imissyou,too.I’mgladthingsarebetterwithhim.Wasithard?”IwishedmorethanoncetodaythatI

couldbetherewithhim.

“Itwasn’teasy,butIthinkIunderstandhimbetternow.He’llneverbemydad.Ihaveoneofthose.But

IfeltsomethingtodayI’veneverfeltforthemanbefore.Compassion.”

Masewasacompassionateman.Icouldn’timaginehowawfulhisfatherhadtohavebeentonotget

anycompassionfromhisownson.Iknewhehadn’tspentmuchtimearoundhimgrowingup,butstill.
“Thenthetriphelpedyou,too,”Isaid.

“Yeah,Ithinkitdid,”heagreed.“ButIwanttobehomewithyou.”
“Iwantthat,too.”
“ArethingsOKthere?Thejobstillgood?”
“Yes.Thejobisgreat,andI’vebeenfinehere.Iatedinnerwithyourparentstonight.”
“Good.Iloveyou,andbeforeyousayyoulovememore,that’snotpossible.”
Smiling,Ituckedthecoversundermychin.“Idon’tthinkso.”
Hechuckled.“I’llbeonaplanefirstthinginthemorning.Expectalunchguest.”
Asickknotsettledinmystomach,remindingmeofmyotherlunchguestwhoalwayspoppedup.I

wouldhavetotellMaseaboutallthatwhenhegothome.Iwantedtokeepmyjob,butIalsodidn’twant
Maseinthedarkaboutanything.

“I’lllookforwardtoit,”Itoldhim.“Loveyou.”
Oncewehungup,Ilayinbedstaringattheceiling,wonderingifMasewouldreactbadlytoCaptain

showingupatmyofficeregularlywithlunch.Hehadn’tdoneanythingwrong,really,butwouldIbeOK
withawomanbringingMaselunchandeatingwithhim?No.Theanswerwasnoway.I’dbejealous.

IhadtotellMase.Therewasnoquestion.

Byteninthemorning,Iwasgettinganxious.IwasreadytoseeMase.Ithadonlybeenafewdays,but
everytimetheofficedooropened,myheartspedup.ThenPiperwouldbethere,andI’dsmileand
pretendIwasn’tcompletelydisappointed.Hehadsaidhe’dbebackbylunch.

Twomorehoursuntillunch.
JustasIpickedupthephonetoreturnsomecalls,thedooropened.BeforeIcouldgetexcited,

Captain’sfaceappeared,andmyfacefell.NotwhoIwashopingtosee.

“Don’tlooksoheartbroken.I’mnotthatugly,”hesaidwithasmirk.
Ididn’trespondtothat.Instead,Iusedmymostprofessionaltone.“WhatcanIhelpyouwith?”
Captaincockedaneyebrowashesatintheleatherchairacrossfromme.NotwhereIwantedhimto

sit.Iwantedhimtotellmewhatheneededandleave.Fast.

“Doyougettoleaveforlunchtoday?”heasked,leaningbackandcrossinghisrightankleoverhisleft

kneelikehewasgettingcomfortable.

“No,”wasmyclippedresponse.
Helookedamused.“Ithoughtwecalledatruce.Weweregoingtobefriends.Youaren’tactingvery

friendly.”

IhadneversaidIwasgoingtobehisfriend.“Iagreedtoworkwithyou.Ididn’tsayI’dgoouttoeat

withyou.”

“Youlikedthepicnicyesterday,”heremindedme.
“IlikedHenry,”Icorrectedhim.
Henoddedasifhealreadyknewthat.“Iknewyouwould.He’sagreatkid.”
IalsogotwhyhehadbroughtHenrytomeetme.Ithadbeenanicethingtodo.Iappreciatedit,butI

stillfeltwrongabouthavinganythingotherthanaworkingrelationshipwithhim.Somethingaboutthe
wayhelookedatmemademefeelhewantedmore.Ididn’tcarewhathesaid.

“Whydon’tyoudrive?”heasked,pullingmeoutofmythoughts.
“BecauseIhaven’tbeenabletoreadandwriteuntilrecently.Couldn’ttakethedriver’stest.”
Hereachedintohisbackpocket,pulledouttwothinbooks,andleanedovertoplacethemonthetable.

Onewasadriver’shandbookforthestateofTexas.Theotherwasapermithandbook.“Youcanread
now.Readthese.”

Ireachedforthem.Ihadmeanttogetthese.Theideascaredme,butnowthattheywerehereonmy

desk,itwasn’tthatterrifying.CaptainhadgottenthemformebeforeIhadeventoldhimwhyIdidn’t
drive.Whydidhehavetodosuchnicethingsforme?

“Idon’texpectathankyou.Justreadthem.Youcanpassthetest,Reese.Iknowyoucan.”
Hedidn’texpectathankyou.Istareddownatthebooksinfrontofme.Iwasn’tsurewhattosay.He

wasgoingoutofhiswaytohelpme.Hedidn’tneedtobethinkingaboutme.Hedidn’tneedtohelpme.
Buthewas,andIwasn’tsurehowtostopthat.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,becausehediddeservethat.“I’vebeenmeaningtopicktheseup.”
Henodded.“Good.I’mgladyou’rereadytotakeanotherstepinthatdirection.”
I’dstartedtosaysomethingwhenthedooropened,andIlookeduptoseeMase’sface.Myheartleaped

atthesightofhim,butashisgazeswungtoCaptain,Iwentfromgiddytosicktomystomach.

“Whatthefuckareyoudoinghere?”heaskedashesteppedintotheroom,fillingitupwithhis

presence.

Captaindroppedhispropped-upfoottothefloorandstoodup.HewasateyelevelwithMase.“Came

todropsomethingoffforReese,”Captainsaid,asifhewasn’tbotheredatall.

“Doesn’tlooklikethat,”Masesnarled.Heswunghisgazetome.“Hebotheringyou?”
Thiswasatrickquestion.IfIsaidno,thenMasewouldthinksomethingthatwasn’ttrue.ButasI

glanceddownatthehandbooksonmydesk,IknewIcouldn’tverywellthrowCaptainunderthebus.

“Mase,it’sOK.HewasdroppingoffsomehandbookshethoughtImightneed.Nothingmore,”I

explained.

IshotCaptainaquickglance,andhelookedsurprisedthatIhadn’tsaidhewasbotheringme.Mase

wasfrowning—atmeormyresponse,Iwasn’tsure.

“Doeshevisityouoftentobringyouthingshethinksyouneed?”Maseasked,hisvoiceholdinga

warning.Hewasn’thappy,andthiswasnotthewayIwantedtoexplainmyrelationshipwithCaptainto
him.

“Ijustbringherlunchacoupleoftimesaweek,”Captainsaid.
ThefirethatlitinMase’seyesdidn’tbodewell.Whyhadhesaidthat?“Youdowhat?”heasked

slowlyasheturnedhisglaretoCaptain.

“Ihavetobringherpaperworktofile,andIsometimesbringherfood,too.Betterthanthosedamn

turkeysandwichessheeats.”

MasestoodsostillIwasafraidofwhathewoulddonext.“Ithinkit’stimeyouleave,”hesaidina

hard,clippedtone.

Captainglancedatme.“Guessitis,”hereplied,andwinkedatme.Hefreakingwinkedatmebefore

walkingpastMasewithasmirkonhisface.Iwantedtokillhim.

Maseturnedtome.Hejuststaredatmesilentlyforseveralmoments,andIstartedtoopenmymouthto

explainseveraltimes,butnothingcameout.

“Youdidn’tthinkthattellingmeanothermanbroughtyoulunchwasimportant?Orthathevisitsyouso

often?”

Ihadbeenplanningtotellhim.Tonight.Ihadplanneditallout.“Iwasn’t...Iwas...Ididn’t...”
Hehelduphishandtostopme.“Nevermind.I’mnotlisteningtothis.Ijustwentthroughsome

emotionalshit,andIdon’tneedthisrightnow.Ineedafuckingbreak,”hesaid,thenturnedandstormed
outofmyoffice.

Istoodthere,watchingthedoorslambehindhimastearsspilledfreeandrandownmyface.Whathad

Idone?

Mase

MyheartwaspoundinginmyearsasIstalkedfrommytruckdowntothestables.WhatthefuckhadIjust
walkedinon?WasIoverreacting?I’dgivenReeseachancetoexplainherself,andshe’dstammered.She
hadn’tbeenabletoexplain.Shehadalmostseemedtobedefendingthatasshole.

DidItrusther?Yes!Ineverhadareasonnotto.ShewasmyReese.Shewassodamnsweet.Howthe

fuckdidthishappen?WhatwaswrongwiththatmotherfuckerthathethoughtitwasOKtobringher
lunch?Heknewshewastaken.Whatwasthepurposebehindit?

Hewantedwhatwasmine.Ipickedupasaddle,slungitagainstthewall,andshoutedastringof

curses.ThiswasnotwhatIhadwantedtocomehometo.IshouldbekissingReeseandholdingherclose
soIcouldsmellher.Butshe’dbeenhidingsomething.Icouldseeitinhereyes.

Fuckme.WasIthatblind?DidIassumebecauseIhadfoundherlostandbrokenthatshewouldnever

wanttoexploremore?HadIjustbeenawayforhertoheal?Wasshecuriousaboutothers?IfeltsickasI
eventhoughtaboutit.Ididn’twanthertobefuckingcuriousaboutothermen.

Thatstupidmotherfuckerwasn’tugly,either,andheknewit.Hewasusinghislookstorattleher,too.

Andshewasrattled.Itwasworking.Ileanedbackagainstthewallandinhaledapainfulbreath.Iwasher
firsteverything.She’dneverletanyoneelsegetthisclose.

WasIbeingselfishtonotlethergo,ifthatwaswhatshewanted?WasIcaringforherlikeapossession

andignoringherneeds?“Fuuuuuuck!”Iyelledaspainslicedthroughmychest.

Iwantedtobeoverreacting.WasitbecauseIwasmentallyexhaustedfromdealingwithKiro?

Everythingreplayedinmyhead.

“Ijustleftherthere,”Iwhisperedoutloud,knowingshehadnowaytocomeaftermeandexplain.I

hadn’tevengivenheramomenttogetherthoughtstogether.ShehadlookedassurprisedasIwas.

Icouldn’tleavehertherealldaytoworryaboutthis.Shehadn’tdoneanythingwrong.Sure,shehadn’t

toldmethatshewashavinglunchbroughttoherbyfuckingRiver,Captain,whoeverthehellhewas,
Kipling.Butdemandingananswerfromherandthenstormingoutwhenshecouldn’tverbalizeonewasn’t
thewaytohandleit.

ThiswasReese.MyReese.Therehadtobeareasonshehadn’tsaidsomethingbeforenow.Maybeshe

wasafraidIwouldreacttheexactwayIjustreacted.OrshecouldhavebeenworriedthatI’dmakeher
quitherjob.Shelovedherjob.Shewasproudofherself,andwatchingherblossomunderPiper’s
obviousapprovalwasbeautiful.

Ihadtogoback.Istalkedbacktothedoor,onlytobestoppedbyMajor,whowaslookingatmelike

I’dlostmymind.

“Move,”Isnarled,andstartedtopushpasthim,buthegrabbedmyshouldersandstoppedme.
“She’snotthere,”wasallhesaid.Hesoundedannoyed.
“What?”Iaskedhim,shovinghimbacksohewouldletmego.

“ShecalledMaryann.Yourmommawenttogether.”
Reese.“Shit.IssheOK?”Iasked,movingfasttogetaroundMajorandheadupthehilltowardmy

momma’shouse.

“ShewascryingsohardAuntMaryannbarelyheardwhatshewassaying.Sheranforthedoor,then

pointedatmeandsaid,‘Gotellmysonhebettergethimselfreadytofixthis.’”

Ihadtofixthis.Reesewascrying.Mystupidtemper.
“Whatthehelldidyoudo?”Majorasked.
“RiverKiplingwasinheroffice.Hebringsherlunchsometimes.Shenevertoldme.”
Majorletoutalowwhistle.“He’sasmoothone.ButhasReesedoneanythingwrong?”
“Shenevertoldme!”Iyelled,wantingtopunchsomething.
“Well,hell,Mase,ifshethoughtyou’dreactlikethis,Ican’tsayIblameher.Youdon’tgetworkedup

likethis.Neverseenyoubecomeanassinmyentirelife.Sowhatthefuckhashappenedtoyou?”

Thiswasn’tme.Ididn’tlosemymindovereverylittlething.Iwascareful,andIthoughtthingsthrough.

Imadecalculateddecisions.Iwasn’tthisoff-the-handleinsanemanwhohadtakenover.

“Stopyelling,andlistentoyourself.You’reactinglikeanutcaseoversomethingthatisn’tthatbigofa

deal.Sohebroughtherfood.Didshefuckhimforit?No.Icananswerthat.Shelovesyou.You.Snapout
ofthis.”

Snapoutofthis.Thosewordsreplayedinmyhead.WordsIhadjustsaidtoKiro.Whenhewaslosing

hismindoverawoman.

Iwasactinglike...myfather.Myentirelife,I’dtriedsohardtoemulatethemanwhoraisedme.He

wasasolidman.Amanwhowascarefulandthoughtfulbutstrong.Yetinonemoment,Iforgotallthatand
becamethemanwhosebloodranthroughmyveins.

Ididn’twanttobethisman.ButIunderstoodhim.Ihadn’tevenlostReese,andIwasgoingcrazy.

WhatifIwerefacedwithactuallylosingher?CouldIrecoverfromthat?WouldIbecomethemanI
lookedlikeinsteadofthemanwhohadtaughtmeeverything?

“Ihavetoseeher,”Isaid,feelinghelpless.
“Yeah,well,yourmommawillbeheresoonenoughwithher,andIwouldn’twanttobeyouwhenshe

getshere.She’snothappywithyou.”

Iwasn’thappywithme,either.I’dletReesedown,butI’dletmedown,too.Thismanwasn’tme.
Mymother’struckcameintoview,andItookoffrunningtowardit.Iwasn’twaitingforReesetogetto

me.Ineededtoseehernow.Mommastoppedwhenshesawmegettingcloser.Ididn’tevenmakeeye
contactwithmymother;IkeptmyeyesonReese.Herfacewasredandsplotchyfromcrying,andthatwas
allbecauseofme.

Ifitwaspossibletotrulyhateyourself,Idid.

Reese

Oncethetearsstarted,Icouldn’tstop.

AfterMaseleft,sobswrackedmybody,andIdoubledover.He’dleftme.I’dmessedup.Icouldn’t

loseMase.

AllIhadknowntodowastocallMaryann.Stayingatworkwasimpossible.TellingPiperwhatwas

wrongwithmewasalsoimpossible.Shewasgonefortheday,andIwouldhavetoapologizelater.Right
now,IhadtogettoMase.

Maryannhoppedoutofthetruckandrushedtome.“What’swrong?”sheasked,pullingmeintoahug.I

clungtoherandcriedharder.

Havinganykindofmotherlyaffectionundidme.Itwasn’tsomethingIknew,butIcravedit.Maryann’s

armsaroundmemademytearscomeharder.BecauseI’dlethersondown.Shewascomfortingmeand
didn’tknowwhatIhaddone.

“Shhh,now,itcan’tbeallthatbad.Let’sgetyoubackhome,andyoucantellmewhathappened.I

knowmyson,andwhenheknowsyou’rethisupset,he’sgoingtobefuriouswithhimself.”

No,hewouldn’t.Hewasfuriousalready.Withme.
Maryannledmetohertruck,andIgotinobediently.Onceshewasinthedriver’sseatandpullingout

oftheStouts’ranch,sheglancedoveratme.“Canyoutellmewhathappened?”

Icould,butwouldshehateme,too?Probably.Ihatedme.Ishouldhavetoldhimafterthefirsttime.I

shouldn’thavekeptitasecret.

“IletCap-...RiverKiplingbringmelunchseveraltimes.Ididn’taskhimto,hejust—”Iletouta

smallsob.“Hewouldjustshowupwithfood,andIwouldeatwithhim.Idon’tevenlikehimmostofthe
time.He’sarrogant.ButIhavetofilepaperworkthathebringsme.”

“AndMaseisupsetbecauseRiverbringsyoufood?”
“No...yes.He’smadbecauseInevertoldhim.Iwasafraidhe’dbeupset.AndIkepttellingRiverto

stop.Sometimeshejustcamewithpaperworkformetofile,butacoupleoftimes,hebroughtfood.I
shouldhavetoldMase.”

