Reckless
by Elsie Silver
Published by Bloom Books
Book 4 in the Chestnut Springs Series
He's scorching-hot trouble wrapped up in a drool-worthy package. And he's looking at her like she might be his next meal.
Theo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies' man. Winter Hamilton knows exactly what it means when he eyes her like that. But she's almost free of her toxic marriage and has sworn off men entirely. So all she sees when she looks back at Theo is temptation served up with a heaping side of heartbreak. The man is hard to trust--but, it turns out, even harder to resist.
Make that impossible. Because Theo is persistent. And no matter how hard Winter tries to freeze him out, he melts her icy exterior and pulls apart all her defenses. Over a drink in a small-town bar, she finds herself blurting out her deepest, darkest secrets. Then, she spends the singular hottest night of her life with the man she never thought she'd say yes to.
He worships her body. He makes her blush. She comes alive beneath his hands. Then she tells him to forget it ever happened. She wants simple, and with him it all feels complicated.
It was supposed to be a one-time thing. A secret.
But that little plus sign is going to make this secret impossible to keep.
Genre
Triggers
Unexpected Pregnancy, No-Contact Parent, Injury
I don't normally love a pregnancy trope, but I gotta say ...
I really liked this one.
I actually think Reckless nudges out Heartless from the top 1 spot in this series for me. Something I didn't think was possible, because grumpy/sunshine is my holy grail.
But ...
Reckless was hot.
Well, technically this whole series is hot, but Reckless especially had my toes curling.
The flashes of memory to Winter and Theo's first encounter was even sexier than a full length chapter. Their chemistry throughout the book was insane, and I couldn't read this book fast enough.
It wasn't just hot though.
It was sweet. It was romantic.
Winter's self-reflection and journey felt realistic. Her thoughts and feelings on the trauma her family left on her, her reaction to that trauma, and how it controlled the narrative of her adult life just seemed like something that would and could happen to anyone.
Winter learning to forgive herself, distancing herself from the toxic people in her life, and seeking forgiveness from those she wronged, made what should have been a difficult character to like one of the most interesting characters in the series.
Of course, I don't expect everyone to like her. It's a bit like Nesta from ACOTAR. You either forgive what she has done and love her, or you hate her. I'm one of those ones who genuinely loves Nesta's character, so it's no surprise I love Winter as well.
What surprised me even more was that having a baby included in the story didn't effect the love story at all. Theo and Winter, despite their opposite personalities, had that instant chemistry before a child was involved. If Theo didn't leave for work, and didn't distance himself from distractions, they would have built something from the start. And obviously, the ... unfortunate circumstance ... that keeps him from rushing back to Winter plays its role as well.
After Winter and Theo's introductions in Flawless, I wasn't sure I would like a book featuring them. Winter's cold exterior from her sister's POV was an initial turn off, and Theo was young and immature. The magic of a time jump, and being in their POV's made Reckless my favorite of the series.
Winter: “That’s funny. I liked you better when I thought you hadn’t groomed my little sister and then fucked her over.”
He scoffs. Scoffs.
Rob: “That’s not how it was. She was obsessed with me.”
My nose wrinkles, smelling the bullshit wafting off of him.
Winter: “A much older doctor saves his underage patient’s life. Uses his physical appeal and power over her to get her eating out of his hand. Becomes a hero to her. Then, as soon as she turns eighteen, starts fucking her on the down-low like she’s some sort of dirty secret. And when he meets her older, more appropriate sister, he drops her like a stone and marries the one that won’t cost him his job for a medical license violation. Oh!”
—my finger shoots up in the air—
Winter: “except, here’s the kicker. He doesn’t give up on the younger one quite yet. He stalks her and harasses her, sabotaging every new relationship of hers just because he can. Or maybe it makes him feel better about that receding hairline he tries to cover up.”
Winter: “For what you’ve done to me? I am indifferent to you. For what you’ve done to her? I hate you.
Put me on an angry bull? I’m fine.
Put me on a big boat with no land anywhere in sight? Hard pass. I saw an Oprah episode about people who go missing on those, and I’m too young and pretty to die.
No preamble. Just comes out swinging. She’s tiny and ferocious. I feel like Peter Pan getting reamed by Tinkerbell.
Winter rubs her temples like she has a headache. I consider offering her an aspirin from my truck, or an orgasm. I hear those help too.
Rhett is laughing. At me. Not with me.
Rhett: “You’re an idiot, Theo.”
I shake my head.
Theo: “Dude. I think I’m in love with your sister-in-law. She’s so fiery.”
Now it’s Rhett shaking his head, like he knows something I don’t. And I follow him into the house because I want to know more.
I want to know more about Winter Valentine.
Like when that divorce is happening.
Winter: “Well, now you have a window into how women feel in your presence.”
Theo: “Is that why they scream Oh Theo, this is so boring! when I’m inside them?”
I snort and gaze up at him, blushing a little at the knowing look in his eye.
It’s unnerving. He’s unnerving. So I volley. Hoping I can wound him enough to make him leave me alone.
Winter: “They just tell you that so you’ll finish and stop flopping around on top of them.”
Theo: “Do you think? Maybe we could arrange a time when you can instruct me on how to flop less. I do love to practice.”
Mom: You should have come on this cruise. The weather is glorious.
Theo: Do you even understand how weird it is to look for dates together as a family? Confined to a boat? I would throw myself over the railing.
Mom: It seems to me that getting along with the family is a pretty important feature when choosing a boyfriend or girlfriend. Not that I’d know. You never introduce me to anyone. Theo: I don’t have any girlfriends to introduce you to.
Mom: I think it’s more like you have too many.
Theo: “Oh? Did you take a special winter driving class at med school?”
