Page 113 of Call it Reckless

“Of course, I do. You and Lexi mean everything to me.”

I slammed my mouth to hers, kissing and absorbing every life-giving breath she had. I didn’t hear the hoots or clapping from those around us, but finally, big paws, a cold, wet nose, and a long tongue that lapped at our faces distracted me enough to pull back. To my surprise, a puppy danced around our feet.

I rubbed Buddy’s head for a few seconds before commanding him to sit so I could focus on Bristol.

I dropped my forehead to hers. “When I finally got your voice mail and heard your call drop, I freaked out a little. I couldn’t get to you fast enough.”

“Oh, Reid. I had no idea. That must have been awful for you.”

I cupped her cheeks in my palms. “I love you, too, Bristol Amelia Allen. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long, but the moment never seemed right. And then I was terrified I’d lost the chance. I swear I’ll never miss an opportunity again. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Reid Anthony Braxton.”

I started to kiss her again, but a throat cleared next to us.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your reunion, but I need to debrief Deputy Braxton.”

Not ready to let her go, I kept my arm around Bristol as I turned to face a man watching us with twinkling brown eyes.

“Why are there FBI agents here?” I asked, still feeling on edge, seeing his jacket.

He held out a badge. “I’m Agent Shep Wilson. I know the timing is bad, but if you don’t mind coming with me, I’ll fill you in on what I can. But first, I need to hear from you about what happened tonight.”

I looked between him and Bristol. “Why is the FBI even here?”

“I’ll explain if you just come with me first.”

I looked at Bristol, wanting to make sure one more time she was okay.

“Go,” she said, smiling. “The sooner you do it, the sooner we can get everyone out of my house.”

After another quick kiss, I followed Agent Wilson to another room, more than ready for this to end so I could get back to what—or rather who—was important.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

Bristol

Restless while Reid was talking to Agent Wilson, I went into the kitchen. Buddy followed me and settled quietly onto his bed in the corner. Sterling gave me the stink eye, probably because I moved him in here because he was causing such a disturbance in the living room.

“If you weren’t such a showoff,” I told him, “you could have stayed.”

He fluffed his feathers and turned his back to me. “Someone has to run this town.”

I rolled my eyes. “Stinker,” I muttered.

“That’s Mayor Sterling,” he corrected.

I was starting to sympathize with Richard Bowen.

I pulled out a pan added some milk, heavy cream, and cocoa and set it on the burner to warm. I pulled a bottle of Rumchata from a cabinet and added a healthy splash.

As I continued to stir the hot chocolate, Reid came in and rested his hands on my waist as he looked over my shoulder curiously. His touch warmed me as much as the warmth from the stove.

“This was my grandma’s recipe. She’d make it whenever one of us was having a stressful evening when we were growing up.” I tilted my head backward, resting it on his shoulder, and smiled at him. “She’d make this, then we’d sit and talk about whatever we had on our minds. It was probably all in our heads, but Chase, Cam, and I swear by it. It was probably more about getting something off our chest, but chocolate never hurts. I figured tonight called for it.”

“Sounds good to me.”

I heard the sadness in his voice and knew his friend’s betrayal was still a hard pill for him to swallow. “I’m sorry Nick betrayed your friendship.”

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