“There’s nothing going on between us,” I lie.

“You’re a terrible liar, but if you want to live in denial, then I’m all for it.”

“Maybe I hate the way you make me feel, Gunner,” I say.

“How do I make you feel?” He cups my cheek, staring into my eyes. Like he’s about to kiss me.

Don’t kiss me.

Kiss me.

Don’t kiss me.

Kiss me.

“Like a winter’s thaw. I’m frozen until you come around melting me into a puddle and making me feel more alive than ever before.”

I’m shocked by the way I opened up to him. Shocked that I finally admitted how he made me feel all those years ago when he used to come to the library to visit me. I pull away from his warm touch, avoiding eye contact. I don’t want to know how he feels about me, if he has any feelings.

This conversation is over, so I gather my wine glass and camera and walk inside.

When I crawl into his bed with my phone, pinning cupcakes on Pinterest, I receive a message from Gunner.

You’re my new addiction.

From your Wolf.

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Gunner

For twelve hours, I pace the black-and-white tiles like a madman as I thrust my fingers through my hair, waiting for Darien to come get me from the lobby of the hospital. Right after Gia left me on the balcony, I got a phone call from Alana saying they were heading to the ER because her water broke.

Darien comes out wearing blue clothing while removing a cloth mask from his face, placing his hands on his hips. He looks like he’s been through hell and back—bags hang under his eyes, and a day’s stubble is growing on his chin.

“Alana had a safe delivery.” His tone is rough. “Follow me.”

I follow him to the small room. Alana wears a standard hospital gown and her dyed flaming red hair is in a high ponytail. Just like Darien she looks like she hasn’t slept in years. And she’s holding a tiny, wrinkly baby in her arms.

“Good, you made it, bro,” she says, yawning.

“Yeah,” I say, and walk up to her and kiss her cheek. Then I stare at the sleeping baby. “She’s beautiful. What’s her name?”

“We haven’t decided yet. Darien doesn’t like the name I picked.”

“What is it?” I ask Darien as he crawls into bed next to her, his legs dangling off it, looking at her like he will kill anyone who harms them.

I can see Alana bite the inside of her cheek before she answers, “Cydney Ava Casey.”

“I don’t like it,” Darien says, rolling his eyes.