it aside and tell myself that it’s for the best. Colton isn’t the kind of guy I need in my life. He’s just the one I’m attracted to.
For a moment, I force myself to relive the way he broke up with me. The text message that popped up out of nowhere. And then waiting outside his locker room when he refused to take my calls. A dull ache fills me as I dredge up the ugliness of his words.
Come on, girl, you had to know this was a long shot when we got together. It was a gamble. You rolled the dice, and it came up snake eyes. You should be giving me props for remaining faithful this long. As much as I’ve enjoyed your unicorn pussy, this whole exclusivity thing isn’t for me. I wouldn’t mind keeping you in my back pocket and having a taste of it every once in a while. No strings attached, of course.
It’s the rap of knuckles against wood that knocks me out of the painful memory as I force my feet into motion. When I’m standing in front of the door, I inhale a shaky breath before reaching out and twisting the knob. Even though it’s not a surprise to find Colton standing on the other side of the threshold, my heart skips a beat.
Instead of his normal jeans or athletic shorts paired with a T-shirt, he’s wearing a pale pink polo and chinos that hug his muscular thighs. There’s an oversized silver watch wrapped around his left wrist and a sprinkle of dark blond hair covering his bare forearms.
My mouth turns cottony as I take in the sight of him.
Why does he have to be so damn sexy?
I gulp as a fresh burst of nerves explodes inside me. I am in so much trouble. This was a mistake. One I never should have agreed to. Already I know there’s only one way this will end, and that’s badly.
For me.
No matter what happens, I’m going to get hurt. And I’m nowhere near healed from the last time.
The way his gaze skims over me feels very much like a physical caress. “You look beautiful.”
Heat seeps into my cheeks as I glance away. It’s difficult to hold his stare. The possessiveness that fills his eyes leaves me feeling skittish. “Thanks.”
As much as I didn’t want to dress with Colton in mind this evening, that’s exactly what I found myself doing. Even though it’s mid-September, and the weather is seasonable, I know the temperature will drop, and it will become chilly. I decided on a thin, loosely knit, cream-colored sweater with three-quarter length sleeves and a short red skirt with a white tear drop pattern. I’ve paired silvery sandals with the outfit. It’s a little summer and autumn mixed together.
If I was looking for confidence, this outfit gives it to me. Although maybe that approach has backfired because the appreciation in Colton’s eyes is clear.
“Let me get my purse, and we can go,” I say, needing to break the escalating tension before it reaches a flashpoint.
“Sounds good.”
I give myself a silent pep talk as I grab the black bag off the dining room table and return to the entryway.
Nothing is going to happen that I don’t want.
That knowledge doesn’t provide nearly enough comfort given the fact that I fold like a cheap house of cards every time he lays his hands on me. Fortunately, we’ll probably head out to a party. Colton will get swarmed by groupies, and I’ll be on my own for the duration of the evening. Then I can tell him he had his chance and blew it. I remember all too well what it was like to go out with him in public. He has an overzealous fan club, and from what I’ve witnessed since my return, they’re as enthusiastic as ever. It’s a reassuring thought.
He steps aside as I stride into the hallway and close the door behind me.
A couple of hours, and this will be over.
As I move toward the elevator, he says, “We’re not heading that way.”
Huh? I grind to a halt before swinging around to face him. “I don’t understand.”
One side of his mouth hitches at the confusion that must be written across my face. “I made dinner for us at my apartment.”
My mouth dries at the idea of spending time alone with him. “Oh.” Well, shit. This isn’t good. “Um...I thought we were going to hit a party.”
Heat fills his eyes, and his voice drops. “I didn’t