We’d hit the bar earlier, had a few drinks and shared a few stories. It was the strangest feeling; I felt like I already knew her so well, like we weren’t strangers at all.
Lexie had talked about her life back home and I’d hung on her every word. She worked as a singer on a cruise ship, and it was obvious from the look in her eyes when she talked about it, that she lived for her job.
Reeve sauntered over and bumped his shoulder against mine. “You’ve got it bad.”
I chuckled and nodded in agreement without taking my eyes off Lexie. “Is there anything that girl can’t do?”
“Ummm... drive a car?” he offered.
“What?” I turned to look at him. “She can’t drive?”
He laughed. “Nope. She rides her bike everywhere.”
“That’s ridiculous. She’s twenty-two years old,” I replied in disbelief.
Reeve shrugged. “It is what it is.”
“I’m gonna teach her.”
I decided right then and there that I was going to teach that woman to drive before she got back on that plane.
It’s the perfect excuse to spend time with her.
He just grinned in response.
“It’s good to see you smiling again, Colt.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “I know you didn’t want anything bad for them, but still, you deserve happiness too.”
I didn’t even need to ask what he was referring to – it was obvious. And he was right. I never wanted anything but happiness for Harrison and Quinn, but it had still been a tough pill to swallow.
“Yeah thanks, Reeve,” I choked out. “I appreciate it.”
He started to walk away, but turned back to me. “And maybe if a few hours with Lex was all it took for you to move on, then Q wasn’t ever the one for you anyway.”
He wasn’t entirely right. It’d been a few months alone, and then a few hours with Lexie... but that didn’t matter. The point was right. Quinn wasn’t, and never would be the one for me. She was Harrison’s and he was hers. It was as simple, and as complicated as that.
I glanced back out at Lexie and couldn’t help but wonder what would happen now. She’d agreed to a date with me tomorrow – and she didn’t know it yet, but I’d be keeping her for the entire day.
I had a deep-seated desire to know everything there was about that girl, and I wasn’t going to stop until I did.
7. Lexie
“So what’s the deal with you two?” El’s eyes twinkled as she regarded me curiously.
We’d been dancing for ages and I needed a break and another drink.
“Two waters please,” I told the bartender.
I looked back over at El. “Honestly... I don’t know.” I nibbled on my bottom lip. “I don’t even know him... but I’m having a really hard time not throwing myself at him.” I grinned.
Having a few drinks had definitely loosened me up.
“He is gorgeous,” El agreed as we both looked over at Colt.
He was talking animatedly with a guy I didn’t know. He had a big grin on his face and I couldn’t help but smile as he threw his head back in laughter.
“So gorgeous,” I agreed.
“So go for it,” El encouraged.
“From what I’ve heard, that’s the exact advice you gave Q, and look how that turned out.” I shook my head in amusement.
“Yeah... that was unfortunate.” El grimaced. “I told her to just have some fun, but poor Colt didn’t get the message.” She sighed and looked over at Colt fondly. “He’s a really nice guy, Lex, he was so good to us when I had those issues with that stalker, he really kept an eye on Quinn.”
I reached out and squeezed her arm, it was a long time ago now, but I knew El didn’t really like talking about it too much.
“I think that was part of the problem. Lawson was so protective of Q and I, and you know what she’s like... there’s no forcing her into anything. So Lawson pushed... and Q ran to Colt to get away. They spent a lot of time together over that period that they probably wouldn’t have otherwise. I think that’s when Colt caught the feelings,” she explained.
I laughed. “Caught the feelings – I like it.”
“I’m certainly not giving you the same advice.” She giggled. “But it couldn’t hurt to get to know him a little better. He’s really sweet, I like him and it’d be nice to see him happy again.”
“But I’m only here for a few more days,” I replied softly.
“Just take each day as it comes?” she suggested.
“That’s what he said.” I smiled as I glanced back over to where Colt stood. He was looking directly at me now and still talking to the same guy.
“I’d bet you one hundred dollars that he’s talking about you right now,” El told me.
Colt’s arm lifted and he pointed right at me.
“See,” she boasted.
“That’s her...” I saw the words form on his lips from across the room.
My heart fluttered.
Oh lord.
Quinn and El were right. Colt was a great guy, and there was no reason not to go for it and see what might happen.
***
I spent the rest of the night dancing with El, Q and a few of their other friends. Even Lawson had joined his wife on the dance floor.
And holy hell.
That man could move.
If it wasn’t for the fact that he was married to one of my best friends, I probably would have thrown myself at him – El had laughed so much she’d nearly cried, and Quinn had screwed up her nose and pretended to gag when I’d accidently mentioned that thought aloud.
It appeared that Harrison and Colt weren’t of the dancing variety. No amount of begging, pleading or coercing seemed to be able to get them out on that dance floor.
I was willing to bet that Colt wasn’t as bad as he was insisting he was – the way he played, rhythm obviously flowed in his veins, but I didn’t push it. He seemed to be more than happy sitting back and enjoying the show.