Maryanndidn’tsayanythingatfirst.IbegantothinkI’dmadehermadatme,too.“DoyoulikeRiver

Kiplinginanywayotherthanasafriend?”

Ishookmyhead.“No!Idon’tevenlikehimasafriend.HeassumestoomuchandignoresthefactthatI

don’twanthimtobeinmyoffice.IloveMase.”

Maryannnodded.“Iknowyoudo,sweetheart.Butitappearsmysonhasletjealousytakecontrolof

him.It’snotlikehim,butthen,thatjustmeansyou’redifferentfromanyotherwomanwhohasbeeninhis
life.Givehimtimetocooldown,andthenhe’llfixthis.”

“Hewassoangrywithme,”Iwhispered.
“No,hewasscaredoflosingyou.Hewasterrifiedthathewasn’tenoughforyou.Hewasn’tangryat

you.”

Hewasn’tenoughforme?Heknewbetterthanthat.Thelookinhiseyeswasdefinitelyanger.ButI

didn’targuewithhismother.Shewouldseesoonenough.Hewasn’tgoingtobehappytoseeme.Ihadto
explain.Gettingalltongue-tiedandpanickingwasn’tgoingtosaveus.

“Inevershouldhavegottenajob,”Isaid,thinkingthatnoneofthiswouldhavehappenedifI’djust

stayedhome.

Maryannmadeatskingsound.“Don’tstartthat,girl.Youdeservealife.Masedoesn’thavetobeyour

world.Hecanbethemostimportantpartofyourworld,butyouneedtolive,Reese.Youneedtofeel
accomplishedandmakeyourmarkonthisearth.Ilovemyson,butIdon’twantyougivingupyourdreams
forhim.”

Iletherwordssinkin,buttheydidn’tmatter.“Buthe’sinallofmydreams.”
Shenodded.“Asheshouldbe.Butthey’reyourdreams.Youhavecontroloverthem,nothisjealousy.

Heknowsthat,too.Hejustneedstogethisheadstraight.”

Wedrovepastthegateoftheranch,andIwipedmydampfaceasIpreparedtofacehim.Iwassoused

toseeinghimsmilingatmeandwantingme.Ididn’tknowhowtodealwithaMasewhodidn’twantto
evenlookatme.

“Thereheis,”Maryannsaid,slowingthetruck.“GuessIshouldstopifthefool’sgonnacomerunning

straightatme.”

IglanceduptoseeMaserunningtowardthetruckandpanicked.WashegoingtodemandthatIleave?

Oh,God.Whatifhewouldn’tletmeonhisproperty?Ihadtoexplainmyself.

Maryannopenedthetruckdoorandstartedaroundthefronttomeetherson.Ideath-grippedtheseatas

ifhewasgoingtoopenthetruckandyankmeout.

WhenMasesawhismother,heshotheralook.Shesaidsomethingtohimandthenslappedhimonthe

backofthehead,beforewalkingtowardthehouseandleavingmealoneinhertruck,justsittingthere.I
didn’twanthertoleave.

Masetookseverallongstridestomysideofthetruckandjerkedthedooropen.Iclosedmyeyes

tightlyandheldon,thankfulthatIwaswearingmyseatbelt.Itwasn’tmuch,butitwasaformof
protection.

Awarmhandtouchedthesideofmyface,andmyeyessnappedopentoseeMaselookingatme

intently.Hiseyesweren’tfulloftheangerI’dseenearlier.Helooked...sorry.Worried.

“Iamsosorry,”hewhispered.“Sogoddamnsorry.”
Tearsofrelieffilledmyeyes,eventhoughIdidn’tthinkIhadanymoretearstocry.
“Ididn’t...Idon’tevenlikehim.Itrytogethimtoleave.I’mrudetohim.Hejustdoesn’tcare.”
Maseleanedinandkissedmymouthgentlyasheunbuckledmyseatbelt.“Idon’tdoubtit,”hesaid

softly.“Iwasanass.Ilethimrilemeup,andItookitoutonyou.Iwasjealous,Reese.You’remine,and
Ican’tloseyou,baby.”

IwrappedmyarmsaroundMasetightlyandburiedmyfaceinhisneck.Inhalingdeeply,Ifeltsafe

again.Hewashere.Hewasn’tmadatme.“I’msorry.Ishouldhavetoldyou.Iwasafraidyou’dbe
angry.”

Hishandranovermyhair,wrappingthelongstrandsaroundhisfingers.“GuessIprovedthattheory

correct,”hesaid,soundingamused.

Inodded.“ButIshouldhavetoldyou.Hesayshe’snotflirting,butIdon’tknowwhathe’sdoing.I’ve

toldhimtoleavemealone.”

Masetookadeepbreath.“Iwanttokillhim.”
Rightnow,Iwantedtokillhim.Hehaddoneitonpurpose.“IthinkitwouldbebetterifIquitmyjob.

Thatway,Idon’teverhavetoseehim.”

Masedidn’treplyatfirst.Istayedinhisarms,thankfultohavethemaroundme.Ididn’tcarewhatIhad

todotokeepthis.“No.Youloveyourjob.Iwon’tletmyfearandthatassholetakeitawayfromyou.But
fromnowon,I’llbebringingyoulunch.”

Smiling,Ilookedupathim.“Really?”
Hecuppedmyfacewithonehand.“Really.AndI’llbringyouMomma’sfood.It’llbebetterthanany

restaurantshithebroughtyou.”Asmalllaughescapedme,andhegrinned.“You’rejustsodamnbeautiful
insideandout,Reese.I’mgoingtohavetogetusedtomenwantingwhatIhave.Theycan’thelp
themselves.”

Mycheeksheated,andIputmyheadonhisshoulder.“Idon’tthinkthat’sthecase.Captainisjust...

annoying.”

“YoucallhimCaptain.Doyouknowwhoheis?”
“He’sBlaireFinlay’sbrother.HewasatLilaKate’sbirthday.Ifoundouthisnicknamethen.”
Masefrowned.“Ineversawhim.”
“That’sbecausewetalkedwhenyouwereinsidewithHarlow.Thenhejustdisappeared.Ifiguredhe

wentinside.”

“Buthefoundyouandtalkedtoyou,”hesaid,soundingannoyed.
“IwaswithBlaire,”Iremindedhim.
“Still,thedudeisadickhead.”
Yesterday,Iwouldhavebeenreadytodisagree.Butafterwhathedidtoday,Icouldn’tdenyit.Hehad

toldMaseaboutourlunchesforareason,anditwasn’taninnocentone.

River“Captain”Kiplinghadjustbecomemyenemy.

Mase

AfterdroppingReeseoffattheofficeandkissingherlongandhard,IheadedouttofindRiverfucking
Kipling.I’dgivenArthuracallandaskedhimwhereImightfindtheguy.He’dtoldmehewouldbeatthe
mainofficesfortheStoutandHawkinsrestaurantchain.

Steppingthroughthemaindoor,Ismiledattheyoungreceptionist.Ineededherhelp.“Morning,”Isaid

withanod,tiltingthebrimofmyhatback.

“Goodmorning,”shesaid,alittletoobrightly.
“ArthurtoldmeIcouldfindRiverKiplingherethismorning.Youknowwherehemightbe?”
Shedidn’tevenaskforanID.Shenoddedandpointedtoadoor.“Gothroughthere;he’sthethird

officeontheright.”

Iwinkedandgaveheranod,thenwenttofindthebastard.
Ididn’tbotherknockingonhisdoor.Ijustopeneditandwalkedin,closingitbehindme.Riverwas

workingathisdesk.Whenhiseyeslookeduptoseeme,Isawthegleamofchallengethere.Iwasending
thisshit.

“Iactuallyexpectedyousooner,”hesaid,leaningbackinhischair,lookingpleasedwithhimself.
“Reesecamefirst.I’dbeenawayfromherforafewdays,andIneededtobewithmygirl,”Isaid,

puttingtheemphasisonmy.

Hesmirked.“Youheretostakeyourclaimlikeafuckingcaveman?”
God,Ihatedthisdouchebag.“I’mheretoprotectReese.That’swhatIdo.Shewasreadytogiveupa

jobshelovesbecauseofyou.Iwon’tletyouruinthisforher.She’sbeenthroughmoreshitthanyoucould
everimagine.Shedoesn’tneedyouupsettingher.”

Hisfacealmostlookedremorseful.“She’sovercomeherdyslexia.She’sfacedherdemons,andshe’s

thriving.Shedoesn’tneedsomeonetostandoverherandkeeptherestoftheworldout.Isshenot
allowedtohavefriends?”

She’dtoldhimaboutherdyslexia?Iwasproudofher.She’dadmittedittosomeoneelseotherthan

Piperandme.“Herdyslexiadidholdherbackforaverylongtime.Butshe’slivedthroughaworsehell
thanthat.Don’tassumeyouknowher.Becauseyoudon’t.Andifshewantsmetoprotecther,Iwill.From
anyoneandanything.Shedidn’thavethatformostofherlife,butshe’llhaveitfortherestofit.”

Riverfrowned,leaningforwardandputtinghiselbowsonthedesk.“You’redoingheraninjusticeby

assumingthatbecauseshehadaroughhomelifegrowingup,sheisn’tstrongenoughtotakecareof
herself.Iknowforafactthatmadeherastrongerperson.Ilivedalifejustlikehers.”

Ireallyhatedthissonofabitch.“What?Waslifehardforyou?Didyougetslappedaroundalittle?

Leavehomewhenyouwerefinallyoldenough?Yeah,well,luckyfuckingyou.That’snotthehellI’m
talkingabout.Juststaythefuckawayfromher.Youhavepapersforhertofile?Thentakethemtoher.But
I’llbebringingherluncheveryday.”

Riverlookedlikehewasweighingmywordsanddecidinghowtorespond.Hiswittycomebacks

seemedtohavedriedup.“Iwasjustbeingfriendly,”hefinallysaidwithashrug.“Bothofyougottoo
worked-upoverthatshit.Trustisanimportantpartofarelationship.”

IfInailedhiminhissmugface,I’dendupinjail.Idebatedifthatwasworthit.“Youbeing‘friendly’

hadherintearsyesterday.Sobbingtears.Whatyoudidyesterdaywasn’tfriendly.Itwasalowblow,and
thenyouwalkedoffandlefthertodealwithit.That’snotbeingafriend.It’sbeinganasshole.Nowoman
deservesthatkindofdisrespect.”

Hedidn’trespond.IneededtoleavebeforehesaidsomethingthatIcouldn’twalkawayfrom.Oneday,

I’dgetthechancetoknockhimonhisass.Butthiswasn’ttheplaceorthetime.

Iopenedhisdoorandwalkedoutbeforehecouldsayanythingelse.

Itwaslunchtime.IarrivedatReese’sofficewithMomma’smeatloaf,friedokra,andcreamedpotatoes.
WhenIopenedReese’sdoor,shelookedupandbeamedatmelikeIwastheonlypersoninherworld.
BeforeIcouldgetthroughthedoor,shewasoutofherseatandhurryingtowardme.

“Hey,baby,”Isaid,holdingthefoodoutofthewaysoIcouldbendmyheadandkisstheprettiestlips

intheworld.

“Hey,smellsgood,”shesaid.
“Itis.Mommamadeit.”
Shegazedupatmethroughherthickeyelashesandgrinned.“Iwastalkingaboutyou,butthefood

smellsgood,too.”

“Careful,orI’lltakesomemoreofwhatIhadthismorningbeforeIletyoueat,”Iwarnedher,thinking

abouttheshowerwe’dtakentogetherbeforeIbroughthertowork.

“Ihaveamicrowave,”shesaid,backingupagainstthedesk.Iwatchedherasshebeganpullingher

shirtoff.

“Fuck,”Ireplied,settingthefooddownontheemptychair.“Yousureaboutthis?”IhopedtoGodshe

was.

Shenodded.“Piper’sgone,”shesaid,andsheunsnappedherbraandletitfalloffherarms.“AndI’m

wearingaskirt.Shametowasteit.”

Itookherfaceinmyhandsandclaimedthatsweetmouthbeforeshecouldsayanythingelsethatmade

melosemymind.WhenReesedecidedtoseduceme,itdidn’ttakemuch.Justthefactthatshewantedto
wassexyashell.

Tastingherwasintoxicating.
Shebegantowiggle,andIbrokethekisstolookdownather.Shehaddroppedherpantiesandkicked

themoffasshepulledupherskirt.Shewaspanting.“Imissedyou,”shesaid.

Imissedher,too,althoughwehadjusthadhotshowersexfivehoursago.Iwasn’tcomplaining.

Slippingmyhandbetweenherlegs,Itrailedmyfingersoverherwetheat.Shewasmorethanready.

Ihadstartedtogodownonmykneeswhenshegrabbedmyshoulders.“No.Iwantyouinme.Weneed

tobequick,andIwantyounow.”Shesoundedbreathless.

Afteryesterday,Iwonderedifthiswasherwayofmakingthatmemoryfadetothebackground.

Whateveritwas,Iwoulddoanythingsheaskedofme.

Afterunzippingmypants,sheleanedback,watchingme,withherhandsflatonthedesk,puttingher

gorgeoustitsonbetterdisplay.Ishovedmyjeansdownandthenleanedovertocupbothbreastsinmy
hands.“Lovethese,”Isaidreverently.

“Mmmm,”shesaid,andherheadfellback,exposingherneck.
Iwasn’tgonnalastlongwithherallspreadoutformelikethis.Ireachedforoneofherlegs,drapedit

overmyarm,andpulledherbottomuntilitwasontheedgeofthedesk.Shewascompletelyopentome

now.Hereyeswerefullofneedasshestaredupatme.

Slowly,Isankintoherashertightholegrippedmeperfectly.“Alwayssofuckinggood,”Igroaned.
“Yes,”sheagreed,liftingherhipssothatIwasburiedasdeepasIcouldgo.“Ahhh!”shecriedout

whenshewasfull.

“Reese,”Isaidbreathily,needinghereyesonme.“Lookatme.”
ShedidasIasked,andIbegantomovewithinheratasteadyrhythmthatIknewwouldbringusbothto

releasefasterthanIpreferred.

“Oh,God!”shecriedashermouthfellopen.
Ibegantopumpharder,lovingthesoundofhercriesofpleasure.“Thiswhatyouwant?”Iasked.
Shereachedtoclingtomyarms.“Yes,”shepanted.
“Tellmethisismypussy,Reese,”Isaid,holdingstillinsideher.Ineededtohearit.
“It’syours,”shesaidwithasmile,wigglingunderme.
Grinning,Ishookmyhead.“No,baby.Iwantyoutotellmethisismypussy.”Iloweredmyheadand

kissedthetipsofherbreasts.

“It’syourpussy,Mase,”shesaidsoftly,buthereyesflaredwithexcitementasshesaidit.
“That’sright.Itis.Mine,”Isaid,grabbingherhipsandmovingwithdeepthrustsuntilshewascrying

mynameandclawingmyarms.

Atthesoundofmynametearingfromherchest,Iclimaxed.Nothingwouldeverbeassexyasthat

sound.

Reese

Bythetimetheweekendarrived,everythingwasbacktonormal.Captainhadn’tbeenbacktomyoffice.
He’dsentfilesoverwithMajortwice,andIhadstartedtobreathemoreeasily.

TodayMasewasgoingtocheckouttwohorseshewasthinkingofbuying.IdecidedIwouldgogrocery

shopping.Maryannwasgoingintotowntorunsomeerrandsandsaidshecoulddropmeoffatthegrocery
storeandpickmeupanhourlater.

ThiswasmyfirsttimeshoppingwithoutMase,andIwasalittlenervousaboutgettingeverythinghe

wanted.Iknewhe’dnevertellmeifIforgotsomething,butIwasfocusedongettingitjustright.Iliked
theideaoftakingcareofhim.

Afterspendingagoodtenminutespickingouttherightfruitsandvegetables,Imovedtowardtheaisles.

Ididn’thavetodotoomuchreadinghere.I’dbeengroceryshoppingforyears,soIwasgoodat
identifyingthingsbytheirpackagingandlabels.

“Thelittlewhoregrewup.”Thelowwhispersenticethroughmyveins.Iknewthatvoice.Ithadbeen

yearssinceI’dlastheardit,butIknewthatvoice.Icouldn’tmove.Icouldn’tturnaround.

