Colters' Lady (Colters' Legacy #2)(32)

He grinned—a cocky, self-assured grin—that did funny things to her insides. In that moment she caught a glimpse of the mischievous rebel that was part and parcel of his image.

“Do we need their permission?”

She smiled. “No, I suppose not. Although I don’t want Seth to worry. He wasn’t happy that I went riding with Callie with my arm.”

Dillon’s eyes darkened as his gaze swept down her shoulder and then he frowned. “Where is the sling?”

She rolled her eyes. “I took it off. I don’t need it.”

“I’ll be careful with you. All you have to do is hug tight to me and keep your shoulder against my back.”

The idea of being so intimately pressed to him sent a flutter of awareness through her veins. Her belly clenched and adrenaline spiked, sending a warm flush over her skin and deeper until she was aware of the slow thud of her pulse.

Dillon tilted his head in the direction of the house. “They’re used to my craziness. They won’t even blink. Seth might get uptight, but he’s already had you to himself. If he’s so keen for this to work, he’s going to have to deal.”

He held out his hand, and for a moment she stared at it, studying the long fingers and the roughness of his palm. Carefully she slid her hand over his, absorbing the sensation of the spark that leapt between them.

He curled his thumb over the top of her hand and rubbed up and down before tightening his fingers around hers.

“Come with me, Lily.”

His voice lowered and there was sensual enticement in the simply stated plea.

“If you’ll let Seth know where we’re going,” she said by way of agreement.

Again the cocky smile flashed and he tugged at her hand. “All right then. Let’s go face them together. Did the dads feed you?”

She nodded.

“Okay, then I’ll feed you dinner later. I’m a pretty good cook and not just the bar food we serve up at the pub. I’ll promise Seth to have you home at a decent hour.”

He grinned as he said the last, and she smiled in return at the playfulness in his voice.

He guided her inside, barely touching her except for his grip on her hand, but the heat from his body hovered and invaded her until she leaned into his side, wanting that wonderful jolt of awareness all over again.

Conversation stopped when she and Dillon re-entered the living room, and once again there was open speculation on the faces of the Colters.

Seth’s gaze dropped to her and Dillon’s linked hands. His expression remained neutral, but his eyes told a different story. There was uncertainty there, and forgetting that Dillon was going to inform him that she was taking a ride with him, she dropped Dillon’s hand and went straight to Seth.

She hovered close, wanting to touch him, wanting to go into his arms, but she didn’t know how to handle situations like this. She wished the others weren’t there because she felt like a performer in a bizarre scene. Like everyone was waiting to see the big reveal.

“Can you come outside?” she whispered to Seth. “With me and Dillon?” She looked back at Dillon as she spoke, worried that he would think she was asking for the very permission they’d joked about. It wasn’t about permission. It was about respect, and in her own way she wanted to reassure Seth.

Seth nodded and touched her arm as he turned her in the direction of the front door.

“We’ll see you guys later,” Dillon announced as he followed Seth and Lily out. He stopped to ruffle Callie’s hair. “Don’t be late for work tonight, kiddo. And try not to hurt my customers.”

There were murmured goodbyes, and Lily was already out the front door, but then she turned, not wanting the Colters to think her rude. She grasped the door frame and smiled at Seth and Dillon’s parents.

“Thank you for your hospitality. You were very kind.” Then she looked to Callie. “I enjoyed the ride very much. Thank you for taking me.”

The Colters looked a little dazed, and who could blame them? Lily had burst into their well-ordered lives and turned things upside down in a matter of hours.

She bit her lip and prayed she hadn’t made a decision that was going to hurt what was obviously a very close family relationship.

As if sensing her worry, Holly smiled and crossed the room to stand in front of Lily just moments before enfolding her gently in her embrace.

“You’re very welcome, Lily. It was wonderful to meet you. You’re welcome here anytime. I expect we’ll be seeing more of you soon.”

Her eyes twinkled as she pulled away, and Lily returned her smile.

Dillon stopped to plant a noisy smack on his mother’s cheek before all but pushing Lily out the door.

“I’m taking Lily for a ride and we’ll grab some dinner later,” Dillon announced as they approached the parked vehicles out front.

Seth’s only reaction was the slight twist of his lips, but he glanced at Lily. “Are you up for that? You shouldn’t be running all over the damn place with your arm hurt.”

There was an accusing note in his voice, almost as if he was criticizing Dillon for not taking better care with her.

She put her hand on Seth’s chest and left it there as she stared up at him. “I’m okay, Seth. A ride sounded nice. And…well…if what you said is true, then I need…” She struggled to say the words, but she had to be as honest and upfront with them as they were with her, and if that meant expressing her needs, then she had to do it.