Page 70 of Sin With Me

But if there's one thing he's good at, it's breaking the ice in awkward situations.

Even though I'm excited about this trip and watching Ellie race in the biggest competition of the year, I'm more psyched about getting this time with Wilder. I missed him and hate that I put up this barrier between us. Maybe it was what I needed to realize I'd rather push through my insecurities than risk losing him.

We walk for a few minutes until we find an empty gate and then take a seat in the back by the windows.

"How’s volunteerin' and your anger management classes going?" I ask, then take a sip of my iced coffee.

He shifts in his seat until he's facing me, and I do the same. It's not comfortable but it's better than nothing.

"Honestly, it's goin' good. The anger classes have been eye-openin’ to say the least. I went in with the mindset that I didn’tneed to be there because I had my emotions under control, but turns out identifyin’ my triggers and understandin’ my anger will help me find the right copin’ mechanisms before I lash out. As much as I hate to admit it, I like going.”

“That’s so great, Wilder!” I beam with pride at him giving the classes an actual chance instead of not participating.

“The shelter has been enlightenin’, too. I've met a lot of people and heard several of their stories. Tierney's a great mentor. Besides dealin' with an old ass dishwashin’ system, it's been a good experience, and I feel good about being there. I wish I had volunteered there long before it was court ordered."

I smile at how genuine he sounds. It's good to see him like this—like he's found a purpose outside of being a rancher. "Sounds like it's been a great fit for you.”

He nods.

“So, who's Tierney?" I've never heard that name before and now I'm skeptical because his face lit up when he said her name.

"She manages the staff and volunteers. Very nice. Gives a lot of guidance and resources to those who need it."

"Oh, gotcha." I nod along. "Is she an older woman?"

He flicks that tongue piercing that I swear has a direct-wire to my clit. "Maybe ten years older than me."

"She married?" I clear my throat when he catches me staring at his mouth. "I just mean, it sounds like she has a demandin' job. I wondered if her husband is as supportive of her as she is of other people."

Good save, moron.He saw right through that one.

"I'm not sure. Never asked her."

"Weddin' ring?" I prompt. "You were always a pro at lookin' out for those."

He rubs his hand along his scruffy jaw, one he hasn't shaved in a few days. "You're right. I haven't seen a ring."

"Hm. Well, I'm glad you get to spend your weekends with her. I mean,there. At the shelter. Helpin' people."

With an arched brow, his mouth curves into a smirk. "Are you...jealous?"

"Me? What? Pfft," I spit out so quickly, even I don't believe myself. "Of course not. Why would...er…should I be?"

"Then why're you so flustered?"

"I-I'm not. I was just curious, that's all."

"Alright, well..." He inches closer. "Just in case that curious mind of yours goes into overdrive, let me finish what I was sayin' earlier..."

Wilder leans in and brushes his lips against mine, slow and soft, but pulls away before I can react. "I've been wantin' to do that for the past several weeks, and I needed to taste you again before we have this conversation."

"Um..." I lick my lips, flustered. "You didn't give me a chance to kiss you back."

"That's because I was stealin' it," he says smugly. "But what I was sayin' before, about how time apart didn't help get over my feelings. I'd rather be friends than nothin' at all. It's never been about hopin' you'd like me back one day, but rather, how good I feel when I'm around you. I like that feelin', and if maybe one day I prove to you that I can be what you need, I'll be here and ready. Until then, I don't want space from you."

The corner of my eyes fill with tears, but I fight them back until I can get out my words. "I don't want space from you either," I confirm, seeing the creases of his eyes stretch with happiness. "But I want to be more than your friend."

He blinks. "Really?"