Page 26 of Reckless

I’m almost tempted to say Tori looks embarrassed at thespread.

She tucks her hands in the back pockets of her cutoffs and nods. “That okay?” She glances up at me, her hair tumbling over her shoulders and hiding half of her face. “I probably should’ve asked first. There’s more than enough for you guys for dinner. If you don’t mind eating the same thinglater.”

“This is amazing.” I get my daughter seated next to me and prop Cody on my lap while I dig in. Flavor explodes on my tongue with the perfect spices and just the right amount of mayo. The meat practically melts in mymouth.

I’m two bites in and halfway through a whole sandwich when Logan strolls up to our impromptulunch.

“Did ya bring enough for me too?” he asks Tori, who is standing between me and Cody, helping him dig into a Tupperware of food that’s been cut into toddler-sized pieces.Shit. I should be doingthat.

She tucks a long strand of hair behind her ear. “We brought plenty. I wasn’t sure how hungry Ethan would be, so if he doesn’t mindsharing…”

I’m tempted to growl and keep this for myself, except my brother has been busting his ass allday.

Nodding toward the empty chair across from me, I don’t bother to stop devouring mylunch.

He takes one look at the spread and wraps an arm around Tori and kisses the top of her head. “This fu— freaking rocks. You’re amazing.” Squeezing her harder, he looks at me. “Isn’t sheamazing?”

Tori gives him a self-depreciating smile, and her cheeksheat.

I pause mid-bite, frozen with the very real desire to peel Logan off Tori with my fist. “Stop mauling the woman and sit your butt down and eat.” My attention darts back to Tori. “Yes, she’samazing.”

She averts her eyes, like she’s at a loss for words.Interesting.

“You gonna join us?” I peek in the basket and notice the last of the oatmeal cookies my mom made thisweekend.

“No. I, um, I lose my appetite when I cook. From smelling the food all that time, I guess.” She turns to Mila and unwraps her sandwich carefully so the thick chunks of meat don’t fallout.

“Make sure you eat at some point so my kids don’t run you ragged. I can watch them for a bit if you need a break. I didn’t intend for you to do a marathon cooking session while you babysat. Thought they could eat some chicken nuggets or mac and cheese or something easy forlunch.”

Shrugging, she turns those big hazel eyes up to mine. “It’s not a big deal. I like to cook, and your kitchen is amazing, so that makes it really fun. I don’t mind. But if you have any requests, let me know ahead of time so I can make sure you have all of theingredients.”

Logan leans forward in his seat. “You takerequests?”

I toss my napkin at his face. “Not fromyou.”

He chuckles and winks at Tori, and I force myself not to clench my fists. Not sure why that bothers me, but it does. Logan’s a flirt. That’s who he is, but watching him fawn over Tori gets under myskin.

When we’re done eating, I head out into the main part of the barn. My kids are hanging off my brother when I notice Tori reaching up to pet one of our buckskin quarter horses,who’s leaning his head out of his stall and enjoying the attention. Can’t say I blamehim.

Her slender arms wrap around his neck, and she nuzzles him with her face. The moment is such a sweet one that it draws me closer. Allison never came back here. Never cared about the horses. Makes me wonder if things would’ve been different if she had. It’s not like I never invited her to see what I did. Would’ve loved to have her appreciate what my family and I spent our whole livesbuilding.

“What’s his name?” Tori asks, her eyes full of wonder and appreciation for the magnificent animal in herarms.

Reaching behind his ear, I give him a good scratch. “Moves Like Mick Jagger, but I call himMick.”

“That’s a crazy name.” She slides her hands over him, a beautiful smile on herface.

“You ride?” I’m wildly curious now given how comfortable she is pettingMick.

“Nope.”

Hmm.“Wannalearn?”

Her bright eyes shift to mine. “Really?”

“Sure. Whynot?”

She bites that full lower lip. “You spend so much time with these guys. Why would you want to work more to show me how toride?”

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