Page 24 of Wildflowers & Whiskey

Seeing her spread out before me like a forbidden feast last night has every filthy fantasy clawing its way to the surface. I try to lie to myself; saying it’s just been a long time since a woman got me going. But I know the truth, and I know from here on out, it’s going to be as hard as my fucking cock—which is rock solid—to not act on every unholy urge I have when it comes to this woman.

I wander over, pretending to check on the riding school as a curious boss, instead of a father wanting to see his son doing what he loves, and a perverted bastard drooling over his young employee.

“How’s it going?” I ask Colt, leaning on the fence. He stops, confusion crossing his face. I clearly don’t ask it enough.

“Uh, yeah. All good here, Wade.”

“Looks like everyone’s learning fast. Good job.”

“Yeah, they are,” he mutters bluntly, turning back to the kids.

I have been fighting the urge to glance at Maeve. The debate’s been like an intense tennis match in my mind, swinging back and forth. And just as I finally decide to steal a look, she’s gone.

“Wade, a word?”

Colt’s voice drags my eyes from where Maeve was standing.

“Course,” I say, wondering what sort of work-related bullshit he’s about to throw at me. No doubt it’ll end up as more on my plate.

Colt slowly cracks his knuckles, one after the other. A tell he’s had since he was a teenager. Always means something’s bothering him, even if he tries to hide it.

“I want to talk about Maeve.”

Shit. Did she say something? Surely not. Why would she?

“What about her?”

“She seems… off. She’s been on top of her game since she got here. Making real progress on the tasks you’re allowing her to do. But today she’s just kind of switched off.” His voice is laced with concern.

“So?” My voice comes out flat, cold. No sign of affection for the girl my son and I have clearly taken an interest in. How fucked up is that?

Colt’s expression turns sour, annoyance flashing across his features. “Maybe you could try being less of a dick to her. She’s a good girl, Wade. She’s just trying to get the most out of this experience. I can’t help but notice that she acts different around you. Now she’s avoiding you completely. Maybe you could take her into town. She said she needed to get some things, but she’s not confident with the idea of driving yet.”

The tension in my head starts to throb. The last thing I need right now is another car ride with her.

Colt glares at me.

All these years later, and my kid still looks at me like I'm the villain. Some days, I wonder if keeping Ruby's secrets was worth losing him.

He continues waiting for a response that I’ve yet to give. Then something in his face changes. The set of his jaw loosens. His shoulders drop a fraction.

“Please, Wade,” he says, quieter now, almost careful. “I don’t want her feeling like she isn’t welcome here.”

I close my eyes, taking in the fresh air before letting out a groan. “Fine. I will take her into town later. Got a few things I need to get anyway.”

Colt offers me a rare smile, “Thank you, Wade.”

“All good,” I mutter, making my way back to the main house, hoping there’s food left. Knowing my men, they probably inhaled it all.

When I step into the kitchen, relief washes over me at the sight of leftover sandwiches and cut fruit laid out on the island. I’m even more thankful to see Maeve sitting at the far end of the table, talking to Mrs Mae, the rest of the team scattered around them.

She can’t avoid me here. Good.

“Maeve,” I bark, my voice instantly commanding her attention.

Her head snaps up, something like fear flickering in her eyes. I stalk forward, greeting Mrs Mae before locking eyes with Maeve.

“You’re with me this afternoon,” I tell her flatly.