Zane (The Bad Boys of Saddle Creek #1)

by Kat Baxter

I know, intellectually speaking, that I have zero reason to be so damn angry. It doesn’t change the fact that I want to get up, cross to that doofus at the counter and rip his fucking head off. That puny guy didn’t even glance in Emmaline’s direction since he walked in. Which is just a sign of what a dumbass he is, because she’s always the first thing I look at in every room. Clearly, he hadn’t noticed her at all, or how fucking gorgeous she looks today. Her pale, whitish-blonde hair is in a side braid, across her shoulder—like Elsa. Fuck off, I know my animated princesses.

She never—not once in all our years of friendship—indicated she might want more from me. I’m the idiot who caught feelings. I’m the idiot who fell in love with my best friend.

Instead of teaching her just about sex, teach about sex and love. Teach her she’ll never be happy with any man but you. Remind her how compatible y’all are. You’re already a couple, in many ways, she just hasn’t seen that yet.”

“My starfish deserves the very best. Plus, I wanted you all to myself.”

So, yeah, I look like a guy who would yell at a lot. But I don’t. And I have never yelled at Emmy, because she hates loud noises and… fuck, because she’s my girl. My starfish. So prickly and delicate and strange and beautiful all at the same time.

“You are fucking gorgeous. You are a beacon, shining so damn bright, I can’t believe I get to look at you every day.

“I know you might not ever want the same things that I want. And that’s okay. I don’t want to pressure you, ever, to do something you’re not comfortable with. But I’m never going anywhere. And there will never be another woman for me besides you.”

“Say you’ll be my wife, Starfish. Put me out of my misery and marry me. Take me forever so I can take you forever.”