Page 64 of Wild Highway (Runaway 2)

“Just an idea.”

Gemma had been tossing out ideas all month. The way she did it was always more curious than intrusive. But she saw things in a way the rest of us didn’t. And so far, I’d taken every single idea she’d pitched.

“What’s next?” she asked.

“This.” I fisted a handful of her flannel and dragged her into the empty stall, smashing my lips on hers as I pressed her against the wall.

She moaned, her gloved hands sliding up and around my neck as she opened her mouth to let me inside.

My tongue swept against hers and licked in long, smooth strokes. I leaned into her, my cock swelling as she gripped my ass and pulled me closer.

“Easton.” My mother’s voice resonated in the cavernous space.

I broke away from Gemma instantly, sucking in some air and wiping my lips clean.

Gemma pulled her lips in to hide a smile as she brought one finger to her lips and sunk down against the wall. Hiding.

I was sick of the fucking secrets.

“Easton?”

“Yeah,” I called back, scowling at Gemma as I walked out of the stall. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hi.” She smiled brightly. “How are you today?”

“Fine.” I’d been better a second ago. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, nothing. I was dropping some extra eggs off at the kitchen and saw your truck, so I wanted to come say good morning.”

“Glad you did. Good morning.” I held out my elbow so she could loop her arm through mine. Then I walked her down the center aisle. “What are you up to?”

“Not much. I’m—”

“Hello!”

Mom and I turned at Kat’s voice, seeing her come inside with a wave.

Since when were the stables such a popular Saturday spot? Normally, I was the only one who worked on the weekends, besides Katherine. But she usually stayed in the office. Everyone else who’d retired worked Monday through Friday.

Mom immediately let my arm go to give Katherine a hug. “Morning, sweetheart.”

Katherine kissed Mom’s cheek. “I was just on my way to your place but I saw your Jeep. When I went to town yesterday, they had a special on flowers, so I grabbed you a couple of bundles. They’re your favorite peach roses.”

“Ha.” Mom laughed. “Great minds. I went to the store first thing this morning and bought this beautiful pink bouquet I thought you’d like.”

As the two of them laughed and talked about flowers, I glanced over to the stall where Gemma was hiding. She could come out. She could pretend to have been working. But she stayed hidden.

“It’s been ages since we took a ride together,” Mom told Kat. “Let’s plan one for this week.”

“I’d love to.”

“Can you come over for a little while?” Mom asked her, earning a nod as they walked together toward the door.

If I knew them, which I did, they’d spend the rest of the day at Mom’s house. She’d lure Kat over with the promise of coffee and cookies, then she’d talk her into staying and helping bake a pie or working on some craft project. It would become a mother-daughter day, Mom having adopted Kat as the daughter she’d always wanted.

I stood and watched until they disappeared outside. “Coast is clear.”

Gemma emerged from the stall and her bright smile had dulled. Her eyes went to the door where the sound of Katherine and Mom’s slamming vehicle doors echoed. As she stared outside, her expression went blank.