Page 50 of Fierce-Colson

Between the sucking noises, the drip of the caffeine, the smell of vanilla, and Regan’s stare, she was getting cozy enough to blurt out the words.

The minute both of their coffees were ready and on the counter, she was patting her niece on the back.

“I know you came over for more than to feed my daughter. Do you want to wait until she’s down for a nap before we chat?”

“It’s not going to burn her ears any, so we can talk. I went on a date last night.”

“Nothing scandalous or dirty to my daughter’s virgin ears, you said, right? Might be a bummer by the look in your eyes.”

She laughed over the pretend shock on Regan’s face.

“I wish. I mean, seriously wished it was more scandalous than it was. I actually gave him the green light and he slammed the brakes.”

“Talk about frustrating.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” she said, letting out a dramatic sigh.

Last night, she’d climbed in bed, her body burning, tingling, and ready for action.

The only action she’d gotten was her hand between her legs.

Not even a toy.

She didn’t need it and didn’t even want to waste movements pulling it out of the drawer.

All she needed were the memories of Colson’s mouth on hers.

The way he took control, forcing her to surrender when it wasn’t something she’d ever done with another man before.

“Tell me,” Regan said, her voice and eyes equally eager for some news.

She put the rest of the bottle in Zola’s mouth, then took a seat on the couch, Regan grabbing their cups and bringing them to the family room.

“One date,” she said. “That was it. It was our first.” She frowned. “No, yeah, it really does count as our first date even though we dated for almost two years.”

Regan’s eyes popped open a bit more. “You’ll have to explain that better.”

“Sorry. We were in middle school. Back then there were no dates alone. I can’t really count them as dates. So yeah, last night we went to dinner, then back to my place so I could have a glass of wine.”

“Does it bother you not to drink in public?”

“No. I don’t drink often. He had a beer so there was no way I could after that. It’s just not worth it. But I met him there anyway.”

Not worth the scrutiny or lectures from those that helped get her in office if they’d seen her or heard.

“I hear you there. Sometimes it’s hard to have this endless, perfect front on for everyone.”

“You did it for years. You know how it is. It can really affect your business if a whisper of anything inappropriate got out. As if we aren’t allowed to be human. To have a little fun.”

“I’m not much for going out anymore,” Regan said. “I’ve got everything I need right here. But you’re right, it’s a lot of work to maintain that when you’re single.”

She nodded her head to the comment about her sister having it all now.

Feelings filled her more than she wanted to admit. Harder, stronger urges of longing. All those things she wanted of her own one day.

Someday.

Maybe she’d get lucky.