“Notgonnasayhellotoyourdaddy?”Marcoasked.Hewasnotmydaddy.Hewasmymother’s

husband,buthewasn’tmydaddy.Hehadbeenmytormentor.

“Ifyougetanycloser,Iamgoingtoscreamatthetopofmylungs,”Iwarnedhim,stillnotturningto

lookathim.Ididn’twanttoseehisface.Thenightmareshestarredinhadjustbeguntofade.Ihatedthat
face.

Alow,menacinglaughsentdreadthroughme.“No,youwon’t.Doyouwantallthesepeopletoknow

whatalittleslutyouare?I’lltellthemall.Howyouseducedme.Howyouwantedsexfromyourown
stepdaddy.Betthatrichlittleboyfriendofyoursdon’tknowwhatawhoreyouare.Ormaybehedoes,”
Marcosaid,andhetouchedmyhair.

Bileroseinmythroat.Iwasgoingtobesick.Itriedtofindmyvoice,butIwasfrozeninfear.Justlike

whenIwasachild.

“Maybehelikesstupidlittlesluts.Withabigassandbigtits.Guessthat’shisthing.”
Iclosedmyeyesandcringed.No.Hewouldnotdothistome.Iwouldn’tlethim.Iwasstrongernow.I

wasgrown.Thelittlegirlwasgone.

“Tookmeawhiletofindyou.ButI’vebeenwatchingyouforaweeknow.Iknowwhereyoulive,

whereyouwork.Toostupidtodriveacaryourself.Notsurprised.”

Mybodybrokeoutinacoldsweat.Whywashehere?Whydidhewanttofindme?
“Yourmomma’sdead.Notthatyoucare.Youranoffandnevercameback.Worthlessbitch,”hesaid,as

hefistedhishandinmyhairandtuggedhard.

Ihadtogetawayfromhim.ButIcouldn’tfindmyvoice.Thishadtobeanightmare.Hewasn’treally

here.Thiscouldn’tbereal.Ineededtowakeup.

“Notevenatearforyourmomma?Stupidwhoresdon’tcareabouttheirmothers.Butyoulovedyour

stepdaddy,didn’tyou,girl?”Hepulledhardonmyhairagain.

“Letmego,”Imanagedtosaythroughtheterrorgrippingme.
Helaughed.“Tookalongtimetofindyou,girl.Iain’tleavingyounow.DidyoutellhimIhadyou

first?Thatthisbodywasminefirst?Thatyouwalkedaroundwiththosetightclotheson,tauntingme,
invitingmetotouchyou?”

Mystomachrolledover,andIbentforward,feelingthesicknessstarttoovertakeme.
Hepulledmyheadbackwithanotherjerkofmyhair.“You’regonnawalkoutofherewithme,andI

won’ttellhimanyofyourdirtysecrets,”hesaidclosetomyear.Hisbreathsmelledrank,likesourmilk.

Ireacheduptocovermymouth,afraidIwasgoingtothrowupalloverthegroceriesinfrontofme.I

couldn’tscreamwhilefightingtokeepthecontentsofmystomachfromcomingup.Closingmyeyes
tightly,IprayedthatiftherewasaGodandhecaredatall,he’dsaveme.Ihadn’tbeenpreparedforthis.

MaybetherewasaGod,because,suddenly,IfeltMarcoletgoofmyhair.Ijerkedaroundandsaw

CaptainwithalookoffuryonhisfaceashishandclampedaroundMarco’sarm.NowthatIcouldsee
Marco,helookedsignificantlyolder.

“Youwalkoutofhereanddon’tlookback,andI’llletyoulive,”Captainsaidinaquiet,hardvoice.
Marcotriedtojerkhisarmfree.“Youwanttogetarrestedforassault?”Hisvoicewashigh-pitched.
Captaindidn’tlookfazed.HecontinuedlookingatMarcolikehewasthelowestformofcreatureon

earth.“Youscream,andyouwon’tseeanothersunrise.Tryme,oldman.Fucking.Try.Me.”

Ibelievedhim.Therewasnosmirk.Nosmile.Theexpressiononhisfacewasthatofamanwithno

soul.Hewascold,andhewasmakingsureMarcosawthat,too.

Ibackedaway.
“Yougoonandgetyourgroceries,Reese,”Captainsaid.“I’llwalkthisworthlessshitoutside.He

won’tbeback.Icanpromiseyouthat,”hesaidwithouttakinghiseyesoffMarco.

ThenhebeganwalkingwithhishandstillgrippingMarco’sarm.
Istoodandwatcheduntiltheywalkedoutthefrontdoor.ThenIpulledmyphoneoutofmypocketand

calledMase.Iwasabouttoshatter,andIwasn’tsureIcouldmakeittothedoorbeforeIdid.

Mase

IbrokeeveryspeedlimitimaginablebythetimeIgottotheranch.Mommahadgonebacktogetheras
soonasReesecalledtotellmewhathadhappened.Ihadkeptheronthephonewhiletextingmymotherto
gettothestoreimmediately.AllReesehadbeenabletosaywasthatherstepfatherhadbeenthere.

AndthatRiverKiplinghadbeenthereandforcedhimoutside.
Shewasterrified,andIwantedtogetmyhandsaroundherandholdher.IfIhadthoughtforasecond

thatsick,patheticexcuseforahumanwouldcometofindher,I’dneverletheroutofmysight.

Myheadkeptjumpingtotheworst-casescenario.WhatifRiverhadn’tshownup?Fearconsumedme.I

couldn’tthinkaboutthat.IhatedRiver,butIowedhimonenow.

Mymomma’struckpulledintotheranchjustbeforeIdid,andIstayedrightonhertailuntilsheparked.

ThenIjumpedoutandranforReese.ThemomentIopenedthedoortoReese’ssideofthetruck,she
launchedherselfatmeandbegansobbingwhileholdingmeinadeathgrip.

Mymommadidn’tknowthedetails,butIknewthatafterseeingthereactionfromReese,shecould

guesseasilyenough.IlookedatheroverReese’shead.“I’mtakinghertothehouse,”Itoldher.She’d
havetowaitforanexplanation.

Mommanoddedandheadedtoherhouse,leavingusalone.
“I’msosorry,baby,”Isaid,feelinghelplessasIheldheragainstme.
Sheonlysobbedharder.IfI’dbeenthere,I’dhavekilledtheman.Iwantedtoseehimdead.He’d

markedherlife,andhehadcomebacktoreopenoldwounds.Thesickbastard.

Glancingup,Isawanothertruckheadedourway.IrecognizeditasRiverKipling’s.AsmuchasI

didn’tlikehim,IunderstoodhisneedtocomebyandcheckonReese.He’dseenit.Hehadsavedher.
AndIwouldhavetofindawaytoaccepthim.

Hestoppedhistruck,andReesejumpedinmyarmsatthesoundofhisdooropeningandslamming

shut.Shewasspooked.Ihadtogetherhomesoshe’dfeelsafe.

“IsshegoingtobeOK?”Riverasked,keepinghisdistance.
Iwoulddoeverythinginmypowertomakesureshewas.She’dovercomethisterrorbefore.Shecould

again.“I’llmakesureofit,”Ireplied,knowingIhadtosaymore.Hedeservedit.“Thankyou.Forwhat
youdid.”

Hedidn’tevenacknowledgemywords.HiseyeswereonReese’sback,hisjawclenched.“Iheard

him.Iwasinthenextaisleover,andIheardhim.Didhe...washeresponsibleforputtingherthrough
hell?”

Ionlynodded.
Rivernoddedback,thenturnedandreturnedtohistruck.Withoutaword,hedroveoff.
IpickedReeseupinmyarmsandtookhertomytruck.Sheneededtobehome.

IsatwithmybackagainsttheheadboardandReeseinmyarms.Herheadwasagainstmychest,andher
breathinghadslowed.Shewasasleepandhadbeenformorethananhour,butIhadn’tmovedher.

Ifittookweeks,hell,ifittookmonths,wewouldsitherelikethis.I’dholdheraslongassheneeded.I

wantedherfeelingsafeagain.Iwouldn’tletfearownher.I’dlovetoeraseitfromhermemorysoshe’d
neverfeellikethisagain.

Onceshewascalmandrested,Iwascallingthepolice.Sheneededarestrainingorder.Iwasalso

puttingmoresecurityaroundtheranch.IwouldneedtotalktoPiperaboutmakingsureshewasneverleft
aloneatthestables.Betteryet,Iwasteachinghertoshoot.Shewasgoingtohaveagun.

Therewasaknockonmydoor,andmymother’svoicecalledoutmynamesoftly.Icouldn’tanswer,for

fearofwakingReese.Mommawalkedtotheopendoorandsawmetherewithher.Hereyeswerefullof
worry.

“Whowashe?”sheaskedinawhisper.
“Herstepfather,”Ireplied.
Mothershuthereyestightly.“Oh,God,no,”shesaid,andhereyesfilledwithtears.
“Yeah,”wasallIsaidtoconfirmwhatshewasthinking.
Mommacoveredhermouthtomuffleasob.“Oh,Mase,didyouknow?”
Inodded.“Shetoldmebeforeweever...”MommaknewwhatImeantwithoutmehavingtosayit.
“Youjuststayhereandtakecareofher.I’llbringfood.Dadwilltakecareofthestables,”Momma

said.

“Thanks,”Itoldher,althoughwebothknewIhadn’tplannedongoinganywhere.Iwouldn’tbeleaving

Reese’sside.

MommawalkedoverandbentdowntokissReese’shead,thendidthesametome.“That’sahorrorno

girlshouldeverknow,”shewhispered.

“Makesmefeelhelpless,”Iadmitted.Iwantedtofixallherproblems.IwantedtomakeeverythingOK

forher.ButhowdidIfixherpast?

Mommaranherhandovermyhair.“Youarewhatsheneeds.Don’tfeelhelpless.Justbeherewith

her.”

“Done.She’sgotme.”
Mommanodded,thenturnedandlefttheroom.
Thehousewassilentaftershewalkedout.IcontinuedtomakeamentallistofthingsthatIneededtodo

whenshewasresting.Iwouldmakeherworldsafe.Iwoulddoeverythinginmypowerandthensome.

Asmallcrycamefromherlips,andItightenedmyholdonherandputmymouthnearherear.“I’m

here,andyou’resafe.Sleep,baby.”

Shecalmedinstantlyatthesoundofmyvoice.ThiswaswhatIcoulddonow.Therestcouldwait.But

I’dgettoitsoonenough.

Myworldhadbeenthreatenedinasecond.Ishouldhavebeenwithher.Ibrushedherhairoutofher

faceandstareddownatthebeautyinmyarms.Shehadfacedsomuchpain,yetshewasstilljustas
beautifulinside.Shewaskind.Shewashonest.Moreimportant,shewasmine.I’dfoundher.I’dfound
theone.Theonewhowouldchangemyworld.Rushwasright:itwasallIeverwanted.

WhoknewRushFinlaycouldbesodamnwise?He’dbeenthehellionrockstar’sson.I’dbeenthe

goodone.Yethemighthavesaidthemosthonestthinganyonehadeversaidtomeinmylife.

Captain

Arun-downmotelontheoutskirts

ofFortWorth,Texas

I’dbeenwaitingallnight.Iwasamanofmyword.GlancingatthetimeonthedashoftheblackEscalade
Iwasdriving,Isawtherewereminutesleftbeforethesunrose.Ihadparkedaroundthebackofthe
building,outofsightfromthefrontoffice.Notthatitmattered.Theattendantondutywasanolderman
whohaddrunkabottleoftequilalastnightandentertainedaprostitutejustbeforecomingbacktohispost
andpromptlypassingout.

I’dwatchedeveryroom.Onlythreewereoccupied.Twoofthemwereclosertotheoffice,butneither

room’soccupantshadreturnedsoberenoughtobeawakebeforenoon.Themotelsatonanemptystripof
road,makingthingsalltheeasierforme.

IgrabbedtheonlythingIneededandstuckitintotheholsterhiddenundermyleatherjacket.
Pickingupthedisposable,orwhatIreferredtoasatossphone,Isentasingletext:
Thesun’sup.
ThenIpressedSend.
Withoutwaitingforaresponse,IgotoutofthevehicleandheadedtotheroomI’dbeenwatchingall

night.Thepaintwaspeelingfromtheworndoor.Itwasnumber45,butthe4wasmissing.Therewasonly
fadedpaintwhereithadoncebeen.Isteppedbackand,withoneswiftkick,openedthedoor.

Ididn’tbotherwiththelightsasIclosedthedoorbehindme.
“Whatthefuck?”agroggyvoicesaidasthefatbastardsatupinbed.
Ididn’trespond.Hedidn’tdeservearesponse.Iwasn’theretoanswerhisquestions.Hewasgoingto

answermine.Itookaseatinthechairbesidethewindow.He’dalreadyclosedthecurtains,soIdidn’t
needtodothatmyself.

“I’mcallingthepolice,”hesaid,hisvoicebetrayinghisfear.
Itookthegunfrommywaistandshotthephone,sendingplasticpiecesflyinginseveraldirections.
“Motherfucker!”themanyelled,jumpingup.IwasthankfulhewaswearingunderwearandIdidn’t

havetoseehissaggyshit.“There’sasilenceronthatthing,”hesaid.Andthenherecognizedme.His
beadyeyeswentwiderthanIthoughtpossibleasheheldupbothhands.“Ididn’tdoanythingelse.You
saidifIleft,Icouldlive.Ihaven’tleftthishotelroom.”Hestartedrambling.

Ileanedbackandwatchedasfearbegantotakecontrolofhim.
“Yousaid—”hebeganagain.
“Isaidifyouwalkedout,I’dletyouseeanothersunrise,”Ireplied,thenreachedoveranddrewback

oneofthecurtains.“There.You’veseenit.”Iletthecurtainfallbackintoplace.

“I’llleave.Iwon’tcomeback.”Hestartedramblingagain.

Irestedthegunonmykneeandglaredatthemanwhohaddonedisgustingthingshecouldn’tundo.

Thingsthatmadehimworthless.Unforgivable.“Iknowyouwon’tcomeback,”IsaidevenlyasI
continuedtowatchhim.

“She’saliar.Shewasalwaysaliar.Whateverthatbitchtoldyou,she’slying.Shestolefromher

mother.Shebrokehermother’sheart—”

“I’dstopnow,”Iinterruptedhim.Iranthetipofthegunalongmyjeans.“Themomentyouraiseyour

voice,I’llsilenceyou.Permanently.”

“Whatdoyouw-w-want?”hestuttered.
“Iwantjustice.IwantReesetolivethelifeshedeserves.Iwantforeverydirty,disgustingfuckerlike

youtofloatinyourownblood.That’sallIwant.”

Heshookhisheadashebackedawayfromme.“Shelied.Whatevershesaid,shelied.She’sa

manipulator.Sheusesherbodytomakemendowhatshewants.”

“Doyouknowwhoherrealfatheris?”Iaskedhim,tiltingmyheadasImemorizedthefearinhiseyes.
Heshookhishead.“No.Manknockedhermommaupandranoff.Isavedthem.Itookcareofthem.I

wastheonewhokeptaroofoverherhead.Itookcareofher,andshedidn’tappreciateit.Sheexpected
more.”Hewasgraspingatstraws.Menwhoknewtheirbreathswerelimitedsaidanythingtheycouldto
savetheirworthlesslives.I’dseenitbefore.I’dhearditallbefore.

“WhydidyoulookforReese?Sheleftyourhomewhenshewassixteen.”ThiswassomethingIsimply

wantedtoknow.Iftherewasanyoneelseouttherewhoneededtobestopped,Iwantedtomakesureit
washandled.ButfromalltheresearchI’ddone,itwasjustthissickbastard.

“Hermother,shehadpaperswithatrustfundforReese.Sheneversaidwhoitwasfrom.Ididn’t

recognizethename.Wetriedeverythingtocashitin,butitwasimpossible.Westruggledtoraisethatgirl,
andsheowedus.Herpoormotherpassedawayfromexhaustion.Ican’tpayhermedicalbills—Icouldn’t
evengiveheraproperburial.Thatmoneybelongstome.Reeseowesmethat.Sheoweshermotherthat.”

Soheknewaboutthetrustfund.Thatexplainedit.“Whendidhermotherdie?”Iasked.
“Amonthago,”hesaid,lookinglessterrified.Hethoughthe’dmadesomeheadwaywithme.Ifheonly

knew.

