Reckless (Brazen #2)(21)

Nikki looked up to see Seth and Zane with a grinning Jasmine sandwiched between them. She stifled her laughter when she saw a very bold blue streak down the side of Jasmine’s dark hair.

“Hey guys, you’re just in time,” J.T. said.

“In time for what?” Seth drawled. “Your ass-kicking?” Lucas snorted. “That already happened.”

Nikki reached over and punched him in the arm.

“Nikki has agreed to put me out of my misery and marry me,” J.T. announced with what she could only call extreme smugness.

“Hey that’s great!” Jasmine said, a wide smile on her face. She leaned over and kissed J.T. on the cheek. “Glad to see you finally wised up.”

“Congrats, man,” Seth offered.

Zane leaned down and kissed Nikki on the forehead. “Way to go, girl. Guess it’s true what they say about determined women.”

Jasmine arched one eyebrow. “Oh? And what’s that?” Zane grinned down at his wife. “That they always get their man?”

“Or men,” Nikki murmured mischievously.

Seth choked on his laughter, and J.T.’s arm tightened around her waist.

“That’s man singular to you, honey. Don’t you forget it either.” Nikki grinned and plastered a big, sloppy wet kiss on his lips.

“Can we get on with the beer drinking?” Lucas drawled. “I’ve had about all the mushy shit I can take for the day.”

There was a chorus of agreement from the guys as they all reached for mugs. Nikki sat back and snuggled deeper into J.T.’s arms.

The group crowded around the table, commandeered chairs from other tables, and soon they had one big crowd, laughing and drinking beer.

“Do you think you can be happy here?” J.T. whispered in her ear. “Here in Barley? I know the town hasn’t been good to you, but honey, I’ll always love you, and I’ll always protect you.”

She smiled. No, this town didn’t hold any appeal to her. But she was surrounded by family, good friends and the man she loved more than anything. What else could she ask for?

The town could go to hell. As long as she had J.T.’s love, she could take on anything.

“I love you,” she said simply as she stared into his dark eyes. “Wherever you are, I’ll always be happy.”

“Funny. I was going to say the exact same thing about you,” he said in his deep, tender voice.

She closed her eyes and burrowed her face into his chest. Yeah, dreams did come true. For so long she’d been afraid to dream. Afraid to chase her dreams. But dreams only landed in the laps of the heroines in fairy tales. She didn’t want a fairy tale. She wanted the real thing. She’d gone after hers.

And she got it.