AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I wrap my arms around my chest. "Has he tried messaging you?"
Wilder shakes his head. "No, but I haven't tried either."
"This is stupid," I shake my head.
He nods, taking slow steps toward me. "It is."
"I'm frustrated," I tell him. "I'm frustrated by this whole thing."
Wilder's hands slide through my hair, tugging my face to look up at him. "I'm sorry."
I shrug, holding my arms tighter to my chest. "You should go."
His lips find mine, and he sighs against my mouth. I war with myself, trying hard not to move my lips against his. But he mumbles, "Ingrid," and I melt instantly.
I slowly slip my arm around his waist and tilt my head to the side, sucking his bottom lip into my mouth. We make out on the front lawn until we're both breathing heavily, and my lips are raw.
"Get dressed," he smiles.
"Why?"
"We're jumping out of the tree at the creek."
My stomach knots. "I... I don't think I want to do that today."
"That's exactly why we're doing it," he grins, his fingers stroking the back of my neck.
"Sounds like torture."
"Are you scared, Blondie?"
I lift my chin. "No."
"You are!" he teases before kissing me again.
"I just don't want to break a bone."
"I'll keep you safe," he promises as his hazel eyes glisten in the afternoon light.
"Fine," I reluctantly give in. "I'll change into my bathing suit."
I pull away to head inside, but Wilder grabs my forearm and runs his fingers over the lightning bolt on my wrist. I wonder what he's thinking as he stares down at it, stony-faced. But I don't ask why he's fixated on it. Instead, I give him a moment to take it in. To feel whatever he needs to. In silence.
Wilder clears his throat. "I'll grab towels and the car."
I leave him and hurry inside, my heart clanging against my ribcage. I didn't expect him to show up today. I didn't expect him to try to explain himself. Wilder's never been one to apologize when he's hurt my feelings.
You know I want to say it, but I can't. I can't say it until I talk to Cash. Until then, it's not fair to you.
He's right. It's not fair to me. But it's not fair to Wilder either.
I gather my frizzy hair into a ponytail and slip into a lime-green bikini. I toss on a white tank top and jean shorts over, then grab sunglasses. I'm not thrilled about jumping out of the tree at the creek. I don't want to do it.
I'll keep you safe.
I wish he'd keep my heart safe, too.
The water is surprisingly cool as I dip my toes into the creek. The tall shade trees keep the rays of sunlight from dancing across the turquoise surface and warming it.
