Page 252 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

“Ahh, good I think.”

“You think?” Kelly jumped off the bench and began to load up the dishwasher.

“Well, I’ve never been the best at relationships, Kel, you know that. What if I mess it up?”

“Do you love him?” Kelly looked over at her in concern.

“Yes, yes, I do.”

“Good,” Kelly nodded firmly. “Because the way he looks at you, it’s like you’re his whole world. Alex isn’t the casual type. He’d never move someone into his house whom he wasn’t completely serious about.”

“I know, he’s old-fashioned. But if he’s so old-fashioned, then why hasn’t he . . . ” her voice drifted off, unable to say it.

But she didn’t have to, like a true best friend Kelly knew what she was trying to say. “Asked you to marry him?”

“Exactly.”

“Oh, hon.” Kelly gave her a huge hug, rocking her slightly. “Just give him a chance.”

“I’m trying.” It was just her silly self-doubts. It had only been a few months for goodness sake. She was being foolish.

“Reagan, time to leave.” Alex’s voice made both women jump and giggle. They were still giggling as they walked into the foyer to find Alex and Colin waiting. Both men gave the women a strange look, but didn’t say anything about their silly grins as Alex bundled Reggie up in her coat for the short walk to the truck.

Once they had said their goodbyes, Alex took Reggie’s hand and guided her toward the passenger seat of his truck. He’d insisted on driving rather than walking, stating it was too cold at night for her to walk around.

Clasping her around the waist, he lifted her into her seat before she could try to haul herself into the high cab. Reaching across her, he buckled in her seatbelt, making Reggie gasp as his arm brushed her breasts, causing her nipples to harden.

“What, no moaning about how you’re capable of doing up your own belt? Or how you want to drive for a change?” he teased as he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the truck.

Reggie shook her head, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of marriage and babies. Cool air hit her face, bringing her sharply back to reality. Looking around, she was surprised to see they were already home. No, this wasn’t her home, it was Alex’s place. Reggie didn’t have a home, she never had.

As she walked into the living room with him, her phone rang.

“Who on earth calls at this time of night?” Alex asked.

Reggie answered it.

Please don’t be Lance.

“H-hello?” She tried to move out of the living room, but Alex was blocking the door so the best she could do was turn to look out at the moonlight.

“Hello, Reg? It’s me, Angel.”

Reggie’s shoulders slumped in relief at her co-worker’s voice. Well, ex-co-worker.

“Hi, Angel. What can I do for you?” Reggie looked over her shoulder at Alex, who was busy turning the T.V. on to the news channel.

“I have some documents for you from HR. Probably a statement for your last pay or something. Just wondered if you wanted it forwarded on?”

“Umm, sure,” Reggie answered distractedly, her gaze caught up in the strong profile of the man she loved.

Why was she worrying about whether he wanted to marry her? He was here with her. He loved her. She needed to be happy with that and not think about what was wrong. For once, she was going to be positive.

Quickly giving Angel her new address, she hung up and turned off the phone before walking over to Alex, hugging him from behind.

“Hey.” He turned and clasped her against his chest, rocking her slightly. “What’s all this for?”

Reggie shrugged. “Just because I wanted to. I love having your arms around me. It makes me feel so safe.”

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