Winter: “Did you at bull riding school?”
she snipes with some venom, but I just want to laugh.
Theo: “Don’t be ridiculous. Bull riders don’t go to school. We’re lucky if we learn how to tie our shoes and brush our teeth.”
I give her a flash of my pearly whites, not caring that everyone is watching us.
Winter: “I already know you can’t tie your shoes. The hygiene part doesn’t come as much of a surprise either, if I’m being honest.”
Theo: “Flattered you looked long enough to notice my boots weren’t tied. And I’d be happy to prove you wrong about my hygiene since you’re clearly very invested.”
Cade: “Careful, that one’s got claws,”
Cade offers right as Willa shoves a pointy elbow into his ribs.
I grin.
Theo: “That’s okay. I like having my back scratched.”
Now her lips do tip up, but it’s practiced.
Winter: “That holds a certain appeal.”
Theo: “Watching me walk away? Busted you doing that earlier already.”
I wink as I jog down the stairs and hit the button to unlock my truck.
Winter: “You are incorrigible.”
Theo: “Oooh! Incorrigible! Great word. Very Bridgerton. I could role-play the duke if that’s something you’re into.”
I tug her driver-side door open and gesture to usher her in, but she stops in her tracks. Finally looking amused.
Winter: “You know Bridgerton?”
Theo: “Yes. They even taught me how to read at bull riding school.”
Winter: “You read Bridgerton?”
She’s so impressed by my ability to read that she still doesn’t move, so I leave the door open and carry on to my truck. I laugh as I haul myself up into the driver’s seat.
Theo: “Stole them from my mom for teenaged spank bank fodder.”
Her responding gasp makes me laugh harder and I call out,
Theo: “Let’s go, Tink! We’re off to Neverland!”
right as I slam my door.
Winter: “Is this some stupid karma shit?”
Theo: “No, it’s entirely self-serving. I have this thing where if I’m shitty to someone, it eats me up inside. So, if I’m just nice, it makes me happy. Being negative is exhausting, ya know? And I don’t have time to nap.”
Winter: “Weird.”
Winter: “So, you’re not a total manwhore?”
His mouth twists.
Theo: “I’m outgrowing that phase. But people see what they want. Imagine if I gave them all my fucks over that when I know deep down what kind of man I am?”
Theo: “When I didn’t win at the end of this season, I made it a goal to redouble my focus. Grow up a notch. That’s why I’m here, training with Rhett and Summer. More workouts, less . . . play. All work and no play makes Theo a dull boy.”
Winter: “I don’t think I know what it’s like to be properly fucked.”
Amusement and shock war on his face.
Theo: “You’ve officially had too much to drink.”
Winter: “I have not. You’re just using that as an excuse. If you aren’t interested, just be direct. I’m a doctor. I understand how the biology of attraction works. You can’t force it. I get it.”
When I glance back up, the expression on his face is primal. He’s beautiful, and I’m instantly struck by the realization that I’m an idiot. This man is out of my league. He’s too good looking. Too experienced.
Winter: “You know what? Forget I said anything. I’ve got this whole uptight spinster thing happening and I don’t blame you for—”
Theo: “Winter. I’d have properly fucked you in the back room of that gas station if you’d asked me.”
One night only. We never tell anyone. But I’ll probably beg you for another shot, eventually.
- Theo Silva
Theo: “I can’t wait to see how fucking pretty you look when you come with my name on your lips.”
Summer: “Theo. You’re a sack of shit this morning.”
I flop back on the mat and decide I’ll just die here in a pool of my sweat.
Theo: “Summer, you look sweet, but you’re kind of an asshole.”
Winter: Do you have access to the gym? You dance there after hours sometimes, right?
Sloane: Yeah. Sometimes when I can’t sleep. I use the Zumba studio.
Winter: Can I get you to let me in?
Sloane: But it’s 10 p.m.
Winter: Yeah, I know. I just got off work.
Sloane: Am I allowed to ask why you need to go into your sister’s business after hours?
Winter: You can ask, but I won’t tell you.
Sloane: Does it have to do with your murder plot?
Winter: Yes. I’m making you my accessory.
Sloane: New friendship level unlocked! I’ll be out front in five.
I can resent him and still like his ass. That’s perfectly acceptable.
Winter: “How many concussions have you had, Theo?”
Her voice is emotionless, but confident. Very doctor-y.
I sigh.
Theo: “A lot.”
Winter: “How many is a lot?”
Theo: “We talking diagnosed or suspected?”
Her head flips away.
Winter: “Jesus Christ.”
Theo: “Last time I got one, I was told not to get any more.”
Winter: “How long ago was that?”
Theo: “Probably three concussions ago.”
Her head taps back against the single seat she’s strapped into.
Winter: “I can’t even tell if you’re joking right now.”
Theo: “I’m not joking, just trying to lighten the blow. No pun intended.”
Theo: “I think Dr. Hamilton is right,”
I pipe up, lasering my eyes in on hers even though I’m addressing the other doctor in the room.
Theo: “I’d like to go for a CT, just to be safe. I’d hate to pull a McDreamy.”
Theo: “Peter doesn’t air hump.”
Rhett: “Why does your dog have a human name? Everything sounds so much weirder when I imagine an accountant or something air humping. Plus, Summer sent me a video of him humping my pillow when we took care of him.”
Theo: “That’s not air humping though. That’s him humping your pillow. Don’t judge him.”
Peter lets out a loud snore beside me, not at all bothered by the phone call.
Mom: “Oh, is that little Peter?”
Leave it to Rhett to ruin my dog’s name. Little Peter does distinctly sound like a penis. But I’m not about to tell my mom th—
Mom: “God. Every time I say that dog’s name, I think of a dick.”
