Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
I don’t even have to talk myself into it this time. I know this is a mistake. I know it will probably come back to bite me in the ass. I know what’s at stake, but I’ve never wanted anything the way I want this. “Yes.”
He grins, and this time, it’s me pushing forward and kissing his smile.
We take a quick shower together, cleaning up, then getting dressed. I bag the bedding to take it to the apartment, not having the time to clean it here. I take the leftover spaghetti and salad from the fridge, and then we walk out to the car together.
“This is for you.” He hands me a small bag.
“What is it?”
“The surprise I promised you. It’s nothing big, but I thought it was cute.”
I grin, giddier than I should be as I open the bag and see… “A Speedo?”
“Yes. But you’re only allowed to wear it when you swim with me,” he teases.
“I’ll wear it for you anytime you want.”
Colton pushes me against the car, presses his body against mine, and kisses me again. “I’ll talk to you tonight.”
“Talk tonight,” I reply, then watch him get into his truck and pull away. This day feels like it was over too soon.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Colton
Mom has me, Dakota, and Elena over for dinner on Sunday. We try to do this at least once a month, but I often see her more than that. I hate that she’s alone now that Kota and I have both moved out. Plus, my family is just close. We don’t know how to be any other way, and every time I think about that, I wish James, Nash, and Sadie had it too.
I felt silly getting emotional when he asked me about my family that first Friday—we’ve had two more since. It was an overreaction, but it had been nice. While I know James enjoys this with me, I can’t help feeling it means more to me, which is unfamiliar territory. But then I remember the man is risking his career to continue spending time with me, and he wouldn’t do that just for some dominance, dick, and me coming up with daily schedules for him, right?
Something hits me in the cheek, and I realize my brother threw a roll at me. “What are you thinking about over there?” Dakota asks. “You’re spacing off.”
“How annoying my baby brother is,” I joke, then turn to Elena. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Hey, I’m awesome, asshole,” Kota replies as Mom and Elena laugh.
“I’m sure,” Elena says. “He’s fun. Keeps things interesting.”
“That’s one way to put it,” I counter, picking up the roll off the floor and throwing it back at him. Dakota catches it and takes a huge bite.
“You’re gross.” James would be horrified, I think, then wonder why the fuck I’m thinking about him again. The man never leaves my brain.
“I wouldn’t want to waste food.” He takes another bite.
“How’s school going?” Mom asks, and I ramble on about my classes, careful about what I say and how I mention my professors. It’s overkill, but you can never be too safe. I don’t want to talk about him in regard to school at all because what if I make it obvious that my professor and I are closer than we should be? The truth is, most people won’t understand. Most people will think it’s unprofessional of him and a conflict of interest. Even my family, who love me dearly and want the best for me, would be uneasy if they knew I was dating my professor, and I get that most of what could happen would come down on him. But clearly, I like James a lot, and part of me wants to tell them about him, wants to share him because I’ve never dated someone I cared enough about to share with them.
I manage to keep my mouth shut about James and my brain off James for the rest of dinner, just enjoying my time with my people. When we’re done, Mom and Elena head to the living room, and Kota and I clean up. I hear them laughing and smile. “Mom loves her.” It’s nice for her to have Elena—to have another woman around. She loves Hannah like crazy, but it’s different since Hannah and I would never be a couple.
“She does, and I’m glad. They had a spa date last week. Elena treated her.”
“No shit?” I ask, rinsing off dishes.
“Yeah, I’m surprised you didn’t know. Mom usually tells you everything.” The truth is, I have been busier lately between school, work, my Fridays with James, the Sunday hair date, and our nightly routine.
“It’s taking me a bit to adjust to everything,” I say, which is kind of a lie and kinda not.
“Mom thinks you’re seeing someone.”
The plate slips from my hand, hitting the bottom of the farmhouse sink.