Page 61 of Savage Heart

I turn toward him reluctantly, and he looks formidable. Tall and chiseled and taut, if I didn’t know him so well, I’d be afraid. There’s a vulnerability in his eyes that wasn’t there before.

“What did Lincoln want?” he asks, his jaw clenched.

“He didn’t want me to keep the baby.”

His brows are furrowed, and I can’t tell if he believes me.

“So he did know about the baby.”

I nod.

“Would you have given him up . . . if . . . if Lincoln had—”

I know what he’s asking, without him having to say it.

“No,” I say simply. “I would’ve kept him no matter what.”

Nothing else is said. We stand side by side, not touching, not retreating either. The fire pops softly. The tension isn’t gone, but the anger that’s always simmering beneath the surface has softened into something more manageable.

I know it probably won’t last, but for now, it’s enough.

Chapter 15: Missing Out

Maverick

I keep my distance from Iris the rest of the weekend. I don’t like where my thoughts go when she’s around. If I were honest with myself, I’d say that I don’t like who I’ve become since Lincoln died. He wouldn’t like who I’ve become. And I’m at my worst when I see Iris.

When the last of the campers leave, I take a long ride and enjoy the solitude. When I leave the barn after brushing Thunder down, Brandon is putting his suitcase in the back of his SUV. He shields his eyes from the sun when I walk up.

“Leaving so soon?” I ask.

“Yeah, gotta get back to work.” He shifts and leans his forearms on the roof of his vehicle.

“You still with the police department in Jackson Hole?”

“Yeah. They keep me busy.”

“It’s good to have you back. I hardly ever see you when you’re here.” I put my thumbs through my belt loops. “We should hang out the next time you come through.”

He nods and looks down. “Yeah. Yeah, that’d be good.” His eyes meet mine. “Mom said Iris has been around lately. What’s the story there?”

“No story. Linc was at the camp and has been feeding the horses each day. Did you see him?”

“Hard to miss him.” He winces and gives me a weak smile. “It was like stepping back in time to see him riding Copper. Nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“I know. I’m sorry about that. I just . . . He’s a good kid, Brandon. I’ve gotten to know him better over the past few weeks, and I can’t help but regret—”

“You know, I better hit the road.”

I nod. “I know it’s hard. It’s hard for me too, but Linc seems so—”

“I’ve gotta go, Maverick,” he says firmly.

He gets in the car and slams the door, nodding at me before pulling away.

Shit. I’m not the only one who can’t seem to erase the past.

But what all have I been missing out on in the here and now?