Page 80 of Reckless Love

It’s like any other breakfast we’ve ever had together and yet completely different. Elle and Levi crack up about the shape of their pancakes. Elle thinks hers looks like a clown once she’s added the strawberries and whipped cream. Levi thinks his looks like a booty. It doesn’t, but it makes us alllaugh anyway. But between laughing and eating and playing with Levi, Elle shoots me these looks that are shy and sexy, looks that remind me of everything we did last night.

It’s everything.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

OVERTHINKING AND CLOUDS

ELLE

Now

Throughout the day,I bounce around from a short practice to the chiropractor's office and back home to get ready for Calista's event at Twinkle Tales as if I’ve had twelve hours of sleep instead of two. All day long, people have been complimenting me or askingme why I'm so happy, and I can't even turn the joy down a little bit.

I am on cloud nine.

My night with Rhodes was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I know I should be panicking because it's him and it's what I’ve wanted for so long, but also what has terrified me more than anything…but it's hard to deny a night like we had.

I stopped Rhodes from saying anything more, because all the things he's said so far have made me hope for too much, things I'm terrified to hope for, but that I want so badly. I just want to live in this moment and not let any fears get in the way.

Part of me feels guilty for so blatantly ignoring the Mustangs cheerleaders’ rules, but I can't even stop myself.

I put on a cute outfit and head over to Twinkle Tales. Jupiter Lane is in the dreamiest part of their holiday spirit, with so many lights everywhere that it’s dazzling. It takes a while to find a parking spot, but I manage. When I walk in, Sadie and Tru are already there. Stephanie, Tru’s mom, walks in as I do, and she puts her arm around my shoulders.

“Elle, you are glowing. You've got to tell me about your skincare regimen. I need to know your secrets.”

I laugh and it causes Calista and the others to turn and look at us. When they see me, they do a double take.

“Damn, you’re looking fine tonight,” Calista says. She studies me more intently. “Girl, what have you done?”

I just laugh.

I texted them about the Brock stuff and the move into Rhodes’ place, which elicited a gif rainstorm. But I did not say a word about our night.

“Okay, talk,” she says.

She pours me a glass of wine and motions for me tocome over to the table covered with food. Customers are milling around the store, and it's fuller than it's been in a while. It's always like this at Christmastime, and this Shop by Candlelight event is always one of her best of the year.

“Calista's right,” Tru says. “Did something happen?”

Sadie leans in with her glass of wine, eyes wide.

“Tell us everything,” she says.

“Well…” I lean in and they all do too. “I slept with Rhodes last night,” I whisper.

There's an audible gasp from all of them. I look around to see if anyone else heard, but everyone is busy looking at books and taking bites of their hors d'oeuvres.

Tru and Calista high-five and Tru whispers, “I owe you five dollars,” to Calista.

My eyes narrow on them and they look slightly guilty.

“From the look on your face, it wentsowell,” Sadie giggles. “I had no doubt it would,” she adds.

Tru squeals. “I ambesidemyself.”

Calista comes over and throws her arms around me. “I want to weep, I'm so excited. Tell us everything. I mean, I know you're not going to tell useverythingbecause you're not like that…” Her voice lowers, “But tell us everything.”

I crack up. My phone buzzes and I shoot an apologetic look as I grab it out of my purse.