As his eyes met hers, he grew quiet. He sat up and pivoted his chest toward her. His gaze traveled up and down, taking in Amy’s new dress and shiny satin stockings. They stopped on the pair of stilettos she was still holding. “Put those on too. I’d love to see them.” His voice was slightly rough, making his words sound a bit like a command.
Amy slid the shoes on and stood up. She took three tentative steps back.
Colton’s expression was undecipherable, but the way he looked at her was definitely different than before. Or no. Maybe there was that time in the gym when he kissed her hands.
Amy moistened her lips and asked, “So, what do you think? Is it overkill?”
Colton straightened up and walked toward her. He gave her another slow once-over before he finally spoke. “No, I’d say you look perfect today. Very pretty.” There was an undertone of bewilderment in his words. As if he didn’t know quite how to react.
Amy played with her necklace. “Ah, the way you say it makes it sound like I don’t, usually.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Don’t worry, I get it. I rarely dress up. Mark always used to tell me to dress more like a real woman.” She lowered her glance.
“I thought we already agreed that your ex is a moron. He let you go, remember? That’s proof that you shouldn’t take his opinion too seriously.”
Amy nibbled on her lower lip. Mark might have been wrong on many fronts, but Colton's reaction just now proved that Amy’s ex had at least been right about one thing: men loved femmes fatales, even if they were whiny or unappreciative of their boyfriends' jobs or hobbies.
Colton took a step toward her and hooked his finger underneath her chin. He lifted her face till their gazes locked. “Why do I get the feeling that you don’t believe me?” he murmured.
“Colt, let’s be real here. Men prefer women who dress like this. Sexy and formfitting. Right? Like Theresa.”
Colton lifted a brow. “Theresa? Yes, Theresa is hot. She knows how to enhance her beauty. But you, Amy, you shouldn’t want to imitate that. You are … you are just …”
Amy’s stomach roiled. Why did she even go there? Why compare herself to Theresa? She didn’t need to hear that she was a doll while Colton’s girlfriend was a hot fantasy. She put up a hand, giving him a hard look. “If you’re planning to call me cute or adorable, I'm warning you—I’ll wrestle you, and there's no captain here to keep me from breaking your arm!”
Colton began to chuckle. “I’d love to see you try. But—” His face grew more serious. “There’s nothing wrong with being adorable. It actually means that anyone who sees you should be in awe, because you are one of a kind, my dear Amy. Really. One. Of. A. Kind.” His gaze held Amy’s, assuring her that he truly meant what he said.
Before she could decide whether to trust this mirage of Colton speaking about her as a real woman, he cocked his head and grinned. “I think that your stunning dress and hot shoes put some pressure on me. Now I need to change into a tux or something. I’ll be right back, okay?” He hurried into the bedroom.
His words knocked the air right out of Amy, as if her intercostal muscles suddenly forgot that their work was to expand her rib cage. Even after Colton disappeared, she just stood there, unable to do anything—even breathe. It took her a long minute to regain control of her senses. As she inhaled avidly, her head began spinning with the questions she’d been trying to chase away for days.
One of a kind? Did Colton’s phrase have a double meaning? Was he starting to see her as something more than just a friend or an adopted little sister?
Did it even make sense to hope that he would?
13
Colton watched Amy devour the raspberry cheesecake and lick her lips in delight. He ignored the buzzing in his chest that her gesture unleashed in him. He would have preferred to taste Amy’s lips rather than the red fruits of his dessert, but it was better not to think about that.
Amy dabbed at her mouth with the napkin, then let out a satisfied sigh. “I think that might have been the best meal of my life. What about you?”
Judd Hoffman had granted them the royal treatment in the restaurant. They were served the full experimental menu with the best brut as a complimentary treat. Their table was situated in a quiet, romantic corner where they had a breathtaking view of the night sky through the tall windows.
Colton smiled at Amy’s blissful expression. “Yes, most likely. I do like the stew that Auntie Maggie prepares, but this boeuf bourguignon trumps that.”
