Page 57 of Timber's Line

“Do you ever wish Memphis was something other than a fighter?”

McKenna takes over, and Ever takes a seat next to me.

“He always had that dream, and I never wanted to take it from him. It’s like my cooking show, that was my dream. Loving someone is supporting them no matter what. Do I love the violence? No. Do I love the sex afterward? Yes.” I blush, causing her to laugh.

“The adrenaline afterward makes it a night to remember, so I have a lot of them.” She winks.

“Eww.” I laugh.

“Just saying.”

“What about you, McKenna?”

“Bull riding is scary to watch. I don’t always watch, even if I go with Jimmy. Sometimes, I stay in the trailer and watch TV and fret. But I agree with Ever—the sex afterward, oh boy.”

“This is a weird conversation.”

“You’ll understand when you find someone you love,” Ever smiles, “and there is a lot of man-candy out there who have jobs that are very much adrenaline fueled.”

“I need more coffee,” I mutter.

“Let’s make that happen.” Ever giggles.

I follow them down and outside to a huge breakfast buffet.

“Your dad goes all out.” I’m in awe of Shane’s talent.

“Hungry?”

“I am.” I see Dayton sitting with some of the guys.

“I think she’s hungry for someone, not something.” Ever chuckles.

“Shut up.” I laugh as I grab a plate.

“Look at those sweet lips, Oscar,” Ethan drawls.

“She had me coming with them,” Luis says from behind them.

“She’s going to do it again,” Ethan replies.

“No.”

“I’m sorry?” They turn to see Easton glaring at them.

“You’re not a part of this.” Luis steps toward him.

“She said no. Don’t hear that often, do you? No means get the fuck away.”

“Easton,” I warn him.

“She said no, Oscar. Let’s carry on.” All three move off and find a table to sit at.

“Piece of advice—you tell your story, so they don’t. You’ll feel powerless if you don’t, so take that power back. You tell them. It’s the past, not the future. You are enough. Take back your power.”

He walks off to the table where Dayton sits, telling him something to pacify him.

“He’s right,” Ever whispers.