Theo: “I think she’s okay. Happy but overwhelmed, if that makes sense?”
Mom: “That makes perfect sense. If I wrote a dictionary, that might be the definition I put under motherhood.”
Theo: “It’s just an Americano.”
He gestures the cup to me again. I take it, realizing I’m staring at him, wondering why he’s bringing me coffee.
Theo: “I didn’t know what you like.”
I stare down at the lid, almost teary over the fact he’s here. Even though I dropped a bomb on him last night, he’s bringing me coffee.
Theo: “Other than tequila and doggy style—fuck.”
He swipes a hand through his perfectly tousled hair.
Theo: “Sorry. Can you say something so I stop making awkward jokes to fill the silence?”
Winter: “It means ‘alive’ and, well . . . she made me feel alive again. She made it when my last baby didn’t. And it felt like a good adult name, you know? Like she could be prime minister with a name like that.”
Theo hums happily and smiles down at Vivienne.
Theo: “Prime minister? Good for you, girl. I can’t wait to tell people my daughter is the prime minister.”
Theo: “Go take a bath, Winter.”
Winter: “What?”
Theo: “Take that coffee and go run yourself a bath. Close the door. Put some music on. Watch some porn. Go have a moment to yourse—”
I bark out a laugh.
Winter: “You did not just tell me that. In front of a young, impressionable mind, no less.”
The grin he hits me with is pure knowing. He knows what he does to me, I’m sure of it. The way his eyes peruse my body is proof. I don’t think I’m the only one who vividly remembers that night.
Theo: “Tink, please. I might not know you all that well, but I have a sinking suspicion that the future prime minister’s first word might be fuck.”
Sloane: You deserve it.
Winter: Do I?
Sloane: Yes. Hot baths and a hot baby daddy. You deserve the world.
Winter: He really is hot.
Sloane: Hotter with a baby I bet.
Winter: You have no idea.
Theo: “I feel like I’ve missed a lot of firsts, Winter. That’s what I was going to say. I feel like an interloper, but I don’t want to. I wish I’d been there to see her grow. To see you grow. To be at the birth.”
I sniff.
Winter: “Willa took a very graphic video. I can show you sometime.”
Theo: “I would love that.”
Winter: “It’s not sexy.”
I side-eye him and he scrunches his brow.
Winter: “It will ruin any splendid memories of my vagina you might have.”
Theo: “Nah. That’s impossible. Those memories are why my right forearm is bigger than my left.”
Theo: “I could fucking bury whoever made you believe you’re as unlovable as you seem to think.”
Winter: “Oh my god. Do you have other children with other women? You’re on the road so much. You’re already so good with her. You could have baby mamas all over the place.”
His big brown eyes go wide, and then he barks out a disbelieving laugh before he tips my face up to his. Exactly how he did in the elevator that night. He bends down and whispers against my skin,
Theo: “No, Winter. You’re my only baby mama.”
And then he swaggers out the door, like that’s a perfectly normal thing to say.
Jasper: “Wait.”
Sweet Jasper looks genuinely confused. I owe Sloane a flat of Buddyz Best lager for keeping this secret as close as she has.
Jasper: “The only thing I remember about you two is that entertaining spat you had in the driveway.”
Willa: “Yes!”
Willa’s eyes light up as she jabs her finger in Jasper’s direction, her voice full of energy.
Willa: “That was a good one!”
And based on how memorable that altercation seems for everyone else, I must have made a real ass of myself.
Harvey gives a derisive snort.
Harvey: “Come on. Don’t you kids know anything? You ever seen a tomcat fight a female?”
Willa’s body is taut with barely contained laughter, while Cade groans and scrubs a hand over his beard.
Harvey: “They start off scratching and screaming at each other—”
Cade: “Dad, please stop.”
Cade braces his forearms against the edge of the table, staring at his place setting.
Harvey: “And then before you know it . . .”
Harvey carries on, undeterred.
Rhett: “Dad.”
Now even Rhett is trying to make him stop.
Jasper: “Before you know it what, Harv?”
It’s Jasper who gives the older man the final shove he needs, ignoring the light slap Sloane lands across his chest. Harvey shrugs matter-of-factly.
Harvey: “Before you know it, they’re breeding. Kittens everywhere. That saying about cats in heat didn’t come from nowhere.”
A chorus of groans ring out around the table.
Winter: “Thank you for that explanation, Harvey. When Vivienne gets older and asks how we met, I’ll be sure to drop her off with you.”
Cade: “No,”
Cade jumps in.
Cade: “Don’t give him any ideas. Young, impressionable minds do not need the Harvey Eaton version of the birds and the bees.”
Luke: “I think when Grandpa told me about the birds and the bees, he used rabbits instead,”
Luke adds innocently.
Harvey: “Yeah.”
Harvey laughs.
Harvey: “There’s a saying about rabbits too, ya know?”
I see him startle a bit as his eyes shoot over to Cordelia, who clearly kicked him under the table.
Harvey: “But . . .”
His eyes gauge the large group of people staring back at him in varying states of amusement.
Harvey: “That’s not appropriate dinner conversation.”
Luke, all of seven years old, scoffs before saying,
Luke: “Yeah, Dad will lose it if you say ‘fucking like bunnies’ in front of me again.”
His eyes go round as saucers, and he slaps a small hand over his mouth like he might be able to shove the words back in. Cade’s chair screeches as he shoots up to standing.
Cade: “Lucas Eaton, outside. Now.”
Luke drops his eyes and shoots Willa a playful little grin from under the fringe of his new longer hairstyle.
Cade: “You too, Harvey.”
Willa leans across the table and whispers loudly,
Willa: “Shit, Harv, you’ve made Daddy mad now.”
