Page 65 of Reckless
Theo tenses beside me. I know instantly I’ve landed a blow that hurt him.
When I glance over, I can tell he’s avoiding looking at me. I can tell the proud smile on his handsome face has melted away. The corners of his eyes are pinched, and he snuggles Vivi closer to himself, like I might take her away.
And as much as I felt the need to draw that line in the sand to protect myself...
I regret saying it at all.
18
Theo
Mom:You’re telling everyone tonight?
Theo:The big reveal.
Julia:I’m a little surprised this is the first time this has happened.
Theo:Jules, don’t you have some homework to do or something?
Julia:I feel like you could be that guy who has kids cropping up left and right if you ever do one of those ancestry DNA tests.
Theo:It’s not my fault I’m so fertile that no barrier can stop me.
Julia:Gross. You’re my brother. That’s the line.
Mom:Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
* * *
The sun is setting on the sprawling back deck of the ranch house when Rhett catches my eye. He tips his head toward the house, silently gesturing that I follow him inside.
I glance across the table at Winter. She’s sitting with her back straight, right beside a large standing heater with Sloane on the opposite side of her. Willa and Summer talk over them about something.
As if she can feel my eyes on her, Winter turns her head at a snail’s pace, like she’s resisting a force that’s overpowering her. Our eyes meet.
Vivi is asleep in my arms, but Winter’s attention is on me. I can’t quite place the look on her face, and I do my best to keep my features casually blank. Try to put on a smiling face and not give away to a lively group of happy people that being referred to as a business partner makes me want to flip the fucking table.
I stand at the same time as Rhett, and mouth to Winter, “Heading in for a minute.”
She nods tightly in response, arms gesturing out in an offer to take Vivi.
I shake my head. No chance am I giving up a single moment with this little girl asleep in my arms.
After following Rhett in, I prop against the island in the kitchen while he leans against the back of the big leather couch that faces into the living room. It’s like we’re both playing at being casual when we know this conversation is anything but.
He’s got a bone to pick.
And frankly, so do I. Winter can call me her business partner all she wants, but no one is going to accuse her of the things Rhett did earlier. I won’t allow it.
“How you doing?” His arms cross, and he glances between Vivi’s sleeping face and mine.
“Fine,” I bite back.
“This must have come as quite the surprise.”
“No shit.”
“How are you feeling about it?”