“Sothebitchisdead.That’sgoodnews,”Ireplied,asIliftedthegunandpointeditdirectlyathis

head.Standingup,Irelishedthepurehorrorinhiseyesashebackedaway.

“Youcan’t...Itoldyouwh-whatshedid.Whatsheowesme,”hesaid,hisvoiceshaking.
“Reeseowesyounothing.Youstoleherinnocence,andyouturnedalittlegirl’slifeintoanightmare.

Nottomentionyouconvincedhershewasstupid.Youmarkedherlifeinawaythatcanneverbeerased.
Herpastwon’teverdisappear.It’sthereinsideher.Shewilldealwithitfortherestofherlife.”

Heshookhishead.“Shewantedit,”hebegan.
AndthatwasallIcouldtake.
Thebulletleftthegunsilently,andforasplitsecond,IgottorelishthelookinMarco’seyesashe

knewhistimewasup.Hefelltothefloorwithathud,andIputthegunbackintomyholster.Theholein
hisforeheadoozedbloodthatcoveredhisfaceandbegantopuddleonthefloor.Hiseyeswerewideand
empty.

HewasthelastbastardI’dsendoutofthisworld.Myjobwasdone.ItwastimeImovedonfromthis.

TakingoutthemanwhohadhurtReesewasthebestwaytoclosethedooronthispartofmylife.

Whenithadallstarted,Ihadn’tmeanttofallinlovewithher.Iknewherhearthadbeentaken.Butshe

washardnottolove.

“Enjoyhell,motherfucker,”IsaidwithfinalityasIdroppedthesmallprintedcardthathadbeensentto

meforthismoment.ThenIwalkedoutthroughthebusteddoorandheadedfortheEscalade.

OnceIgotontheroadandheadedtomydrop-offlocationfortheEscalade,Itookoutthetossphone

andhittheonlynumberIhaddialedfromit.

“Cap,”thefirmvoicecameoverthesecuredline.
“Done,”Ireplied.
Asighofreliefcameoverthephone.“It’sover,”hesaid.Icouldheartheemotioninhisvoice.AndI

understood.

“Yeah,it’sover.”
Weendedthecall,andIdroppedthephoneontotheseatbesideme.
IwouldmissworkingforDeCarlo.He’dgivenmealifewhenIwasalostkid.Iowedhimalot.For

thefirsttime,IfeltlikeIhadpaidhiminfull.ThemanwhohadsexuallyandphysicallyabusedDeCarlo’s
daughterwasnowdead.Reesewouldlivethelifethatherfatherwantedhertohave.Henolongerneeded
metrailinghertokeephersafe.Shewasingoodhands.

IhadnodoubtMaseManningwouldgiveherthelifeofaprincess.

Reese

Masekeptmeinthecabinforthenexttwodays.Iwasbeginningtothinkhewasmoreshakenupoverthis
thanIwas.Hekeptmeclose,andMaryannbroughtusfood.Ilethimkeepmecoopedupinsideasmuch
forhimasforme.Iknewwebothneededtogetbacktoourjobs,butIcouldn’tbringmyselftoleavethe
house.

Morethanonce,MasesuggestedthatIcallmyfather.Hethoughttalkingtohim,mynonna,orRaul

wouldhelp,butIcouldn’t.IwasafraidI’dheartheirvoicesandberemindedofthelifeIhadn’tbeen
givenwiththem.ThememoriesofwhatI’dlivedwithinsteadweretoorawrightnow.Forgivingmy
fatherfornotfindingmeandsavingmesoonerwasharderafterseeingMarcoagain.

Masedidn’tpressme.WhilewewerewatchingamovieandIwaswrappedinhisarmsonthesofa,he

mentionedgoingtoRosemaryBeachforaweektovisit.Iknewhewastryingtogetmeawayfromhere.I
hadbeensafeinRosemaryBeach,butthefactwas,Marcocouldhavefoundmethere.WhatifMarcohad
foundmebefore?WhatifIhadn’tmetMaseyet?Thatthoughttormentedme.

Mynightmareswerebackinfullforce.AsmuchasIwantedtobestrongandgobacktowork,IknewI

couldn’t.Notyet.Ididn’tknowwhereMarcowas,andbeinganywherethatputmetoofarawayfrom
Maseseemedimpossible.IhatedthatIwaslettinghimdothistome.Hewaswalkingintomyfairytale
andrippingitawayfromme.Justlikehehaddonewithmychildhoodandmyinnocence.

UntilweknewthatMarcohadbeenfoundandwasinpolicecustody,Iwasafraidtolivemynormal

life.

ItwasTuesdaymorningwhenIfinallytoldMasethatIwantedtogotoRosemaryBeach.Hedidn’t

wasteanytime.Ourbagswerepacked,andaplanewassentforuswithinhours.MasehandledPiper,and
heassuredmethatshewasmoreworriedaboutmethanthejob.

IlovedTexas.IlovedbeingherewithMase.ButMarcohadtaintedit.Hehadtakenthatfromme.I

hatedhim.IfonlyIhadn’tbeensoterrified;ifonlyI’dscreamed.IfonlyIhadhithimorreactedinsome
way,hewouldn’tberunningfree.Iwouldn’tbelivinginfear.

Whenwelandedanddeplaned,GrantCartersteppedoutofasilverSUVandmadehiswaytous.
“Thanksforcomingtopickusup,”MasesaidasGranttookoneofthebagsfromhishands.
“You’refamily,man.Nothanksneeded.”Hisgazefellonme.“Gladyou’rehere,Reese.Harlowhas

beenplanningeverysecondofyourstay.She’sveryexcitedabouthavingyouatthehouse.”

Thesinceresmileonhisfacedidn’thidetheconcerninhiseyes.Thesepeopleactuallycaredabout

me.Theevidenceofthatemotioncausedmyeyestotearup.I’dneverhadarealfamily.TheoneIshould
havebeenabletorelyonhadletmedown.They’dallowedmetoliveinaworldfullofnightmares.I
wasn’tgoingtoletthatkeepmefromhavingarelationshipwiththem,butIwouldneverbeabletotruly
forgivemyfatherforthat.

Butthisfamily,theoneMasecamefrom,wasloyal.Theywerereadytoopentheirhomeandtheirarms

tome.Thepeopleinhisworldjustkeptbringingmeinandacceptingme.SomehowImanagednottocry.
Instead,IsmiledatGrant.“Thankyou.I’mlookingforwardtospendingtimewithHarlow,too.”

Mase’sfreehandsettledonmylowerbackasheledmetotheSUV.WhenGranthadloadedourbags

andwalkedaroundtogetinonthedriver’sside,Masepulledmeclosetohimandheldmyfaceinone
hand.“You’remyfamily,Reese.Thismakesthemyourfamily.Nooneinthisworldismoreimportantto
methanyou,andbecauseofthat,mysisteradoresyou.Acceptthat,”hesaid.“That’snotsomethingtocry
over.”

“Ididn’t,”Isaid.
Hissmallsmiletuggedatthecornerofhismouth.“Yes,butyoufoughtit.Iwatchedyourface.Iknow

everyexpressionyouhave,baby.”

Withasoftlaugh,Ileanedintohishandandsmiledupathim.“Iloveyou,MaseManning.”
“Andthatmakesmetheluckiestmanintheworld.”

WewalkedintotheCarters’home,wherefingerfoodsandsweettreatsfilledthetable.Harlowgreeted
us,withLilaKateholdingontoherlegasshepeeredupateveryonewithacuriousexpression.The
secondGrantwalkedintothehouse,though,sheletgoofhermotherandsquealed,liftingherlittlearms
upforherdaddy.

“There’smybabygirl,”Grantsaid,droppingabagbythedoorandpickingupHarlow’sMini-Me.
LilaKatepattedhisfacewithbothhands,grinningbrightly.“Daddy!”sheannouncedtoeveryone.
“Shepoutswhenheleaveseverymorning.Whenhegetshome,it’sherfavoritepartoftheday,”

Harlowsaid,smilingatherhusbandanddaughter.

“That’s’causeshe’sherdaddy’sgirl,”hesaidwithprideashekissedherchubbylittlecheek.
“Withoutadoubt,”Harlowagreed.Thensheturnedhersmiletous.“Igotalittlecarriedawaymaking

someafternoonsnacksfory’all.”

“I’mstarving.Thatlooksamazing,”Masesaid,steppingforwardandpullinghissisterinforahug.He

whisperedsomethinginherear,andshesqueezedhimtighterinresponse.Watchingthemtogethermade
mewonderaboutNan.Whydidn’tshewantthisclosenesswiththem?

“Puddywun,”LilaKatetoldGrantasshecontinuedtopathisface.
“I’lljoininamoment.Goaheadandstartwithoutme.LilaKatewantssomepudding.It’sourthing

whenIgethome,”heexplained.

HewalkedoverandkissedHarlowsweetlyonthemouthandtoldherhelovedherbeforetakingLila

Katebacktothekitchen.

Harlowturnedtowatchhimwalkawayasifshe’dneverseenhimwalkbefore.Whensheturnedback

tous,hercheekswereflushed.TheywerelivingthefairytaleIwantedformyself.

Mase

HarlowhadtakenReeseshoppingwiththegirlstoday.Shehadn’twantedtoleavemeatfirst,andI
wasn’tgoingtomakeher.ButHarlowwassoexcitedaboutit,andReesebegantorelaxsome.Intheend,
shehadassuredmeshewasfine.ItoldHarlowIdidn’twantthemleavingRosemaryBeach;Iwantedto
beclosebyifsheneededme.Harlowhadpromisedtheywouldn’tgofar,sayingshejustwantedtotake
Reese’smindoffofeverything.

IwasheadedouttoplaygolfwithGrantandRushatKerringtonCountryClubwhenmyphonerang.I

didn’trecognizethenumberandhatedthefearthatcamewiththat.Ishouldn’thaveletReesegowithout
me.

“Hello,”Ianswered,myheartinmythroat.
“MaseManning?”Itwasaman’svoice.
“Yes.”
“ThisisDetectiveNorthcuttwiththeFortWorthPD.MarcoHallshasbeenfound.”
Reliefwashedoverme.Theyhadfoundhim.Thebastardwasn’trunningfree.“We’vepressedcharges,

andReesehasarestrainingorder.What’sthenextstep?”Iwasreadytoendthis.Iwantedthemanbehind
bars.Ijustwasn’tsurethatwasgoingtohappen.

“He’sdead,”Northcuttsaid.
Inhalingdeeply,Iletitsinkin.Thesonofabitchwasdead.Holyshit.
“Hewasfoundthismorningbythemaidatthemotelhe’dbeenstayingat.He’dbeendeadforacouple

ofdays.Nooneknew.He’dpaidfortheroomupfrontandaskedforprivacy;sheonlywentinthere
becausehewassupposedtocheckouttoday.”

“How?”Iasked,reelingfrompurerelief.He’dnevergetnearReeseagain.
“Gunshottothehead.Singleshot,”hereplied.“Youwere,ofcourse,thefirstsuspect,butwe’vebeen

toyourhousetoquestionyourrelatives.WespokewithMrs.ColtandMr.Colt,alongwithaMajorColt,
whoinformedusthatyouandReesedidn’tleavethehousefortwodaysandthatyourecentlyflewto
RosemaryBeach,Florida,tovisityoursister.Wewillbecheckingintothat,butasofrightnow,you’reno
longerasuspect.Itappearsthismanhadmorethanoneenemy.Signsshowhewasinvolvedindrugs,and
webelievethiscouldhavebeensomeoneheowedmoney.Anyinformationyouhaveonhimwouldbe
helpful.”

“Ofcourse.ButReesehadn’tseenhimorhermothersinceshewassixteen,whentheykickedherout.

Whensheranintohimatthegrocerystore,thatwasthefirsttimeshe’dseenhim.Itreallyshookherup.
Wedon’tknowanythingaboutthemanexceptwhathedidtoReesewhenshewasgrowingup.”

“That’swhatweassumed.Thekillerdidn’tseemtoactonemotion.Itwaswellplannedandwell

coveredup.Thishasallthemarkingsofaprofessionalkill.Whichmeanswemayneverfindout...”His
voicetrailedoff.Icouldtellbyhistonethathedidn’twanttoknow.HehadReese’sstatement,andhe

knewwhatthatlowlifefuckerhaddonetoher.

Butaprofessionalkill?Whothehellhadthismanpissedoff?AndwhatiftheyknewaboutReese?

Wouldtheythinkshehadsomethingofhisthattheywanted?Fuck.Myreliefturnedtofearagainquickly.
“Ifthiswasprofessional,couldtheybeafterReesenext,thinkingsheknewsomething?”Ihadtogether
andbringhertosafety.Wherevershewas,Ineededtofindher.

Thedetectiveclearedhisthroat.“TherewassomethingleftbehindthatleadsustobelieveReeseis

safe.It’salsosomethingthatconnectshimtothedrugtrade.We’veseenthiscallingcardbefore,”hesaid
inaloweredvoice.

“What?Whatdoyoumean?”IpulledthephoneawayfrommymouthandlookedatGrant.“Ineedto

gettoReese—now.”

Henoddedandturnedthetruckaround.
“Therewasanote.Ithadnoprintsonit,anditwasn’twrittenbyhand.ItsimplysaidForMyLittle

Girl.”

Iletoutaheavysighandclosedmyeyesasmyheadfellback.Whatthehellhadhappened?Whose

littlegirlhadthatsickbastardmessedwiththistime?

“Onceyou’rebackinFortWorth,weneedyoubothtocomeinandanswersomequestions.”
“Yes,ofcourse,”Ireplied.“Werethereprintsanywhere?”
“LikeIsaid,itwasaprofessionaljob.Therewasnotraceleftbehind.Allwehaveisthisnote.Which

...”Hepaused.“Thenoteisacallingcardexplainingthereasonforthedeath.

It’ssomethingthatwe’veseenbefore.Manytimes.We’repositiveit’sthesamestockandink.It’sgone

throughtesting.Ijustcan’ttellyoumore.”

Thatnote.TheonlythingIhadtoholdontothattoldmeReesewassafe.WhoeverhadkilledMarco

wouldn’thaveareasontocomeafterReese.Idoubtedanyoneevenknewshewasapartofhispast.

IendedthecalljustaswepulleduptoasmallcaféwhereHarlowwaswaitingwithReeseoutside.

TherewasconcernonReese’sface,butIneededherwithme.IwantedtoholdherclosewhileIthought
thingsthrough.

“Hey,”shesaid,hurryingtowardmethemomentIsteppedoutofthetruck.“What’swrong?”
Ipulledhertomeandinhaleddeeply,lettingmyheartrateslowdown.
“What’swrong?”sherepeatedagainstmychest.
Nothingwaswrong.Shewashere.Shewassafe.Andsomeoneelsehadmadesureshewassafefor

good.“He’sdead,”Isaid.“Marcoisdead.”

Shepulledbackandlookedupatmewithshockandhopeminglinginhereyes.“What?”sheaskedina

whisper.

“He’sdead,”Irepeated.Idecidednottogiveherdetails.Notnow.
“Oh,myGod,”shewhispered,andthenletoutasob.“He’sgone.He’sgoneforever?”
Inodded,understandingheremotion.“It’sover,baby,”ItoldherasIheldherheadinmyhandsand

thankedGodshewassafe.Andshewasmine.

Reese

Myheadhurt,andIwasreadytogohome.ThedetectiveassignedtoMarco’scasehadquestionedme
abouteverything.Mymother,myrealfather,myfather’sfamily.I’dhadtotellhimexactlywhatMaseand
IdidduringthetwodaysafterMarcoassaultedmeinthegrocerystore.Rememberingitallwasdifficult,
butItriedtogivethemasmanydetailsaspossible.

IfeltguiltytellingthemthatCaptainhadbeentheonetowalkMarcoout.Ididn’twanthimpulledinto

this.Buttheyalreadyhadthatinformationfromeyewitnesses,andCaptainhadalreadybeenquestioned;
whateverhisalibieswere,theyweresolid.

Oncewewereclearedtoleave,thedetectivegavemeafatherlypatontheback.Ididn’thopethey

caughtthepersonwhokilledMarco.Iwasthankfulhehadgottenaway.Ihadbeenshownacardthatsaid
simplyForMyLittleGirlandaskedifIcouldidentifythepersonwhohadleftit.Ihadneverseenacard
likethatinmylife,althoughithurtmychesttolookatit.Itwasmyfaultthatsomeone’slittlegirlhadbeen
hurtbyMarco.IhadnevertoldanyoneaboutwhathappenedtomebeforeImetMase.Marcohadbeen
freetokeepterrorizinglittlegirlsbecauseofmysilence.