Julia: I’m a little surprised this is the first time this has happened.
Theo: Jules, don’t you have some homework to do or something?
Julia: I feel like you could be that guy who has kids cropping up left and right if you ever do one of those ancestry DNA tests.
Theo: It’s not my fault I’m so fertile that no barrier can stop me.
Julia: Gross. You’re my brother. That’s the line.
Mom: Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
Rhett: “Wow. Alright. It’s just that Winter is kind of—”
Theo: “What?”
I cut him off.
Theo: “Strong? Intelligent? A fantastic fucking mom? Because if you were thinking words about her that are anything less than positive, then you’ve found the line.”
Rhett: "But you know it doesn’t mean you have to like Winter. She’s a complicated woman. I mean, she’s family, but she’s not always easy to—”
Theo: “I’ve always liked Winter. I liked her when you told me stories about her before I met her. I liked her the first time I laid eyes on her at the shitty gas station on the corner of Rosewood and Main. I liked her when she yelled I must have a small dick.”
Rhett’s face is a mix of confusion and disbelief.
Theo: “And I especially like her now. I’m not sad about Vivi. The only thing I’m sad about is not being there for Winter earlier. But that’s my cross to bear. So, if you’re looking for a person to commiserate with about how awful she is, you need to find someone else.”
Winter: “It’s funny,”
Winter continues, as though she’s in a trance.
Winter: “I took an oath as a doctor. It’s my job to save people’s lives. And somehow, that doesn’t feel heavy or oppressive. It’s more of a challenge I can rise to. But with her? God. It’s consuming. Sometimes, I’m so consumed with loving her I can’t even sleep. I’d use an innocent stranger as a shield for her if there was gunfire. I’d shove others into the flames to get her out of a burning building. I’d swim through boiling water for her. I wouldn’t even blink, Theo.”
Theo: “So, you love her? That’s normal. I mean, your descriptions are a bit . . . dark. But I follow,”
I say, as I pull into her driveway.
Winter: Thank you for tonight.
Theo: I didn’t do anything special.
Winter: You did.
Theo: Want me to come over and do something truly special that will have you thanking me profusely?
Winter: Are you always this horny?
Theo: I was going to say clean your house. Get your mind out of the gutter, Dr. Hamilton.
Theo: “Out you go, Peter.”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead now. Peter glares up at me—back rounded and one front paw lifted—while his tiny body shakes. Some people might think he’s cold, but I know better. That’s his small-man rage.
Theo: “I know. How dare I make you get off the couch and go pee?”
He trembles again.
Theo: “I am officially the worst person in the world.”
The dog’s ears flatten and his usually buggy eyes narrow.
I sigh, tired after one of the weirdest fucking nights of my life, and bend down to scoop him up.
Theo: “Let’s go, asshole. I won’t have you waking me up in the middle of the night.”
We head out the back door, and Peter makes unimpressed grunting noises. I place him on the grass and take a seat on the back porch step. He turns and shoots me a disapproving scowl over his shoulder.
Theo: “Is that what I get for rescuing you? I don’t even like small dogs. You’re an exception.”
He gingerly walks across the grass like its mere existence is a personal affront to his sensitive little legs.
Theo: “Get in bed, Winter. Or I will put you there myself.”
Her body is close enough to mine that when she turns to face me, the tips of her nipples brush against my chest.
Winter: “What part of I don’t need your help isn’t registering?”
Her shoulders rotate back, but that only presses her breasts further into my chest. Vivi is blissfully happy with a bottle in her crib, and Winter has her claws out just the way I like. Two can play this game. Times are changing.
Theo: “All of it, Winter.”
I run my hand down the side of her body, palm shaping her hip. No hemline of panties at all. I groan right as she sucks in a breath, both our chins dropping to look at my hand splayed over her possessively. So small beneath my palm.
Memories filter in of me flipping her over and lifting her hips just the way I wanted them. Her ass arched back toward me, legs spread wide in offering, while I reached under her body to strum at her clit. She whimpered my name and came on my cock, even though she swore she never could. I drop my mouth to her ear, not missing the way she shivers.
Theo: “You’re going to accept my help. And you’re going to like it. You might even thank me for it.”
I nip her earlobe and lower my voice to add,
Theo: “Like you did the last time I gave you a hand.”
Theo: “Winter. I have sponsors. And agents. Doctors and trainers. Those are business relationships. You and I are a lot of things, but business partners is not one of them.”
She licks her lips—licks her fucking lips—gaze bouncing between my eyes while her hands grip the edge of the mattress.
Winter: “Why not? We could be.”
This woman never backs down. It’s fucking infuriating, and I love that about her.
Theo: “Because the things I dream about doing to you are horribly unprofessional.”
Winter: “Don’t pee in my bed.”
He just blinks.
Winter: “Am I supposed to take you out?”
Another blink.
Winter: “I went to med school, but they didn’t teach me how to speak dog.”
Blank look.
Winter: “Are you hungry?”
Peter stands up, his tail waving like windshield wipers on a rainy day as his enormous eyes go even wider.
Winter: “I thought you were deaf,”
I say as I rub my eyes and push to stand. I pull my robe on, and when I turn around, he’s still standing there at the edge of my bed looking expectant. My gaze drops to the floor before lifting back to the small beige dog.
Winter: “I guess that looks like a real death drop to you, huh?”
With a couple of steps back, I scoop him up and head into the hallway while muttering,
Winter: “I can’t believe I’m talking to a fucking dog.”
Summer: “What are you doing?”
My sister’s dark brows knit.
Winter: “I don’t have a leash.”
Peter takes another bite of blueberry muffin from my fingers.
Summer: “But why do you have the dog standing on my front desk?”
