Page 103 of Call it Reckless

Neither stirred as I stood there, my heart beating almost painfully, but not because of the initial fear I’d felt when the house seemed too quiet. This was because of the sudden, overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness I felt for both of them.

I loved Bristol.

I’d known it was a feeling that had been creeping up on me, but I hadn’t yet put the name to it. I’d been wrestling with the past. She was so different from Abigail, I didn’t think it was possible to love her with every fiber of my being, but here it was, front and center before me.

There was no question I was attracted to Bristol, and not just physically. She provoked me but made me laugh. She challenged me but made me believe in myself. She was snarky and blunt but was witty and smart as hell. She was not the epitome of grace and decorum, and I didn’t see her hosting any charity teas anytime soon, but she was loyal as hell with a heart of gold and would do anything to help anyone if she was able.

And I loved her.

I felt Nick step beside me. “That’s a sweet picture,” he murmured quietly.

“The best,” I agreed, wishing I hadn’t offered to bring him home with me. More than ever, I wanted to scoop Bristol into my arms and take her to my room to tell her my feelings before I followed up with making love to her.

He must have known what I was thinking. “I’ll just go get a glass of water in the kitchen.”

“Sure. Help yourself.”

He hadn’t even left the room before I cleared him from my thoughts. I knelt beside the couch, brushing my fingers through Bristol’s dark waves before trailing my fingers over her forehead and down her nose. I laughed softly when her nose wrinkled, and she swatted at my fingers.

Long eyelashes fluttered before snapping open. Her guarded look eased when she saw it was me.

“Hey. What happened to the party?” I teased softly.

“You missed it,” she whispered as she captured my hand against her cheek and pressed her lips to my palm. “We fought all the aliens and saved the world while you were gone. Oh, and your daughter loves Captain America, just as I thought she would.”

I grinned. “Are you saying I’ve been replaced as the hero in her life?”

“I think you’re safe for now. But I can’t promise anything once she gets to know Thor.”

I chuckled. “So, an alien god of thunder is my only competition? No problem. So long asyoudon’t need anyone else.”

“Well, you do have the home-field advantage, so again, you’re safe.”

“I’m going to carry Lex to bed. Just so you know, my friend came home with me. He needs a place to crash. He’s hiding out in the kitchen for now.”

“Then I should probably go home.”

“Don’t. Please.” I glanced down at Lex. “Let me put her to bed, and I’ll introduce you. He’s cool.”

She sighed but nodded. I scooped Lex into my arms and carried her to her room. She only cracked her eyes marginally as I tucked her in, but she only reached for her stuffed bear, pulled it to her chest, and went back to sleep. I covered her and kissed the top of her head, then turned off the lights and pulled her door closed behind me.

Returning to the living room, I saw Nick had joined Bristol. She’d taken the blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped it around her shoulders, clutching it in the front. Bristol looked a little uncomfortable, so I was quick to make introductions.

“Oh, we already met this afternoon,” Nick said. “My van is at her garage. Hopefully, she’ll be able to fix it soon, and I’ll get out of your hair.”

“She’s the best there is,” I told him proudly. “I didn’t stop to think you might have actually met since you only mentioned whoever towed you.”

“I was there when Griff brought his van in,” she explained, surprising me with the cool tone of her voice. “I’ve promised to get him back on the road as soon as possible.”

I kissed her temple. “He’s in good hands,” I said proudly.

She darted a glance at Nick, then looked at me. “I think I’ll head home. I dropped off Buddy and Sterling there, and I shouldn’t leave them alone too long.”

My heart sank. I had other ideas for the night. I should have just taken Nick to the motel.

Nick must have sensed the awkwardness. “Please just pretend I’m not here. I don’t mean to ruin any plans.”

When neither Bristol nor I said anything, he grabbed his pack at his feet. “I’ll just go get a shower if that’s okay.”

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