“Reid,” she sighed. “I want to stay, believe me. But, what would people think? I just broke up with Beau this morning. I can’t just spend the night with you and pretend like the past never happened.”
“You’re right.” I said when I really wanted to say, “Yes, you absolutely fucking can. And, who gives a shit what people think?” But, I understood, and when she did finally stay with me, I wanted it to be her decision. The last thing I wanted to be was something she was going to regret. I didn’t know exactly how we were going to make it work, but I wanted her to be my long-haul girl. The one that I was with until the end. Seemed all right to take it slow now, if it meant I got her forever.
“I’ll see you soon.” She turned to open her car door. The competitor in me grimaced, but when she turned and gave me another soft, slow kiss, I knew that I was one step closer to winning her back. For good.
*
“There he is,” Brett said loudly when I walked into the house. The shit-eating grin on his face said I was about to be answering a lot of questions about what he and my brother had seen go down between Nora and me in the trailer. “Reid “Ricochet” Travers!” he announced as if I was pulling up at the starting gate for a hole-shot. The nickname that I’d earned on the circuit did seem fitting. I’d somehow managed to ricochet my way back into Nora’s life.
“Have I told you how ridiculous you are today?” I said with a laugh.
“I know you love me,” he teased. “So buddy, you got the girl back?”
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “It sure feels like things might be headed in that direction.”
“I never doubted you,” he said, when I joined him on the couch.
“Where’s Hoyt?” I asked, deliberately dodging his comment about doubting me. I didn’t want to admit that I doubted she could be mine again.
“He had a phone call. He’s out back I think.” Brett said, folding his arms over his lap. He was trying to hide something. When I saw a book sitting open on Brett’s lap, and under his arms, I had to look twice. “Are you reading a book? Do you even know how?” I teased.
“Yes, I know how.” He shook his head. “I’m not a complete Neanderthal.” He held it up. The Girl on the Train.
“Really? Chick lit?”
“It’s not Chick Lit,” he argued. “It’s a mystery. I was bored, okay? I can only ride a dirt bike so much, RT.” He sighed. “Plus I saw Georgia reading it the other day.”
“Where did you see Georgia?”
“I ran into her at the diner. She was reading it, so I thought I’d give it a shot.”
“Uh-huh.” I hesitated asking him my next question. Not sure if I should even be getting involved. But then again, hesitation is the enemy and all that so I went ahead. “And, why exactly would you be interested in something Georgia was reading?”
“Does it matter?” He said, giving away his exact reason. I’d told him all about Georgia losing Jamie and how I didn’t think she was interested in a fling, especially with a guy that wouldn’t be around for too long.
“You better be careful, Brett.”
“I know, but I can’t help it if I’m attracted to her.”
“You most certainly can. She’s been through the wringer. The last thing that girl needs is for you to hit it and quit it.”