Page 96 of Reckless Love

Once I’ve showered, my head is clearer and I start tackling my to-do list and email. My desktop still needs to be set up, so I read a few emails from my phone and delete a lot of the spam taking up my inbox. I’m one of those people who can’t handle seeing a high number waiting for me, so when I see how many I have to go through after neglecting it for a few days, I’m daunted.

I realize I never answered Calista's email to Zoey Archer.Sorry, bestie.

Hello,Calista!

Thank you so much for your message. I could feel your love for the characters in every word you wrote, and it meant the world to me. I still can’t believe people are reading my stories and loving them.

Your shop and town sounds like an absolute dream. Unfortunately, I am not doing any in-person signings, but thank you so much for the invitation. I would be happy to send signed copies of It Was Always You, as well as my upcoming book, if you'd like.

Sincerely,

Zoey Archer

I send it off,relieved that that's taken care of and laugh to myself. What are the chances my best friend would be obsessed with my book? This career has surpassed my dreams.

Before I do another thing, I decide to get some sort of office set up. If I’m going to stay here for any length of time…which, now that I'm here, I have to admit it’s pretty blissful, I’m going to need a place to work. I walk into the room Rhodes put my desk in and see that he has already set up my computer. That guy. He really does take good care of me and always has.

The stack of boxes looms and I don't exactly know what to do with them. Maybe I'll rent a space to keep the books and all the shipping supplies and swag. That’s the only solution I can think of, but for now, I finish up with email and get to work writing. The sex scenes come easily now that I have first-hand experience with Rhodes. I lose a few hours in my dream world and then watch the game. My parents had asked me to come watch the game with them, but I’m not quite ready to be jarred out of my dream state yet. I told them I’m catching up after a crazy week and won’t be able to come over today. I’ll be with them this week…which reminds me that Rhodes and I haven’t really talked about what we’re doing for Christmas Eve and Christmas yet.

It isn’t lost on me that I went from telling Rhodes maybe it was a good thing for us to spend time apart because of my job and what happened before Friendsgiving…to moving into his house and sleeping with him.

God, am I ruining everything? Will this last? What if it doesn’t, and I lose him? That’s my worst fear. I know he loves me and we’re having so much fun, but I’m just not sure if he can be happy settling down with me. He’s been out with actresses and models, for crying out loud. Andsimilarly to the way I feel about actors and musicians, being a professional football player isn’t the easiest career to sustain a monogamous relationship. My body does an anxious jolt and I try to reel in all the thoughts before I spiral. I’ve done a fairly good job of not having a meltdown over what I’m really doing here. I’d like to keep it that way.

I set up a wrapping station in front of Rhodes’ TV in the living room and wrap a ton of presents while watching the game. The way the guys play and having something to do with my hands helps keep my mounting fears somewhat at bay. The Mustangs areback.They’re ahead by fourteen toward the end of the fourth quarter and get another touchdown. I yell in the empty house and it’s loud.

My phone buzzes and I grab it.

Calista

I need to see you. STAT.

Are you okay?

Calista

Where are you?

Okay, you’re freaking me out. I’m at Rhodes’ house. Are you at the bookstore or home? Should I come over?

Calista

I’m closing up soon. Meet me at the shop?

I’ll be right there.

I listen to the end of the game on the drive to Twinkle Tales, pounding my fist on the steering wheel when they make one last touchdown before it’s over. When I park the car, I shoot Rhodes a quick text.

Best game I’ve seen in a long time. XO

I tuck my phone into my purse and get out of the car. I want to say so much more to Rhodes.

I miss you. You looked so hot today. I can’t wait to see you. Wake me up when you get home.

But I’m still in a bit of panic mode after too much time alone with my thoughts. And I need to get to Calista.

I walk into the bookstore and the look on her face has me rushing toward her. She is not smiling at all. She stares at me as I move in front of her and put my hands on her arms.

“Calista, what happened?”