Wilde For You (The Wilde Sisters Book 3)

by Marianne Rice

  “I don’t want Monique,” Luke said, stepping further into her space, his hands spread on her belly before moving to her back. She breathed deep, wishing she could stay in his giant, warm arms forever. But it wasn’t fair to Luke.

  “Great. Fine.” Sage pushed at his hard chest and he backed up a little. “Luke. I’m serious. I can’t do this. It’s not what I need right now.”

  “What do you need?” he asked, stepping closer once again, but this time he kept his hands to his sides.

  “Nothing. Just to be alone.”

  “Liar.”

  “Hey. That’s the second time tonight you called me a liar. You’re starting to piss me off.”

  “Right back atchya.”

  “If you think you’re so smart, what the hell is it you think I need?”

  He stared at her long and hard, boring a hole to her soul. Damn those hazel eyes and long lashes. “A friend.” Luke leaned in, kissed her cheek, and walked away.

  Tears she never knew existed, something she never felt before, filled her eyes. Damn Luke and his sensitivity. Damn pregnancy hormones.

  Sage eased her body into her car and slammed the door right as the waterworks spilled. For the first time in her life she wished she had someone to talk to. A shoulder to lean on. Rayne would be there for her. Hell, Rayne had been begging Sage to open up for years. She’d be thrilled to run a Dr. Phil session with her.

  And Thyme would listen too, although she’d be annoying and want to talk baby talk and do the hero worship thing. All Sage wanted was someone to hang out with. Someone who wouldn’t take her moods personally. Someone who would get her sarcasm. Appreciate her planning and organizing. Someone whom she could chill with on the couch—if she ever felt the compulsion to chill.

  Someone like Luke.

  Chapter Eleven

  Luke

  “If we don’t get some rain soon, August is going to be a bitch. The fire danger has been crazy-ass high all month and people keep making campfires in the woods,” Brian complained as he stripped out of his smoky gear and lined up his boots against the wall.

  “Thankfully we don’t get the wildfires like out west, but yeah. July has been pretty dry. Good for beach days, though.”

  “You still seeing Sage?”

  “Never really started.” Luke shucked his gear and followed Brian to the showers.

  “Not what it looked like a while back at her party.”

  “Yeah, well.” Not wanting to say anything that may get back to Sage, Luke kept his mouth shut. Brian was, after all, practically part of the family. Luke barely met them before being ignored, then ushered away by Sage.

  “Hey, you off tomorrow?”

  Luke reached for a towel and dried off. “Supposed to be.”

  “Come on up to the lake. You’ve been putting in too many shifts lately. Come chill on the beach. Go fishing. Cruise around on the boat.”

  “Thanks, man. But I don’t want to be a third wheel on your family’s weekend.”

  “Oh, didn’t I mention?” Brian smirked before pulling a Red Sox t-shirt over his head. “Rayne, Trent, and their kids are coming. As well as Thyme and her husband and daughter. Oh—” Brian laughed. “—and they managed to convince that pregnant sister of theirs to come up as well.”

  Luke didn’t know if he should be thrilled or scared to see Sage again. After leaving her in the parking lot last week he hadn’t heard a word from her. And he wasn’t about to piss her off by sending her any messages. Luke knew when a woman was about to cry. He’d witnessed more than his share of female tears growing up in a house that had an open door policy to strays, homeless kids, and foster kids. Knowing Sage would be pissed if Luke caught her crying, he’d cut and run, figuring she’d appreciate the gesture.

  Only a dumbass would keep going back to the same girl after getting rejected, used for sex, and dumped, but Luke had a soft spot when it came to Sage Wilde. Her hardass attitude was all for show. Deep down there was a lost soul waiting to come out and be loved. And damn if Luke didn’t think he’d be the one to rescue her.

  A smart man would cut his losses, be thankful for the incredible sex, and move on. Only he couldn’t imagine being with another woman who didn’t have sparkling green eyes that lit up when she laughed. Or a smart mouth that bit out harsh words and teased and softened when his lips touched hers. Normally he was attracted to sweet, gentle women who swooned when he talked to them, touched them. Dating women like that had been easy. And nice.

