Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Damn, girl,” Zoe whispers from alongside me where she, too, has stopped, “I could get off on the hungry look in his eyes and little else.”
She’s not wrong. I feel the heat emanating from him like a physical caress straight down to my toes. As much as I’ve attempted to stomp out the budding emotions that have taken root inside me where Colton is concerned, it hasn’t done me a damn bit of good. They’re still there, alive and well.
“Wait just a minute,” she hisses, “you two aren’t together, are you?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“Are you sure? ’Cuz that sexy look in his eyes is all sorts of possessive.”
Nope. Not at all.
A shiver scampers down my spine. As much as I don’t want that knowledge to thrill me, there’s no denying it does.
The outrage in her voice vanishes, and a soft sigh escapes from between her parted lips. “Aw, hell. Who could blame you? Every girl could use a little bit of that in her life.”
When I stay rooted in place, unable to budge from the spot on the sidewalk, Colton breaks free from the group he’s been mobbed by before swallowing up the distance between us with long-legged strides. Not once does he break eye contact.
Only when he’s about five feet away does his footsteps grind to a halt. Uncertainty flickers across his face. It’s an unusual expression for him. The Colton I know has always been full of confidence. It practically oozes from his pores—both on the football field and with the ladies.
I can’t deny that the last couple of days have been odd. Colton cooked me an amazing dinner Saturday evening. As much as I fought against it, the night ended up with him in my bed. He ran out for coffee Sunday morning and, unbeknownst to him, came back with Jack in tow. We haven’t had a chance to talk or sort out where we stand with one another.
I’ll be honest, the unexpected visit from my friend has me rethinking my decision to allow Colton back into my life again. I’ve told myself since returning to Wesley that I would steer clear of my ex, and yet, how many times have I ended up in his arms? Even though my feelings for Jack aren’t necessarily romantic in nature, he made me realize that I need to slow down and get some perspective instead of leaping headfirst into a situation that has the potential to leave me brokenhearted.
Colton shifts his weight before shoving his hands into the front pockets of his denim. “Hey.”
“Hi.” The only reason I can imagine that he would show up here is if there was an issue with Jack. I’m almost afraid to ask. “Were there any problems getting to the airport?”
“Nope.” Something flickers in his eyes before vanishing. “None at all.”
I cock my head and scour his expression for the truth. I can only imagine what the atmosphere was like in the car. The thought of them alone together—or worse—having words, makes me nauseous. When he remains silent, the question bursts free. “What are you doing here?”
The determined expression that I’ve become so used to returns full force. “I needed to see you.”
His words send a reluctant thrill shooting through me. As much as I don’t want to be affected by him, I am. The truth of the matter is that I always have been. “Oh.”
Zoe clears her throat, and I blink out of the trance that has fallen over me before shaking my head. It takes a moment to collect my scattered thoughts. But that’s nothing new when it comes to the blond football player. I should be used to it by now. “Colton, this is my friend, Zoe.”
He glances at the tall brunette. “Yeah, I remember. You’re in the dance program with Alyssa.”
She straightens. Even though Zoe is a few inches taller than I am, he still dwarfs her in height. “That’s right.”
They met dozens of times when we were together, but I didn’t expect him to realize it.
“I hope you don’t plan on jacking around with my girl again,” she says in a no-nonsense tone of voice.
Surprised by the comment, my mouth falls open, and I gasp, “Zoe!” She can be blunt to a fault. Most of the time it’s a good thing. Every once in a while...not so much.
“What?” She glances at me as a fierce look grows in her eyes. “He’ll answer to me if he does.” For one brief moment, she channels Xena: Warrior Princess. Trust me, she can be just as fearsome. It’s a relief that she’s on my side.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to get in line,” Colton mutters under his breath as his expression darkens.
“What?” My brows draw together, not understanding why he would throw out such a strange comment.
“Nothing.” His gaze returns to Zoe. “I have no intention of hurting Alyssa, if that’s your concern.”