Winter: “He’s so small. I don’t want him to get stepped on. And I don’t have a bowl. I’m not going to make him eat off the floor. That’s gross. This is a gym.”
I wave a hand toward the main part of Summer’s fitness center.
Winter: “There are gross, sweaty dudes everywhere.”
Summer: “Right. But that’s a dog. I bet he’s eaten literal shit in his lifetime. Why is he getting a blueberry muffin?”
My lip curls as I watch Peter daintily eat a cooked blueberry.
Winter: “Please don’t ruin this newfound canine friendship for me, Sum. I let him sleep in my bed last night.”
Summer: “Theo?”
I start.
Winter: “What? No. The dog.”
Summer: “Oh. Yeah, I’ve slept with Peter too.”
I can’t help but snort.
Winter: “How very on brand for us.”
Sloane: “You’re happy.”
She smiles.
Sloane: “Is it Theo? Does he make you happy?”
Summer smiles, still holding me.
Summer: “Just don’t ask her about dream Theo. He’s the worst.”
Theo: Are you working out alone? I could help you.
Winter: No, you don’t need to do that. Summer booked me a session with another trainer. Max, I think?
Theo: You could have asked me.
Winter: I don’t want to work out with you.
Theo: Is it because you’re going to wear tight pants you know will give me a boner?
Winter: This job must be hard on you with your uncontrollable erections.
Winter: “Yeah, sure. Until you decide you want to trade me in and shack up with some bimbo buckle bunny with a porn voice and give Vivi a new stepmom.”
Theo: “What?”
My brows knit as she finally turns to me, glancing around to see if anyone is watching us. She snorts.
Winter: “I had a dream about it. She was hot. I mean, good for you. It just made me realize things might get complicated. I’ll have to share Christmas morning—”
Theo: “With me and my bimbo wife?”
I roll my lips in to stifle a laugh.
Winter: “Yes!”
Her hands shoot out, annoyance billowing from her in waves.
Theo: “Can you give me a demo of this porn voice?”
Winter swaps her facial expression, batting her eyelashes so fast it looks like something is stuck in her eye.
Winter: “Oh, Theo, there aren’t any chairs left. Can I rub my ass all over your lap for Christmas?”
she mocks, and I don’t bother holding back the laughter anymore.
Theo: “Is that what she said?”
Winter: “Basically. Before grinding herself all over you.”
Theo: "That sounds like a pretty great Christmas gift.”
Her lips twitch. This conversation is ridiculous, and she knows it.
Winter: “You’re the fucking worst.”
Gym Guy: “I think there might be something wrong with her.”
He points at Winter, who still hasn’t moved, and to his credit, he looks concerned.
Theo: “Yeah.”
My lips twitch as I stare past him at Winter, who glares at me for agreeing with him.
Theo: “I know there is. That’s what I like about her.”
Theo: “I like your collarbones.”
My left hand grips her hip while my right one dips under her arm and over her chest so I can trace the line of bones framing it.
Theo: “Mine will always look a little crooked now. But if that’s the price I had to pay to get your attention . . . I’d break the other one myself.”
Winter: “Weird. But okay.”
Theo: “I love your lips. This smart fucking mouth. I like the venom it spews. I especially like the way it looked wrapped around my cock.”
She moans.
Theo: “You liked that too, didn’t you?”
Her body clenches and I squeeze her thigh before trailing the tips of my fingers over the inside seam of her leggings.
Theo: “I know you did.”
Winter: “I—”
I cover her mouth with my free hand.
Theo: “Don’t bother arguing with me. It makes me hard, and I’m not above flipping you over and fucking you right here and now.”
Winter: “What if someone comes in?”
Theo: “As long as I’m the one with my head between your legs, I don’t care who watches.”
Winter: “I don’t understand what’s happening here. The things you say. The things you do. Everything that’s happened. It doesn’t make sense. I can’t figure it out.”
He tilts his head, as if he’s trying to figure me out from a different perspective.
Theo: “What’s happening is Miss Independent met the treat-her-like-a-princess guy, and she’s freaking out.”
I roll my eyes.
Winter: “That’s ridiculous.”
Theo: “You only think you owe me something because you’ve spent too long dating assholes who are terrible lays. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Stop overthinking it. Plus, my face is the ride.”
His lips twitch and I mirror the motion.
Winter: “You’re insane.”
I pull away, trying to hide my laughter. But I don’t let go of his hand as we round the end of the block, heading back toward our respective houses.
Theo: “But it’s a nice face, isn’t it? If you had to ride one?”
Theo: I need to ask you a favor.
Summer: Sure!
Theo: But you can’t ask questions.
Summer: Suspicious. But okay.
Theo: I need to delete some of your security cam footage at the gym. Can you show me how?
Summer: Uhhhh. Okay. Can I do it for you?
Theo: No.
Summer: Was a crime committed?
Theo: No.
Summer: Do I even want to know?
Theo: I said no questions and so far, you’ve asked three.
Loretta: “My sweet, sweet boy. I missed you.”
Theo: “Is that what all the insults mean? That you missed me?”
Over my shoulder, she addresses Winter again.
Loretta: “He’s needy too. Requires a lot of hair petting. I think I told him he was handsome too much as a child.”
A soft snort sounds from behind me.
Winter: “He did just finish telling me what a nice face he has.”
Loretta: “Well, Theo told me you were a smart and amazing mom.”
My mom’s hands stay on Winter’s shoulders as she steps back to appraise her.
Loretta: “But he failed to mention just how thoroughly he overachieved with you.”
Theo: “Jesus. Mom, stop.”
I scrub at my chin and shake my head. This is so on brand for her. She lives to rib me.
