Page 27 of Recklessly in Love

Apparently, not that much because he quickly abandons my affections to explore Greg’s legs. Much to my surprise, Greg picks him up, and Simba nuzzles Greg’s chin.

“Okay, he’ll tolerate me petting him, but he never lets me do that,” I grouse.

Greg smiles at me beatifically. “Stick around a while, and he will, city girl.” He leans in and gently kisses my lips, then winks and heads down the hall.

Mia’s eyebrows rise so high that they’re threatening to merge with her hairline. I purse my lips and push her down the hall toward the dining room.

We enter the room to find Nate pouring drinks — red wine for us ladies and whisky for the guys, apparently. Nate looks at Mia expectantly.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” Mia assures him. “Joanie, want to help me in the kitchen for a minute?”

I raise an eyebrow since we both know I’m not the help in the kitchen type, but I nod, following her out of the dining room. As soon as we’re out of earshot, Mia turns on me.

“Okay, spill. What is going on with you two? You’ve obviously had sex already. But why do I get the feeling there’s more going on here?” she demands.

I shrug nonchalantly. “You’re right. We’re together.”

Mia’s brows jump to her hairline. “Together? Like together together?” I shrug again but can’t contain my grin. “Jo! This is huge! I assumed you’d have fucked him out of your system by now, given your history. But together … like for real? I never would’ve predicted that.”

I can’t help my goofy grin. “It’s new, so we haven’t exactly labeled anything. But it’s good, Mia. Really good. Like … not just the sex,” I admit. Then I close my eyes briefly and shudder, remembering exactly how good the sex is. And how much it means to admit that it’s more.

She takes me by the shoulders and looks me dead in the eye. “This is a big deal for you, I know.”

I inhale, slow and deep. “It is. But I’m happy. So fucking happy, Mia. It’s crazy, right?”

She shakes her head slowly. “Like I can’t even process it, crazy. Yes.”

I laugh. “Well, process it, sister. Because I may be sticking around for a while to see where things go.”

Mia’s eyes fill with tears, and she puts a hand to her mouth. “My little girl’s all grown up,” she teases. I scoff and shove her shoulder playfully. “Well, he better treat you right. Ooh, do I need to give him the best friend talk?” she adds sternly.

I laugh. “Stand down, tiger mama. I’m a big girl. I can handle myself. And him. All of him.” I wink salaciously.

Mia grimaces playfully. “Ugh. Forget I asked.”

“Forget you asked what?” Nate asks, popping his head into the kitchen.

“Nothing,” we reply in unison.

Nate looks between us skeptically and shakes his head. “Oookay then. Well, the table is set if dinner is ready ...”

“Five more minutes,” Mia tells him.

He nods and disappears.

“I mean it, Jo,” Mia says quietly, leaning in close. “I know how much you’ve avoided relationships. I just want to make sure you’re ready for this and that Greg is on the same page. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

I clasp Mia’s hands in mine. “I promise. We’re both grownups, and we both want this. The rest … well, it will be what it will be. You don’t need to worry. But thank you. I’m glad I have you in my corner.”

Mia smiles gently. “Always, bitch.”

We laugh and turn to finish getting dinner on the table.

As we all sit down to eat Mia’s famous prime rib feast, Greg rests his hand on my thigh under the table, his thumb rubbing possessive circles close to my core. I shoot him a heated look as the warmth of his touch seeps through my leggings and my resolve to act like I wouldn’t have rather stayed in bed with him all night. Thankfully, with all that sex, Bev needs a break anyway, so I manage to overcome the urge to tear his clothes off right here.

“Well, Merry Christmas, everyone. And since it’s Christmas, Alpine Ridge’s first winter festival in years is over. And it seems like it was a huge success,” Nate says, raising his glass. “Here’s to doing it all again next year.”

We clink glasses and drink deeply. Mia makes an insanely good prime rib, and the wine Nate picked pairs with it perfectly. However, I wouldn’t say no to a glass of whisky later.

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