Page 103 of Beautifully Reckless

“Sure. Tomorrow,” I mutter against him. His scent and the rhythmic motion of him walking sends me into a deep, dreamless sleep.

18

There’s this smile on my face that just won’t budge.

It’s there the moment I wake, the sweet sting between my legs taking me back to last night and the way Ringo gave me exactly what I needed.

It only grows when I roll over and see the sheets on the other side of the bed are crumpled, the pillow still holding the shape of his head. And when I reach over and run my palm over the sheets, I find them still warm.

Ringo.

He slept next to me last night.

I’m a little bummed I missed it, but considering I don’t remember dreaming or having any nightmares, I know I must have slept soundly for the first time in… well, years.

My smile sticks with me while I shower, while I get dressed, and while I take my time enjoying the calm.

I feel so safe here.

Like I canfinally breathe again.

The stresses of the last month, and longer, feel like a distant memory. This place has that effect on me. Or maybe it’s just Ringo that affects me that way.

Squeezing into the only summer dress I have, I slip on my shoes and leave the sanctity of Ringo’s bedroom in search of something to eat.

The first thing I notice is the music playing in the background, followed by the aroma of food.

Downstairs, I find Ringo’s mum in the kitchen, cooking up a storm.

There are so many different things happening, like she is cooking ten different meals and I wonder if this is for the club members.

“Oh! Abbey. Good morning,” she coos, spotting me as she flicks a tea towel over her shoulder.

“Good morning, Mrs Musgrove.” I smile awkwardly, and she immediately shakes her head.

“Please, call me Doreen. ‘Mrs Musgrove’ feels so formal.”

“Oh.” I giggle. “Okay.”

Stepping around the counter, her arms are wide as she approaches, and I let out a slow breath, relaxing into the comfort of her embrace.

“You look so well rested, dear,” she says, pulling back to cup my shoulders. “I take it you had a good night’s sleep?”

“I had thebestsleep I’ve had in years. Thank you.”

She beams. “Wonderful. That’s just so lovely.”

Reaching out, she cups my face, her eyes, the same shade of whiskey as Ringo’s, fill with nothing but love. “Let’s feed you. You have a big day ahead. You’ll need to fuel your body.”

“Uh… okay?”

My brows pinch, but Doreen doesn’t seem to notice my confusion, passing me a plate of bacon, eggs, and grilled tomato and gesturing to the table.

As I sit, she lays out cutlery and juice for me, serving me with a smile as she chatters away about the lovely weather, and how I’m going to look beautiful today. I’m completely lost as to what she’s talking about, but the food is so delicious, I don’t bother interrupting her to ask.

By the time I finish eating, I’m satisfyingly full, but in need of some fresh air, because breakfast in the company of Doreen has been exhausting to say the least.

Making my escape, I hurry outside, taking a moment by the pond. The ducks paddle in slow circles, some dipping under the surface foraging for food. It’s so beautiful here. Maybe later, I’ll ask Doreen for some bread to feed the ducks.

---