We’d put back more drinks than was in any way necessary and I’d laughed until my face hurt. It was the most fun I’d had, off of a stage, in a really long time.
I’m so glad I came to see my girls.
The other reason I was glad I’d come was currently approaching me with a cheeky gleam in his eyes.
“Are you having fun, my little song bird?” He slipped his arms around my waist when he reached me – the same way he had several times tonight, and my arms instinctively went around his neck.
It had only been a few short hours, but it was somehow already a familiar gesture. It was sweet, and sexy, and I liked it more than I knew I should.
“You know... nicknames are meant to be shorter than the person’s name... not three words longer,” I stated playfully.
He chuckled. “Says who?”
“I dunno.” I shrugged. “The nickname rulers.”
“The nickname rulers can suck my d—”
I clapped my hand over his mouth before he could finish his sentence.
“Rule breaker,” I stage whispered.
He laughed behind my hand and nipped at my finger with his teeth.
I pulled my hand back and smiled up at him – all the way up... we were going to look utterly ridiculous standing together if I ever wore flats.
“Are we still on for tomorrow?” I asked casually as I reached up and wrapped my hands around his neck again.
“You bet your sweet little ass we are,” he replied quickly.
“Where are we going?” I quizzed. I needed to plan an outfit.
“I’m not telling,” he replied, his voice smug. “But you only need to bring yourself,” he added, almost as though he could read my mind.
“Can I wear heels?” I pondered aloud.
“Ahh... no.” He laughed. “Probably wouldn’t be a smart choice.”
“But I’ll look like a midget next to you,” I whined jokingly.
“You’ll look perfect.” He reassured me as he placed a soft kiss on the to
p of my head, the same way he’d been doing all night.
“What time should I be ready?” I sounded giddy and excited, but I didn’t care. I was giddy and excited.
“I’ll pick you up at eight.”
“So, a late dinner...?” My stomach nearly growled at the thought of waiting that late. I liked to eat.
He laughed, and it was such a perfect sound that it took me a minute to realize I’d said something that he obviously thought was funny.
“What?” I crinkled my nose up at him, wanting to be in on the joke.
“Not eight at night.” He tapped my nose. “Eight in the morning,” he amended.
I gaped at him.
Is he serious?
I flicked my watch towards me. It was three-eighteen.
“You can’t be serious?” I replied quickly. “That’s not even five hours away, Colt,” I added when all he did was grin, with his stupid, beautiful, hazel eyes glowing like caramel.
“You’re right.” He dropped his hold on my waist and grabbed one of my hands. “It’s not worth waiting, let’s just go now.”
I giggled at his obvious joking as he dragged me out of the room and down the hallway.
“Colt!” I cried out between giggles.
“C’mon,” he insisted, tugging my arm harder to speed me up.
“Where are we going?” I tried to pull my arm back, a huge grin on my face.
“That’s it,” he warned before hoisting me up over his shoulder and carting me further down the hall.
“Colt!” I could hardly get the words out, I was laughing so hard. “Put me down, you thug!”
“That’s no way to talk to your date,” he mock scolded as I bounced around on his shoulder, my face at his back.
“What in the name of God...”
I heard Quinn’s voice and did my best to look up. She was standing at the end of the hallway, down where we’d come from, and she had a huge smile on her face.
I waved to her as Colt stopped, opened a door, walked in, and sat me down on my feet. I glanced around – we were in an office – his office, if I had to guess.
“Well this is no place to take a date,” I teased, still looking around.
My heart thumped in my chest at the realization that we were all alone once again.
I heard the door shut and I swung around to look at him. His eyes were filled with heat and lust.
“Lucky I’ve got better plans for the real thing,” he told me as he beckoned me to him with his finger.
I went straight to him and tilted my head up, wanting what I was sure he was after too.
His lips crashed down on mine, and I knew I’d been right about his intentions. He wanted this as badly as I did.
My hands went around his neck at the same time that his found my waist.
We were a tangled mess of lips, tongues and teeth. We were drunk and sloppy, but it was still the most electric kiss I’d ever experienced.
“Lexie...” he murmured against my lips when we finally broke apart.
“Mmm hmm,” I answered.
He pulled me in close, and I let my arms fall down around his waist. He rested his chin on the top of my head. “So perfect,” he whispered as he hugged me tightly to him.
“You’re such a charmer,” I replied.
He shook his head softly. “It’s true,” he insisted. I could hear the smile in his voice.
“It is inconceivably untrue.” I sniggered. “You’ve only known me a few hours... spend some time with me and you’ll see the light.”
“Alright, alright... I’ll spend time with you. You don’t have to hound me, woman.”
I rolled my eyes at his goofy grin.
He let go of me and checked the time for himself.
“I guess I’d better let you get some rest.” He grabbed my hand again, opening the door and leading me out, back the way we came.
I didn’t even reply. I just giggled like a school girl and followed after him.
The thought occurred to me that I trusted him... completely... he probably could have taken my hand and I would have followed him anywhere.
How can I trust him entirely already? I barely know the man...