  There was nothing nice about Sage. She could be rude and crass and quite domineering in the bedroom. Once she accepted he wasn’t into the wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am kind of sex and preferred taking his time, she played her own hand of trying to one-up him with foreplay games. Luke smiled at the memory of her sitting on top of him, leaning to tie his hands together above his head with one of her scarves. He’d never been into anything kinky and he soon discovered he liked the games she played with him.

  Sage especially liked when he pulled out a can of whipped cream and made a jack-o-lantern face on her rounded belly. She later reciprocated by squirting out a game of hangman on his chest and down towards his—

  “So, you coming up to the lake?” Brian interrupted his steamy thoughts, tossing a Nerf football at him.

  “Sounds fun.”

  “I’m sure Sage would have a much better time hanging out with you than us married folks.” Brian flashed him a knowing grin before closing the door to the bathroom.

  Spending time with Sage and her family would show her that she meant so much more to him than just amazing, hot sex. She needed a friend and he wanted to be that for her. But if he pressured her for anything more, he knew she’d kick him to the curb permanently. One more try. If Sage refused his offer of friendship—sans the benefits—then he’d be done with her for good.

  His heart could only handle so much.

  ***

  Sage

  “They don’t make bathing suits or life jackets in my size. I’ll just stay in the cabin and work on lunch. You perfect little families go have fun.”

  “We’re just cruising the lake. Come with us, please?” Rayne begged, looking up from rubbing SPF five thousand all over Owen and Olivia’s faces.

  “I’m good. I’m sure there’s a weight limit or something.”

  “Oh shut up, Sage. Claire and Rayne are both pregnant. You’re not going to tip us over.”

  “Says the skinny kid.”

  “I’ve never been called skinny, fatso.” Thyme smiled. “You’ve always been the knobby-knee skinny one. Those are the girls who always swell up when pregnant. It’s total payback.”

  Sage could retort with a comment about Thyme’s body and pregnancy, but she bit her lip, not wanting to hurt her sister’s feelings. They always fought, but never with the intent to seriously hurt each other. There were times when she felt guilty for being so cruel to her youngest sister, but Sage didn’t know what she’d do if she had to act all perfectly nice all the time like Rayne. Nope. Couldn’t do it. Ever.

  “Do they make lifejackets that fit over boobs like yours or do you keep them out and use them as floatation devices?”

  “Grayson likes my big boobs.” Thyme cupped her large breasts that nearly spilled out of her orange tankini.

  “He’s obviously not the picky type.”

  “That’s enough, girls.” Rayne kissed Owen’s nose. “Go see Daddy and ask him if he packed your sippy cup.” She turned back to her sisters once Owen was gone. “Please try not to be so bitchy in front of my kids.” She switched Olivia to her right hip and covered her ears with kisses.

  “Oh, Rayne is pissed. She said bitchy.” Thyme laughed and Sage couldn’t help but grin.

  “I’ll never understand you two.” Rayne tossed a beach towel over her free shoulder and started walking to the dock. “Come on, Thyme. The boys are getting restless. Sage, we won’t be gone long. Relax and soak up some sun.”

  When the sound of the boat’s engine died out in the distance and the
quiet set in, Sage finally relaxed. Always a loner, she never felt comfortable in large social settings unless she was working and had control over the party. Now that Rayne and Thyme had formed families, and added Brian and Claire to the mix, there was always some sort of “family” function. Whether it be a birthday party, holiday, or weekend gathering, something was always planned. Ironic, since Sage was the party planner, yet she had nothing to do with a majority of the get-togethers.

  Taking advantage of the temporary quiet, Sage hefted her body into a lounger, sat back, and soaked up some Vitamin D. The tank top and shorts would give her funky tan lines, not that anyone but her would see them. Gone were her strapless flirty dresses and midriff-showing tops.

