Something Wilder

He’d loved Lily so deeply that it changed his biology.

Whether he was aware of it or not, he was looking at her like she was the prize at the end.

His unsure smile was a slow-growing assault on her libido.

Bradley looked around the campfire. “Someone Google how much the Wilcox robbery was.”

“Google?” Nicole said. “With what? This rock and a fork?”

“I did everything I could to forget you,” she continued, and when he glanced at her, he saw that her eyes were closed. “I made myself into a different person. I drank or slept around or worked endless hours. It didn’t matter.”

Leo had to count his breaths. He was all tightness and longing; there was no space for words. Finally, he was able to tell her: “Missing you was physically debilitating.”

What about you?” she asked him. “What do you want?”

When he smiled, he was sure she had no idea what was supposed to be funny—but his answer was almost the direct opposite of hers. “I want my life turned upside down.”

She turned to look at him again. “What’s that mean?”

“I’m in if you are.”

Lily’s hazel eyes took on a golden glimmer in the rising sun. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I might follow you anywhere, he thought.

Even a decade ago, she’d never needed Leo for a thing, but he wanted her to want him anyway.

“They’re shooting at us!” Nicole screeched.

Leo reached for Lily, protectively cupping her head with his arms and pulling her into his chest. “They actually brought a gun?”

“I’ve got Terry’s bag!” Walter yelled above the chaos. He pulled the handgun out, waving it. “Guys! Want me to shoot back?”

“NO!” everyone shouted in unison

“Wait!” Walter called. With a dust-caked hand, he reached up, shoving his dark curls off his forehead. “I just wanted to say to Miss Nicole and Lily, this has been one of the best trips we’ve ever, ever done.” He looked at Bradley and Leo. “Right, guys?”

“Except for the death,” Leo agreed, “it’s been great.”

She wondered how good it would feel to have that smooth honeyed skin pressed all along her front. She wanted him for a blanket.

“These boxers you gave me have little pizza slices all over them. Are you twelve?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, would you prefer to wear my other pair?” he asked. “The invisible ones?”

“I love you,” he said in her dream. “I don’t think I ever stopped.”

She had to see this truth tattooed in his eyes and scrawled across every feature: that he had always loved her, was loving her still. Leo would love Lily Wilder forever.

She wanted to catalog the way he looked at her, the heat of his gaze, the way she felt almost drunk with the weight of his attention.

I have a couple ideas.”

“Such as?”

“If we can push on each other to stand, you can try to break them.”

“Break them? With the strength of my love for freedom?”

She laughed. “Have you never been arrested before?”

“Is that a serious question? I create investment algorithms. I’m usually in bed by nine. In what situation would I have been arrested and restrained with zip ties?”

“Okay, so that’s a no I’m hearing.”

Kevin had barely moved, clearly unable to process this. Finally, he looked over at Leo and Lily. “Terry died, and you lied to us?”

“ ‘Lied—’?” Leo cut off, coughing out an incredulous laugh. “You held us at gunpoint and tied us up with zip cuffs. I didn’t exactly feel like we were betraying your trust.”

Just because thoughts are loud or constant doesn’t mean they’re right.

You don’t know what it’s like being with you again.” He stroked her jaw. “You have no idea how alive I feel just looking at you from a hospital bed while I’ve got stitches in my face and a monster headache.”