Page 17 of Beckett the Bad Boy

Something I feared yesterday when I thought a kiss would get her out of my system.

Because that particular notion was swiftly dispelled the moment our lips touched. I knew then and there that I craved more.

Which is why I invited her back to my place.

Except now she is gone without a trace.

Ranger lazes in the living room on his phone when he sees what must be my crazy-eyed look. His feet are propped on a leather ottoman while old cartoons play on the TV, reminding me of a conversation I had with my family about how classic animated shows calmed me. Ranger and I both discovered their relaxing effects in college.

He smirks then jerks a thumb to the left. “She's in the kitchen.”

I didn't even have to say a word for him to know who I was searching for.

Probably because he’d feel the same way if it were Georgia who disappeared on him.

She’s the manager of Club Wolf 2.0—not its official name—and he’s been spending a lot of time with her since the original Club Wolf burned down. She also happens to be a Reaper’s Wolves MC member’s sister.

Grim will blow a gasket when he finds out one of his MC brothers has a thing for his little sister.

Though considering the other secret Ranger is hiding, maybe that’ll be the least of his worries…

Putting Ranger and his potential problems out of my head, I hurry into the kitchen, my pace stalling once Beth comes into view. She’s seated at the center island eating a bowl of cereal.

“Hey, you disappeared.”No shit, Sherlock.What a stupid way to saygood morning.

“My stomach wouldn’t shut up, so I figured I’d eat something before going home to finish last-minute details for tomorrow’s cook-off.” Her body tenses, and a frown tugs at her lush mouth. “I hope that’s okay. That I’m still here.”

“Of course.” I drop a kiss to the top of her head. “Do you have to be home by a certain time?”

The clock on the oven shows that it’s just after 8:00 A.M.

“My Teams chat should show I’mavailable—” Her fingers make little air quotes—“by 9:00, so we’ve got plenty of time if you need to shower or eat breakfast or whatever. I don’t want to disrupt your normal routine.”

“Don’t worry about it. My next shift isn’t until Monday, so my day is flexible.”

After grabbing a bowl and spoon, I join her at the island. Our knees brush under the marble overhang, and a zing of electricity emanates from the connection.

My theory about getting Beth out of my system with one measly kiss never would have worked. Something I obviously figured out pretty quickly, but this just proves it.

When we touch, there are sparks.

Hell, maybe evenheart sparks.

“So, what’s after the cook-off tomorrow? Halloween planning?”

Beth blows out a heavy breath and nods. “Yep. Trunk or Treat on Main Street. Instead of delicious chili, I can gorge myself on sugary candy,” she jokes.

“What’s your favorite?” I ask, eager for more insight into her likes and dislikes, even if it's something as simple as her favorite candy.

“Jolly Ranchers, specifically the watermelon flavor, but I’m happy with whatever I get.”

“Not chocolate?” My sister loves mini chocolate bars. Cookies and cream, peanuts, caramel. The kind doesn’t matter as long as it’s covered, or entirely made of, chocolate.

Beth shakes her head. “Milk chocolate is too sweet for me. I don’t mind dark chocolate, but they don’t offer much of that for kids at Halloween. Too bitter… What about you?”

“Smarties.”

Her nose and forehead wrinkle in disgust.