This is Reckless (Checkmate Duet 3)

After our little fun in the shower, we get dressed and head to the airport. We take the truck because Viola and Travis—plus their giant suitcases—would be squished in the Jeep. The whole way to the airport, Drew holds my hand in his, and it feels so natural. Goosebumps cover my body each time his thumb brushes against mine.

We pull up to the airport, and I keep glancing down at my phone waiting for Viola to text me. As soon as the text message arrives, I squeal.

“They just landed and are getting their bags,” I tell Drew and he smiles at me. “Oh, and I told Viola about us.”

His eyes widen. “You did what?”

At first, I think he’s going to be upset, and I worry if he wanted us to be kept a secret. Before my insecurities take over, Drew cracks a smile and laughs. “Actually, I figured you would. I’m not ashamed of you, Court. I don’t give a fuck who knows.”

“Even Mia?” I ask, calling his bluff.

“Especially Mia.”

My heart leaps with joy, and I scoot closer to him. Leaning over, he gives me a slow, sensual kiss, pulling my bottom lip into his mouth and sucking. His tongue brushes against mine, and when I close my eyes, I’m lost in the taste of him. I climb onto his lap and feel him harden beneath my ass as his hand trails up my shirt and grabs my breast. Before it gets too hot and heated, Viola and Travis open the passenger doors, and we both sit there with wide eyes. Drew nonchalantly removes his hand from under my shirt, but it’s a little too late for that.

“You said you wouldn’t believe it until you saw it,” Viola says to Travis. “So, now you’ve seen it.”

Travis laughs and mumbles something to her. She blushes, and I’m sure it’s something dirty.

I crawl off Drew’s lap and can’t stop smiling. I get out of the truck and so does Drew. Viola gives me a big hug and Travis and Drew load everything into the back.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she says out loud, and then whispers, “and you have to tell me everything.”

“I plan on it. Even the parts you don’t want to hear,” I whisper back.

We release our embrace, and she gives me a death glare then smiles so big. I know she’s happy for Drew and me. It’s what we’ve always wanted.

On the way to Travis and Viola’s house, they tell us about the trip. London sounds amazing, and I make them promise to bring me the next time they go. We hear about the castles and Universal Studios and how they took a train to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower. They’re both gleaming with happiness, and I’m overly happy for them and excited they’re finally home. I’ve missed Viola and Travis being a smartass at work, and I even miss the kids. For a moment, I think everything will go back to normal, but when Drew grabs my hand in his, in front of them, I realize that this is quickly becoming my new normal.

Before we arrive at their house, Viola speaks up. “So, when are you two getting married? Ginny and James need a cousin, and we’re not having any more children.”

I turn around and glare at Viola and Drew tenses, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone. “We’re not rushing, Vi. Go get those tubes untied.”

Travis quickly changes the subject. “When should I bring the check by for the annual benefit?”

“Shit,” Drew says and glances over at me and his mood shifts. Now I’m confused.

“What?” I say, wanting to know what his reaction meant. My heart drops, and for a split-second I think he’s going to tell me something terrible like Mia will be there or he’s going with someone else. Both stupid thoughts, but his hesitation is way too long.

“I kind of, sort of volunteered you to bake some of your amazing muffins.” Drew gives me a boyish grin, and my heart skips a beat. I relax because it’s not so bad, but after I realize what he said, my eyes widen.

“You did what?”

“I forgot to tell you last week. I’m sorry. I can call the chief and let him know you can’t do it. But they all love your muffins, and he asked, so I thought…”

I let out a deep breath. “No, that’s okay. I’ll do it. It’s just a few pans. But you’re making it up to me.” I give him a really evil grin, and he glances over at me knowing exactly what I’m referring to.

Nervously laughing, he says, “I actually need five hundred.”

“Drew!” Viola and I say in unison.

Now Travis is really laughing hard.

“Five hundred muffins? That’s going to take me days, which is going to be a lot of making up for you to do.”