Page 107 of The Perfect Distraction

She watched him waltz naked out of the bathroom, and then she finished drying off. When he still hadn’t returned with her clothes, she hung up the wet towel and started drying her hair with the blow dryer she’d brought over. Last night, she’d gone next door and grabbed a few of her things even though he’d argued that all she needed was his T-shirt.

After she dried her hair and applied a touch of makeup, he still hadn’t brought her clothes. Opening the bathroom door and peeking out, she called, “Colton?”

Not a peep.

“Colton?” she called again, listening closely for any sound of him.

Nothing.

Sighing, she walked into the bedroom and saw him lying in the middle of his bed, hands behind his head, eyes closed, and snoring softly. He was still naked, but her clothes were clutched in his right hand like he’d had every intention of bringing them to her but had fallen asleep instead.

Padding softly toward the bed, she smiled down at him and then carefully tried to extract her clothes from his hand. She’d moved them maybe an inch when his arms suddenly flung out and he pulled her down on top of him.

“Gotcha!”

“Colton! You scared me!”

“Sorry,” he said, but he didn’t look sorry at all.

“I thought you wanted us to hurry and get ready for the parade.”

“I did, but then I fell asleep waiting for you.”

“I didn’t take that long!”

His erection was pressing into her stomach.

“I’m being greedy, aren’t I? Wanting you this much?”

She smiled and shook her head because she wanted him just as much.

They made it to the parade right before it started. The roads were already lined with people sporting their red, white, and blue clothing and waving miniature flags. Pushing their way through the crowd, they found a spot where they could see, and Colton put his arms around her waist from behind.

It was a hot, sunny day, which was fitting for July, and the revelers were out in force. As the floats passed by, Beth got caught up in the excitement along with everybody else, clapping and pointing to the patriotic displays.

Afterward, they walked home hand in hand, delighting in the day and in each other. They spent the rest of the afternoon together, talking, laughing, and touching—always touching.

The day flew by, and soon, it was time for the second time-honored tradition—the fireworks display over the harbor. By nightfall, the temperature had dropped significantly enough to require a jacket. Beth suggested she run next door to get one, but Colton insisted she wear one of his Harbor Springs sweatshirts.

She had to roll the sleeves up three times, but she enjoyed the cozy feel of his sweatshirt and the warmth of his palm as he took her hand and led her down to the harbor front. Once again, a large crowd had gathered and was sprawled out on chairs and blankets, waiting for the show to begin. Colton had brought a large outdoor blanket, and they claimed a plot of grass and plopped down on it.

It was a clear night, lit up with stars twinkling in the inky sky and by the boats bobbing in the bay. Aware of the chill, Colton tucked her in close and infused her with his warmth. It had truly been a perfect day and a wonderful weekend, and she didn’t want it to end.

He was quiet, and she wondered if he was thinking the same thing. Even though they were surrounded by people, it felt like they were in their own little world, and she decided that talking wasn’t necessary. She simply snuggled close and turned her eyes to the sky as the first fireworks burst overhead. Each display was more elaborate than the last, and the vibrant colors and loud pops filled the night air.

Last year, she’d celebrated July Fourth at home with Christopher. Just like in Harbor Springs, Clarkston hosted a parade and fireworks, and she’d happily attended. Little did she know that one month later, her wedding would be called off, and she’d end up here, in someone else’s arms.

With perfect timing, Colton squeezed her tight and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, putting an end to her thoughts of the past.

“Enjoying it?”

“Yes. Are you?”

“Um-hmm. Even more so than last year because you’re here.”

She nodded because her throat had suddenly gone dry. Would she be celebrating the holiday with him again next year? Her job wouldn’t interfere, but they’d have to get through the entire school year first. What if things turned out the way Judy had predicted? Would Colton lose interest after she left town? Maybe the reason everything felt so perfect was that it was new and temporary. How could she be sure it was true love?

The show ended with a flurry of rapid bursts that produced a kaleidoscope of red, white, and blue sparks that eventually fell into the water and were snuffed out. Everybody cheered and clapped and then stood up and started gathering their belongings. Colton rolled up the blanket and tucked it under one arm. Slinging his free arm around her waist, they walked home among the throngs.