Page 125 of Reckless
“Where?”
“To Brazil. Teach Vivi about her grandpa.”
No, Winter may not say the words, but she expresses her love in different ways. She embodies it so effortlessly.
When I finally pack up to head to the airport that afternoon, I fold her in my arms, kiss her hard, and whisper against her ear, “Te vivo, Winter Hamilton.”
I push away all the instincts that want to drag me back into the house to be with my girls and make my way down the front steps. I told myself I wouldn’t look back at them. I already know Winter has Vivi propped on her hip. I already know she’s waving one tiny hand while Winter leans against the door frame, looking too fucking good with her toned, bare legs on display in a soft T-shirt dress.
I told myself I wouldn’t look back.
But when I hear Winter’s voice, all thick and raspy, say, “Te vivo, Theo Dale Silva. Kick some ass this weekend,” I fail miserably.
Haven’t been able to keep my eyes off that woman from day one, not sure who I was kidding thinking I’d be strong enough to start now.
33
Winter
Winter:Good luck tonight. Break a leg.
Theo:That’s not always the best thing to say to a bull rider, Tink.
Winter:I didn’t say break a clavicle.
Theo:Hilarious.
Winter:If you win, I’ll give you road head next time we go out.
Theo:This brand of motivation REALLY works for me.
Winter:Lol. Awesome. And Theo?
Theo:Yeah?
Winter:I miss you.
* * *
“Good,” I say as a man I don’t know gets bucked into the dirt like a lawn dart.
“Winter, you scare me.” Sloane laughs.
Theo has been gone for two days and I’ve been playing it cool. But I’m a barrel of nerves over his first competition back. My ability to turn anything into a competition has really come out to play by dating an athlete.
“Come on. Tell me you don’t curse at every guy that gets the puck past Jasper.”
“Fair.”
“Aren’t you nervous?” Summer asks from the opposite end of the couch.
“Yes. I want him to win so badly I can barely sit still.”
“No, like about him getting hurt,” my sister clarifies. “I could barely watch Rhett get on a bull without feeling like I was going to barf. Him coaching now is perfect. Maybe Theo could coach.”
“No chance.” He can’t win it all if he falls back into coaching.
“Why not?”