“Yes, I can confirm that. Your neighbor knows how to cook, but she isn’t Michelin star just yet.” Amy giggled. “Don’t tell her I said that. And you probably shouldn’t gloat to the guys at the station. They must already feel bad that you won the highest prize.” Two delicious little dimples sprang to life on her cheeks and vibrated with her jingling laugh.
Colton swallowed. “What can I say? I’m a lucky man.” And I would be even more lucky if I didn’t have these confusing feelings for you.
The waiter stepped over to their table. “Would you like some coffee?”
Amy touched her belly. “I think I’m good. Thank you.”
Colton shook his head. “No, we’re done. Thanks.”
The waiter bowed to them shortly, then retreated.
“Wow, isn’t it amazing that we can just stand up and walk out without paying?” She threw him the same conspiratorial glance she used to give when she'd propose a trick to play on Zach. It warmed Colton’s chest, but it also accelerated his pulse.
Why were all his innocent memories turning into further confirmation that he should be with Amy instead of anyone else?
“Yes.” He forced his voice to stay even. “I could get used to this. And to having a presidential suite as my lodging.”
Amy’s grin widened. “Ah, I almost forgot that our fun isn’t over. Were you serious when you said that it has its own pool?”
“I believe so. I read it in the brochure that came with the gift certificate. Come on, let’s go check it out.”
They walked out of the restaurant. Amy led the way, which was probably a serious mistake on Colton's part. The way her hips swayed as she glided on her stilettos was a crime. Or maybe the crime was the way Colton was staring at them.
He quickly raised his gaze, but now he was faced with her delicious neckline. Amy had made an artfully elegant messy bun that left her nape naked.
Okay, knock it off. It’s bad form to ogle your best friend!
Colton squared his back and dropped his chin to his chest. There was nothing wrong with gawking at his own shoes. The only exciting idea he could get from them was that he preferred his usual boots to these shiny leather shoes.
Thankfully, he could soon take them off when he took a dip with Amy.
Oh, geez. His brain managed to summon unfitting images even while observing his own feet. Thinking about Amy’s slender body in a bathing suit was definitely uncalled for.
They reached the elevator and stepped inside.
“Top floor, right?” Amy asked, her voice full of excitement. She was truly enjoying the evening. Colton should follow her example and just concentrate on the now, not on his guilty desires toward his best friend or the plaguing questions about how he would make these feelings go away.
He nodded. “Yup, all the way up, Amy-cakes.”
She pushed the button. As the metal doors closed, they were surrounded by three walls of mirrors and one shiny reflective metal surface. It made the elevator's interior unsettling, because now five Amys were looking at Colton, and he had no way of avoiding their mesmerizing mocha eyes.
Not unless he shut his eyes. So that was what he did.
Amy’s fingers brushed across his cheeks. He twitched, and his eyelids sprang open. Amy was standing so close to him that her warmth radiated through his chest.
“Is everything okay, Colt? Are you dizzy from the champagne?”
Ah, thank heavens she was offering him an easy way out. “Yeah, my head i
s just a little fuzzy.” And you standing this close is only making it worse.
She smiled and tapped her temples with two fingers. “I know, I’m also slightly hazy. But it’s actually a nice feeling. I can’t remember when I felt this light-headed but happy at the same time. It’s so much fun being here with you.”
Something about the way she said the last part made Colton’s insides move. What if Amy also felt that magical something forming between them? Maybe he could see how she would react if he made an affectionate gesture toward her. Perhaps a kiss? Before he could summon up his courage, the bell sounded as they arrived at the highest floor.
An elegantly dressed butler awaited them in the corridor. “Mr. and Mrs. Myers? I’ll show you to your room.”
Amy leaned in to Colton, lowering her voice. “He thinks we’re married?”
Colton whispered back, “He can think whatever he wants, right?”
Amy’s chin set into a hard line like she might argue, but then she nodded. “Yeah, yeah. You’re right.”
