Page 51 of Call it Reckless

Sure, Reid was attractive, excessively so if I was being honest. What woman wouldn’t like those strong arms that flexed tightly against the seams of his long sleeves, the long lashes that covered dark blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the skin’s surface and read what simmered beneath? Or how that strong jawline was covered with just the right amount of scruff to leave a slight burn between the thighs…

A touch on my arm pulled me from the dangerous path my thoughts had wandered onto.

You’re not his type, remember?

“Are you okay?”

I looked up to see Reid frowning at me. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

He paused a beat, then repeated, “I said I like having as much fun as anyone, so long as it’s safe.”

“If it weren’t safe, it wouldn’t be here. Speaking of, what areyoudoing here? Don’t you have a daughter at home or a speeding ticket to hand out?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but my daughter is having a sleepover at a friend’s house, and I have the weekend off. I’m here having a littlefunwith some friends.”

I saw Paige raise her hand. “Here we go, boys. Best thing I’ve had between my thighs in a long time,” she called, eliciting a ruckus of catcalls and offers to replace the bull.

I laughed as I watched the bull start rocking back and forth, then giving a slow spin. She swayed easily with the movements until the speed picked up. I saw her lips tighten as she focused, her body jerking more wildly as the movements of the bull took a spin, and she slipped off the side and landed with a bounce.

“Seven seconds! A great time for a first-timer,” the operator called. Paige stood and took a bow as the group clapped.

“That was so much fun,” she panted as she joined Reid and me. She looked Reid up and down. “I’m Paige. And you look like you might be worth getting on Santa’s naughty list for.”

Reid burst out laughing while I narrowed my eyes at her. Of course, she found him attractive, but why did it grate on my nerves that he laughed so easily with her?

He held out his hand. “I’m Reid Braxton.”

Her eyes widened, then darted my way. I gave a slight nod, and her lips pursed. “Ah, the deputy.”

“I see my reputation precedes me. I’m afraid I’ve already earned coal on Bristol’s list.”

Paige’s laughter joined his. “Don’t let it get to you. It just means you’ve gotten under her skin.” She turned her attention back to me, ignoring my frown. “It’s your turn.”

Glad to have a distraction from the man standing next to me, I started to pull off my boots, but in doing so, started to lose my balance. I flung my hand out, grabbing the closest thing, which, of course, was Reid’s arm. I felt the muscle flex beneath my grasp as I straightened.

His arm wrapped around my waist, and Reid leaned close. “Are you sure you’re okay to do this?”

“Worried about me again?”

“You obviously don’t worry enough about yourself,” he retorted. “You’ve only recently healed from a bad injury. Do you think it’s smart to get thrown from a moving object?”

His concern was touching, but I was never one to back down from a challenge. I rested my hands on my hips. “Tell you what, Deputy. You worry about you; I’ll worry about me. Besides, how bad can it be? It’s a soft landing.”

“It can still hurt. Is it worth it for only a couple of seconds?”

“That’s all you think I can last?”

He shrugged. “It’s harder than it looks.”

“You’ve tried it?”

“A long time ago.”

“Bet I can last longer than you.”

A gleam made his eyes glow like sapphires. “Yeah? What’s the bet?”

I smirked. The competitive side of me was excited. “I win, you pay my speeding ticket.”

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