Winter: “I was drunk,”
Winter deadpans. The only giveaway that she’s joking is the twinkle in her eye.
Winter: “He looked better with my tequila goggles on.”
Theo: What if I stayed here as my home base?
Winter: In Chestnut Springs?
Theo: Yeah.
Winter: In your house?
Theo: I could pitch a tent in your backyard if you prefer. Invite you over for a campfire and tequila. ;)
Winter: Not ideal. Someone shitty could move in next door. I could end up with an even worse neighbor than you.
Theo: And who knows if he’d mow your lawn for you the way I do. Pretending to garden would be boring and pointless without me to watch.
Winter: I do not watch you.
Theo: You only ever garden when I’m mowing the lawn.
Winter: How do you know?
Theo: Because I’m watching you back.
Theo: “Stop being so mean to me. It gets me hard when you’re mouthy. Makes me think of all the fun ways I could put that mouth to work instead. And I don’t need a boner right now.”
Loretta: “I just remembered that he called me the morning after you two first got together. And do you know what he said to me?"
I shake my head. It’s all I can manage.
Loretta: “He said, ‘Mom, I met her.’ And I said, ‘Who?’”
Loretta’s lips curve up, her eyes taking on a faraway look.
Loretta: “He said, ‘The woman I’m going to marry one day.’”
I’m frozen in place. How could he possibly know that? Think that? Why would a one-night stand with me be more impactful that a one-night stand with one of the bajillions of random women I’m sure he’s slept with over the years?
Loretta: “I asked him if she knew about this and he laughed and said, ‘Not yet.’”
Theo: That fucking dress should be illegal.
Winter: Is that why you’re glaring at me from across the room? It’s a wedding. Act happy.
Theo: I’m undressing you with my eyes.
Winter: Cheesy.
Theo: Fine. I’m trying to decide if I should rip those thin straps or even bother taking the dress off at all.
Winter: Who told you that you’d be taking my dress off?
Theo: You haven’t yet, but you will.
Winter: Rude.
Theo: Rude is me telling you that if you wanted a pearl necklace, I could have given you one.
Winter: Extra rude.
Theo: I’ll stop being rude when it stops making you turn that pretty pink color.
Winter: “I don’t know how to react to you when you talk like that, Theo,”
Winter says in a soft voice.
Winter: “Like . . . what was it then? Love at first sight? I just . . . that makes me uncomfortable. That’s a movie thing, not a real-life thing.”
Theo: “When you saw Vivi for the first time, did you know you loved her? Did you need time and space to come around to the idea? Or did you take one look at her and just know?”
A deep sigh lifts her shoulders.
Winter: “I just knew.”
I pull her closer, feeling her stomach press against my hip, her breast against my ribs, as I drop my voice and splay my fingers over her ass.
Theo: “When I saw you . . . I don’t know. I don’t want to call it love at first sight. Maybe need at first sight? Want at first sight? A connection. It was knowing I’d never get sick of your eyes wandering over my body with that slack-jawed feral look on your face.”
Winter: “I want you to fuck me like you did that night in the hotel. Like you can’t stand to keep your hands off me. Like . . .”
She trails off, back to biting her bottom lip.
Winter: “It’s like you respect me too much now. I get pity orgasms and pretty words. I want to be more than that. I want . . .”
I observe the way she’s working this out. She’s not used to asking for what she wants.
Winter: “I want you unhinged for me. Just . . . disrespect me. Just for a bit.”
That night.
My lips drag over the shell of her ear, and she shivers.
Theo: “You’d like to be my pretty little slut tonight?”
Theo: “You’ve been a real cock-tease, strutting around in this dress all day. I think it’s time you pay for that, don’t you?”
I flick one flimsy strap off her shoulder. Her tongue darts out over her plush lips. Every move she makes drives me crazy. Just being this close to her, inhaling her vanilla body lotion, makes me unbearably hard.
She nods.
I spin her and press down on her shoulders, guiding her to the hardwood floor.
Theo: “Good. Now get on your fucking knees and suck my cock like it’ll end in a mouth full of that champagne you keep talking about.”
Winter: “Aren’t you going to ask me if I’ve been with anyone else?”
Theo: “No.”
Her brows draw together.
Winter: “Why not?”
I reach for her hand and tug her along with me toward the door.
Theo: “Because I don’t care.”
Winter: “Okay, well, I haven’t.”
I turn the lock and smirk at her over my shoulder.
Theo: “I know.”
She stomps her foot in faux outrage.
Winter: “How do you know? Maybe I’ve had so much sex.”
Theo: “Nah,”
I say, as we head into the darkened hallway, “Cadillac Ranch” filtering to my ears from the dance floor.
Theo: “There’d be no point since I’m the only one who can make you come.”
Theo: “Actually, Kip, I do have a few things to tell you. First, refer to my daughter again as the baby, like she doesn’t have a name, and I’ll fucking lay you out. Second, I’ll be at your office on Monday morning. Bring Geoff. I don’t want to fire you at your daughter’s wedding. It would be in poor taste. Lastly, if you think you deserve to stake some sort of claim on this woman as your daughter, you have some serious soul-searching to do. The girl on the dance floor?”
He points over Kip’s shoulder at Summer, who is watching us now.
Theo: “That’s your daughter. This woman here? She’s Dr. Hamilton until you tuck that scaly fucking tail between your legs and come make amends with her.”
For the first time in my life, my father appears to be at a loss for words. For the first time in my life, someone has come to my defense.
Theo: “Now get out of my way, Kip. I want to go home and be with my girls.”
Theo: “Winter.”
The cheeky grin I’ve come to love graces his beautiful face. The one that comes right before some punchy little remark. The one that makes me smile before he’s even said a thing.
Theo: “Do you like me?”