Masekeptmecloseaswewalkedouttohistruck.“Youneedalongbubblebath.ThenI’llgiveyoua

massage.Thisdayisover.It’sallover.Youcanliveyourlifewithouthimnow.”

Inodded.Hewasright.Thiswasit.Mylifereallystartedrightnow.Marcoandmymotherweregone,

nevertoreturn.IwaslettingmymemoryofthelifeIhadlivedwiththemgo,too.

“Iwanttoseemydad,”Itoldhim.TherewerethingsIneededtosaytohim.ThingsIhadn’tsaid

beforebecauseIwasjustsohappytohaveafamily.Butformetotrulymoveonfrommypast,Ihadtolet
myfatherknowhowIfelt.AndthatIforgavehim.

“When?I’llgetusaflightoutassoonaspossible.”
“Notyet.Justsoon.Let’sgohomeandgetbacktoourlifefirst.”
“Whateveryouwant,baby.”

Overthenexttwoweeks,lifefellbackintoplace.Masebroughtmeluncheveryday,andCaptainhadn’t
setfootinmyofficeagain.Heeitherleftpaperworkformeinafileonthetableoutsidethedoor,orhe
sentMajortobringittome.Iwasn’tonedgeanymore,andtheemotionaltraumaI’ddealtwithwhen
Marcoreturnedhadbeguntofade.

ItwasaSundayafternoonwheneverythingchanged.Again.
MaseandIhadspentalazymorningtogether,andthenhe’dlefttocheckonsomethingsdownatthe

stables.AftertheincidentwithMarcoatthegrocerystore,weweren’tjustlowonfood,butwewerealso
nearlyoutofpapertowelsandshampoo.Whilegoingthroughthebathroomtomakesuretherewasn’t
somethingelseweneeded,IsawtheunopenedboxoftamponsI’dboughtlastmonth.

Staringatthem,ItriedtorememberwhenIshouldhavestartedmyperiod.Igrabbedmybirth-control

pillsoutofthemedicinecabinetandcheckedthem.Twoweeksago.Ishouldhavestartedtwoweeksago.

MyhandstrembledasIputthepillsdownandwalkedtothebedroomsoIcouldsitdownaminute.I’d

beenthroughalottwoweeksago.Mymindhadbeenoneverythingbutstartingmyperiod.I’djustmissed
thatonepillthemorningafterseeingMarco.

I’dtakentwothenextday,though.Wehadn’tevenhadsexthatnight.I’dbeenamess.Somethinghadto

beoff.Icouldn’tbepregnant.

Puttingmyhandonmystomach,IletmyselfimagineforamomentthatIwas.ThatIwascarrying

Mase’sbaby.Joycoursedthroughme,butitwasquicklyreplacedbyunease.Masehadn’tevenaskedme
tomarryhimyet.Hewasn’treadyforafamily.Icouldn’tforcethisonhim.Hetrustedmetotakemybirth
control,andI’dlethimdown.

HowcouldIbeamotherifI’dneverhadonemyself?Ihadnoexampleofamother.TheoneI’dbeen

givenhadn’tbeenanythingIwouldwantformychild.Touchingmystomach,IknewIhadtogotoa
doctor.WithoutMase.TherewasnoreasontopanicifIdidn’thaveto,buthowcouldIgoseeadoctor
withouttellingsomeone?

Piper.I’daskPipertomorrowatworkifshecouldtakeme.Itrustedher,andIknewshe’dunderstand.

Well,Ithoughtshe’dunderstand.

Ishovedthetamponsbackunderthecounterandfinishedmylist.Icouldn’tworryaboutthisnow.

TherewasachanceIwasn’tpregnant.Icouldjustbelate.IwouldholdontothatuntilIcouldn’t.

“Hey,baby,”Masecalledoutasthefrontdooropened.
Itookmylistandwalkedbackintothelivingroom.Seeinghimstandingthereinhisdustyjeans,

cowboyhat,andbootsnevergotold.Believingthathewasminewashardsometimes.

Hesmirkedandwalkedovertome.“Youkeeplookingatmelikethat,andwewon’tmakeittothe

grocerystorelikeyouwantedto.”

Iknewexactlywhatwewoulddoinstead,andastemptingasthatwas,Iwastooscaredtochanceit.

WhatifIwasn’tpregnantbutstillcouldgetpregnantaftermessingupmypills?Ipattedhischestand
smiledupathim,hopingIdidn’tshowtheworryinmyeyes.“Weneedgroceries,”Iremindedhim.

Heloweredhisheadandclaimedmymouthwithasoul-searingkissthatmademeforgeteverythingbut

howgoodhemademefeel.“Whateveryouwant,”hewhisperednearmyear,thengavemeaswatonmy
bottom.“God,Ilovethatass,”headded.

Iheldupthegrocerylist.“Priorities,”Itoldhim,andIwalkedovertopickupmypurse.
“Igotonepriority,anditsureain’tadamngrocerylist,”hesaidinanamusedtone.
WasitpossibletolovesomeoneasmuchasIlovedMase?Wasitevenhealthy?

Mase

ReesecalledtotellmethatPiperwastakingheroutforlunchonTuesday.Iwasgladshewasbonding
withPiper.Iwantedhertohavefriendshere.Thiswouldbeourworld,andhavingReesefitintoitwas
important.IneededhertoloveithereasmuchasIdid.

Whenlunchtimearrived,IheadeduptoMomma’stogetsomethingtoeat.Aida’struckwasparked

outside,andIpaused.Iftherewasgoingtobedrama,Iwasn’tsureIcoulddealwithittoday.

Shehadn’tleftongoodterms,andIwasn’tsurewhyshewasback.Butthenagain,Ididn’twantto

confrontherinfrontofReeselater.Reesehaddealtwithenoughthispastmonth.

Sighing,Ihopedthiswasn’tgoingtoruinmylunch.WhenIsteppedthroughthedoorleadingintothe

kitchen,Mommaturnedtogivemeanapologeticsmile.Shehadbeenexpectingme;I’dcalledtolether
knowIdidn’tneedherpackingalunchformeandReesetodayandthatI’djustbeeatingwithher.

Reluctantly,IturnedmygazetoseeAidasittingatthetableacrossfrommystepdad.“Dad,”Isaid,

then,“Aida.”

“YougotthatlistreadyformetogivetoJohnson?He’llbebylatertoday.”Dadknewaboutthedrama

withAida,andtalkingranchstuffwashiswayofkeepingthingslevel.

“Yeah,I’llgetittoyouafterlunch,”Iassuredhim,thenwalkedovertokissMommaonthecheekand

taketheplateshehadbeenfixingforme.“Igotthis.Sitdownandeat.”

“Sorry,”Mommamouthedassheletmetaketheplatefromher.Shehadn’tbeenexpectingAida,either.

Inoddedandfinishedfillingmyplatebeforeturningtothetabletositdown.

IfiguredignoringAidawaspointlessandtenseforeveryone.“So,whatbringsyoudownhere,Aida?”

Iaskedbeforetakingabiteofthecreamedpotatoes.

Shestiffenedsome,andIcouldseethenervouslookinhereyes.Weneverusedtobelikethis.Itwasa

shameshe’dmessedupourfriendship.“Imissedeveryone.ThoughtI’dcometoseehowthingswere,”
shesaid.

Inoddedandtookabiteofbiscuit.
“Youreadytostartbackatschool?”Mommaaskedalittletoocheerfully.
Aidashrugged.“Notreally.Idon’tknowwhatIwanttodo,socollegeseemspointless.”
“Well,it’snot.Youneedtobuildasolidfoundationsoyoucanbeanythingyouwanttobe,”mystepdad

pipedup.

Aidanodded.Shewasn’tgoingtoarguewithhim.“That’swhatmymomsays,”shesaidwithapout.
“It’strue,”wasDad’sresponse.
Ifocusedonmyporkchops.Ididn’thaveanythingtoaddtothisconversation.
“Iexpectedyoutobeengagedbynow,”Aidasaid,andIstoppedchewingforasecondtoletherwords

sinkin.Whatwasshetryingtoimplywiththatcomment?

OnceIfinishedmybite,Itookalongdrinkofsweetteaandturnedtolookather.“Notyet,”Ireplied.

Apleasedsmiletouchedherlips.Wasshetakingthatasaninforher?Surelynot.Wehadgoneover

thisalready.

“Let’snotdiscussMase’spersonallife.Whenhe’sreadytogetengaged,hewill,”Mommasaidwitha

smilethatdidn’tmeethereyes.ShewasannoyedwithAida,too.

“Iwasjustwonderingifhe’ddecidedtoputaringonitornot,”Aidasaidwithashrug,thentooka

drinkofherwaterwhilehergazestayedonmine.

Ididn’twanttogiveheranexplanation,butIalsodidn’twantherthinkingshehadanyhope.“WhenI

thinkReeseisreadyforthatquestion,Iassureyou,I’llaskit.I’mgivinghertime.She’sbeenthroughalot
lately,”Isaid.Theannoyanceinmyvoicewasobvious.

Dadclearedhisthroat,andIglancedoverathim.“Thinkingofstartingtobreedthepygmygoats.Why

don’tyoumeetmeoverattheeastendandlet’sbrainstormhowtodothat?Besides,yourmomma’sbeen
keepingonatmeaboutwantinggoats.”

Changeofsubject.Thankyou,Dad.Inodded.“Soundsgood.Iliketheidea.”
“Oh,goody,”Mommasaid,beamingatDad.
Hegaveherawink,andIwatchedmymotherblushlikeayounggirlwithacrush.Thatwasoneofthe

reasonsIlovedthisman.Helovedmymommathewayshedeservedtobeloved.Kirohadneverloved
her,butIwasthankfulforthat.Thelifeshe’dbeengivenwassomuchbetterthanwhatshe’dhavehad
withKiro.IhadabetterlifethanIwouldhavehadwithKiro,too.

“IhaveaboardercomingwithtwoAppaloosasinthirtyminutes,soIneedtogetbackdowntothe

stables.MindifItakethislastporkchopandaglassofteawithme?”IaskedMommaasIstoodup.

Shejumpedup,grabbedapapertowel,wrappedabiscuitinit,andhandedittome.“Takethis,too.”
“Yes,ma’am,”Iagreed.“Thanksforlunch.Ienjoyedit.”
Shenodded,althoughthatwaswhatIalwayssaidwhenIleftthetable.She’dtaughtmethatatayoung

age.Alwaysthankthecook,andmakesuretheyknowyouappreciatethemealtheyservedyou.

“CanIcomedownandseethehorses?”Aidaasked.
“Youneedtostayhereandeat.Leavetheboyalone,Aida,”Dadsaid.
Relieved,Itookmyhatoffthehookbythedoorandputitbackonbeforeheadingoutside.I’dmadeit

throughthemeal,andAidahadonlybeenslightlyannoying.Ifshe’djustleavebeforeReesegotback
home...

I’dmissedmylunchwithReesetoday.Ilovedgettingtoseeherandholdherinthemiddleoftheday;it

helpedgetmethroughtherestofit.Pullingmyphoneoutofmypocket,Icalledher.AtleastIcouldhear
hervoice.

Reese

IglanceddownatmyphonetoseetheimageofMase’sbootsonthescreen.Icouldn’tanswer.Notyet.
Notnow.

Piperhadn’taskedanyquestionswhenI’dwalkedoutofthedoctor’soffice.She’dletmesitinsilence.

Iowedheranexplanation,though.Shehadsetupanappointmentformewithherdoctorandgotmein
fast.Noquestionsasked.Thenshehadtakenmeduringworkhours.

IhittheSilentbutton,putthephonebackonmylap,andstaredoutattheroad.
“Sweetie,thatmanlovesyou.Heworshipsthegroundyouwalkon.Don’tbeafraidtotellhim.He’ll

bethrilled,”shesaidsoftlyasshereachedoverandpattedmyleg.

Piperwasn’tstupid.ShehadguessedwhyIneededtoseethedoctorandwhattheoutcomewaswithout

mysayingaword.Iguesseditwaskindofobvious.Iturnedtolookather.“Hehasn’tevenaskedmeto
marryhim.AllI’vedoneisaddmorestresstohislife.HowdoItellhimthis?”

Piperfrowned.“FromwhereI’msitting,MaseColtgoesoutofhiswaytomakeyouhappy.He’sso

afraidoflosingyouhecan’tholdontightenough.Thisisn’tgoingtobebadnewsforhim.Trustme.”

Shedidn’tknoweverything.Shedidn’tknowallthebaggagethatcamealongwithme.Maselovedme,

Iknewthat,buthewasn’treadyformore.Hewantedustolivetogetherandenjoythenow.Hewasn’t
planningthefuture.ButhereIwas,withourfutureinsideme.“Ineedtimetoadjusttothismyself.I’lltell
him.I’mjustnotready,”Iexplained.

Pipersighed.“It’syourdecision,buthe’sgonnawanttoknow.”
Hewould.Iknewhewouldwanttoknow.Butwouldhebehappy?OrwouldIjustaddmorebaggage

ontopofeverythingelse?Ididn’twantthisbabytobeanylessthanadored.Iwantedhimorhertohave
thelifeIdidn’tget.IwantedtogivemychildthelifethatMasewasgiven.

“Don’twaittoolong.Thelongeryouwait,theharderitwillbetotellhim,”Pipersaid.
Inodded.Shewasright.I’dhavetotellhimsoon.Butfirst,IneededtoknowthatIhadsomewhereto

goifhewasn’tready.Ididn’thavejustmetoworryaboutanymore.IhadanotherlifeIwasresponsible
for.

Itwastimewewenttovisitmydad.

MasehadcalledagainwhenIgotbacktowork.Ihadansweredthephonethattime,becauseifIkept
ignoringhiscalls,he’dshowupatthebarn.Ididn’tdoubtthatforaminute.Ihadtoldhimlunchwasgreat
andImissedhim.He’dseemedpleasedwiththat,andwe’dendedthecall.

Sittinginhistruckafterworkwasdifferent.Therewasthishugesecretbetweenus,andIfeltguiltyfor

nottellinghim.Hehadkissedmeandheldmeagainsthimwhenhe’dgottentoPiper’s.Ialwaysfeltso
safewhenheheldme.

Theguiltwaslikealeadweightinmystomach.IwasafraidIcouldlosehere.
“Incaseshe’sstilltherewhenwegetbacktotheranch,IhavetowarnyouthatAida’svisiting.She

wasatMomma’sduringlunchtoday,”hesaid,glancingoveratmewhilehewasdriving.

IwasnotinthemoodforAida.Notthebesttiming.“OK.Didshesaywhyshewasvisiting?”Iasked,

tryingtosoundlikethisnewsdidn’tupsetme.

Heshrugged.“Ithinkshewasbored.Norealreason.”
“Oh,”wasmyonlyresponse.
Itwastimetovisitmydadanyway.IfAidawasthere,itwouldn’tmatter.Itjustpushedmydecision.

“Canwevisitmyfathernow?IthinkI’mready.”

Mase’sarmrestedaroundmyback,andhisfingersplayedinmyhair.“I’llbooktheflighttonight.You

wanttocallhimsoheknowstoexpectus?”

Inodded.
Heleaneddownandpressedakisstothetopofmyhead.“Whateveryouwant,baby.Allyouhaveto

doisask.”

Thistime,whenhecalledmebaby,myhandwenttomystomach.HowwasIgoingtotellhim?
“Mommasentleftoversuptothehouse.Wecaneatandhandlethetravelarrangements.Howsoonyou

readytoleave?”

“Dayafternext.IneedtotellPiperfirstandgetsomethingsfinishedupintheoffice.”
“Soundsgood.Thatgivesmetimetogetthingssquaredaway,too.”
Whenwepulledupintothedriveway,Aida’struckwasparkedoutside,andAidawassittingonthe

porchsteps.Avoidingherwasn’tanoption.Ihadnochoicenow.

Masesqueezedmyshoulders.“Sorryaboutthis.”
BeforeIcouldstepdownoutofthetruck,Masewastheretakingmyhand.Ilethimhelpmedownand

pullmeclosetohimaswewalkedtowardthehouse.Aidastoodupasweapproached.Hereyeslooked
redfromcrying,andherbottomliptrembled.

