Page 140 of Colt

Best of all, Colt yanked me into the powder room for a stolen quickie. I don’t think either of us is ready to tell his family about our relationship, although I’m sure some of his siblings (Beck, mostly) have picked up on the fact that something’s up between us.

I mean, Colt and I haven’t even talked about what we are and where we see this going. Are we dating? Exclusive? Somewhere in that nebulous region between more than friends but less than boyfriend-girlfriend? I’m pretty sure he’s not seeing anyone else, and neither am I. We’re enjoying the hell out of each other, sure. But we still haven’t kissed.

And the fact of the matter is there’s a very real end date to our involvement. Once I make my presentation, get the family’s approval, and launch the new branding and website, I’ll be heading…well, I don’t know where yet. But I do know I won’t be staying in Hartsville. And Hartsville is Colt’s whole life. He’d never leave, and I’d never ask him to.

Hurts, thinking about having that conversation. I’m sure it’s coming. But for right now, I’m happy to pretend like these precious final weeks will last forever.

I’m putting the final touches on my presentation a few days after Thanksgiving when my phone lights up.

COLTON WALLACE

Morning

LAINEY BROWN

Good morning sunshine.

COLTON WALLACE

You’re funny. Long time no see. Any chance you’re free for lunch?

I was over at his house again last night. We get more daring each time I stay past Dean’s bedtime. This time, I nearly fell asleep cuddling with Colt after the hot, slightly buzzed sex we had. I jolted upright in a panic, terrified we’d be caught by Dean and forced to explain our extremely disheveled state.

LAINEY BROWN

Are you asking me out on a date in the middle of the day?

COLTON WALLACE

Yes

Picnic lunch. I’ll pick u up. Say yes. Bring your toy. How we keep forgetting about that thing I don’t know.

LAINEY BROWN

You mean business today

COLTON WALLACE

Have you ever known me to joke around?

LAINEY BROWN

If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were addicted to me

COLTON WALLACE

I’m trying to kick nicotine. Replace one addiction with the other. That’s how it works.

LAINEY BROWN

Ah. Should I be afraid?

COLTON WALLACE

Very

LAINEY BROWN