Page 25 of Reckless Hearts

I force a smile when Colt wraps an arm around my shoulder, tugging me close.

“You look gorgeous tonight, Sunshine.” He leans in, mouth inches from my temple, so close it ruffles my hair. He’s warm and welcoming, like a soft spot to curl into, and I have to fight the urge to pull him closer. My mouth is bone-dry, my throat raw, as I breathe in his woodsy scent. I can’t help but crave him like a cool glass of water after a month in the desert. With each inhale, his scent envelops me more, filling my lungs until my head grows fuzzy and my body tingles. It doesn’t take long for the feel of him to turn that sensation into hunger, a gnawing ache deep inside me that only they can fill.

I’m barely toeing the line of friendship as it is, and I’ll forever be grateful that telepathy isn’t a thing. Strong fingers catch my jaw, tilting my chin up until I’m faced with sharp blue eyes. I’m captured, unable to look away as he searches for answers. The slow smile curling his lips tells me he found exactly what he wanted.

Maverick saves me, tugging my arm, freeing me from a reluctant Colt’s hold. The moisture is sucked from the air as an electric charge sparks between them. Cold eyes glare into each other, neither willing to back down.

Spinning out of their reach, I use my best mom voice. “Don’t freaking start. We’ve been on the go all day, and all I want is a cold beer and a warm burger. Whatever silent dick-measuring contest you’re playing at can fuck right off.”

Color washes over their cheeks, both looking abashed for being caught. Is it weird to call two grown men adorable? Because they totally are.

“I promise to be on my best behavior,” Mav says, then points at Colt. “Can’t say the same for this one.”

“You can fuck right off with that,” Colt clips out.

I give them my back, walking into the crowd, counting in my head. They’ll fight all night if I let them, and we don’t have time for that. It’s less than five seconds before they’re right behind me, like a solid wall.

Maverick’s chest brushes my shoulder as he says, “Stay close tonight. These assholes can be a real handful once they get drunk.”

I spin on them, despising that misogynistic rhetoric. “And that means I should change my behavior because they can’t control themselves?”

“No.” Colt’s head tilts to the side, and he replies like it’s obvious. “You do whatever you want. We’ll take care of anyone who’s stupid enough to get close to you.”

Why do those words send a thrill down my spine, triggering a primal want? I’ve been fine taking care of myself for a long time… but I have to admit, the protectiveness radiating off them is hot.

“And what if I want them to get close to me?” I don’t. Any of these guys come within a two-foot radius and they’re in for a bad night, but for some reason, I want to see how Colt and Maverick react to this. Friends wouldn’t have a problem. Hell, they could offer to wingman… but what will they do?

A low, deep rumble vibrates through the air, a warning if I’ve ever heard one, sending electricity arcing across my skin. Their reactions are instantaneous, the tension coming off them palpable as they crowd me.

“Fuck that,” Colt says, then freezes when I raise a single brow. I wasn’t planning on going anywhere near the men here, but the challenge in Colt’s voice is just enough to motivate me.

“Try again,” I say, giving him one more chance.

Maverick looks like he wants to strangle him, knowing exactly what he’s set off. Colt inhales, runs his hand through his hair, pulling at the ends before meeting my gaze. “Please, hangout with us tonight. I just… I’m not sure I can handle these guys being anywhere around you.”

He’s almost desperate, like it really would hurt him, and any remaining defiance I’m feeling washes away with his words.

“That was the plan all along.” I smirk.

Colt looks equal parts relieved and frustrated.

Maverick sighs, his patience with us already running out. “Luke’s truck is set up over there. Take a seat, and I’ll grab you some food.”

“Me too?” Colt asks.

“Get your own food,” Maverick answers instantly.

“Come on, man. I’m going to stay with Callie.”

“Not my problem.” Maverick gives me one last look, completely ignoring Colt, before heading off.

A muscle ticks in Colt’s jaw, his brows pinched as he stares a hole into Maverick’s retreating back.

I slip my hand into his, entwining our fingers, and just like that, his attention is back on me. His eyes are warm as he looks down at our hands, then back at me, giving them a light squeeze. Any anger simmering has been doused by that simple gesture, and he’s now almost giddy, guiding me, a wide smile on his face.

“Hey, there you are,” Luke calls out. “I was half expecting the three of you to hole up in your rooms.”

“Trust me. We thought about it,” Colt answers, helping me into the bed of the truck. “She wanted to come out.”

---