Page 77 of Call it Reckless

Bristol came flying toward me, her arms open wide, and the biggest smile I’d ever seen on her stretched across her face. I caught her in a big hug and spun her around.

“That went great, don’t you think?” she asked with flushed cheeks.

“You were perfect.”

“And we’re already booked for the next two weeks.”

“I’m not surprised, sweetheart.”

And just because I could, I kissed her, and not just a peck. I claimed her for anyone who cared to watch, which apparently, someone was. A throat being cleared had Bristol pulling back.

“I’m sor—Tyler! I can’t believe you came!”

My hands fell to my side as she launched herself at him. His arms wrapped around her waist as he lifted her into a long hug.

He beamed down at her. “Wouldn’t have missed it for anything, honey.”

Honey?I just stared at them. He was what I guessed women would say was good-looking. He was tall with a lean, athletic build, and dark hair, and as much as I tried to find fault with him, he seemed like a nice guy. He was wearing khaki trousers and a button-down, collared, dark blue shirt, an outfit that stood out among all the jean-wearing, boot-shod folks.

Was this the kind of guy Bristol wanted?

“You should be so proud of yourself,” he was saying. “This is amazing.”

“You know, I think I am. Have you seen Chase and Cameron? Or Em? They’re all around here somewhere.”

“I saw them earlier.”

“Have you two met?” Bristol asked, her excited eyes bouncing between us.

“We were just getting to that when you interrupted.”

The man laughed, and Bristol continued. “Reid, this is my friend, Tyler Cranston. He was the doctor who initially helped me after the accident, even before I got to the hospital. Ty, this is Reid Braxton. He and I just started seeing each other.”

My shoulders straightened even further as she didn’t hesitate about sharing our new “status.” I loved that she wasn’t shy but claimed what she knew to be true. Her confidence was damn attractive.

Ty’s eyes widened slightly at my introduction, and his handshake grew firmer as he looked at me a little differently. “Nice to meet you.” Ty released my hand with a short shake.

Bristol returned to my side, and immediately, I felt more at ease.

“He and his—”

“Brillo!” A young voice cried.

Bristol whipped around just in time to catch a pint-sized whirlwind flinging herself at her legs. Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around her back to steady her.

“Whoa, speedy! Where’s the race?” Bristol laughed as she tossed the toddler-aged girl in the air.

“I mith you tho much,” she said, planting a kiss with a smacking sound on Bristol’s cheek.

“We all miss you, Bristol. But you look happy here.” A beautiful blonde joined the growing group, glancing sideways at me before focusing her fond smile at Bristol.

Bristol put the child down and welcomed the hug that the woman offered. It wasn’t with the same enthusiasm that had been given to Tyler and the child. Instead, it appeared more emotional. In fact, both women had tears in their eyes as they pulled away.

Obviously, these people were important to Bristol.

“I can’t believe you guys came all the way out here for this,” Bristol said, her voice unusually rough.

“We told you we would,” the blonde said as she moved to Tyler’s side. His arm went around her as he kissed the top of her head. “It’s what friends do.”

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