“Iwantedtoapologizetobothofyou,”shesaid,thensniffled.“Ididn’tmeantocausesomuchtrouble.

IcamebacktotellyouIwassorry.”ShelookeddirectlyatMase.“Imissyou.Imissourfriendship.I
wantmycousinback.”

Mase’sbodyseemedtorelaxbesideme.“Ineverleft,Aida.Butyouchangedthings.Youcouldn’t

acceptReese,andshe’sapartofme.”

Aidanoddedandletasingletearrolldownherperfectface.“Iknow.Iwasjealous.I’dneverhadto

shareyoubefore.I’msorry.”Sheglancedatme.“Ireallyamsorry.Ididn’tmeantobreakdownlikeI
did.”

“IfyoucanacceptReeseandunderstandthatshe’smylifenow,thenwecangobacktobeingfriends.

You’vebeenmylittlecousinformostofmylife.Icareaboutyou.Iwantyoutobehappy.Ijustwon’t
allowyoutohurtReese.Ever.”

Aidalookedasifshewerepouting.Butthen,shehadsuchfulllipssometimesitwashardtotell.“I

won’t.Ipromise.Iwantyoutobehappy,too.”

“Thenlet’sforgetthepastandstartover,”Masesaid.
Aidabeamedupathim.“Really?”
Henodded.“Really.”
Iwantedtobelieveher.Butsomethinginmygutwastellingmethiswasn’tsincere.

Mase

SomethingwasbotheringReese.Icouldn’tfigureoutwhat,andifItriedtotalktoheraboutit,shewent
silent.ItwasalmostarelieftoarriveinChicago.Myhopewasthatsheneededtoseehernewfamily,that
shewasanxioustoseethemagainthoughnervousabouttalkingtoBenedettoaboutherpast.Ijustneeded
toknowthatwaswhatwasmakingheractsojumpy.

Iwasusedtohertellingmethingsandopeninguptome.Thiswasdifferent.Itwaslikeshe’dputupa

wallandrefusedtoletmein.Itscaredthehelloutofme.IfthiswasbecauseAidawasstayingwithmy
parentsforacoupleofweeks,thenI’dsendAidahome.IjustneededReesetotellmewhatwaswrong.I
feltsodamnhelpless.

Benedettometusatbaggageclaim,andsurprisingly,Reeseheadedstraightintohisarmsforahug.I

hadexpectedhertobestandoffishuntilshehadachancetospeaktohimabouteverythingthatwas
botheringher.

“Imissedyou,”hesaidwithalookofjoyinhiseyesasheheldher.
“Imissedyou,too,”sherepliedasshepulledback.“Thanksforhavingusonsuchshortnotice.
Benedettofrowned.“Neverapologizeforcomingtoseeme.Myhouseisyours.Always,passerotta.”
Reese’sgrandmotheralsoreferredtoheraspasserotta,whichshehadinformedmewasatermof

endearmentthatmeant“littlesparrow.”

“Nonnaisveryanxiousformetogetyouhome,”headded,pickinguphersuitcaseandlookingoverat

me.“Itisgoodtoseeyouagain,Mase.”

“Likewise,sir,”Ireplied.IpickedupmysuitcaseandplacedmyhandonReese’sback.
“I’mgladyou’rehere.Lasttime,whenyouleft,Reese’sthoughtswentwithyou.Shehadahardtime.”
“Ihadahardtimeleavingherhere,”Ireplied.
BenedettoseemedpleasedwiththatanswerandturnedtoleadusouttothewaitingsilverEscaladethat

hispersonaldriverhadpulleduptothecurb.

“Youbothsittogetherintheback.I’llsitupherewithHernaldo,”Benedettoinstructed.“Raulwanted

tocomepickyouup,buthisafternoonclasseskepthimfromit.He’sveryanxioustoseeyoubothagain.”

ReesestronglyresembledherbrotherRaul.Itwasstrangelookingintohiseyesandseeingsomeof

Reesethere.Herbrotherhadn’tbeenbitterthathewasnolongeranonlychildbuthadembracedhaving
anoldersisterandseemedgenuinelyhappytospendtimewithReese.

“Ilookforwardtoseeinghim,”Reesesaid,andIknewshemeantit.Nomatterwhatpainshestill

harboredforherfather,sheadoredherbrother.

“Nonnawillwantallofyourattentionfirst,ofcourse.She’salreadyorderedhighteaforyourarrival.I

expectshe’llbeinherSundaybest,”hetoldReesewithawink.

Reeselaughedandlookedupatme.Iwishedshe’dgrownupwiththislife,withthisloving,warm,

safefamilysupportingher.Butatleastshehaditnow.Thatwassomethingtobethankfulfor.

“IspokewithNonnalastweek,”Reesetoldhim.“ShewasaskingwhenI’dbebackforavisit.”
Benedettonodded.“Oh,yes,she’sbeenonpinsandneedlessinceyourcalltheotherdaylettingus

knowyouwerecoming.”

OncewewereallsettledintotheSUV,thesmalltalkcontinued.Reesesatclosetome,lettingmehold

herhandinmine.Maybethiswasallthathadbeenbotheringher.IhopeditwasovernowandI’dbeable
togetpastthatwallshe’dputup.

Itwasn’tlongbeforewepulleduptotheirongatesoftheDeCarloestate.ThefirsttimeI’dvisited,I’d

hadtofightofffeelingfuriousthatReesehadbeenstrugglingtosurvivewhilethemanwhohadgivenher
lifelivedintotalluxury.However,thepurejoyontheman’sfaceashegottoknowReeseslowly
dissolvedmybitterness.Ibelievedthathehadn’tknownwheretofindher.Whateverhadkepthimaway
wasnolongerimportant.Hewasinherlifenow.

Nonnaopenedthefrontdoorwide,andshewasbeamingasshecalledReese’sname.
“I’llhelpyourdad.Yougovisityournonna,”Itoldher,thenpressedakisstoherlipsbeforeshe

turnedandhurrieduptowardhergrandmother.

“She’sgoodforNonna,”Benedettosaidbehindme.
“NonnaisgoodforReese,too,”Itoldhim.
Henodded,andalookofconcerncrossedhisface.“Iwishshe’dalwayshadthisfamily.Iwishalotof

things,butIdidwhatIthoughtwasbest.”

He’dbeenwrong.Whathe’dthoughtwasbesthadbeenanightmare.“Reese’spastisherstosharewith

you.ButI’lltellyou,anythingwouldhavebeenbetterthanthelifeshesurvived.”

Benedettotensed,andpainslashedacrosshisface.Didheknowmorethanhewaslettingon?How

couldheknow?“I’vemademanymistakesinthislife,”hesaid,watchingasNonnatookReeseintothe
housebeforeturningbacktome.“ButthatmistakeisoneIcanneverforgivemyselffor.I’llgotomy
gravewiththatpartofmysouldestroyed.”

Heknew.Hehadtoknow.
“Let’sgoinside.Hernaldowillmakesuretheluggagegetstothecorrectrooms.”Benedettogestured

formetowalkwithhim.

Wewalkedinsilence,andIreplayedhiswordsoverandoverinmyhead.Howcouldheknowwhat

Reesehadsuffered?Whowouldhavetoldhim?She’dcomeheretotellhimandunburdenherselfof
thingsleftunsaid.Ifheknewalready,whydidn’theletherknow?

“Knowingmydaughteriswithamanwhocanandwillprotectherwithhislifeiscomfortingtome.

Shelovesyou,andIcanseethatyouloveher.ButIwantyoutounderstandthatifthereiseveratime
whenyoustoplovingheroryoucan’tprotectheranymore,youmustbringhertome.Doyou
understand?”

IwasneverleavingorgivingupReese.Notforanyreason.“Iunderstand.Butthatdaywillnever

come.Reeseismylife.She’smyfuture.”

Benedettonodded.“Good.That’swhatIwanttohear.”

Reese

Nonnahadkeptmewithherallafternoon,untilRaulhadreturnedhomeandinsisteditwashisturnto
hangoutwithme.Ienjoyedmytimewiththem,anditpushedtheconversationIneededtohavewithmy
fathertothebackofmymind.Benedettowasstillastrangertomeinsomanyways.Hefeltpowerfulyet
loving.Iknewhewasgladtohavefoundme,butIdidn’tknowhimthewayIfeltIwasgettingtoknow
NonnaandRaul.

Tellinghimaboutthebabyscaredme.Heseemedtobeaverytraditionalman.EventhoughIknew

he’dhadsexwithmymotherasaflingandleftmebehind,heexpectedmorefromhisfamily.Howwould
hefeelaboutmebeingpregnantandnotevenengaged?Wouldthatdisappointhim?

Ihadplannedtocomeseehimtotellhimhowthepasthadmarkedme.Howitwashardtoforgivehim

forleavingmewithmymother.Butnowthatdidn’tseemasimportant.Ihadababytothinkof.AchildI
wouldneverallowtoexperiencethehorrorIhadlivedthrough.Iwantedthisbabyprotectedandloved.If
Masewasn’treadyforthis,Ihadtoknowthatsomeonewantedus.Thatsomeonewouldtakecareofus.

Oncedinnerwasover,Iturnedtomyfather.“I’dliketospeakwithyou,”Isaidsoftlywhiletheothers

stilltalkedamongthemselves.RaulwastellingMaseaboutagameofbasketballhe’dplayedlastweek.

Benedettogavemeawarmsmile.“Ofcourse.Let’sgotomylibrary.”
Hebegantostand,andIglancedaroundasIdid,too.Everyonewasgoingtoknowwewereleavingto

speakalone.Ididn’tmeantodrawattentiontothematter.EspeciallyaroundMase,whowouldthinkI
wasgoingtotalktomyfatheraboutsomethingentirelydifferent.

“I’mstealingmydaughterawaysoIcanhavesometimewithher.Thisbunchdemandsallherattention,

butI’dlikesome,too.Please,enjoyacocktailinthedrawingroomwhilewehaveaprivatemoment,”
Benedettosaid,holdingouthisarmformetotake.

“Youstingyoldgoat,”Nonnacomplained,butIcouldseethepleasedlookinhereyes.
IlookeddownatMaseandgavehimareassuringsmile.Ididn’twanthimfollowingus.Thishadtobe

donealone.

“Ifheboresyoutoomuch,remember,youcanalwaysescapebysayingyouaren’tfeelingwell.Works

likeacharm,”Raulcalledoutasweleftthetableandheadeddownthehallwaytothelibrary.

“TheboythinksIbelievehimwhenheusesthatexcuse,too.Ijustknowifhesaysheisn’tfeelingwell,

he’salreadycheckedoutonmeandisn’tlisteningtoawordI’msaying.What’stheuseinkeepinghim?”

Ilaughed.HearingthetwoofthemcarryonwitheachotherlikethisgavemehopethatIcouldbea

goodparent.ThatIhaditinmybloodtobethemothermybabydeserved.Thatoneday,twentyyears
fromnow,wewouldbejokingwitheachotherandcherishingsharedmemories.

Benedettoopenedthelibrarydoor,andIwalkedinside.Thesmellofleatherandbooksengulfedme,

andIwantedtoinhaledeeply.Oncebookshadterrifiedme.Ihadn’twantedtobenearthemforfearI’d
beaskedtoread.NowIwantedtoopeneverybookanddiscoverthetreasuresinside.

“Haveaseat,andI’llfixusadrink.Wouldyoulikeamartini?”
Ishookmyhead.“Aclubsodawilldo.”
Benedettostudiedme.Insteadofwalkingovertothebarbehindtwolargeoakdoors,hestoodacross

fromme.“Nodrink?”heasked,watchingme.

“No,”Ireplied.
Heletoutasigh,andthenasmiletuggedatthecornerofhismouth.“Passerotta,youaretomakemea

grandfather.”Hedidn’tseemdisappointed.Heseemed...hopeful.

Inodded,waitingformoreofareaction.
Heclappedhishandsandletoutashoutoflaughter.“Thisisnewstocelebrate.Whydidyounottellus

assoonasyouarrived?Wecouldhavehadacelebrationdessertprepared.Nonnawillbetickledpink.”

“Masedoesn’tknowyet,”Isaid,causingBenedetto’ssmiletofade.
“Hedoesn’tknow?Butwhyhaven’tyoutoldhim?”
Because...whatifheleftme?Whatifhewasn’tready?“Itwasn’tplanned.Hehasn’tevenproposed.

He’snotreadyforthis,”Isaid,myfearstumblingfrommyheartandoutofmymouth.

“Thatmanlovesyou,Reese.Headoresyou.Hewouldtakeonanarmyforyou.Whywouldyouthink

hewon’trejoiceoverthenewsthatyou’recarryinghischild?”

Isankontotheleathersofabehindme.“HesaysIamhisfuture,butheneverdiscussesit,really.A

childisn’tinhisplans.I’mgoingtotellhim,butifheisn’tready,I...Iwon’tbeabletostaywithhim.”

Benedettowalkedoverandsatdownacrossfromme.“Ifheisn’tready,youwillcometome.Nonna,

Raul,andIwouldmakesureyouandyourbabywantfornothing.Butthatwon’tbethecase.Youwill
makethatmanthehappiestontheplanetwhenyoutellhim.Hewantsyouforever,passerotta.Thiswill
behisinsurancethathehasyou.Hefearslosingyouevenmorethanyoufearlosinghim.Icanseeitinhis
eyes.”

Iwantedhimtoberight.IwantedMaseandmetosharethejoyandexcitementofthelifewehad

created.IfonlyIknewhe’dfeelthesameway.

“Tellmeyouwilltellhimsoon.Trustme.Trusthim.Givehimthischancetoprovehelovesyouand

thathewantsthis.”

“Whatifhefeelspressuredintodoingsomethinghedoesn’twanttodo?Likeaskingmetomarryhim?

Ifhe’dwantedtodothat,hewouldhavebynow,wouldn’the?Hewasraisedbyamotherwhotaughthim
rightfromwrong;Idon’twanthimproposingtomebecausehethinksit’stherightthingtodo.”

Benedettonoddedhishead.“Thatisunderstandable.Mensometimeshavetheworsttiminginthe

worldwhenitcomestoproposals.However,youdon’thavetoaccepthisproposalifyoudon’tthinkhe
meansit.Lethimwait.Whenyou’resurehelovesyouandwantsyouashiswifefornoreasonotherthan
hecan’tlivewithoutyou,thenyoucansayyes.Butnotuntilthen.”

Icoulddothat.Justbecausehefelthehadtoproposedidn’tmeanIhadtofeelthatIhadtosayyes.We

didn’thavetobemarried,anyway.Therewasn’tarulebookthatsaidwehadtobemarriedtobeparents.

“OK.I’lltellhim.Andifheproposes,I’llsayno.Fornow.”
Benedettosmiledandpattedmyhand.“Watchingyoudrivethisboycrazywillbeanendlesssourceof

entertainmentforme.IhatethatIwillmisssomuchwhenyou’rebackinTexas.”

“Thankyou,”Isaid.
Hisexpressionturnedserious,andIsawsomethinginhiseyesthatmademyheartache.Heseemedto

beinpain.“Ihaven’tbeenthefatheryoudeserved.Ifailedyou.I’llneverforgivemyselfforfailingyou.
ButknowthatIwillusetherestofmytimeonearthtomakesureIneverfailyouagain.Ican’tchange
yourpast,passerotta.IfIcould,Iwouldtakeitallaway.ButIcan’t.Icanonlydowhatisinmypower.
AndIwilluseeveryounceofthatpowertoensurethatyourlifeisfullofsunlightandjoyfromhereon
out.”

Tearswelledinmyeyes,andItriednottoblinksotheywouldn’trolldownmyface.Ididn’thaveto

tellhimaboutmypast.Lookingintohiseyes,Ifelthealreadyknew.Iwasn’tsurewhatheknew,buthe
knewsomething.Anditwasenough.

Mase

ItwaslatewhenReesefinallymadeittothebedroom.Ihadstruggledwiththedesiretocheckonher
severaltimes,butshehadbeenwithherfather,andtheyneededthattimetogether.Thiswasherchanceto
healfromtheangerandpainshecarriedtowardhim.

Iwassittingontheendofthebedwhenthedooropenedandshewalkedin.Seeingthesmileonher

facehelpedeasemymind,andIjumpedupandrushedovertohertomakesureshewasOK.“Hey,”I
said,wrappingherinmyarmsandinhalinghersweetscent.

