This is Reckless (Checkmate Duet 3)

Jackson and John walk up to the table, and I can’t tell them apart until they start talking, I think.

“Hey there,” Jackson says, or maybe it’s John.

I’m starting to get used to the way they over-pronounce their R’s.

He notices I’m not taking my eyes off Courtney who’s still talking to that guy a little too close.

Jackson chugs his wine. “Oh, that there is one of Courtney’s ex-boyfriends. Bastard. If we weren’t at a family event, I’d kick his ass for doing what he did to her.” Jackson looks over at John like he wants some sort of approval.

I stand up, ready to join him.

“Hold up, Tonto, she ain’t got eyes for nobody but you. That loser right there would have never made it with my sister. He cries like a pussy and can’t take a punch. So, let’s just chill.” I know for a fact it’s John speaking now because he’s the peacekeeper of the two.

Seeing her close to someone else uncovers emotions I hadn’t felt before. It’s jealousy in the rawest form, but I’ve never seen someone look at her that way since we’ve been together, especially someone she has a past with. Sure, guys stare at her often, but it was the closeness and the way he allowed his hand to linger that bothers me.

Jackson and John continue talking about work that has to be done in the morning when their Dad walks up. Jackson tilts his head, and John takes the cue, and within seconds they walk away.

“So,” Scott takes a sip of whiskey, and I don’t question where he got it because they are only serving wine. “My daughter…”

I look over at Courtney who’s still chatting away with the man who’s undressing her with his eyes.

“Yes, sir,” I say, turning my head toward him.

“There were times I wished my little girl would come back from California and stay home. She gave up her trust fund until I decide otherwise because California makes her happy. Now that I see her with you, I realize it’s not California that makes her happy; it’s you. So, here’s your warning, son; don’t make me regret accepting this relationship of yours. She’s hardheaded, but she loves hard, so treat her right.”

He holds out his rough and strong hand, and I take it in mine. There’s an unspoken agreement being made, and I willingly accept. When he releases my hand, I have no doubt he could break every bone in my body. His face is worn and rough like leather from working in the sun, but he has soft, caring blue eyes, like the rest of the Bishops. I have nothing but respect for him as he stands in front of me, drinking whiskey like water. Courtney walks up, and she eyes her dad then looks to me before giving him a big hug. He eyes me over her shoulder, and his words are clear—hurt my daughter and you’ll regret it. Then just like that, he walks away.

“Did he threaten to murder you?” she asks, her breath smelling like grapes and strawberries.

“In so many words.” I wrap my arm around her waist. “So, who was that?” I nod my head over to where they were standing.

“Who?” she asks, nonchalantly.

“The guy who was eye fucking you for the last ten minutes.”

“Oh, you saw that. That’s Toby.”

“Wait, that was Toby? Your ex?” My jaw clenches because I know he’d broken her heart into little pieces. I’d heard the sadness in her voice many times when she’d talked about him.

“He was holding you a little too tight.” I finish my wine.

“Oh, my gosh. Deputy is jealous.” She’s enjoying this way too much.

“I don’t like sharing what’s mine.”

“Just know he’s an ex because he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. I don’t really like sharing what’s mine either, Deputy.”

“What’s he doing here?” I’m trying to put the pieces together.

She laughs. “He’s a family friend. We started dating a long time ago in high school. He moved to California to be with me and cheated like the sorry-ass loser he is. My brothers hated him and hog-tied him a few times to teach him a damn lesson. He made me cry a little too much back then and continued to do so over the years. Looking back at it, I know why they hated him.”

“He never deserved you.” I don’t want to imagine her with anyone else and I know it’s been years since their nasty breakup, but just knowing he hurt her makes me want to kick his little punk ass.

She wraps her arms around my neck just as a slow song starts playing. “The only person I want to bring home tonight is you. You know that, right? I think it’s cute you’re jealous. Kinda gives you a glimpse of what I put up with all those years.”