  Her temporary paradise didn’t last long before a dark shadow fell across her face. Opening one eye, she looked up into the same dimpled smile that had been haunting her dreams every night.

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “It’s lovely to see you too.” Luke laughed and lowered himself to the chair next to her.

  “I’m serious, Luke. Why are you here?”

  “Brian invited me. I believe it’s his place, isn’t it?”

  “Meddling pains in the ass,” she muttered as she wiggled her way to a sitting position.

  Luke sighed and turned toward her, swinging his legs over the side of his chair. “I’m not here to pressure you, Sage. I’m here to hang out with friends.”

  “Well then, don’t let me get in your way.” Sage attempted to push herself up and out of the lounge chair, but it was so low to the ground that she couldn’t get up. She cursed her pregnancy and Luke while she struggled.

  “Here. Let me.” Always the gentleman, Luke placed his warm, strong hands under her arms and helped her to her feet. He didn’t remove them from her side, even after she’d gained her balance.

  “I could have done that myself.”

  “I know. You told me the same thing last week at the restaurant. I’m just being friendly. I’d do the same for Rayne if—when—she is at a stage where it’s hard to get up.”

  “I highly doubt Trent will give you the opportunity. He’s by her side every second of the day. I don’t know how she can stand it.”

  “They love each other.”

  “Yeah, well.” Sage used her belly to push him out of her way and headed into the house.

  “And for the record,” he called behind her, not following her in, “you’re my friend too, whether you like it or not.” Sage glanced over her shoulder and watched Luke walk down toward the dock, waving to his friends—her family—as they made their way to shore.

  ***

  Luke

  “I take it she’s not happy to see you.” Brian laughed as he parked the boat by the dock.

  “You could say that.” Luke grabbed the rope Brian tossed to him and secured it around the post.

  “Well, we’re happy you’re here.” Rayne handed Owen to Luke. He helped the toddler to the dock and watched him run off after Faith, who was already playing by the shore. “Thanks,” she said, handing him baby Olivia and climbing out of the boat. The kid was soft and smelled like sunblock and popsicles. Would he have kids that cute? Maybe a little girl with blonde pigtails and bright green eyes and a spitfire personality like…Sage.

  If his presence was going to bring her down, he’d rather turn around and leave her in peace. The last thing he wanted to do was stress her out, especially so close to her due date. After helping Claire and Thyme and the little kids on to the ramp, he checked to see if the men needed a hand.

  “All set, man. Go grab yourself a beer and your woman, and relax.” Trent smirked before jumping out of the boat.

  “Trent Kipson. What an awful thing to say.”

  “Yeah, but you love me anyway.” He kissed Rayne on the nose and took Olivia from her arms. “You shouldn’t carry her so much. Go sit and put your feet up.”

  Rayne went soft in the eyes. “You’re forgiven.” She squeezed her daughter’s chubby legs before turning to walk back up to the house. Luke picked up the bag of towels and snacks Trent had taken out of the boat and followed her up the path. Grayson, Thyme, and Maddie were a few steps ahead of them, holding hands like a perfect picture.

  “Rayne, can I ask you something?”

  “I’m assuming it’s about my surly sister?”

  “Do you think she’s mad I’m here?”

  “I don’t know. Have you seen her yet?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And?”

  “She was pissed. But you know Sage. Is she really mad that I’m here, or is she mad because she actually wants me here?”

  Claire laughed from behind him. “That actually makes sense. Sounds like you know the stubborn woman quite well.”

  Rayne smiled and rolled her eyes. “Let’s give it an hour or so. If I think she’s really put off by you being here, I’ll let you know. Okay?”

  “Thanks. And be honest. The last thing she needs is any extra stress in her life. I want to take care of her, but I know she doesn’t want to be taken care of.”

  “You know my sister very well.” Rayne studied him, her eyes twinkling with understanding. “I like you, Luke. I hope things work out between you two.”

  “Me too.” He dropped the bag of towels by the clothesline and slowly unfolded them, draping each over the rope so they could dry.