What am I doing...?
He looked back at me over his shoulder and shot me a breathtaking smile.
That is what I’m doing.
My concerns faded away the moment his eyes landed on mine and his sexy lips curved up into that grin.
Have a bit of fun.
I just needed to relax, let go, have a good time, and see what happened.
I’ll take my own advice for once.
Colt took me right back to where El, Q, Harrison and Lawson were waiting, knowing smirks on all of their faces.
“You ready, girl?” Q asked with a wink.
I blushed and tried to pull my hand from Colt’s.
He flat out refused to give it up, instead bringing it up to his mouth and kissing my knuckles softly.
“I’ll see you at eight?” he said it like a question, but I knew he wasn’t going to take no for an answer, and more importantly, I didn’t have any desire to say no to him anyway.
I want to see him again...
I nodded.
“Wear comfortable clothes and shoes,” he added with a smile.
“Dammmn girl.” Quinn let out a low whistle. “Active wear in a few hours? We better get you home to bed.”
The others all laughed, but I barely noticed them, I was busy with the handsome man in front of me.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I promised him.
He leaned in slowly, giving me plenty of time to move if it wasn’t what I wanted, and placed a soft kiss on my lips. I wasn’t going anywhere. He pulled back and I waited for him to nod and let go of my hand before I walked towards my friends.
I sighed as his touch faded from my skin.
Quinn slung her arm over my shoulder. “Well now, tell me all about it, little one,” she said as she patted my arm playfully.
8. Colt
God I hope she doesn’t think this is stupid.
I glanced at the clock for the millionth time and watched the numbers flick over to eight AM.
Finally.
My eagerness to see her had resulted in me arriving to my brother’s house fifteen minutes early. I was so pumped to spend the day with Lexie.
I’d gone home right after they’d left the club last night, leaving the duty manager to close up, and I’d even managed a few hours’ sleep, which was all I really needed anyway.
Hopefully Lex isn’t a ten-hour-a-night kinda girl.
Only one way to find out...
I swung open my car door and stepped out on to the driveway. I walked slowly towards the front door, contemplating whether to ring the bell, or use my key. I didn’t want to risk giving Lexie a fright, but I also didn’t want to feel the wrath of Quinn, from being woken up early on a Saturday morning.
That woman is like a hibernating bear.
I grinned to myself, and my step faltered as I realized I’d just thought about Quinn in a totally new light. I wasn’t bitter, or jealous, or angry.
God that feels good.
I turned my keys over in my hand, looking for the key I had to Harrison’s door.
“Lost something?”
Her voice surprised me and I dropped my keys. I swooped down and snagged them off the gravel.
I looked up at her and my breath caught in my throat. She looked beautiful. She had on black tights, a zip-up fleece, Nikes, and her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. She had a big bag slung over her shoulder.
I noticed all that in the flash of a second it took for me to work my way up her body and lock my eyes onto hers. She’d cleaned all the makeup from last night off her face, and I was mesmerized by the sight of her smooth complexion and bright blue eyes.
Eyes shouldn’t be that blue...
I could feel myself getting lost in the deep pools.
She’s spellbinding.
“Why are you
looking at me like that?” she asked abruptly. “Is there something on my face?” She started wiping at the sides of her mouth with the sleeve of her jumper.
I stood up straight and grabbed at her hand before she did some serious damage to her pretty face.
“Stop,” I instructed. “You’re perfect.”
She stopped trying to pull her hand back and smiled shyly up at me.
I pulled her in closer and used my free hand to tip her head up to look at me. I was a full head taller than her.
I grimaced. “I’m so sorry.”
“What? Why?” she asked, confused.
“I see why you wanted to wear heels,” I told her solemnly.
“You’re a dick,” she said with a laugh. “I get it; I’m the size of a hamster.”
“C’mon.” I tugged at her hand. “Let’s go buy you one of those little running wheels for your cage.”
She mock punched my arm with a laugh and let me lead her to my car.
***
“We’re here,” I announced.
I stifled a laugh as I watched her confused expression take in the deserted parking lot.
“I don’t get it,” she stated after a minute of thinking about what we could possibly be doing here.
I laughed loudly at her expense and got out of the car. I rounded the front and opened her door for her.
She still looked confused as hell, but she took my offered hand and stepped out.
“Just come with me,” I told her as I led her back around the front of the car.
“What are we doing here?” she asked with confusion.
“Here,” I replied, handing her the car keys as I gestured for her to sit in the driver’s seat.
“Oh... um...” She blushed. “I... actually, I can’t drive,” she admitted.
“I know.” I smirked. “Reeve told me...and I decided that you’re not leaving until you learn.”
“What?” She gaped.
“You heard me. I’m teaching you to drive.”
Her eyes bulged.
“I don’t care if it takes the whole week,” I told her with determination in my voice.
“This is a really nice car, Colt... what if I break it?”
“You won’t,” I reassured her. “And besides, it’s insured,” I added with a wink.
Love like Yours Series (Box Set #1-4) Page 71
