Page 54 of Colt

“Got it.” There was nothing else for me to say. I still didn’t understand my own thoughts when it came to Ember, how could I talk about it with anyone else?

No longer tired due to the thoughts about the upcoming mission, I decided to have a couple of drinks with the guys. When we entered the main room, I was surprised to see Ember still downstairs.

She’d moved to the bar, but Kate was still with her. However, I didn’t think she would be for long. Mac looked like he wanted nothing more than to drag his woman back home and work out his stress in a much more satisfying manner than drinking.

Ember spun around on her stool and smiled at me. “Want to sit down?” she asked, indicating the empty barstool next to her.

Silently, I took a seat and ordered a round of drinks. Mac and Kate stayed for one before running off like a couple of horny teenagers. Ember stood up to leave since her friend was going, but I wasn’t ready for her to go yet.

“Stay,” I said as I reached out for her.

That was the same thing I said to her the night of Fitz’s funeral, but things were different now. I decided to not worry about that. Instead, I pushed those thoughts aside and got us another drink.

After a few more rounds, we settled into an easy, natural conversation. She asked me about my life before the club, and for the first time, I felt comfortable sharing that part of my life with a woman.

Huddled together in the corner of the room, I told her about my mom leaving us, my difficulties with my dad, and why I joined the club, she listened intently. I thought back to my time with Jenna, who’d never asked and hadn’t cared about any of those things. I didn’t regret Jenna because she’s the reason I have Jett and Jasmine, and I’d go through all of that again if it led me to Ember.

When the clubhouse started to empty, Ember got quiet, her eyes darting around the darkened space. Neither of us realized that hours had passed. Faking a yawn, she stood up and walked toward the stairs. “It’s getting late. I’m going to head to bed.”

Thinking of Ember in bed wasn’t helping my wayward thoughts. I should have let her leave, but I offered to walk her upstairs instead.

We walked past the door that led to my room in silence. When we reached hers, she turned to say goodnight. Without thinking, I leaned down and kissed her.

We stumbled into her room and as I laid her on the bed, I realized I was exactly where I wanted to be.