Stealing Hearts (Wild at Heart #1)(66)

Beau slaps me on the back. “Glad you’re happy, bro. You deserve it.”

Jace chuckles. “Must’ve been a good day if you’re building her another chicken run.”

“What’s some chicken wire and a few two-by-fours? I’m gonna put this one on wheels so every day the little cluckers get a new patch of grass.”

My brothers head off as my sweet wife stumbles down the hall. “Y’all already ate?”

Goddamn, she’s beautiful. All mussed up and sleepy. I glance at the time. Do I really need to work today? Couldn’t I just snatch her in my arms and lock us away in my bedroom? When she gets close, I scoop her into my lap and nuzzle her neck. “We just finished up. Are you hungry? I can make you something.”

“Damn it. I was trying to get up early enough to make everyone breakfast.”

“Don’t worry about that. Been making breakfast for these yahoos my whole life. No need to wake up early on our account.”

She snuggles into me. “I know, but I want to do my part.”

“You are, sweetheart. You have my office organized, the bills are paid, and you’re a delight to wake up to in the morning.”

A smile tilts her lips, and her arms come around my shoulders. “Why, thank you. I can’t say that’s a hardship.”

I chuckle. “What are you up to today?”

“I was wondering what you’d like for me to make this weekend. We’re all watching Mav’s game tomorrow afternoon, right?”

“That’s the plan.” Beau, Jace, and I never miss our little brother’s football games if we can help it.

“Would it be okay if Baylee and her new boyfriend came over? I’m not sure if he can make it, but I thought it would be nice to invite him.”

That gets my attention. “Who’s she dating?”

“Some guy she met on a dating app.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “She can’t wait her whole life for Maverick to get a clue.”

I have to admit that’s solid logic. Still, I hope my brother knows what he’s doing and doesn’t regret losing his chance with Baylee. They’ve been best friends forever. I always figured they’d end up together someday. “To answer your question, Baylee and her boyfriend are welcome, and we’ll enjoy whatever you feel like making.” Maybe this is a good time to tell her. “Babe, don’t look at the Gazette.”

She rolls her eyes. “Georgia wrote about my argument with Amber, didn’t she?”

“On the bright side, she didn’t use names.”

“But everyone knows who she’s talking about.” She huffs. “Whatever. I licked you, so you’re mine, and Amber can go suck a bag of dicks.”

I bust out laughing. This woman is too much. “I fucking love you.”

“I fucking love you too.” She shifts and sucks in a breath.

“What’s wrong?” I lower my voice. “Are you sore?”

Paige glances around. “A little.”

“I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have done it a third time yesterday.” When we got home, we took a shower together to wash off the river, and we got a little carried away.

She leans up to kiss me. “We had to make up for lost time.”

I thread my fingers through her hair and bite her lower lip. She opens to me, and I—

We jerk apart as someone bangs on the sliding door.

“Who the fuck is that?” I grumble. I stand and slide her off me.

Turning, I see Frank Fletcher. He slams a piece of paper up to the glass. I’m guessing that’s the eviction notice. “Stay here. This could get messy.”

I unlock the door and slide it open. “What can I do for you, Frank?”

“You’re kicking us out? After the back-breaking work I did for your father?”

“It’s not like that, and you know it. You’ve gotten the cabin for a steal for years. Meanwhile, I see all of your toys lined up in the driveway. How many ATVs do you really need?” He took his whole family on a damn cruise last year. I don’t remember the last time I went on a fucking vacation.

And it’s not like I didn’t do the same work I asked him to tackle.

He crumples the paper. “You’re gonna regret this.”

“Frank, calm down. I gave y’all the option to pay more rent, but you refused. What was I supposed to do? I should’ve filed for eviction months ago.”

He spits on the ground. “Fuck you.”

There goes my good mood.





33





PAIGE




“Aren’t you the sweetest thing ever?” I snuggle the border collie puppy to my chest as I pat the mama dog Pearl on her head. She had four babies this week, and they’re adorable.

One of the barn cats rubs against my back, and I smile. Reaching behind me, I scratch his head.

“I see that you’re in your element,” Rhett says, hanging his arms over the stall.

“I don’t think I could ever be in a bad mood if I got to play with puppies every day.”

“My boys feel the same way. Gabriel and Austin would sleep in the barn if I let them.”

“I don’t blame them.” I kiss the puppy and put him back with the others. Standing, I brush off the hay. “Guess I should get going. People will be here soon for the game.”