Reckless Hearts

by Jessa Wilder

Dedicated to everyone who’s ever looked at two rivals and thought: “Why not both?”

The only one who could tame two reckless boys who thought they were untouchable. But we fell apart without her.

“Didn’t fucking ask for your help,” I snap. “Whatever’s between me and Colt stays between us. Touch him again and you’ll wish a bull stomped your goddamn face in.”

I haven’t used his number in a while, so I forgot I named him Buttlicker. Me: Callie went to the motel with Samson. I took Luke’s truck and on my way. Buttlicker: What’s taking you so long.

I used to think I hated Colt. I used to wear that hate like armor. But it was never hate. It was fear. Loss. Longing. Everything I didn’t want to admit. Callie said she’s leaving at the end of the season. Colt probably thinks we’ll go back to being rivals the moment she’s gone, but they’re both wrong. Because now that I’ve had this—them—I’ll burn the whole damn world down before I let it go.

Sitting cross-legged, fresh from the shower, I braid my still-damp hair. Maverick yanks one loose as he passes, grinning when I curse at him. Colt steals the last clean towel, and Maverick steals Colt’s hat in revenge, jamming it onto his head backward and smirking like a satisfied cat. It’s ridiculous and messy and chaotic. And it’s perfect.