Page 68 of Call it Reckless

“The reporters were wrong.”

She nodded. “If you could even call them reporters. They’re more like vultures. Most of the attention has gone away. But with the Series Championship coming up in a month, there are a lot of reporters wanting updates and memories of my dad. Most of the legit ones go through the team, but a few still try to reach me personally. It’s why when I saw the wordinterviewin my email, and I didn’t recognize the name, I thought it was another stab at trying to get me to make a new statement. I’m truly sorry, Reid. I feel terrible Lexi was hurt. I want to do the interview with her if you still agree.”

“She got your email. She’s very excited about it. Far be it from me to stand in the way of two determined females.” I cleared my throat. “Maybe it’s my turn to offer you an explanation, and probably an apology.”

As usual, she didn’t mince words. “I think you do.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you sooner. Unfortunately, I had an unexpected visitor.”

“So I saw.”

She saw me?That meant she saw Rhonda, too. All the fight drained from me. She was jealous. My heart felt lighter. “Rhonda and I go back a ways. She was Abby’s best friend, and we’ve grown closer since Abby’s death.”

Her lip curled. “Ew.”

I heard the censure in her voice and couldn’t help but egg her on a little. “She’s Lexi’s godmother.”

“Whatever. It still doesn’t seem right.”

Especially if you’re jealous.

She refused to look at me.Damn, she’s a tough cookie.“She’s just a friend. She was nearby, visiting her parents, and wanted to see Lexi. I didn’t know she was coming ahead of time.” I filled her in on how busy we were. “I promise, there’s nothing between us other than friendship. I swear, I’m not that kind of guy.”

I saw her shoulders relax slightly. “Just a note, though, Reid? You couldn’t have woken me up? Do you know how cheap that made me feel? Especially when you didn’t even call for two days?”

My stomach sank when I saw it from that perspective. “I’m sorry. I, uh, I didn’t have your phone number,” I mumbled, knowing how lame it sounded. “I had to get it from Zach.”

She stared at me, then suddenly burst out laughing. “Oh, man. I guess we did kind of miss a couple of steps. I mean, that night was completely—”

“Mind-blowing? Amazing? Incredible?”

“I was going for unexpected, but I like your choices, too.”

I laughed with her, squeezing her hands that I was still holding on to. “I apologize that the note sounded like a blowoff. I woke up later than usual, you looked so peaceful; I didn’t have the heart to wake you up. I had to rush out to pick up Lex and didn’t have time to write you a long note. But I made you coffee.” I winked at her. “That should have bought me a few credits.”

“It did, at least at the time.” She hesitated. “I’m not a clingy woman, Reid. If I misunderstood Friday night, that’s fine. We didn’t make any promises.”

It was time to set the record straight. “You didn’t misunderstand anything, Bristol. I haven’t had a long relationship with anyone since Abby died. I’ve dated some but nothing that really stuck. But you…I can’t get you out of my mind. And I don’t want to.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not like Abby.”

I laughed. “I noticed.” I leaned across and grabbed her hand. “But that’s not a bad thing, Bri. I’m not trying to replace her. You should know upfront that can never happen. I won’t lie. She was what and who I needed at the time. But I’m a different man now. And right now, a certain stubborn brunette has me entirely addicted.”

She grinned at me. “Why, Deputy, are you saying you like me?”

I stood and pulled her up to stand in front of me. My hands dropped to her waist as I pulled her closer. “See if this answers your question.”

I dipped my head, her eyes fluttered before I captured her soft lips. I lightly sucked on her lower lip. She gasped, and I rubbed my tongue along hers. She quickly got with the game, matching my every stroke as she melted into me.

Fuck, she was perfect.

Finally, we pulled away. Standing in the porchlight, making out, would give any neighbors who might look out their window quite a show.

Her laugh was light. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Happy to convince you anytime you want.”

“I should probably get going.” She didn’t really sound like she wanted to leave.

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