“Hey,”shereplied.“SorryI’msolate.WeendeduptalkingalotlongerthanIexpected.”
“Aboutthepast?”Iasked,pullingbacktolookather.
“Yesandno.Wealsotalkedabouthappythings.Hischildhoodandhowhemetmymother.Thingslike

that.ThingsIneverkneworunderstood.”

“Didithelp?”Iwantedittohelp.Itwouldnevereraseherpast,butIwantedhertobeabletoclosethe

dooronit.

“Yes.Ithelpedalot.”Shepaused,andIwaited.“Butthatwasn’twhyIwantedtotalktohim.Icame

hereforanotherreason.”

Thetouchofuncertaintyandfearinhervoicedidn’tsitwellwithme.Thewallsshehadbuiltwere

abouttocomedown,andIwasscaredtofindoutwhyshehadbuiltthemtobeginwith.Whatdidsheneed
totalktoherfatheraboutthatshecouldn’tentrusttome?

“Mase,I...see,um,I...”Shestoppedandletoutafrustratedsighasshestruggledtoputwords

together.Iwatchedherclosehereyestightlyandinhaledeeply.Thiswasn’teasyforher,andthatterrified
me.Whatcouldshepossiblyneedtotellmethatwasthishard?

“Reese?Baby,whateveryouhavetosay,Icantake.I’mhere.Justtellme.”
Shenoddedandopenedhereyestolookatmeagain.“OK.Iwantyoutoknowthatthiswasn’tplanned,

andthisisnotatrap.I’dneverdothat.Idonotexpectathing.Ijust...Ijustneedyoutobelieveme
whenIsaythat.Idon’twantyoutoeverthinkthiswasonpurpose.”

Shewasrambling,andIwasgettingmorenervousbythesecond.
“I’mpregnant,”sheblurtedout,andhereyeswentwide,asifshecouldn’tbelieveshe’dsaiditout

loud.

Thatwaswhatshewassoscaredtotellme?Shewasgoingtohavemybaby?Istaredatherinaweand

letmygazefalltoherflatstomach.Wehadcreatedalife,anditwasinsideher.Shewascarryingit.Our
baby.

“Iswear,Idon’texpectathing.Ifyouaren’treadyforthis,BenedettosaidIcanstayherewithhim.So

don’tthinkyouhaveto—”

“Wait,what?”Isnappedmygazebackuptomeethers.“Staywithhim?Whywouldyoustaywithhim?

Wehaveahome.Ourhome.Ourbaby’shome.You’llstaywithme.Bothofyou.”

Hershouldersslumpedwithasigh,andIwantedittobeoneofrelief.Whyshethoughtshehadto

prepareformetokickheroutIhadnoidea.Didn’tsheunderstandthatwhenIsaidshewasmyfuture,I
fuckingmeantshewasmyfuture?

“There’snopressure.Ithappened,andit’smyfault.Iforgottotakeapillthatdaythat...Marcocame.

ItooktwothenextdaywhenIrealizedit,butapparently,thatdidn’twork.Idon’twantyoutothinkyou
havetodoanythingyou’renotreadyfor.”

Thiswomanwashavingmybaby,andIworshippedthegroundshewalkedon.HowinGod’snamedid

shethinkI’dfeelpressuredtodoanythingwhenitcametoher?Iloveddoingthingsforher.“Reese,baby,
Iloveyou.Idon’tsaythosewordseasily.WhenItellyouthatIloveyouandyou’remyworld,Imeanit.
Theyaren’twordsthatIjustthrowaround.You’vegivenmeyourheart,andIthoughtyou’dgivenmeyour
trust,too.Apparently,Idon’thaveallofyouyet,andthat’smyfault.Ifailedsomehow.Ihaven’tmade
sureyouknowjusthowimportantyouaretome.You’rehavingmybaby,Reese.ThewomanIloveis
carryingmybabyinsideofher.DoyouknowhowfuckingthrilledIamrightnow?Youaremine.”I
walkedoverandputmyhandonherstomach.“Thisismine.AndI’mnoteverlettinggoofeitherofyou.”

Reeselaidherheadonmychestandletoutasmallsob.Icradledheragainstme.Shewassoscaredof

peopleturningonher,butsheexpectedit.Fromeveryone.ExceptBenedetto.She’dtrustedhim.Shehad
toldhim.HowdidhegetthetrustthatIdidn’thave?WhatdidhedorightthatIhaddonewrong?

WhenIpickeduptheringIhadfoundlastweekandwashavingresized,Iwouldprovetoherthatshe

hadme.Hell,she’dhadmethemorningshesangoffkeyandshookherassinmyface.Ihadn’trealizedit
then,butshe’dhadme.

“I’msorryIdidn’ttellyourightaway.Itwasjustasurprisetome,andIwasn’tsurehowyouwould

react.Ididn’twanttoforceanythingonyou.”

Icuppedherfaceinmyhands.“Inthislife,youwillalwaysbemynumberonepriority.Yourhappiness

ismygoal.Neverdoubtmeagain.Promisemethat,”Isaid,needingtoknowthatnexttime,she’dcometo
me.Notherfather.

Shenodded.“OK.Ipromise.”
Ikissedherlipsgently.Iwantedtogethernakedandinspecteveryinchofherbodytoseeifithad

changed.WereherhipswiderandIhadn’tnoticed?Didherstomachshowanysigns?Wereherbreasts
tender?

“Ineedyoutodosomethingforme,”Itoldher,reluctantlylettinggoofhermouth.
“What?”sheaskedbreathlessly.
“Getnaked.LetmeexploreandseeifIcanfindanychanges,”IsaidwithagrinIcouldn’twipeoffmy

face.

Sheblushed.“Areyouserious?”
Inodded.“Very.”
Icouldseethearousalinhereyesasshewatchedme.Shelikedtheideaofmetouchingher

everywhere.Payingextraattentiontoareasshelovedmetokiss.

“I’llgivethosesensitivenipplesspecialattention,”IpromisedasIslidmyhandstothewaistlineof

herskirt.

“Oh?”sheasked,leaningintome.
“Mm-hmm.Anyothertenderplacethatneedsmyexpertise?”Iasked,cuppingherassinmyhands.
“Ahhh...yes.”Shearchedintome.
“Thenlet’sgetyouundressedandfindoutjustwhereIneedtokiss.Thiscouldtakehours.”
Reeseliftedherhandsintotheairandgazedupatme.Allthattrustinhereyesmademewanttobeat

mychestandroar.Thiswasmywoman.I’dneverletherdown.

Reese

WhenweleftChicago,Nonnawasalreadyknittingababyblanket.Myfatherhadbeenright.Shewas
ecstatic.Raulhadalsobeenthrilled.HekeptreferringtohimselfasUncleRaulfortherestofourstay.
Butafterthreedays,IknewweneededtogethomeandtellMase’sparents.

Masehadbecomeoverprotective.IkeptassuringhimthatIcouldwalkaroundandIdidn’thavetorest

yet—Iwasn’tevenshowing.IreallyhopedIwouldn’tgetmorningsickness,becauseIwasn’tsurehe
couldhandleit.

Hewasalsoanxioustogetmebacktothedoctorsohecouldgo,too.HehadamillionquestionsI

didn’thavetheanswersto.Theonethinghenevermentionedwasmarriage.Iwastornaboutthat.Ihadn’t
wantedhimtoproposebecausehethoughthehadto,butthenhisnotevenmentioningitworriedme,too.I
convincedmyselfthatitwasmypregnancyhormonesandIhadnothingtoworryabout.Evenifhenever
askedmetomarryhim,hewantedme.Hewantedbothofus.Ididn’thavetowearhisringorhavehis
lastnametobehis.

Gettinghomeandtellinghisparentswasourfirstpriority.Maryannbroughtoverachocolatecream

pie,andImadeapotofcoffee.Icouldseetheuneaseinhisstepfather’seyesandtheexcitementinhis
mother’s.Iwantedhimtojustblurtitoutandgetitoverwith.Iwantedthemtobehappy,butIworried
they’dfeelIwastrappingMase.Thatwasmybiggestconcern.

“Thanksforcomingandbringingthepie.It’sbeenalongdayoftraveling,andReeseneededtorest,”

Masesaid.Ishothimafrustratedfrown.Hemademesoundlikeawimp.Thereasontheywereherewas
thatheinsistedIgetcomfortableandrelax.

“Wenevergetinvitedover.Thisisatreat,”Maryannsaid,smilingatmebrightly.Shewassoexcited

aboutbeingherethatIfeltguiltyfornotinvitingherovermoreoften.Ineededtomakeitapointtohave
themovermore.

“I’mreadyforsomepie,”Charliepipedup.“Let’stalkandeat.Shewouldn’tletmetouchitbeforewe

gothere.”

Maryannrolledhereyesandslappedherhusband’sshoulder.“You’rebeingrude.Theyhavetotellus

something.”

Charlieshrugged.“Well,theyaren’tgettin’tothepoint.Wheny’allgettingmarried?There.Now,let’s

havesomepie.”

Ifroze.Icouldn’tbreathe,andIfeltsicktomystomach.Ihadn’texpectedthemtothinkwehadnews.

TellingMasehadbeentooeasy.Theyweren’tgoingtobehappyaboutmebeingpregnantifweweren’t
married.

Maseslippedhisarmaroundmywaistandsqueezedme.Hewaswatchingmyreaction.Hecouldread

mewell.Thiswashiswayofreassuringme,butitwasn’tworking.Iwasn’treassured.Iwasterrified.

“We’regoingtohaveababy,”Masesaid,withprideinhisvoice.Iwantedtocrawlunderthetableand

hide.Charliestaredatme,andMaryannclappedherhandsandsquealed.

“Iknewit!Iknewit!”shesaidexcitedly.ImovedmygazefromCharlietoMaryannandsawpurejoy

inherexpression.Aireasedintomyburninglungs.Atleasthismotherwashappy.

“Doingthisalittlebackward,aren’tyou,son?”Charliefinallyspokeup.ThosewerethewordsI’d

feared.

Mase’sgriponmywaisttightened.“IwasunawarethatIhadtodothisinsomeorder.I’manadult.

Thisismylife.”

“Charlie,thisiswonderfulnews.Weknewthey’dgetmarried.Sowhatifthebabycamebeforethe

proposal?”

Oh,God.Iwasgoingtothrowup.He’dnevermentionedaproposal.Shewasassumingsomethingthat

wasn’tintheworks.

“Hemovedherinherewithoutproposing.He’shadplentyoftime.Haven’tyou,Mase?It’sashame

thispoorgirlhastobetreatedlikethis.ThoughtIraisedyoubetter.”

Mykneesfeltweak.IfMasehadn’tbeenholdingmeup,Iwasn’tsureI’dstillbestanding.Hisstepdad

wassayingeverythingthathadbeenhauntingmeandconfrontingMasewithit.Wouldthissendhim
running?Changehismind?

“ImovedherinwithmebecauseIcouldn’tlivewithouther.Myintentionshavealwaysbeentospend

therestofmylifewithher.Iwasjusttakingthisonestepatatime.”

“Andyougotthosestepsallscrewedup,”Charliesaid.“Yourmommacanbeexcited,butI’mthinking

ofthebigpicturehere.Thatgirldeservestohavearingonherfingerifshe’shavingababy.Sheneeds
thatsecurity.Youhadasinglemotherforthefirstfewyearsofyourlife.Youknowbetterthananyonehow
importantitistobethemanyourkiddeserves.Fixthis.”Hiswordssoundedlikeademand.

Masewastensebesideme,andMaryannlookedshockedatCharlie’soutburst.Icouldn’tsayanything.

Icouldhardlybreathe.

“Idon’twantthatpie.I’mgoinghome,”Charliesaid,andheheadedoutthedoor.
“Iamsosorry.He’sjust...hehasideasofhowthingsshouldbedone.Hedoesn’tmeananythingbyit.

He’sexcitedaboutthisbaby.Justgivehimtime,”Maryannsaid.

“He’sgotafunnywayofshowingit,”Masesaidtightly.
Maryannwalkedoverandhuggedhim,thenturnedtomeandkissedmycheekandhuggedme.“I

couldn’thaveaskedforabettermotherformygrandchild.Thankyou,”shewhisperedinmyear.

Asshesteppedback,Iwantedtoburstintotears.Havingheracceptthisandbehappyaboutithelped.

“I’mleavingthepiewiththetwoofyou.Ihaveamantostraightenout,”shesaid,thengaveMasean
apologeticsmile.

Masedidn’treply.Hismotherfinallyturnedandleftthehouse.
Ihadnoideawhattosaytohim.
“He’swrong.He’sgotold-fashionedways.Ignorehim,”Masesaid,stillholdingontome.
AsmuchasIdidn’twanttotalk,IknewIhadtosaysomething.IhadtoclarifythatIwasn’texpectinga

ring.Icertainlydidn’twantoneunderthesecircumstances.“Idon’twantaring.Thisbabyisnotmeantto
forceyouintosomethingyouweren’tplanningondoing.I’dneverallowyoutobepressuredtomarryme.
So,pleaseunderstand,Iwon’tmarryyouifyouaskmenow,notifit’sbecauseI’mpregnant.Thebaby
canhaveyourlastname.Wedon’thavetobemarriedforthattohappen.Justdon’t...don’tthinkabout
anythinghesaid.”

Masefrowned.“I’dneveraskyoutomarrymebecauseIfeltpressuredtodoit,”hesaid,hisvoice

soundingsincere.

Lettingoutasighofrelief,Inodded.“Good.”

Mase

Theteardrop-shapedpalepinkmorganitestonewassetwithinahaloofdiamondsembeddedinarose-
goldband.Itwasunique,anditwasbeautiful.Ithadstoodouttomefromthethousandsofdiamondrings
I’dbeenshown,andthesimplesettinghadstruckmeasperfect.IcouldseeitonReese’shand.Ididn’t
needtoseeanotherring.

Havingitsizedhadbeentricky,becausethediamondsranalongthebandofthering,soithadtakena

fewweeksforittobedonecorrectly.Holdingthefinishedproductinmyhandwasexcitingandterrifying.
Timingwasimportant,andIwasafraidI’droyallyscrewthisup.

ReesewasadamantthatInotproposetoherbecauseshewaspregnant.IfonlyI’dbeenabletogiveher

thisringjustaweekago.ButIhadn’tbeen,andallIhadnowwasproofthatithadbeenpurchasedthree
weeksago.Thishadtobehandleddelicately.Ididn’twanthermemoryofourengagementtobetainted
bymybeggingandpleadingforhertobelieveme.Iwantedittobespecial.Somethingshewouldloveto
remember.

Mymotherknewaboutthering—I’dtoldherwhenIfoundit—soshehadbeenawarethatIwasgoing

toproposebeforethepregnancynewscame.Charlieknewthat,too,now.Mymotherhadmadesurehe
understoodhowoutoflinehe’dbeen.Giventhathehadapologizedtomethismorningatthestables,
Mommamusthavebeenhardonhim.

Ituckedthesmallblackvelvetboxintomyjeanspocketandheadedtothehouse.Ihadtoplanthis,and

IhadonlythreehoursleftbeforeIwenttopickupReesefromwork.Mommawasgoingtohelpme,and
evenCharliewasgoingtoplayapart.Ijusthadtopullitalltogether.

Reese

Thedoortomyofficeopenedafterabriefknock,andIlookeduptoseeAidawalkintotheroom.Ihadn’t
seenhersincewehadreturnedhome.Apparently,myluckhadrunout;she’dcometofindme.

“Hello,Aida,”Isaidasshetookaseatacrossfromthedesk.
“Ithoughtwecouldtalkprivately.IhaveafewthingsI’dliketosaytoyou.Thingsyouneedtohear,

becausefromwhatIcantell,you’renotthatsmart,”shebegan.

Herinsultstung,asifI’dbeenslapped.I’dheardthosewordsalotinmylife.
“Iheardyouwerepregnant,butIseeyou’restillnotwearingaringonyourfinger.Maseisn’t

proposing.Thatshouldtellyousomething.Ifhewasasinlovewithyouasheclaims,you’dbeengaged.”
Shesmiledatmewithsteelinhereyes.“Whenamanwantsyou,heputsaclaimonyou,onetheworld
cansee.Youdon’thavethat,doyou?Nope.Thinkaboutthat,Reese.Thinkaboutallthesweetthingshe
saysandhowhedoesn’tfollowthrough.Hookinghimwithababyisn’tgoingtowork.Badidea.”She
stoodupandtossedherhairoverherleftshoulder.

