Page 29 of Recklessly in Love

“How do you even know about that?” Mia asks sharply, casting a suspicious gaze at Nate.

“Oh, don’t blame him; this town talks,” Greg responds. “You probably didn’t notice, but there were a good number of townies at Dorothy’s funeral.”

Mia’s face falls. “Ah.”

Ugh. I wasn’t able to go to Gran’s funeral due to work commitments, but Mia told me about the epic bout of awfulness that was her parents that day. I reach over the table and cover her hand with mine.

“Still nothing on that front?” I ask gently.

Mia shakes her head but sniffs briefly and collects herself. “Nope. But Carrie and I are talking a lot more these days. She graduates this summer. She’s making noise about trying to break away from them. I’m trying to be as supportive as I can without saying anything bad about our parents.”

I snort. “Because they’re giving you the same courtesy, I’m sure,” I reply sarcastically, shaking my head. “You’re a better person than I would be in your shoes.”

Mia gives me a shaky smile. “Honestly, I could probably use your take-no-shit attitude when it comes to them. I may yet have to. Weddings bring out the worst, it seems.”

“Hey,” I protest. “Not yours. Yours will be the fucking best. Even if I have to fight some bitches.”

Mia laughs heartily and wipes away her tears. Greg chimes in that he’s ready to throw down for her and Nate, too. Soon, Mia’s happy again, and we’re back to joking and laughing.

As we all tease and chatter over the remnants of a fantastic meal, I realize how seamlessly we fit together. And for a moment, I can see life as part of a couple. Life in this town, with close friends, good food, and beautiful vistas. And even though I’d never admit it? Well, it makes my heart swell a little.

Under the table, I lace my fingers with Greg’s where they still rest on my leg. He looks at me with such open affection that I lose my breath for a moment. Whatever is happening between us, I know Mia is right — it’s a big deal for me. I hope I’m ready for it. But as Greg squeezes my hand, I know one thing: I’m willing to try.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

GREG

The crisp mountain air fills my lungs as Joanie and I hike the trail to my favorite lake. I’ve wanted to share this place with her, and today seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“Ugh, why did I agree to hike to a fucking lake in the mountains the day after Christmas? I’m going to be picking ice out of my ass for a week,” Joanie grumbles from behind me as she picks herself up from her third slip.

I snicker and shoot her a look over my shoulder. “Can’t handle a little snow, city girl?” I tease.

She stops and plants her pole-filled hands on her hips. “Last I checked, two feet of snow is not a little.”

“I guess that depends on where you’re talking about. Though last I checked, Seattle gets its fair share of snow from time to time,” I respond. “And it’s not like you aren’t wearing snowshoes and using poles.”

“I’m a runner, mountain man, not a snowshoer, remember? I live in one of the hilliest neighborhoods in north Seattle, but I do not go gallivanting about in these conditions. These are stay inside and fuck conditions.”

“We’ll get there, but you’ve got to earn it first,” I tease her. She shoots me a deeply unsatisfied look, and I can’t help but laugh. “All right, fine. Climb on.” I shift my pack to my front and crouch down for her to get on my back.

“Seriously?” she asks incredulously.

I smirk at her over my shoulder. “Seriously, city girl. Come on, I’ll carry you. Part of the mountain man boyfriend privileges.”

The small rosy circles on her cheeks expand, presumably due to the B-word. I had to try it out to see how she’d react. When she climbs on my back, I decide she must’ve liked it.

“You know I could whisper all sorts of dirty things in your ear right now,” she murmurs, her hot breath fanning over my ear and cheek.

I smile but don’t respond. Well, at least not in words. My hardening dick sure has an opinion. She must’ve really liked my using the B-word.

I push forward, and as we crest the final hill, the lake comes into view, its still surface reflecting the surrounding snow-capped evergreens like a mirror. The flat expanse of the serene water is surrounded by snowy rocks, dense white-flocked evergreen forest, and dramatically tall, snow-covered mountains against a clear blue sky. I hear and feel Joanie’s small gasp, an excited puff of hot air on my neck. I turn my head to see her jaw drop and her eyes widen.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmurs.

I slide her gently back to the ground and slip my arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Not as beautiful as you.”

She rolls her eyes but leans into me. “Cheesy much?”

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