Reed's Reckoning

“I think I should try to talk to her. Since she got away Monday morning, maybe I can get her number and set up a meeting in a public place.”

“I hate to agree, but maybe it will sink in if you tell her there’s no chance for a relationship.”

He nods his head and takes out his phone. Trey sends him Alex’s number a few minutes later and he looks at me apprehensively. I squeeze his hand for encouragement and then finish dinner.

“Alex, this is Reed Matthews. I was hoping we could talk.”

Silence

“Alex, this is not a date. Can you meet me tomorrow at the café on Twelfth at eleven am?”

Silence

“I don’t know what you mean, but we can discuss it tomorrow. I think it’s time we got some stuff straightened out. See you then.”

He hangs up and drops his head to his chest. “That woman may just scare me a little. You would have thought I was asking her to run away with me.”

“Sick. I am really worried about her. Hopefully tomorrow you can set things straight and we can move on.”

“You know we only have two more weekends here at the beach house. After this fucking meeting tomorrow, I want to take advantage of that.”

“Yeah, I want low key. I have to go to that birthday party in the morning and then want to relax. The commute for you this week has been hell.”

“Not really the commute, babe, it’s the practice in the hundred degree heat with powerhouse two hundred and twenty pound corners and safety’s coming after me. I’m a little out of practice and they aren’t taking it easy. Don’t worry I’ll get my mojo back.”

“Sweetheart, are you sure you’re ready?”

“Yep, it feels great to be out there again. I didn’t realize how much I missed it. Now I have extra motivation too.” He frames my face with his hands and kisses me gently.

“I hate to tell you, babe, but I’ve never hidden the fact I am clueless about football. I think you need to give me lessons. I don’t want to look like an idiot at my first NFL game.”

“Gladly. Now let’s eat. I want to finish dinner and have dessert in bed tonight.” He wags his eyebrows at me and my skin tingles.

“Reed, I’ve always been a fan of dessert before dinner.” I walk by him sliding my shorts off and toss them on the ground. When I hit the threshold to the bedroom, I strip my shirt and stand in just my black lace bra and panties. The look on his face is primal and he turns off the stove and practically runs to me. I try to get away, but he throws me on the bed and covers my body with his own.

“Have I told you I like when you show your vixen side?”

“Only for you.”

“Fucking better be. Now let’s talk about that dessert.”

Reed

The hostess recognizes me when I enter the café and for once, I wish my face were anonymous. I’ve never minded the attention I get, but today I want to be invisible so no one gets the wrong idea. It was hard to leave Ari this morning and I could tell she was anxious about this meeting. She tried to keep a smile on her face and share Davis’s excitement over the birthday party, but it was strained. When I kissed her goodbye, I felt her holding back. We’ve come too far for her to close down again. This Alex shit has got to stop.

I saw Trey’s car across the street when I arrived. I should have known he would be watching. A part of me is glad to know he has my back if things don’t go well.

I ask for a two top near the back so Alex doesn’t get the wrong idea and try to sit next to me. She arrives on time and the hostess looks at me oddly when I back away from Alex’s attempt at a hug.

“Reed, I am so glad you called. It’s been too long since we’ve had a chance to catch up.” She purrs. Her sundress is so skimpy I wonder if it was made to be a shirt.

“Not a social visit, Alex. I want some answers and then I want you to leave me alone.”

“No need to be so rude.”

“Rude? You think this is rude? After what you did to Ari and me? What is wrong with you?”

“Oh for God’s sake. I did you a favor. I’m sorry I didn’t save you sooner. But I guess now you will want to be a part of that boy’s life. I’ll deal.” She waves her hand dismissively.

Black spots cloud my vision and I’m positive my blood pressure just spiked. “Are you insane? How can you even think you did me a favor? That’s my fucking family. And I can promise you will never get close enough to Davis to touch him.”