Ihadnothingtosay.Ididn’twanttobelieveawordshesaid,butitwashardnotto.Charliehad

basicallysaidthesamething.Wasthismystupidity?

“Whenhegetsboredandmoveson,I’llbewaitingforhim.I’vebeenwaitingforhimsinceIwasa

littlegirl.You’renottakinghimawayfromme.He’sjustsidetracked.I’llgethimintheend.Enjoyhim
whileyou’vegothisattention.”

Iwatchedassheshotmeatriumphantsmileandleftmyofficewithaslamofthedoor.
Isatstaringatthecloseddoor.Maselovedme.Iknewhedid.Sowhydidherwordssting?WhydidI

lethergettomelikethis?ShewasangrythatIhadMase.Thatwasallthiswas.Iwouldnotgetupsetand
worryaboutit.Iwouldn’t.

ButIdidfortherestoftheday.

WhenIwalkedouttoseeifMasehadarrivedtopickmeup,IwassurprisedtofindCharliesittinginhis
truckinstead.He’dneversenthisstepdadtopickmeupbefore.Afterlastnight,Iwasnervousabout
gettingintothetruckwithhim.IwassurprisedMasehadsenthim,ofallpeople.

Grippingmypursetightly,Iwalkedtothepassengersideandclimbedinside.“Thanksforcomingto

pickmeup,”Isaid,feelingawkward.

Charlienodded.“Mypleasure.Besides,weneedaminutetotalk.Iwasoutoflinelastnight.”
Hesurewas.Ididn’treply,though.
Hebackedupthetrucktoheadouttothemainroad.MygriponmypurseturnedmyknuckleswhiteasI

staredatthebeigedashboardinfrontofme.“SeemsIwasspeakingwithoutknowingallthespecifics.I
judgedMasewhenhedidn’tdeservethat.He’sagoodboy.He’salwaysbeensodependable,andIfelt

likehewaslettingyoudown.Ididn’twanttoseehimmakeamistakeandscrewuphislife.Wasn’tmy
placetosayso,though,andI’veapologizedtohim,andhe’sexplainedsomethingstome.Iwaswrong.I
hopeyoucanforgiveme.”

Inoddedmyhead.“Yes,ofcourse,”Isaid.Ihadn’tbeenmadathimanyway.Justembarrassed.Iwas

gladhe’dapologizedtoMase,though.

“Good,good.Gladtohearit,”hesaid,andhesloweddowntodrivethroughthegatesoftheColt

ranch.“Maryannain’trealhappywithmerightnow.I’vegotsomemakinguptodowhereshe’s
concerned.Butknowingthetwoofyouforgiveme,IthinkIhaveachancetomakemywomanhappy
again.”

MaryannlovedCharlie.Ihadnodoubtshewouldforgivehimeasilyenough.Iknewhoweasyitwasto

forgiveamanyouloved.Especiallyifhewastrulysorry.

“Oh,onemorething,”Charliesaidashepulledupinfrontofhishouse.“Maseleftthisforyou.Ithink

heneedsyoutogetsomethingoutofthestables.I’lljustletyououthere.”

Itookthewhiteenvelopehewasholdingoutforme.“Uh,allright.Thanks,”Isaid,wonderingwhatin

theworldthiswasabout.Ididn’tknowwhereanythingwasinthestables,andthesunwasalready
setting.Walkinguptothehouseinthedarkacrossthishugeranchwasn’tmyfavoriteidea.

Charlienoddedandopenedhisdoor,thengotout.IdidthesameasIopenedtheenvelopetofinda

copyofareceipt.Therewasaredcircledrawnaroundadate.Itwasexactlythreeweeksago.Theitem
andthepricewerebothblackedout,butthestorewasTiffany.

IhadstartedwalkingtowardthestableswhenIsawflickeringcandlestotheleft.Stopping,Iturnedto

seethatthepaththatleduptoourcabinwaslitbycandlesinjars.Therewerehundredsofthemflickering
inthesettingsun.Itwasbeautiful.Whatwasgoingon?Istartedtoputthereceiptbackbutnoticedanother
pieceofpaper.TherewasanoteinMase’shandwriting:Followthecandles.

Confused,Iturnedandheadedupthepathtowardtheflickeringlights.AsIcametothefirstone,Isaw

rosepetalssprinkledalongtheground.Smiling,Ibentdowntopickoneup.Whatwasheupto?

Icontinuedwalkingandsawred,white,andpinkrosepetalsdecoratingthepathway.Asthehouse

cameintoview,Inoticedaflatboxsittingattheendofthepath.Itwaswrappedinsilverpaperwitha
largeiridescentpinkbowontop.Mynamewaswritteninboldprintonthefrontoftheattachedcard.

Icarefullyunwrappedit.Inside,IfoundthefirstbookI’deverreadtoMase.Itwasachildren’sbook

thatIhadbeengivenbymytutor.IhadstruggledthefirstfewtimesI’dreadit,butIhadgottenbetteras
theweekprogressed.MasehadcheeredmeonandmademefeelIcoulddoanything.Itwasthefirsttime
inmylifeIhadbelievedinmyself.

Holdingthebookinmyhandlikethecherishedmemoryitwas,Icontinuedupthewalkwayandtoward

thesteps,wherethecandlescontinuedtolightmypath.OnceIgottothedoor,Isawanothersmall
packagewrappedidenticallytothefirstone.Italsohadmynameonit.Placingmybookdownonthe
chairbesideme,Icarefullyopenedthepackage.Initwasapieceofbrokenmirror.AsIstareddownatit,
thedayI’dmetMasecamebacktome,whenI’dfallenandbrokenNan’sexpensivemirrorandslicedmy
handopenwhilecleaningherhouse.He’dbeenstayingatherhouseandhadtakencareofmethatday
betterthananyonehaddoneinmyentirelife.

Ireachedupandopenedthedoor,stillholdingthesmallboxwiththepieceofmirrorinit.Thenmy

eyesmetMase’s.Hewasstandingjustinsideourlivingroom,whichwasalsofilledwithcandles.He
wasn’tdustyandinhisworkclothes;hewasallcleananddressedinapairofhisgoodjeanswitha
button-downflannelshirt.

“Ikeptit,”hesaid.
Frowning,Itriedtofigureoutwhathewastalkingabout.
“Themirror.Ikeptapiece.Ididn’tknowwhyatthetime.ButwhenIcleaneditup,Ikeptapiece.I

wantedtorememberyou.Ididn’texpecttoseeyouagain.SoIkeptthatpieceofmirror.”

Wow.Oh,wow.IheldtheboxtighterinmyhandsasIstaredupathim.
“Ikeptthebook,too,”hesaid.“Whenyouconqueredit,Icalledyourtutorandhadhimsellmethe

book.Iwantedtorememberyoureadingthosewordstome.Howyouweresoshyatfirstbutwitheach
sentenceandeachday,yougrewstrongerandmoresureofyourself.ItwasthemostbeautifulthingI’ve
everwitnessed.”

Myheartfeltlikeitwasgoingtoexplodefrommychest.Ievenplacedahandoverittokeepitfrom

breakingfree.

Masewalkedtowardmeandheldoutapieceofpaper.Itlookedlikeareceipt.“Thisisn’tsomething

thatamannormallyshowsawoman,butIneedyoutoseethatdateandunderstandwhatitmeans.
Becauseoftimingandcircumstances,ittookthreeweekstogetfromthatmomenttothisone.”

Itookthereceiptfromhishand,butbeforeIcouldlookdownatit,Masewasloweringhimselftohis

knee.

No.Thiswasn’thappening.Ididn’twantthis.IhadtoldhimIdidn’twantthis.Istartedshakingmy

headastearsstungmyeyes.Ididn’twantallthissweetnesstobecomepartofabadmemory.

“Ineedyoutolookatthatreceipt,baby.Please,”Masesaidashestaredupatme.
Mystomachwasinknots.Mythroatburned,andmyeyeswereblurry.Hadhenotlistenedtome?I

didn’twanttoforcehimtodoanything.Iblinkedandtriedtofocusonthereceipt.Onceagain,thedate
wascircledinred.Justliketheonehe’dgivenmeacopyof.Itwasthesamereceipt.However,theitem
wasn’tblackedoutonthisone,onlytheprice.

Pear-cutpinkmorganiteringwithrose-goldband.
IrereadthewordsandevensaidthemundermybreathasIlettheinformationsinkin.Itwasaringhe

hadboughtthreeweeksago.

“Itwasperfectforyou.Itjustwasn’tyoursize,”hewhispered.
Iliftedmygazetomeethisandsawthathewasnowholdingaringinhisrighthand.
“Ihadtogetitsizedtofityourfinger,”hesaidsoftly.
“Oh,”wasallIcouldmanagetochokeoutpastthelumpinmythroat.
“ReeseEllis,youcameintomylifeandlititup.Everythingthatwasdullbecameshiny.Youchanged

me.Youmademylifecomplete.Soplease,givemeallIwantinthislifeandsayyou’llbemywife.”

Mycheekswerewetbythetimehefinishedtalking.AllIknewwasthatthiswasright.Thiswasit.

Thiswasthewayitwassupposedtobe.AndI’dneverloveanothermanthewayIlovedthisone.“Yes,”
Imanagedtosaypastthesobsthatbrokefree.

Maseslidtheringontomyfingerandstooduptoclaimmymouthwithhis.
Thiswasthebestfairytaleofthemall.

Epilogue

Mase

Reesehadn’tbeeninsistentthatwegetmarriedbeforethebabywasborn,butIwantedherlastnametobe
ColtManningbeforewebroughtachildintothisworld.Wewouldbeafamily.ThekindsheandIhadn’t
startedoutinlifewith.

TodayHarlowhadcometoDallastoshopforaweddinggownwithmymotherandReese.Tomorrow

Reese,Harlow,andIweregoingtoL.A.totellKiroabouttheweddingandthebaby.Hewasn’tdrinking
himselftodeath,butEmilywasgettingworse,andHarlowwasworriedabouthim.Ididn’twantherto
visithimwithoutme,andIneededtotellhimaboutReeseandme.Itjustwasn’tsomethingIplannedon
doingoverthephone.

Iwasn’tsurehe’devencareaboutthebabyorthewedding,buthewasmyfather.Heshouldatleastbe

told.IdidthebestIcouldwithhimforHarlow’ssake.

Dadpulledupinfrontofthestablesandheldoutmymail,likehedidmostdayswhenhedroveoutto

checkourmail-boxes.“Gotafewthingstoday,”hecalledout.

Iheadedupthehilltohistrucktogetthemfromhim.“Thanks,”Isaid,takingthesmallstackof

envelopes.

“You’rewelcome.It’sbeenquietaroundherewithMajorinRosemaryBeachandAidagone.I’vegot

moretimeonmyhandswithouthavingtolistentoyourmommatellingmeaboutthedramathey’vestirred
up.”

Chuckling,Iwentthroughthemailinmyhands.“Yeah,Majorkeptthingsinteresting.How’sUncle

Chapdoingwithhimworkingintherestaurantbusiness?”

Dadshookhishead.“Notproudofhim,butItoldhimatleasthe’sgotajob.Don’tthinkChap’sever

gonnagetoverthefactthathissonsleptwithhiswife.Don’tknowwhatheexpected,marryingawoman
fouryearsolderthanhisson.”

Ihadtoagreewithhim.“It’sgottobehardbeingChap’sson,though.”IneverenviedMajorhisfather.

ChapmanColtwasahard-asstodealwith.Hewasnevermyfavoriteuncle.

Dadgrunted.“Probablyso.Well,Igotshittodo.I’llseeyoulater.Ireckonwe’reonourownfor

dinner,withthewomenoutshopping.”

Smiling,Inodded.“We’llmakedo.”
Hepulledaway,andIwentbacktogoingthroughmymail.Oneenvelopecaughtmyeye,andIplaced

theotheronesinmyjacketpocketsoIcouldopenit.Thesimplewhiteenvelopehadnoreturnaddress.It
waspostmarkedfromChicagoandaddressedtome.

Iopeneditandpulledoutathicksetoffoldedpapers.Somethingelseflutteredtotheground.Iopened

thepapersfirst,andmyeyesimmediatelysawthewordsTrustFundatthetop.JustunderitwasReese’s
fullname.

IscannedthepaperstoseethatReesehadatrustfundworthtenmilliondollars,whichshewasentitled

totheyearsheturnedtwenty-one.Confused,Icontinuedreading,andBenedettoDeCarlo’sname
appeared.He’ddonethis.Hehadknownwherehermotherwasatonetime,becausehe’dsetupthistrust
fund.Iwasn’tsurehowtotellReeseaboutthis.WasthisBenedetto’swayofaskingmeforhelpintelling
her?

Ibentdowntopickupthepaperthathadfallenoutoftheenvelope.Thesmall,squarenotelooked

familiar.I’dseenitbefore.

Turningitover,IsawthatitsimplysaidForMyLittleGirl.

Acknowledgments

Firstofall,IwanttothanktheAtriateam.ThebrilliantJhanteighKupihea.Icouldn’taskforabetter
editor.Sheisalwayspositiveandworkingtomakemybooksthebesttheycanbe.Thankyou,Jhanteigh,
forbeingawesome.ArieleFredmanforbeingnotonlybrilliantwithyourideasbutlisteningtomine.
JudithCurrforgivingmeandmybooksachance.AndeveryoneelseatAtriathathadahandingetting
thisbooktoproduction.Iloveyouall.

Myagent,JaneDystel.Sheisalwaystheretohelpinanysituation.I’mthankfulthatIhaveheronmy

sideinthisnewandever-changingworldofpublishing.LaurenAbramo,whohandlesmyforeignrights.I
couldn’tbegintothinkofconqueringthatworldwithouther.

Thefriendswholistentomeandunderstandmethewaynooneelseinmylifecan:ColleenHoover

andJamieMcGuire.Youtwohavebeenwithmefromthebeginning.KnowingIcancallyoubothatany
timewhenIneedadviceorjustanearispriceless.

Mybetareaders,NatashaTomicandAutumnHull.Youbotharebrilliantandknowexactlywhereto

pointoutwhatismissing.Thankyousomuchforkeepingupwithmyhecticschedule.Betareadingfor
someonewhoisalwayswritingabookisn’taneasyjob.

Lastbutcertainlynotleast:Myfamily.WithouttheirsupportIwouldn’tbehere.Myhusband,Keith,

makessureIhavemycoffeeandthekidsarealltakencareofwhenIneedtolockmyselfawayandmeeta
deadline.Mythreekidsaresounderstanding,althoughonceIwalkoutofthatwritingcavetheyexpectmy
fullattention,andtheygetit.Myparents,whohavesupportedmeallalong.EvenwhenIdecidedtowrite
steamierstuff.Myfriends,whodon’thatemebecauseIcan’tspendtimewiththemforweeksatatime
becausemywritingistakingover.Theyaremyultimatesupportgroup,andIlovethemdearly.

Myreaders.Ineverexpectedtohavesomanyofyou.Thankyouforreadingmybooks.Forlovingthem

andtellingothersaboutthem.WithoutyouIwouldn’tbehere.It’sthatsimple.

AbouttheAuthor

AbbiGlinesistheNewYorkTimes,USAToday,andWallStreetJournalbestsellingauthoroftheSea
Breeze,VincentBoys,Existence,andRosemaryBeachseries.Adevotedbooklover,Abbiliveswithher
familyinAlabama.ShemaintainsaTwitteraddictionat@AbbiGlinesandcanalsobefoundat
facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthorandAbbiGlines.com.

Document Outline

Half-title page
Also by Abbi Glines
Title page
Copyright page
Dedication page
Contents
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Captain
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Mase
Reese
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
Abbi Glines (Rosemary Beach #11) When Im Gone
Abbi Glines WHEN IM GONE (Rosemary Beach #11) tłum prolog
Abbi Glines 4 cykl Rosemary Beach Jesteś za daleko
Abbi Glines When Im Gone
Abbi Glines Ocal mnie 03
the vincent boys 01 the vincent boys abbi glines
Abbi Glines Jesteś za daleko
Westlife When Youre Looking Like That
Avril Lavigne When Youre Gone
Avril Lavigne When Youre Gone
Evanescence Call Me When Youre Sober

więcej podobnych podstron

Abbi Glines (Rosemary Beach #12) When Youre Back

Document Outline