Page 227 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

Relief filled her as she slumped against her friend, listening to her chatter about how much she’d missed her.

“So how do you two know each other?” Alex McKenzie asked.

Reggie looked across the table a little warily at the man who sat opposite her. What were the odds that the owner of McKenzie’s spread would be the one to pick her up off the side of the road?

She should have known. Kelly had told her Colin’s boss was sexy as sin, with the body of a God and the face of a fallen angel — her words, not Reggie’s. What she hadn’t mentioned was the sheer arrogance and confidence that the man wore like a second skin.

He was trouble, pure and simple. And Kelly had invited him to dinner! She flashed her best friend a warning look, but the blasted woman just smiled back, unrepentant. Damn it, she’d better not be matchmaking.

“Reggie and I met in college, didn’t we, Reg? She was so quiet, I thought she didn’t like me. Turns out she was just shy. Luckily, I talk enough for the both of us.”

“Is it hot in here?” Reggie asked, wishing she hadn’t said anything as Alex frowned over at her.

“Are you still not feeling well?” His voice was a low growl that had her stiffening her shoulders.

“No, I’m fine,” she answered quietly.

“You’re not eating,” he pointed out, nodding at the small amount of food on her plate.

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Kelly spoke up, saving Reggie from having to answer. “Reggie never eats.”

Reggie glared over at her friend as Alex’s gaze grew stern. She found herself squirming under his intense scrutiny.

“Well, she eats, but just not that much. Her willpower is incredible. I see chocolate, I eat it. Reggie could stare at it all day and not even be tempted!” Kelly sighed. “It’s the reason I’ll never get rid of these hips.”

“I like those hips!” Colin spoke up for the first time. He was a quiet man. But kind and steady. Exactly what Kelly needed.

“And I do get tempted,” Reggie protested. “You make me sound like a robot!”

Kelly snorted. “Girl, sometimes I think you are.” She turned back to Alex. “Do you know she runs ten miles every day? Doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, or if she’s sick. She had bronchitis once, and she kept running! Can you believe it?”

“No, I can’t,” Alex murmured softly, while Reggie forced a forkful of food into her mouth.

“I like running. It helps with stress. It clears my head,” Reggie explained.

“Well, I suppose you needed it when you were living with Lance. I can’t believe he kicked you out. After everything else he’s done to you. What an asshole!”

“Kelly!” Reggie and the two men all spoke her name in reproach at the same time, although Reggie thought she was probably protesting for a completely different reason. She really didn’t want her dirty laundry hung out in front of Alex.

“What?” Kelly glared at them all. “It's not swearing if it’s true. First, he cheats on her, then he gets her fired, then he kicks her out of her apartment!”

Before Reggie could die of mortal embarrassment, Alex spoke up. “You’re exhausted, Regina. Perhaps you should go to bed.”

“It’s Reagan.”

“Sorry?”

“Reagan, my name’s Reagan, not Regina. My parents were expecting a boy.”

“I see.”

He probably didn’t. Her parents had been jerks to her just because she’d dared to be a girl. Like she’d had any choice.

A coughing fit overtook her, making her gasp for breath as she quickly reached for a glass of water. Suddenly Alex was next to her, gently rubbing her back with his large hand. A flush ran across her skin that had nothing to do with her slight fever.

“Time for bed.” His voice was firm.

“I’m fine.” She wasn’t, and bed sounded wonderful, but she couldn’t let him get away with ordering her around. Reggie was a strong, independent woman who could take care of herself.

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