I open the door when he draws near and quickly jump back when the cold air hits me. “Are you running from me?” he teases as he grabs for me, and I playfully dodge him.
“Maybe.” I smirk, watching him toe off his boots while removing his coat.
“You can try, but I promise I’ll always catch you in the end,” he vows. I know we’re teasing, but there is no missing that he’s not fully teasing.
I’m dying to see what he’ll do if he catches me, so I turn and try to run. I don’t make it three feet before I’m in Wilder’s arms and he slips his freezing cold hands right up under my sweater.
“Wilder!” I squeal and wiggle around, but it’s useless. He’s got me.
“You’re always so damn soft and warm.” He sets me down on the island in the kitchen and presses his cold nose against my neck. I feel his lips kissing that tender place and close my eyes.
“If you would have stayed in bed with me you’d be warm too,” I point out as I slip my hands under his shirt because I want to feel his skin.
“You were too tempting. I knew if I didn’t get out of that bed that I was going to bury my face in your pussy, and you needed to rest.” He lifts his head. “How is your head feeling?” His forefinger and thumb grip my chin to tilt my head back and do an inspection.
“I actually feel fine. I think I’m remembering some things too. Not full memories but people and places.”
“That’s good,” he says, but his expression is wary.
“Don’t you think it’s better to tell me whatever it is you’re keeping from me than me just remembering on my own?” He drops his head. “Can it be that bad? You love me, and you’re not a cheater or whatever, so what is it?” I push. “None of my stuff is here. Did I move out?” I start to guess. He distracted me last night, but I’m on a mission now.
“No, you didn’t move out. We need to move you in.” I like the sound of that.
“Okay, so we’re newlyweds then?”
“No.” He lets out a long breath.
“Wilder.” I wrap my arms around his neck, and my legs keep him close.
“I loved you from the moment I saw you,” he says.
“I believe it,” I respond instantly, not doubting that for a second.
“Except I thought you belonged to someone else.” I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
“You thought?” I lean back a little and look at him. “I’m not married to someone else.” I think of my ring that’s still sitting on the dresser in the bedroom. My stomach turns, but I know that I can’t be. I’m Wilder’s. I know that bone deep. I belong to him and he belongs to me.
“You're not married to someone else.” He pauses for a long moment before he drops the bomb on me. “You’re not married to anyone.”
* * *
Chapter Twelve
WILDER
Her face falls, and I wish I could do something to take the words back or to make them make sense.
“We’re not married?” she asks slowly, as if speaking the words for the first time.
“No.” The truth is like dirt on my lips and I hate it.
“Why do I have the ring?” Her question is hollow, but I want to be honest with her. Especially when I haven’t been since all this started.
“It was your mother’s.”
“She’s dead.” Her eyes widen like she’s just realized it. “My dad?” When I don’t answer, she looks away and nods as if confirming her memories. “He’s dead too.”
“Listen, Bri, let me explain.”
“Explain what?” she snaps, and I can see the hurt in her eyes as she looks at me. “Why am I here, Wilder?”
“You hit a tree on the way up here, and I got you out of your grandmother's truck.”
“You left a box,” she whispers softly and blinks a few times. “You came into the general store to get an order. Oh god, I remember you.”
“Baby, listen.”
“Don’t.” She holds up her hand, and I don’t know what to do. “This is all hitting me at once.”
“Bri, I wasn’t lying when I said I knew I loved you the moment I saw you.” She shakes her head like she doesn't want to hear the words. “And I still mean it. I love you and you’re mine. The accident was just something that happened that brought you to me.”
“Is the road clear yet?” she asks, and I look outside, wishing the blizzard was still going strong.
“Mostly, but you shouldn’t leave yet.”
“I can’t stay here.” She tries to hop off the island, and I move in front of her.
“Bri, please, let’s talk this out.”
She shakes her head, and this time when she pushes past me, I let her. I don’t want her to hurt herself, and I’m afraid if she keeps trying to jump off the counter she will.