Page 3 of Reckless Hearts

“Busy? Are you kidding me?” I ask, incredulous.

Fuck. I don’t know how she got it into her head that I’d be anything less than ecstatic to see her, but I’m going to end that right now.

She smiles, small, uncertain and for a second, I see the girl who used to drag Maverick and me into trouble with nothing but a grin and a dare. It hasn’t faded. It’s still there, just buried under nerves.

Before she can second-guess herself, I’m already moving.

“Geez, Callie,” I mutter, striding over.

I wrap my arms around her and lift her off the ground in a tight, full-body hug. My ribs scream. My shoulder protests.

I don’t give a damn.

She’s real. She’s here.

And I’m not letting go.

I don’t even know what I say after that just a rush of words, awe, and disbelief spilling out of me. I can’t stop touching her. Can’t stop looking.

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

She shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Had to finally see you ride for myself.”

“When did you get here? How long are you staying? How have you been?”

It’s like every question that’s been building up explodes from me. Suddenly, that young boy’s hurt comes forward before I can stop it. “Why—why didn’t you come back?”

Rich hazel eyes glisten. Her hands tremble on my shoulders. But she doesn’t get the chance to answer.

Because then Maverick walks in.

And everything changes.

His boots scuff against the floor, halting just inside the doorway.

Maverick’s gaze lands on us, onherand the sound he makes isn’t a word, just a sharp, audible inhale that slices through the air like a whip.

He freezes, eyes wide, locked on Callie like she’s a ghost he never thought he’d see again. His steps stutter when he finally moves, cautious and slow, like approaching a wild animal.

His expression darkens as the pieces click into place, her arms aroundme, my hand low on her back, the way she fits against my chest like she’s never belonged anywhere else.

And yeah, I smirk.

Petty? Maybe. He’s ahead of me in the rankings, butshe came to me first.

The satisfaction is short-lived.

“Callie?” His voice is rougher than usual, a little raw, a little shaken. Vulnerable in a way I haven’t heard in years.

Annoyance flares in my chest.

Of course he has the same reaction. The same stupid, stunned awe. As kids, she was the sun we both revolved around. Looks like that hasn’t changed either.

“Hi,” she says quietly, like she’s not sure she’s allowed to say more.

His head tilts as he searches her expression, reading what’s left unsaid. A line forms between his brows, as unhappy as I am with the way she’s unsure of herself with us.

Then he smiles, soft and full of wonder. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? What are you waiting for? Come give me a hug.”

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