Page 53 of Wild Rose (Blue River Springs #1)

Rose

Three weeks later

Wesley gently twists my right arm, sweeping his eyes over the ink that covers those faint scars I’ve been hiding for too long.

“I love that you designed it,” he says softly. “It’s beautiful, Ro.”

I smile back at him, pulling my sleeve down since the skin is still a little raw. “Thank you.”

He leans back on the couch, his eyes dancing with that familiar mischief. “You know what else you do beautifully?”

I cross my arms in front of my chest. “What’s that?”

“Telling your big brother he was right when he brought you down here.”

I nod thoughtfully. “Mmhmm. Tell me, do you consider validation to be something you need from everyone close to you? Or only from family members?”

Wes tosses his head back with a groan. “Not this again. Glad you’re back on track—but you’re not licensed yet, so cut that shit out.”

I laugh and sit back, taking a sip of my wine. We’re at my cottage for a little welcome home party Wesley put together for me.

Ginger is here, and so are Connor, Dallas, and Ellie. Jack from the kitchen stopped by too, and I’m told others will be dropping by for my official welcome to Blue River.

Initially, the plan was for the guys to help me unpack the boxes I had shipped here last week. But then there was food, and hugs, and alcohol, and no boxes were being unpacked.

After my tattoo appointment, I convinced Wilder to go home while I stayed back to tie up loose ends in the city.

Once he returned, he took my brother out for a few beers. Wesley claims he was kidnapped, but in any case, they talked.

Neither one will tell me what was said, but supposedly, they’re OK now. And I hope that’s true. Because it would break my heart to weaken their bond.

Wilder reaches for my hand and lifts me off the couch. “Leave him alone, Blue. Should know by now, he can dish it but can’t take it.” He grins at his friend.

My brother’s eyes shift between us like we’re going to take some getting used to, and he pushes off the couch. “Better go refill the .?.?. cheese platter or something.”

I watch as he heads to the kitchen wordlessly. Then with a frown, I step into Wilder’s arms.

“He’ll be fine,” he assures me.

“Maybe we can find him a nice girl to distract him for a while.”

Wilder scoffs. “Good idea. Then I can come banging on his door when they’re trying to be alone.”

Peeling my eyes off my brother, I watch Ginger and Connor with Ellie. They’re playing a “guess which hand” game with her while she’s propped up on the kitchen counter near the bowl of Skittles.

Dallas is watching them from the window in the dining room. His face is neutral. Then his eyes roam over the place, and I’m sure he’s remembering a different time in this cozy cottage.

Wilder turns my chin to him. “Everyone’s fine. How are you? You tired? Want me to kick everyone out?”

I press against his chest like he’s crazy. “No way. I never get parties. We’re going all night.”

“I kind of had other plans to last all night,” he grumbles.

I hum low, wanting that too. But I’ll settle for a kiss. I lift on my toes, then pause, still feeling awkward with my brother watching. “Come outside with me.”

He follows my lead as I step out to the porch and shut the door behind us.

Without missing a beat, he presses me against the siding, snakes his hands into my hair, and kisses me. It’s a soft, long kiss. But he pauses briefly. “I thought we weren’t hiding anymore,” he says.

“We’re not. I just didn’t want an audience.” I smile against his lips.

He growls low. “Wise ass.”

I giggle, pulling him close. We’re interrupted by the sound of tires crunching on gravel, followed by a double honk.

An ice-blue SUV slows in front of the cottage. Silas hops out of the driver’s seat, and he’s brought a friend. I narrow my eyes as a familiar face steps out of the passenger side. I gasp. “Is that—”

“Chase,” Wilder sighs, then, taking me with him, jogs down the steps to greet his brother. I try not to gawk at the man they call King of the Ice, but it’s hard when he comes around, holding out his hand.

“You must be Rose. Chase Reeves.”

I know who you are , I’m about to say. Then pause mid-handshake. “Wait, Reeves?”

“Levi’s brother,” Wilder says dryly.

“And captain of the Denver Kings,” I point out.

“Finally, someone who doesn’t acknowledge me as someone’s kid brother.” He squeezes my shoulders like he likes me already. “Welcome. Hope you love it. Silas and I had to wrangle a set of season tickets to get this color.”

I frown in question, but he’s already heading to the house. “Silas, one beer, then I’ve gotta get back to the wife.”

I turn back to the guys. “What does—”

I don’t have a chance to ask before Silas wraps me in a hug. “Welcome back. And look, I don’t run pick-up favors for nothing. You’re going to be in Denver a lot, I’m going to expect rides into town.” He winks, then drops the keys into Wilder’s hand. “See you inside.”

I turn my gaze back to the car, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth. Wilder watches as I run my finger along the shiny blue exterior.

“It’s yours,” he confirms.

My lips part with no words as I look up at him.

“You’re going to need it to get to and from school three days a week.”

“Wilder, it’s beautiful. But this is too much.”

He shrugs. “Figured I’d better get you something before my truck suddenly goes missing one night.”

“You’ve already given me a place to live and I’m not even working here anymore.”

He wraps his arms around my waist. “About that. Wesley and I had an idea last week. In New York, you told me that art was your therapy, how you relieved stressful emotions and that maybe one day .?.?. you want to teach it.”

“I do.” I frown as he twists me to face the cottage, keeping his strong arms around me.

“What if there was a place you could do that now?”

“Art therapy? Here?”

“Wes and I were talking. We could turn it into a studio for you. Hold classes all year round. On your terms, your schedule. If you want.”

I lean back against him as I picture it all. “That would be amazing, Wilder.”

“Only problem is .?.?.” He lowers his lips to the side of my face. “You’d have to move in with me.”

I grin, twisting to face him. “Have to, huh?”

“Best view in town. Deluxe coffee machine I’m making Dallas leave behind. And me .?.?. every morning. And every night.”

“Wine and chocolate shavings?”

“The works,” he promises.

“Locks?”

“Just the one. It’s all you need.”

I press my lips together, my eyes stinging as I nod. “It’s all I want.”

His eyes gleam and now—I really wish the house was empty.

Wilder looks over my shoulder at the crunch of another set of tires pulling up to the cottage. “I forgot one more thing.” He steps back. “Something I’m going to need you to do first thing tomorrow,” he says sternly.

My smile dims as I turn. Jeff pulls up in my cart. My very white and boring old cart.

“Evenin’, Rose. Good to have ya back.” He unloads a bucket, two paint cans and a set of brushes from the cart.

“Did I miss a spot?” I grumble.

He laughs and tips his hat, then heads inside. I cock my head at Wilder.

He shrugs. “In case you need a vehicle that fits through the bushes.”

I laugh and we walk over to it. I notice something on the seat and gasp. “Is that .?.?.”

“Ginger finally found ’em. Blue cowgirl hats. Shop’s filled with them now.”

I jump inside and pop it on my head. He follows and sits beside me. “It’s perfect,” I tell him, part giddy and part heartbroken.

Because something feels off. It’s definitely my cart, but doesn’t feel .?.?. mine anymore.

My shoulders sink as I stare at the front hood, remembering how hard it was to paint it all back to white.

“Paint it back for me, Blue?” Wilder whispers beside me.

I sniffle and lean into him. “Now is that you asking nicely or specifying a color?”

“I want it exactly the same.” He holds up a finger. “With one minor change.”

My brows shoot up. “Oh?”

“I’m not sure The Rose is quite right.”

“Then what do I call it?”

“ Wild Rose .”