I bark out a laugh in the quiet truck and then stare down at my hands, twisting my fingers together.
Winter: “I think I more than like you.”
Theo: “Because I’m your baby daddy?”
Winter: “No.”
I meet his eyes at the final red light before we pull up to the house.
Winter: “Because you make me like myself . . . and you’re the only one who ever has.”
My head tips back on a groan.
Winter: “Why is she so mellow all day and then so sensitive at night?”
Theo pecks my mouth quickly and smiles.
Theo: “To intentionally terrorize you, most likely.”
Winter: “I’m going to get her back when she’s older.”
He lets out a low chuckle.
Theo: “Petty. I like it. I’ll grab her and take some milk out of the freezer. You get ready for bed.”
Winter: “Sexy bed or regular bed?”
I ask as he opens the door and heads across the hall.
Theo: “You could wear a nun’s habit and it wouldn’t stop me,”
Theo: “I wish I’d been there.”
God. My chest caves in on itself in a Theo-shaped hole.
Theo: “I feel like I’ve missed so many moments that I’ll never get back.”
My hand squeezes in a pulse on his wrist.
Winter: “You won’t, but you’ll get new ones.”
Winter: “Hey, Theo?”
I whisper, reaching across to dust my fingers over his forehead and into his hair.
Theo: “Yeah?”
Winter: “You’re not an interloper. You’re her dad.”
Winter: Please don’t do something that will land you in prison.
Theo: Can’t make any promises.
Winter: Please? I’d still bail you out, but I’d be mad at you.
Theo: You being mad at me gets me hard. Angry sex is fun. This is not a deterrent.
Winter: Maybe I wouldn’t bail you out at all.
Theo: Nah. You’d miss my dick too much.
Winter: No. I’d miss you.
He scoffs, giving me an exaggerated once-over with an almost impressive level of fake bravado.
Rob: “I get it now. Enjoy my leftovers.”
He tosses the envelope out the window, and it sails past me. I make no move to pick it up. I’m too busy smiling at Dr. Rob Valentine.
Theo: “She’s no one’s leftovers, and I’ve been enjoying her since before you ever saw the divorce papers, buddy.”
I shouldn’t have said it, but my patience for assholes is shot today. His only response is to rev the engine while still in park, like we’re gonna race or something. But the joke’s on him, because I already won. Winter isn’t his leftovers. She’s the gem too precious for him to keep.
Theo: “You drive safe now,”
I call out over the sound of his engine as I knock on his roof.
Summer: What. The. Fuck. Is this a wedding gift?
Winter: Lmao. It’s the reason I was pissed you weren’t doing a formal gift opening. I wanted to see your face.
Summer: Where did you get this?
Winter: I found it in a box a long time ago and took it.
Summer: THIS IS THE ORIGINAL PAGE?
Winter: No. It’s the exact ad you had of Rhett taped to your wall, but blown up, printed, and stretched on canvas. The original is in an envelope taped to the back along with a travel voucher.
Summer: We can’t stop laughing! It’s so big! I don’t even know where I’m going to put this. This is the best gift ever!
Winter: Hahaha. I’m so happy you both love it. I’d like to suggest above your bed. For old time’s sake.
Summer: I am dead. You killed me. Best ever.
Summer: *photo of Rhett standing beside the print grinning and giving a thumbs up
He crouches beside my body, one warm hand over my knee, hot breath against the shell of my ear as I keep my gaze fixed on the ceiling.
Theo: “Excuse me, ma’am? I’d like to remind you to sanitize this bench. Last time you used it”
—his voice drops lower—
Theo: “you came so hard that you soaked my face.”
My cheeks redden.
Winter: “That joke gets less funny every time.”
Theo: “No. It doesn’t.”
His stubble brushes against my ear.
His head tips down as he tries to get a good look at my face.
Theo: “Tink, why does it sound like you know a thing or two about the WBRF?”
My lips curve up against his chest.
Winter: “There may have been some Google research performed at one point or another.”
I feel the deep rumble in his chest.
Theo: “So . . . internet stalking.”
Winter: “Research.”
Theo: “Right. Sure. That sounds far more academic, way less deranged.”
Winter: “I’m not deranged.”
Theo: “Is that why you were stalking me from behind the leg press today?”
Oh my god. Cringe.
Winter: “Shut up, Theo.”
Theo: “Saw a little flash of blonde hair and blue eyes from between all those metal machines. It was adorable. Are we going to call that research too?”
I groan against his chest.
Theo: “Smart, pretty, but not stealthy.”
Summer: MORE BABIES!
Willa: Is this in reference to Theo just dragging Winter out of here like a horny caveman?
Summer: Shit. I didn’t mean to put this in the group chat.
Willa: Aww. You guys have a sister chat?
Summer: *salute emoji
Sloane: What even is that emoji? It always looks like a dick to the forehead to me.
Willa: Sorry, come again?
Sloane: Or a side profile of Pinocchio.
Summer: Sloane . . . it’s a hand. Saluting. Like YES, SIR!
Sloane: Seriously? I’m looking closer now. *salute emoji
Willa: A fucking dick to the face? Pinocchio? There are tiny bumps that show the fingers. Somebody needs to take away your beer.
Sloane: Anyway, I hope Winter is taking a dick to the face right now.
Willa: Way to change the subject.
Sloane: *salute emoji
Theo: “Have you figured out how to make yourself come since that night?”
Winter: “Yes.”
Over and over again while I thought of you and the way you made me see stars.
Theo: “Show me.”
He gathers the skirt of my dress and bunches it at my hips.
Theo: “Lean back. Play with your pussy and come on my cock. I want to watch you again.”
Theo: How’s your bath?
Winter: Good.
