Page 1 of Reckless Encore

Chapter One

Blake stood at the front door of his Richmond, Virginia home, suitcase handle in hand. “Girls,hurry up or we’re never going to get there in time.”

This was his life—one raised voice demand after another as he tried to parent two teenage girls and keep his beautiful wife happy. His world had changed in the blink of an eye, from famous bass guitarist to graying family man who still juggled a music career and now a record label.

Shit had never been crazier.

“I’m ready.” Maya bounded down the stairs, her backpack slung over one shoulder, her big brown eyes seeking his as if in praise. “But Sophie said she’s not coming.”

The declaration was a taunt. A cheery notification to instigate parental anger before she slinked past him and into the front yard.

It worked. His heartrate increased. If it wasn’t one daughter causing trouble, it was the other. They tag-teamed.

All day.

Every day.

Lately, his eldest daughter, Sophie, held the hormonal baton and swung that bitch with pride.

“Sophie.” His shout echoed off the walls.

Gabi appeared at the top of the stairs, beauty case in hand, sunglasses holding back the long blond hair she had passed down to their girls. “She’s coming. Give her a minute.”

He released the suitcase and met his wife at the bottom of the stairs. “What’s her problem this time?”

“She doesn’t want to go on the group vacation.”

He screwed up his face. “She loves group vacations. What changed in the last five seconds?”

Gabi shrugged. “I don’t think it’s been a spur-of-the-moment decision. She hasn’t been herself for weeks.”

He pulled his wife close, squeezing her to his chest. After all their years together, the thought of waking up without his Aussie beach babe scared him. She meant everything to him, and the fear of losing her was more chilling now because it would mean being alone and vulnerable in a house with two moody teenagers.

He wouldn’t survive.

“What is up with that kid lately? Is it PMS?” He kissed her neck, holding her like a protective blanket between him and psychotic female instability.

“Why do you think every problem in this house is PMS-related?”

“Because between syncing periods that instigate screaming matches, tears, and maniacal laughter in equal doses, I’m beginning to think I’m living in my own horror flick.”

She pulled back, one brow raised. “You didn’t give off the scared vibe in the shower this morning.”

He grinned, wishing he could turn back time to a few hours earlier. Back to hot water, a hot wife, and a fucking hot set of lips around his dick. “You’ve got me there, angel.”

“Gross.” Sophie’s unimpressed tone sounded from the top of the stairs. “Would you two quit it with the PDAs?”

He released Gabi and focused on the impressive scowl coming toward him. “With you and your sister depleting my bank account and making me gray, PDAs are all I’ve got to live for, kiddo.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “You need to get a life.”

He gritted his teeth. Hehada life. He was still one of the most well-known bass guitarists in the industry. Not only that, fledgling and experienced musicians alike were paying big dollars to be mentored by him.

He had success, talent, and a continuously growing fan base, even at his ripe old age. But no matter the accolades, his daughters considered him uncool and embarrassing.

He bit back a chastising reply and looked her up and down, from the black chunky heels to the tight shiny pants clinging to her legs, and the loose tank top exposing more than a glimpse of her designer bra. “Are you sure you want to wear that?”

Jesus fucking Christ.

---