Page 10 of Three Reckless Words

He used to be a good kid, too. Quiet, serious Boy Scout type. Hardworking as well.

Well liked with his books and anime and wood carving. Colt spends whole weekends planning his next project for science fairs and watching animated strong men yell at each other in badly dubbed English.

Now, I’ve got him breaking and entering at my star properties.

What the hell happens in a year or two when he’s older? When he can finally drive, and then when the day comes to turn him loose for college?

Inwardly, I groan, stomping the gas.

I finally hit the turn for Solitude and pull up next to a newer looking vehicle parked there. A Trailblazer. Smaller than some of the other models, but still a decent-sized SUV.

I guess the occupants hear me arrive. Before I’ve reached the front door, it swings open, and a woman wearing a baggy tee and plaid pajama bottoms steps out on the porch.

It takes less than a second to notice she’s stunning.

She can’t be that old, probably in her mid-twenties.

Long curly auburn hair that looks a little damp in the porch light.

Sparkling green eyes made to shame emeralds.

Full plush lips for whispering secrets.

Legs, hips, and just enough softness around her waist to threaten a man with a good time—or else break his heart to hell and back.

For a second, I almost stop moving, staggering forward like this dumb beast caked in cement.

Any other night, I could gawk at this woman for hours.

Maybe we’d lock eyes and she’d smile with those heart-shaped lips like the start of every bad hookup. Maybe I’d give in to my baser instincts I normally keep chained up.

Tonight is not that night.

Her jaw looks tight, her eyes are restless, and she’s right on the edge of unloading pure venom into the gold star jackass who got her into this mess.

Technically, that jackass is me.

And now I have to deal with the fact that my bored-ass son probably scared her out of her skin.

“Hello, I’m Winnie,” she says as I approach, her voice clipped.

“Archer,” I say, trying to force a smile that doesn’t fit my face.

Christ, I want this over already.

The fact that she’s looking at me with the same caution I have leveled on her just makes this worse. So is the fact that it’s less anger than fear on her face, I realize.

They must’ve rattled her so bad she cried, judging by the puffy marks under her eyes.

“I’m sorry about all this,” I rush out. “This isn’t remotely in line with our brand, and it’s certainly not what you should ever expect from a stay at our properties.”

“It’s… it’s life, I guess. I’m the forgive and forget type. Do you want to see him?” She steps back to let me inside as I nod.

My eyes lock on Colt immediately, sitting at the island with his friends. He looks up like the guilty little imp he is as I stride over.

“Explain what thehellyou think you were doing. Right now,” I snap.

Then I notice the cake.

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