Page 18 of Lead Me A Stray

“Which part?”

“What do you mean which part? All of it, Mack. I’m terrible with relationships and you’ve never had one and?—”

“I’ve had relationships.”

“A real one? As an adult? Not like passing notes in high school.”

“Sure.” He throws his hands out wide. “But that doesn’t matter because you don’t actually want to be with me.”

I can feel a headache coming on, the adrenaline letdown from getting the dog and then getting naked with Mack scrambling my brain. Rubbing my fingers between my eyebrows, I sigh. “I do… but can it not be dating? Can we just try being together?”

“What are you so afraid of? You’re in relationships all the time.”

“Because you’re not just some guy, Mack. When it ends, I’ll be devastated and you’ll just move on with your life. Everything will change and what if we lose this?” I motion between us eventhough I’m grasping at straws, my resolve waning the longer we stand here.

Closing the distance, he lightly grips my chin with his thumb and forefinger, tilting my head up to meet his gaze.

“I’ve waited a long time for this, Piper. I’m not gonna fuck it by runnin’ around on you. Give me a chance to show you I’m all in.”

“Can we keep it between us?” When he opens his mouth, inevitably to argue, I press on, “Please? Just for now.”

“And how are you going to explain my truck in your driveway?”

“I don’t know.”

“Fine,” he relents, “but there better fucking not be anyone else.”

I bark out a laugh at the absurdity of the statement, but he looks serious. “Mack, you’re incredible but you’re exhausting.” His lips twitch and I roll my eyes. “Between this place and you, there’s no chance I’ll have the energy to entertain anyone else.”

“Good.”

“Same goes for you, right?”

“I’m going to pretend that I’m not insulted right now, Honey Girl, but I guess I deserve it. That’s what I’ve shown you.” Pulling me tight against him, Mack just holds me, eventually pressing his forehead to mine. “But believe me, baby, it’s just you. Only you.”

And just like that, there’s no hope of saving my heart from Mack Crosby.

11

MACK

“Go back to sleep,” I murmur, kissing Piper’s temple, while her naked body stretches against the sheets. She makes the cutest little noise, snuggling her face into the pillow as I have to force myself to leave the room.

I wish I could take the day off, but I have somewhere to be.

There’s always somewhere to be.

It’s probably too early to suggest to Piper that we go away for a few days, but maybe if I play my cards right, I can convince her to go after the adoption event.

I feel like I’m walking on sunshine as I quietly slip from her house, my truck roaring to life as I climb in and start it up. Yesterday was the best day of my life to date, the end making up for the restlessness I felt when I woke up.

AndGod,being with Piper was more than I could have imagined, and I can’t wipe the smile from my face as I drive down the road, the sun not yet creeping over the horizon. It’s peaceful and one of my favorite views of Hearts Bend.

Or it was before I had Piper naked and flushed and calling my name.

Thatwill forever be my favorite view in this town.

And any other she wants to go to.