They followed the man to the far end of the corridor.
“This is our presidential suite,” he told them as he opened the door. “You have three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a living room, kitchen, and a large hot tub on the terrace, built as an infinity pool.”
Amy gasped as they entered, and Colton had a hard time suppressing a cry. If he'd thought their dinner was luxurious, this suite was above and beyond anything he’d ever seen. The fluffy cushions, the giant windows, the decorative details—everything screamed sumptuous and expensive in this place.
The butler bowed. “I have already put your bags in the master bedroom. If you need anything, just dial number twelve and I’ll come right away.”
Colton pulled some money out of his wallet, but the butler shook his head and held up a hand. “It's already taken care of, sir.” He backed out, pulling the door closed behind him.
Amy was turning around, her jaw hanging loose and her eyes wide. “Pretty cool, huh? I bet Theresa will regret that she didn’t come.”
Colton’s mood sobered. He hadn’t told Amy yet that he and Theresa were on a break—or rather, that they’d broken up. Because ultimately that was what it boiled down to. Theresa had told Colton he should come back when he had realized his mistake and was ready to apologize. The problem was that the more Colton considered what he truly felt for his best friend, the less he desired to return to Theresa. “I don’t think I’ll be telling Theresa much about tonight.”
Amy’s eyes darted to him, her mouth moving into a confused frown. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that for now we’re taking a break.”
“A break? Why?”
Because she thinks I’m falling for you. And she might be right.
Colton rubbed his neck. “We’re both busy with work. Our schedules always clash. Theresa isn’t sure it can grow into anything more serious.”
Amy’s eyes filled with worry. “Oh, Colt. I’m so sorry. Are you sure that my living at your place didn’t contribute to her decision?”
Yes, of course it did. It made her see that I treat you differently. Also, it opened my eyes to what I want in a woman. “No, I don’t think so.”
Amy pressed a hand to her chest. “That’s a relief. I’d hate for you to break up over me. I’m just a friend, right?”
“Right.” Colton needed all his willpower to keep his tongue and teeth coordinated enough for this single syllable answer. It was an outright lie to say that Amy was just a friend. But if that’s what she thought …
Amy moved closer to him, taking his hand. Her fingers squeezed his palm as she peered straight into his eyes. “I know what it means when someone tells you they don’t see a future with you. It sucks.”
Colton’s mouth filled with bile so bitter he almost gagged. Amy hadn’t mentioned Mark during the past few weeks. He'd heard her crying when she’d first arrived, but then her sorrow seemed to have disappeared. Was she hiding her wounds from Colton? Was she still mourning the loss of her jerk of an ex? “I’ll survive, Amy-cakes. I’m not sure Theresa was the right one for me.”
Amy gave him a warm smile that heated his blood. “I don’t think she was. If she doesn’t see what a great guy you are, then it’s her loss. Because you are, Colton. Every girl would be happy to date a man like you.”
Colton wiggled his brows. “Ah, really? Every one?”
Amy stuck out her tongue. “Don’t get all wound up. Arrogant men are not so attractive.”
“I’ll take it down a notch, then. I’d love to stay in your attractive category.” Oh, man. His voice came out all throaty and his comment was unmistakably clear. What would Amy say to this?
Amy stared at him, chewing on her lower lip. Then she released his hand and said. “Okay, heartbreaker, let’s lighten up your mood and take a dip in that hot tub. What do you say?” She pointed at a bedroom. “I’ll just go and grab my bikini. I can change in one of the spare bedrooms. You take the master bedroom. This evening is your gift after all.” She went to fetch her bag and retreated to the adjacent bedroom, closing the door.
Colton moseyed to the master bedroom and threw himself backward into the soft cushions. Even the ceiling looked as if it was taken from some enchanted fairy tale. Among the fresco imitations, he discovered one that looked like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. He zoomed in on the painted face of the woman. With her blond curls and penetrating eyes, she reminded him of Amy.
