EPILOGUE SAGE
A FEW WEEKS LATER
Today marks a new adventure. I practically skip up the steps and open the door to the old building where I’m taking business classes this summer. My stomach does an excited flip in my abdomen. Starting college classes was something that’d been on my radar for a while. I’d convinced my father that it’d be good to have me take a few classes so I would be better able to help him with the business aspects of the ranch. But now, an awareness of the potential the future holds makes me more certain than ever that this is the path I’m supposed to be on.
Hurrying down the hall, I glance at my phone to check the time and find a few texts from Kade. My heart gives a little tug as I read.
Wildflower, you’re gonna do great.
I love you.
See you soon.
I pick up my pace and scan the numbers of the rooms until I reach the one where my class is being held.
Pausing, I notice a blond guy standing just outside Business 101. He takes a few self-assured steps in my direction, smiles and waves. “Hey, you’re Baby Everett, aren’t you?” It’s hard to miss the way his eyes rove over me before he continues with a chuckle, “You sure grew up.”
I cock my head to the side, crawling through faded memories of my high school days until it clicks. My eyes widen. I remember him. He’s a couple years older than me, but he was always sniffing around the younger girls. I scrape my teeth over my lower lip, wondering if he’s still the same sort of guy or if it’s possible he’s changed. Then again, the Baby Everett comment is pretty damning. “Hey. It’s Kyle, right?”
He nods, grinning as he tips his head toward the classroom. “I’ve got a couple seats saved in there. Wanna sit with me?”
“She does not.” The rough voice makes me jolt at first, then has my insides skittering in anticipation.
Kyle’s gaze fixes over my shoulder before traveling up, up, up. The more he takes in the mountain of a man who has just joined us, the more his face pales. Is it wrong to be amused? I can’t help the grin that creeps across my face as I pivot to find my favorite person standing behind me.
“ Kade. What the hell are you doing here?”
“You said it yourself, Wildflower. Running a ranch is no easy feat, and it definitely takes someone who understands the business end to make it successful.”
“So I did.” I shake my head at his boldness, wondering if I’ll ever get used to it.
A smirk works its way to his lips, and he shrugs. “Figured I’d join you, and we could do it together.”
Eyeing the coffees he carries, I quip, “One of those for me, cowboy?”
“You bet.” He hands over a cup before turning his attention back to Kyle. His voice comes out in a low growl. “Stay the fuck away from her.”
I laugh, turning toward the expanse of Kade’s broad chest. “Calm down, Kade. You don’t need to kill him for talking to me.”
Visibly nervous, Kyle practically chokes out, “Are you joking?”
Kade shifts, digging a hand into the pocket of his jeans and pulls out his medallion. Lips quirking into an intimidating smile, low and lethal, he murmurs, “Wanna flip it and find out?”
Eyes bugging out, Kyle rushes off like his pants are on fire.
“All right, cowboy. Was that really necessary?” I question with a raised brow. “Pack up the big dick energy. I’m not a fire hydrant. ”
Kade holds the door open for me to walk through. Throwing an arm over my shoulder, he leans in close to murmur, “Wildflower, necessary? No. Enjoyable? Absolutely.”
Tossing me a smirk, Kade cranes his neck, following Kyle’s path through the crowd while shouting, “Hey! Where you goin’? Class is just about to start!” We watch as the poor guy disappears through the double doors, never looking back. Kade turns to me, flashing his dimples and a cheeky grin. “Why’d he run off like I was some sort of deranged killer?”
I toss my head back as a laugh erupts past my lips. “Only for me.”