She, the Kingdom (She #1)(46)

I was still thinking about the sound of his voice as he described me—similar to the way he spoke about his mother. “How is she?”

He made a face. “Who?”

“Your mom.”

He cleared his throat and looked down. I’d taken him off guard. “We ended up taking her to Wichita for extended care. She never really got better. She passed away last year.”

“I’m… Jesus, I hadn’t heard,” I choked out. It was a small town. The news should have reached me—especially at the hospital. I wondered if I’d gotten so wrapped up in my own drama that I’d heard and didn’t pay attention.

“You were one of the bright lights at the end. She never forgot what you did for us. Neither did I.” He leaned in a few inches, staring at my mouth. “Is the wine okay?”

I grinned. “It’s really nice.”

He chuckled. “Good, ‘cause I don’t know a damn thing about wine. I’m a beer guy… the cheaper the better. I got a recommendation from the gal at the liquor store.”

“She steered you right.”

He nodded. “Good to know.”

In the distance, a muffled boom sounded, and a multi-colored explosion filled the heavens. Colton’s eyes lit up, and he tilted his head back, looking even younger as he smiled at the sky. I looked up, too, my hand warming when he slid his fingers between mine. More fireworks exploded above us, and our gaze met. I swallowed, recognizing the resolution in Colton’s eyes.

My phone buzzed, and I fished it out of my purse. It was a text from Max.

Found myself at your door. You’re not home.

“I’m sorry, Colton. Excuse me,” I said. He sat back, gesturing for me to go ahead as I positioned my phone in my hands to reply.

Why are you at my house? Aren’t you hosting a party?

It didn’t feel right.

What didn’t?

Being there without you. Where are you?

My fingers hovered over the display, before I finally decided to respond. The fireworks were popping in the distance, and Colton was watching, patiently waiting for me to finish.

Let me guess. You’re drunk and Sophie is ignoring you?

I’m drunk, yes. Sophie is doing the opposite, actually. We’ve been fighting all evening.

I was surprised to feel jealousy roar through my veins, making my heart thump in my chest.

Go home, Max.

I put my phone on silent and buried it in the bottom of my purse. Colton was relieved that I’d returned my attention to him.

“Everything all right?” he asked.

“All good.”

My purse vibrated. I knew it was Max, and jealousy wasn’t the only confusing feeling swirling inside of me.

“Good deal. I’d hate for you to miss the show. They really outdid themselves this y—”

I grabbed Colton’s shirt in my fists and pulled him toward me, pressing my mouth against his. He reacted instantly, wrapping his arms around me as if that was exactly what he’d been waiting for. His bottom lip was fuller than the top, and melted against mine. His tongue skimmed my mouth, begging to enter. My lips parted, and his fingers encircled the back of my neck as he lowered me against the quilt.

I was only wearing a thin, red summer dress, not much in the way of a deterrent for Colton’s wandering hands. He wasn’t as adept as Max, but not as clumsy as Nick. He was young, eager, and I felt myself purposely losing myself against him. Colton wasn’t attached to anyone else—there were no contracts, agreements, or NDAs. I could kiss him if I wanted, touch him, relax when he touched me. It was like finally breathing after holding my breath for the nearly two months I’d spent with Max.

As Colton settled between my legs, his hand gripped my thigh, sliding the skirt of my dress up as his hand inched higher. He was out of breath, the mammoth behind the zipper of his jeans was already rock hard. I lifted my hips, aching to feel him against me.

He groaned, gripping my neck tighter and pulling me against his mouth, finally releasing me to taste my neck. I leaned back, looking at the vivid bursts of color contrasting against the smoky, black sky.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa…” Colton whispered against my skin, pushing back until he was on his knees.

I leaned up onto my elbows, the strap of my dress falling off my shoulder. “What happened?”

Colton’s chest puffed as he sucked in a breath, blowing it out slowly. His eyes were wide like he’d just surprised himself. “I’m so sorry. Something just came over me. I promised myself I’d respect your agreement with the Kingstons.”

His mention of Max and Sophie made the smile I was suppressing instantly disappear, and put my inhibitions back in check. “Oh.”

“Gah, I feel like I just ruined the whole night.”

“No,” I said, combing my fingers through my hair. “Thank you. That was very… thoughtful.”

“Trust me,” he said, scooting closer. “I’d love nothing more than to just go with it. I want to keep seeing you, but I want you to keep your job.”

I tried to let the sweet sentiment sink in, but my debilitating embarrassment made it impossible. The grand finale detonated overhead, and Colton intertwined his fingers with mine again. I played it off, but the awkwardness burned brighter than the fireworks.

Colton packed up, and he walked me to his truck, opening his door for me to slide in. He stopped me when I reached the middle, hanging onto my hand as he hopped in beside me. The warmth of his hand on my thigh as he drove me to my house was a constant reminder of what I’d signed away. If he’d only shown up a few months earlier—but then I wouldn’t be debt free, or have my kids’ college savings funded. It was hard to wish that away for a guy I barely knew.