Reckless(86)

Clearing my throat, I shrug. “We’ve texted a bit. Had two awkward phone calls. He’s up early and exhausted by the time he’s ready to crash. Not super-conducive to being chatty on the phone.”

My big plan to keep this relationship going while I’m back in Austin is slowly withering away. Ethan’s not big on the phone. He’s clearly not comfortable texting. Those are required criteria for living in different towns, even though they’re not terribly far apart.

The whole thing makes me irritable. I’m trying to be optimistic. He called me. Twice. He says he misses me. That’s something. But I won’t bang down his door while he has so much going on.

I have one small bright spot. He said once we wrap up the party, he wants to take me out on that date.

Hopefully we’ll be able to talk for real. To find some time to connect. Because right now, he feels like a stranger.

But first I have to get through the party with Allison and her friends.

Kat wipes the counter. “You still doing the food for Cody’s birthday?”

“Yup.” Beverly gave me the head count yesterday, and I almost choked on my spit. Sixty-five people and rising. Thank you for inviting the entire county, Allison. “Bev said I could hire a caterer, to save the bill, and they’d reimburse me.”

“That’s a relief.”

I roll my eyes. “Ethan can’t afford a caterer. Except for the cake, I’m going to make everything.” She gasps, and I look at her sharply. “You think I can’t pull it off?”

“No, of course you can. It’s just a lot of work.”

“Newsflash. I’m a hard worker.” I might mess up once in a while, but I always give my whole heart. This way, Ethan only has to pay for the ingredients.

“Of course you are. I’m not suggesting you’re not.”

“I’ll keep it simple.”

I have to pray I don’t screw up for once and hope that Allison and I can stay out of each other’s way at the party.

I might need a miracle.





49





Ethan





“You need help bringing everything over?” With one shoulder, I hold the phone to my ear while I button my jeans.

Tori pauses on the other end. “I can manage, but thanks.”

“I can’t believe you made all that food. You’re a stubborn woman, you know that?” She laughs, and it sounds so goddamn good. It makes me realize I don’t know the last time I heard her laugh, and that’s wrong.

“I’ve been told that once or twice,” she says softly.

“Listen, I know you were trying to save me some money, which I appreciate, but I want to pay you for the time you spent cooking. I’m sure you’ve busted your ass on this like you do with everything, so I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“I wasn’t doing this because I wanted to get paid, Ethan.”

I smile at the fierceness in her voice. My girl is balls to the wall. Love that about her. “Darlin’, I didn’t say you were.”

She huffs. “I’m doing this because—”

“Because you’re awesome and you love Cody. I get it. I’m still paying you.” She might be my girlfriend, but there’s no way I’m gonna take advantage of her time or good intentions. “Now get your ass over here. I fucking miss you.”

Can’t believe I haven’t seen her in almost two weeks. This shit ends now. I’d gotten the impression she wanted space, that maybe the kids and I had overwhelmed her. After Cody took a bath in butter, Tori looked like she’d had enough of our antics and needed a break. God knows my children and I are a handful, but time’s up. She’s mine, and she belongs here with me.

If she’ll have me.



* * *



The sound of tires along the gravel in front of my house is music to my ears. Peeking out the front blinds, I spot Tori hopping out of Kat’s truck.

So she’ll drive her sister’s truck but doesn’t wanna drive mine? What’s that about?

“Logan,” I call out. “Keep an eye on the kids. Gonna help Tori unload.”

That’s a mistake because they hear me.

My two daredevils come tearing down the hall screaming my girlfriend’s name, and I smile. They miss her too.

I was hoping to have a minute with Tori to kiss her until she begged to stay tonight. I’ll have to drag her away during the party at some point to make that happen.

“All right.” I open the front door and hoist my son into my arms. “C’mere, bud.” He’s too excited. With my luck, he’ll take a tumble and land face first. That’s no way to start a birthday party.

Tori is a vision in jeans and a white tank. Hair blowing in the wind. All that beautiful golden skin. And fuck me, that smile.

“Hey, babe.” I kiss her forehead, and she grins up at me while hugging my daughter, who’s attached herself to Tori’s leg. “We’ve missed you around here.”

“Yeah?” Her eyes widen. The vulnerability coming off her makes my stomach tighten. Why does she seem surprised?

“So much.”

Doesn’t she know that? How much we want her here?

Fuck, haven’t I told her how much I need her? I hadn’t wanted to overwhelm her, but now I’m wondering if she’s been waiting for me.