Page 167 of Renegade
As the single-serving brewed, Caroline said, “I’m assuming you’re talking about S-E-X.”
Addison chuckled. “Yes, we find time for each other. Hawk calls it The Great Reset and he’s right. No matter how stressed we are, that seems to be the best medicine.”
After both coffees had brewed, Addison pulled out a few boxes of cookies, but Caroline waved them away. “When I’m stressed, I go for sugar, but after ten cookies, I feel sick. I’m gonna pass.”
Addison shelved the cookies. “Let’s sit on the balcony.”
On the way, she grabbed a book off the coffee table. Outside, Caroline appreciated the beautiful Potomac River as it rushed by. The sound of the water relaxed her and she inhaled a calming breath.
“This is so peaceful,” Caroline said.
“I love to come out here on Saturday mornings before the kids wake up. I just sit here sipping my coffee. Sometimes ten minutes is all I get before the mayhem.” She smiled. “But I loveevery minute of it.” She slid the paperback over. “This is my favorite author. I’ve read all her books at least twice. Some of them three times.”
Caroline glanced at the man on the cover. “He’s a looker. You read romance, huh?”
“I stumbled upon a book, then read several, but I really likeherbooks. She knows my dad. They used to work together, so she includes some things in the book that she probably shouldn’t, but it’s fiction and it’s romantic suspense. I doubt anyone believes it’s true.”
“Stoni Alexander,” Caroline said. “I don’t read romance novels.”
“I read the steamy parts to Nicholas.” Addison waggled her brows.
On a smile, Caroline read the back jacket. “That must make for an interesting evening.”
“He turns into an animal.” Addison sipped the drink. “I know they say you should never meet your heroes, but I met her.”
“How was it?”
“She was the best. I’ve got a picture of us on the credenza. Anyway, I love her, and Hawk loves her, but for a completely different reason. We love keeping things spicy and this works for us.”
“I’ll have to check her out.”
“I’ve got a few copies of that one. It’s not signed, so you can take it.”
They finished their coffees and went back inside. Caroline thanked her for a great evening, and she left with the paperback. Before she drove away, she checked her phone, and her heart leapt. She’d missed three texts from Grey.
Meeting went well
I’m at home
Miss you. Should I invite myself over?
Hell, yeah.Excitement coursed through her.
The day had bowed to night as she headed out of the Alexandria neighborhood. Rather than text him back, she called him.
“Bella,” he answered.
Tingles swept through her. She loved his deep voice, loved the way he made her feel. “How’s my man?”
“Missing his woman. How was dinner?”
“Fun. They’re a great family.”
“Are you home?”
“I just left Hawk and Addison’s. I’ll be home in ten. Definitely come over.”
“Two minutes and I’m out the door.”
