Page 74 of Reckless Devotion

I look out across the long beach that stretches to the ocean, silver birch trees swishing on each side. “How did you know that trick to stop a panic attack? The pain thing.”

He goes still, and I wait for the bullshit answer that doesn’t come.

“I had panic attacks as a teenager. I figured it out one time by accident.”

There it is again, that hint of unrest that seems to follow him from childhood.

“How did you get them to stop?”

“I left home and went to college.”

I pull back to look at him, and he lets me, but doesn’t seem able to face me. I place a hand on his bristled cheek and force him to.

“I’m sorry for whatever it is you went through.”

He quirks the corner of his full mouth up sadly. “Thanks, Peppercorn.”

Before I can think to stop it, he drops his lips and kisses me softly. So tenderly that it makes moisture spring to my eyes just because I’m not used to being kissed that way. It’s chaste and fleeting, but it ignites a fire in my center all the same.

He places his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. “I don’t know what this thing is between us, but it’s not nothing, Pepper.”

The breath in my chest freezes, and I nod as much as I can. “I’m not going to bow and scrape at your feet like everyone else in your life, Chase.”

He chuckles at my warning, cupping my face with his large hand. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, baby.”

I return his smile tentatively, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I have all of the mixed-up feels for this man. Reluctance, fear, desire, and something warmer that I’m too terrified to examine. My life is a fucking mess right now, andselfishly, I want to latch on to the strong anchor he provides. So I let myself, wrapping my hands around his neck and into his hair. I’ll figure out the exit plan later.

“Take me to bed, Chase.”

He chuckles, the moonlight twinkling off irises that are suddenly alight with devilish intent. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter 28

Pepper:SOS. I think I’m dickmatized.

Jack:This is the best news I’ve had all week.

Pepper:He’s kind, funny, AND sexy. I mean, that’s not a thing, right? I’m under the influence.

Jack:Driving while in-cock-xicated.

Pepper:Dick drunk.

Jack:Too drunk to dick.

Pepper:Blowing over the limit.

Pepper:Wait, that one works as is.

PEPPER

A soft, pulsing disco beat fills the kitchen, a rhythmic chiming every few seconds.

Chase stands at the stove, naked except for his black boxer briefs and a white apron, his hips jogging to the beat as he flips eggs—the defined muscles in his back slipping beneath tanned skin.

“What the hell is this?” I wrap his zip-up hoodie tighter around myself and inhale the musky, masculine scent that envelops me, waiting for him to explain why he’s playing gregarious disco.

He jerks his dark head in my direction, a large hand pausing with the spatula above the pan. He stills, his eyes flaring with heat as they trail down my exposed legs. “Nice outfit.”