Strong & Wilde: Part 2: A Cowboy's Promise, #2

By L.G. Castillo

Cody Wilde can't deny his growing feelings for childhood friend, Cassie Strong. But with the threat from a lifelong enemy looming, Cody resolves to keep Cassie safe, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.

 

Troubled by Cody's aloofness, Cassie takes matters into her own hands, determined to win his heart. Unable to keep himself away from Cassie, Cody gives into his feelings, and the two become inseparable.

 

Then, on one blistering summer day, Cody's fears come back to haunt him, but Cassie's the one to pay the price.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.G. Castillo
• Release date: Aug 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393009412

L.G. Castillo

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Chapter One

Cassie

L ook! Over there! a voice shouted.

My head snapped up to the sound of splashing water. A shadow moved carrying something big. I rubbed my blurry eyes, from the tears or the alcohol, I didn’t know.

It’s them! Mandi shouted.

A blue glow flickered to life around the shadow’s neck.

Cody!

I scrambled to my feet, dashing to him. There was already a crowd by the time I got there. Bianca’s cries were heard over the crowd’s frightened whispers. Nic, wake up! Nic!

Mandi and I pushed our way through the crowd. In the center of the group, Nic lay on his back, pale and motionless.

My eyes flicked anxiously to Cody. His hair was plastered to his forehead. Water rolled down his drenched body. His face was expressionless. When his blue eyes locked with mine, a cold sensation hit the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong. Before I could say a word, Mandi pushed me out of the way and barked orders.

I’m giving him CPR. Cody, drive to Mr. Wilson’s house and call 911. It’s the closest. Cassie, go with him and show him where it is.

You know CPR? I asked.

No. But someone’s got to do something.

How do you know what to do? I watched her kneel beside Nic.

"I saw Gopher giving CPR on an episode of The Love Boat. She hovered over Nic for a moment, hesitant. Then glanced angrily at Cody. Why are you still here? Go! Move!"

Cody’s lip twitched, and I did a double take. I rubbed my eyes, wondering how much alcohol was in the punch I just drank. He couldn’t actually be laughing in a situation like this. Could he?

Mandi placed her hands over Nic, pressing on his muscular chest. Come on, Nic. Wake up.

She pinched his nose, closing his nostrils. Then taking a deep breath, she placed her lips over his.

Oh my god. Wake up, Nic, Bianca sobbed.

Mandi lifted her head gasping for air. Don’t you die, Marcelli, she growled.

Just as she covered her mouth over his, Nic’s arms suddenly wrapped around her, pulling her body onto his. Her arms flailed as his hand wove underneath her hair, keeping her head in place as he kissed her. The crowd whooped and whistled.

Go for it, Marcelli!

You da man!

Nic, you asshole! Bianca kicked his leg and stormed off with a couple of her cheerleader friends.

I looked over at Cody and his face broke into a smile.

That rat! I was worried sick. I thought I’d lost him and all he can do is stand there looking sexy with wet clothes plastered to his body. Part of me wanted to give him a piece of my mind and the other part wanted to laugh from relief.

And a teeny weeny part of me wanted to jump his bones.

I’m glad you’re okay, I said when I finally went over to him. But as soon as Nic lets go of Mandi, he’s a dead man.

Yeah, I warned him, but he wanted to do it anyway.

She might come after you next.

I’m not sure ’bout that. His eyes darted down, watching Mandi’s tiny fists flying as she whacked Nic.

And then something miraculous happened. She weaved her fingers into his dark hair, deepening the kiss as she finally gave in to the handsome quarterback. They looked so cute. It was obvious by the way she was acting all week that Mandi was crushing on him. Even when I had asked her why she wouldn’t go out with him, she’d ignore my question or change the subject. Yep, she was totally crushing on him.

When Nic finally stopped kissing her, Mandi looked dazed. Her legs seemed unsteady when he helped her up. Nic brushed her hair back, his eyes locking with hers. You’re missing a feather.

While Nic was searching the ground, Mandi’s face contorted, her jaw tensing. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears. She didn’t say a word when he found her feather. It was an eerie silence. It was the calm before Hurricane Mandi arrived.

Run, Nic. Run.

So does that mean you’ll go out with me? he asked, attaching the feather to her headband, his eyes twinkling. I’m guessing you will . . . seeing as how you brought me back to life and all.

Her mouth opened and closed as if she didn’t know what to say. And if it wasn’t for the softness that I saw in her eyes when she looked at him, I would’ve thought she actually meant what she said next.

Bite me, Marcelli. She turned on her heel and stomped back toward the car.

Nic turned to me with an unbelievable grin. Ah, progress. Then he jogged after her, yelling, I’ll pick you up tomorrow at eight!

I shook my head. Mandi and Nic were so made for each other.

Everyone started to leave now that the scene was over, leaving Cody and I alone. Gazing into his eyes, my stomach went into a free fall. His eyelashes were wet making them dark, highlighting the intensity of blue eyes hiding a secret that wanted to be told.

My heart drummed against my chest, growing faster with each minute that passed. My eyes drifted down to his lips. They parted slightly as his breathing became frantic.

Are you okay? A water droplet slid down his cheek. Without thinking, I reached out, brushing it away. Somehow I found my hand cupping his stubbled cheek tenderly, mesmerized by the expression on his handsome face.

After a moment, his chin trembled and he shivered.

You’re cold. I took my sweater off, handing it to him.

He shook his head. Keep it. I’ll get it wet.

Don’t worry about it. I grabbed his hand, my stomach fluttering again, and placed the sweater in it. You can give it back to me later.

Thanks, Cassie. His voice was low and husky.

I thought I was going to pass out at the way his sexy voice caressed my name. I’d heard him say it dozens of times before, but this time was different. Maybe Mandi was right. Maybe he wasn’t dating Lynette.

My heart thundered when he leaned in closer. His finger traced the tiger’s eye hanging around my neck. He smiled. You’re wearing it.

Yeah. My voice was breathless. I wear it every day. It reminds me of—I swallowed thickly—you.

His hand