Page 61 of Reckless Hearts

“Yeah, but it wouldn’t have happened if you weren’t here.”

He’s so close, nose brushing mine.

My mouth opens slightly, and I desperately want to close the distance between us, to feel those hot lips on mine.

It’s like being dropped into a volcano and then asked to swim.

It would be so easy, simply lift my chin and let him take me…

My nipples tighten as I fight the temptation, and I know if I don’t do something now I won’t be able to stop.

I gulp in a lungful of air, ignoring the delirious mix of their scents, and thrust myself up to my feet, jostling the boys from their positions.

“Last one in is a loser!” I yell over my shoulder, knowing I need every inch of a head start I can get.

I smirk, the guys quick on my heels, unable to withstand a challenge.

My lungs burn as I run at full speed, nearly tripping as I rip my dress over my head, tossing it to the side.

Matching groans and the stumble of someone behind me follow.

“So not fucking fair, Callie.”

“Who said anything about playing fair? I want to win.”

And with that, I unclasp my bra, the wood planks of the dock digging into my soles as I clear the remaining few feet.

Air rushes by me, followed by splashes of water. My forward momentum doesn’t allow me to stop, so I jump into the water after them.

I splutter as I come up, frustration coating my voice. “Oh, come on.”

“Loser!” Colt sticks out his tongue, and I snap out a hand, nearly fast enough to catch it.

His mouth snaps shut, eyes wide on me in shock.

Maverick’s laugh echoes in the wide-open space, the sound so free it has my chest aching.

I’m not the only one affected. Colt’s staring, his mouth dropped open as he treads water.

Warmth takes over Colt’s features as he watches his friend like he hasn’t seen him in a long time like he missed him.

Colt catches me and dunks me under the water, holding me down as I pinch his sides.

We’ve done this countless times before, but I’m older and sneakier now.

I twist his nipple, hard, and he flinches back from me.

“Who are you calling a loser, loser?”

It’s probably the most immature thing I’ve said in my adult life, and I welcome the laughter that breaks free from my chest.

It takes over me, filling my veins with coursing electricity, making me feel alive.

I’m still smiling when I open my eyes, finally getting myself under control.

I laughed so hard it hurt not from the laughter but from how badly I knew I’d miss this.

When I open my eyes again, I’m met with matching hooded expressions.

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