Page 46 of Wild

“Okay,Dr. Wolf. I’m good. I’m covered. No STD. No baby.”

She studied me, then whispered all dreamily, “I’ve never heard anyone call me by my married name before.”

“Well, speaking of not using protection.” I eyed her still flat belly. “It’s a little late now to have second thoughts about that name.”

She shook her head and set her hand at the base of her neck. “Zero second thoughts.” She paused, smiled at me. “You like him. Colton.” She studied me, and I had to look away. “I mean,reallylike him.”

“What’s not to like?” I admitted. “Can I shower? I smell like horse.”

“Horse?”

“Colton took me for a ride.” I smiled. It had been so much fun, and Lucy was a sweetheart. I was going to sneak her carrots or whatever treats horses ate.

She pursed her lips trying not to smile. “I’m sure he did,” she said, leading me into the bedroom.

“Not that kind of a ride.”

I set my things down. She grabbed a towel for me in the linen closet, and I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I stalled under the hot water thinking of Colton. He was a hot, dominant, and extremelyconfusingman. I honestly had no idea where I stood with him.

He wasn’t just being nice entertaining the little sister. I’d swear he had feelings for me.

Not every man will let you down.

I wanted to give him the chance to prove it, but he wasn’t biting.

When I dried off, Audrey shouted, “There’s a robe behind the door.”

I wrapped the towel around my head and put on the robe then joined her in the bedroom. She was putting on her makeup standing in front of her dresser with a large mirror over it.

“Your cell rang,” she said her head tipped back as she put mascara on.

I dug it out of my purse and listened.

“Hello, this is Janine Fitz in the bursar’s office calling again. I do need a call back about your payment for fall semester. I spoke with Mr. Thompson, and he indicated he is no longer paying the bill. Please call me right away to get this matter settled.”

I stared at my phone as I ended the recording.No longer paying the bill?That couldn’t be right.

“What’s wrong?”

“Dad told the school he’s not paying my tuition anymore.”

She turned around, leaned against the dresser. “What? Is this normal behavior?”

I looked up at her. My stomach clenched. “Not paying? No, he’s paid. It’s the only parental duty he’s come through on.” I realized what I said and went over to her, took her arms in mine. “I’m sorry. I know he gave you absolutely nothing.”

“Marina,” she said, her voice soft. She didn’t look upset, but she was a doctor. She had to hide her emotions for patients all the time, I was sure. There had to be a class in hiding emotions in medical school. “I don’t care about him. He was never there for me. Ever. There was no void because he was never there to begin with.”

She stepped away, grabbed the mascara brush and shoved it into the base, then pulled it back out. “Today’s my wedding day. My dad’s not walking me down the aisle. I’m glad because I only want people who truly care to be here. To me, he was a sperm donor. I’m just sorry for what he’s done to you. He’s hurt you.”

I bit my lip, tears welling in my eyes. “Yeah, I guess I always wanted more from him, you know?”

She nodded. “Call him. Maybe there was a mix up. Maybe she got it wrong.”

I swiped my phone, did as she said, even though I knew in my heart there was no mistake. “Dad, hi.”

“Marina. Hello.”

He didn’t say anything else. Nohow are youorwhat have you been up to?