Page 39 of Call it Reckless

“Er, no.” Across the room, I saw Paige wipe her hand across her brow and blow out a breath as her latest attendee left her chair.

Perfect timing.

“Look. I think Paige is ready for you.”

Lexi skipped across the room, a state I was sure Miss Pettigrew would correct if she were here. Paige smiled warmly at her, never betraying how tired she had to be.

“So, you’re a product of Miss Eliza?”

I grimaced as I faced Reid. “I wouldn’t go that far, and shedefinitelywouldn’t.” I rested my hands on my hips. “Thanks for saying what you did. And I’m sorry I stuck myself in there as accompanying you to dinner. Neither you nor Lexi looked like you wanted to sit with her. I didn’t want Lexi’s evening spoiled. She should enjoy the moment.”

He was silent as he stared at me, his eyes softening as he took me in. “Lexi and I would be happy to sit with someone socool.”

I waved my hand in dismissal. “You don’t have to say that. I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to attend, so I don’t mind if I miss out.”

“But I would.”

His voice, so strong and sure, gave me pause. Was he saying hewantedto spend time with me?

“If I do, the gossips will have a field day with it.”

He shrugged. “I’ve got news for you, Ms. Allen. They’re already talking about you.”

Ugh.God only knew what he’d been hearing about me. I tried to push that thought aside. “Why, Deputy, are you saying you’re not worried about your image?”

He didn’t bat an eye at my teasing. Instead, he winked back. “You have Mayor Sterling’s stamp of approval. That makes you okay in my book. Unless you care what people like Sybil think, of course.”

He threw the challenge down so casually that I almost missed it. In the past, working with my dad, it would have been easy to say I didn’t care. I attended several functions with my dad, but he always stole the spotlight, something I didn’t care about but he ate up.

After the accident, I became a bigger name, bigger fodder for gossip and lies. It was one reason I took my time to return to Sterling Mill. I didn’t want to bring that unwanted attention back to my siblings or the people of the town when I didn’t know how they’d receive me.

But now, I was front and center. I was opening a business that I needed to succeed, not just for me, but for Paige.

It was time I proved I wasn’t the brazen, reckless girl I once was.

“In that case, Deputy, I’d be delighted to join you and Lexi.”

He smiled, and something that looked like a gleam of approval brightened his eyes.

Lexi rejoined us, followed by Paige.

“Well, looks like I saved the best for last,” Paige commented. “You have a lovely daughter.”

Reid looked at Lexi and beamed. “I do. You look beautiful, cupcake.”

She did. Paige had braided her long hair, starting on one side of her head and working her way down and across to the other side, then rounding it into a small bun at the back of Lexi’s head. She placed a silk flower in the center. It was elegant, but appropriate for a young girl. Much more becoming than the tiara.

He looked back at me. “Shall we meet you downstairs in front of the ballroom, say, six o’clock?”

I nodded. “I’ll be there.”

As he and Lexi left, I watched them. Reid held his daughter’s hand and smiled at her as she talked. It was a scene that brought back vivid memories of a different father and daughter.

“What’s that all about?”

I blinked back the tears as I turned to my friend. “I think you have one more client.”

Her eyebrow arched. “Who?”

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