  “There’s a frilly apron inside if you want to start on lunch,” Brian teased, handing him a beer.

  “Fu—” Luke eyed the children running around and stopped himself. “Funny. Real funny.”

  “What are you doing out here anyway?”

  “Sage isn’t too happy I’m here. Ditched me and went inside. I’m staying out of her way until she settles down. Or kicks me out.”

  Brian laughed loudly, gaining Trent and Grayson’s attention. They kissed their wives before making their way to Luke and Brian.

  “Dude. You’re more whipped than any of us and you’re not even married.”

  “Shit. What has Sage done now?” Trent asked before taking a pull on his beer.

  “Kicked him out of the house,” Brian responded.

  “You’re living together?” Grayson sat in one of the Adirondack chairs facing the water.

  “No, from the lake house.”

  “Man, I don’t know how you put up with her attitude. Rayne is a saint for all the crap she puts her through.” Trent sat next to Grayson and stretched his feet.

  “She’s entitled to be a little grouchy,” Grayson said defensively. “She’s carrying twins. My twins. I owe her more than I can ever pay back.”

  Luke nodded in appreciation and took the chair on the other side of Grayson. He wanted to confide in the men, but didn’t want to betray any confidences either. They were Sage’s brothers-in-law and who knew what would get back to her.

  “Dude,” Brian interjected. “We’re just giving you a hard time. If anyone can break through her defenses, it’s you. If you love her, all the power to you.”

  Luke nearly choked on his beer. “I didn’t say I love her.”

  All three men laughed and shook their heads. “You didn’t have to, man. You have the same look each of us had when we fell for our women.” Brian punched him lightly on the arm and leaned back in his chair.

  Damn, he was screwed. Love? That would complicate the hell out of things.

  ***

  Sage

  “You could be a little nicer to him, he drove all the way up here to see you,” Thyme scolded as she chopped vegetables for the pasta salad.

  “He came to hang out with the guys. We’re not…seeing each other anymore.” Sage squirted more barbeque sauce over the chicken and mixed it with her tongs. Seeing Luke fit in so easily with her family unnerved her. He wasn’t supposed to be there, charming her sisters, laughing and tossing back beers with her brothers-in-law.

  What happened to Mr. Sex-on-a-Stick? When did he turn into…a friend?

  “I’m pretty sure he came here to see you.
The guys were just an added bonus.” Rayne added fresh blueberries to the fruit salad and placed it on the table.

  Sage didn’t want to hear the deep laughter coming from outside, or the giggles coming from the living room where the kids played. The setting was too…God, there wasn’t even a famous family or television show that had such the perfect setting.

  “Brian talks about Luke a lot.” This coming from Claire. She irritated Sage the least. Probably because she wasn’t blood-related and Sage hadn’t known her for too long. Claire wasn’t cute and sappy like Rayne, or immature like Thyme. She was level-headed and fairly serious. If Sage ever had a friend, it would be someone like her.

  “He told me Brian invited him.”

  “I told you I didn’t say anything.” Thyme stuck her tongue out and snarled.

  Sage rolled her eyes and set the chicken aside. “It doesn’t matter. We’re not really anything to each other anyway. I had an itch. He scratched it. I’m good to go.”

  “That’s sad.” Rayne frowned.

  “It’s pathetic,” Thyme argued. “Luke’s a great guy. He puts up with your grouchy attitude. You’ll never find another guy who will do that. You should take advantage and snap him up now before he realizes how bitchy you are.”

  “Thyme!” Rayne faced Sage and rested her hands on Sage’s forearms. “You’re a wonderful woman who has a negative outlook on life. Someday that will change. I’m not going to pressure you into pursuing a relationship with Luke, but don’t push him away. He can be a friend. We all need friends to lean on. Even you.”

  Sage shrugged and looked over Rayne’s head and out the window. Luke had left the circle of chairs and was walking toward the water. She had been bitchy to him when he offered friendship. Thyme was right. Luke didn’t deserve her attitude. The man was a saint and was only looking out for her. She could be his friend if that’s what he wanted.