Soon he would see Amy in a bathing suit—a bikini, to make things worse.
He slammed a fist into his chest over his heart, hoping that the violent gesture would stop its racing. He’d been swimming with Amy countless times. He could look at her without acting on his feelings. He totally could.
After all, Amy was likely still thinking of Mark.
The crazy ideas swirling in Colton’s head would never become a reality. He couldn’t risk losing Amy. If she realized he was having feelings for her that she couldn’t reciprocate … well, things would get weird. He couldn’t let that happen.
14
Amy took a deep breath and put her hand on the doorknob. Nothing has changed, you nitwit. Just because Colton isn’t with Theresa this evening doesn’t magically transform this into a real date.
So why was her silly heart suddenly filled with hope?
Argghh. She growled and shook her head. She had to go out to him. She’d already spent way too much time changing. Soon Colton would knock on the door to ask if she needed help.
Why hadn’t she packed a one-piece? Or one of those surfing suits?
Okay, if she wore the latter, Colton would make fun of her. But something with a little more fabric wouldn’t hurt. She glanced down at her bare belly. She and Colton had seen each other in underwear when they were kids. And she was dressed in swimwear now—which she’d bought in a sport store. It wasn’t a sexy Victoria's Secret show-more-than-hide model. She’d worn this exact bikini when she went to a public swimming pool in Portland. If she didn’t mind strangers looking at her in it, then why did the idea of Colton doing the same make her uneasy?
Her eyes moved to the bed. Maybe if she wrapped herself in a towel, she’d feel less exposed. She grabbed the one placed on the bed by the butler and arranged it around her torso. It covered up her body and reached to her knees. Ah, better.
She went into the living room and was about to call out to Colton when she noticed that he was already on the terrace. He stood beside the pool, his wide shoulders and athletic back flexing as he stretched.
Amy had already noticed that he’d put on some new, highly chiseled muscles when he'd stumbled out of the shower bare-chested on her first day. But now, with Colton unaware that she was observing him, she had the time to study his masculine figure in detail.
His second job at the gym had sculpted him into an even more attractive man, making him look like some kind of demigod. Amy pulled the towel tighter around herself. It was time to join Colton. If she stayed one more second watchi
ng him, her legs would probably give up holding her.
Whatever. These were worries she should have reflected on before agreeing to spend the night with him in this suite. Well, not with him, but just … Oh, stop it, brain.
Amy steeled herself and pulled open the sliding door to the terrace.
Colton turned and smiled. Heat rushed to Amy’s head at the sight of his toned torso, and she dropped her glance. Was it a wise decision to get into a hot tub with a man who made her feel as if she had hot flashes? She might just faint in there.
Colton stuck a foot into the water. “Wow, it’s very pleasant. Ready?”
“Yes, please.” Anything to stop this rumbling in my belly.
“Then you need to take off the towel—unless you want to have a bath with that?”
His teasing voice made Amy blush, and she was glad that the lights on the terrace were so diffuse. They would help hide her embarrassment throughout the evening. Her face was bound to get even warmer under the combined effect of the hot water and Colton's proximity.
She dropped the towel onto a chair beside the hot tub and hurriedly stepped in. The less time spent standing around in her bikini, the better. She sat down and sighed. Ah, the water was indeed pleasant. It soothed her nerves. Perhaps she’d made this entire hot tub experience into something more stressful than it was.
Colton was still standing knee deep, watching her with a smile that could mean anything. Why did he have these cryptic expressions lately? Amy used to be able to read him well when they were younger, but not anymore.
Her eyes focused on a shiny object resting against Colton’s chest. Her breath caught. “Are you still wearing my key?”
Colton’s hand closed around the tiny object. “Ah, good that you reminded me.” He removed the chain with the dangling key and placed it on Amy’s towel. He descended the rest of the way into the pool and sat beside her. His thigh brushed against hers as he shifted to face her.
Amy was still processing what she’d just seen. “How come I never noticed you wearing it before?”
Saving His Heart Page 10