Theo: Just good?
Winter: It was peaceful until you texted me.
Theo: What are you doing?
Winter: Enjoying myself. Go away.
Theo: Send me a pic and I’ll leave you alone.
Winter: What will you do with it?
Theo: Frame it.
Winter: Good luck tonight. Break a leg.
Theo: That’s not always the best thing to say to a bull rider, Tink.
Winter: I didn’t say break a clavicle.
Theo: Hilarious.
Theo: “Eyes on me, Winter.”
His fingers press at my chin to turn my head.
Theo: “What are you thinking?”
Winter: “That you’ve probably removed a lot of bras.”
Theo: “I've immediately forgotten about any of them. All I can think about is how perfect you look like this.”
He drops to his knees and presses a kiss to my stomach.
Theo: “All the ways I’m going to ruin you tonight. All I see is you, Winter.”
Theo: “Is that why you’re here?”
Winter: “No, I’m here because I wanted to kick your ass in person. I haven’t slept because I stayed up all night worrying about you, your stupid handsome face, and your big, talented dick.”
One hand waves over the length of my body.
Winter: “And just your stupid general wellbeing because you fucking consume me.”
Theo: “Why did you bring Peter?”
Winter: “Because he’s part of our family, no matter how much he reminds me of the weird squirrel from Ice Age. And I like it when he sleeps between my feet, so he’s stuck with me now. Just like you.”
Winter: “You don’t get to shut it down for a night, Theo! You got to ditch your phone once before and that really fucking sucked for me. I should have showed up then and demanded you pay attention to me. But I didn’t. So I’m here now, demanding you pay attention to me.”
Theo: “Winter, I am so fucking sorry.”
Winter: “There are people who need you now. We’re stronger than this. And yeah, I was angry with you. That was a dumb thing to say. But guess what? I’m going to get mad at you from time to time. People who are together get mad at each other. They say shitty things they regret. It’s normal. Being happy-go-lucky Theo, who ticks no one off and never has a bad day, is not normal. You’re allowed to freak out.”
She pauses, breathing heavily.
Winter: “But you have to freak out with me.”
My nose burns. Even Vivi looks serious now.
Theo: “I’m sorry.”
My voice cracks when I drop my head.
Winter: “You have to freak out with me because I need you. And I love you. I love you so much it paralyzes me to think of carrying on without you. You’re not allowed to shut me out. Because you made me need you, and now you have to deal with the consequences.”
I glance down at Peter, who is now sitting and shaking.
Theo: “I don’t think this is a dog-friendly hotel.”
Winter scoffs.
Winter: “He’s barely a dog, more like a rat or a squirrel.”
Winter: “Get ’em, baby!”
she shouts as she waves at me. And when they announce a 96.25 score, she starts all over again. I care a lot less about the score than I do about laughing. My chest cracks wide open for the blonde who is “really fucking mad” at me but is here cheering her ass off like I’m her favorite person in the world while holding our daughter. It’s crazy. It’s unbelievable. It’s unlikely. The woman everyone told me was cold, mean, and unavailable is so thoroughly mine. And that’s special. That’s everything.
Theo: “Winter!”
I call up at least ten rows.
Theo: “Get your fine ass down here!”
Her cheeks turn pink, blue eyes glittering like sapphires. With a wide grin, she shoves past people in her row to hit the stairs. When she gets to me, she climbs up a couple of rungs and breathlessly blurts,
Winter: “I’m not mad at you anymore. I’m just really, really horny after that ride.”
She says it loud enough that the trill of chuckles filters in from around us.
Announcer: “Break down your win for us tonight.”
I take the microphone from his hand but look back over at Winter, all shiny and glowing. All smiles and excitement. All mine.
Theo: “Well, my time off went different than expected. The rehab was fairly straightforward. I don’t think I’ll have any lasting effects to worry about, which is great. But the real highlight was getting to spend some quality time with my family.”
I tip my chin toward the fence.
Theo: “Got my baby girl and my future wife here with me tonight. They make this win extra special.”
The announcer chuckles and a collective chorus of aww sounds from the audience, but my gaze stays locked on Winter. She doesn’t roll her eyes at my showboating. She winks at me.
I don’t even spare Rob a glance as we pass. I keep my chin high and my shoulders back. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his presence. However, I do glance up at the handsome man I get to call my own. And as we pass my ex . . . Theo winks at him.
Harvey: “I’m not ready to tell them yet,”
Harvey says after a few beats of silence.
Winter: “I was joking.”
Harvey: “It feels off-limits. Her being who she is. But sometimes—”
Winter: “Sometimes things just happen, and you don’t realize how right they are until you’re in the thick of it.”
He gives me a grunt and a nod from where we stand, propped against the fence. I break the tension with,
Winter: “Is there a geriatric version of the procreation prowl?”
This time, he doesn’t choke. He tips his head back and howls.
Harvey: “Girl, did you really just say that to me?”
Winter: “Hey, if you’re gonna dish it out, you gotta take it.”
Kip: “Years ago, I found it in the back alley when I was taking the trash out. And I put it in storage. I wanted to give it back to you, but I didn’t know how.”
He glances up at me, and I stand here at a loss for words. My dad has made many mistakes but showed up today anyway. He helped me find a lawyer. He left my mom. He’s never fought for me before, but he is now. And I’ve learned a lot about forgiveness in recent years.
Theo: “That night we were reckless.”
His voice cracks.
Theo: “But god, I’d be reckless with you over and over again if it means ending up here.”
Theo: “Winter Hamilton, will you marry me?”
I smile through the tears.
Winter: “Would hate to make a liar out of you after how long you’ve been telling people you’re going to marry me.”
He winks at me.
Theo: “When you know, you know.”
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