Page 27 of Colton

Colton turns to look at me, standing right in front of me, a couple of inches between us. I tilt my head upward, meeting his eyes, and I swallow thickly. The wind blows, his coat flying forward, and his scent hits me in the nose, hypnotizing me entirely.

“Have you had lunch?”

The question throws me off guard, and after staring at him like a moron for a minute or two, I nod furiously. “Yes, I had lunch with Grace.”

“And where is she now?”

“Uh,” I pause, knowing that I’m one of the worst liars in the world. “She’s out with Artemis.”

Colton blinks, and I realize how much I just fucked up by lying to him so blatantly. Not only would Grace never willingly hang out with Artemis after their terrible history, but Artemis isn’t the kind to make friends out of the blue.

“Artemis Hill?” He asks, his voice low. “You know, Ms. Evans,” he pauses, then leans in. His lips graze my ear, and I freeze, chills running down my spine. His hot breath makes my hands clench in my lap, and I’m too scared to move. “I despise liars.”

Then, he pulls back, and the dark promise of his words is nowhere to be seen. Instead, there’s a soft smile playing on his lips, his eyes as tender as always. My heart skips a beat, something in my stomach flips, and I struggle to remain composed.

“Well, no matter. If you don’t wish to tell me, there’s nothing I can do about it. How about I treat you to some tea, though?”

My brows rise high up, almost reaching the damned sky. My lips part ever so slightly, and I have to blink a couple of times. Did I just hear him right? Did he invite me to get some tea with him?

“Yes, absolutely,” I respond, a little too quickly, but right now, I can’t find it in me to care. Colton extends his hand, and I take it, my own trembling. The warmth of his hand against my cold one sends shockwaves through my body.

His palm is way bigger than my own, the gentle skin making me gasp softly. My hand fits so perfectly in his, and as he pulls me to my feet, all I can do is stare at our hands together.

It’s such a small, simple gesture of his that likely means nothing. But to me? It means everything.

Once I’m standing next to him, he releases my hand, tucking his own in the pocket of his coat. The emptiness is there, and I feel disappointed at once. The warmth leaves me, my heart clenching a little. He was holding my hand for less than a minute, yet I’m already accustomed to his touch.

“Come,” he motions with his head, and I fall into step beside him. Neither of us speaks, and I keep following him, walking away from the crowded square, into a more secluded area. Still, I don’t dare ask where he’s taking me, because at this point, I’d go to the pits of hell with him.

Colton stops in front of a car, and my brows crease, furrowing together in confusion. He unlocks it with a press of a button, then opens the passenger’s door for me. Without a word, or a question, I slide into the seat.

My breath hitches in my throat when he reaches for the belt, buckling me in. There’s no eye contact, but I know he can feel my eyes burning holes in his forehead. He’s so fucking close to me, and his scent is making my mind go straight into the gutter; I can’t help it.

He pulls away, closes the door, and while he’s walking to his side of the car, I breathe out. My hands unclench on my thighs, and it’s only now that I realize how tense I am. I’m not scared of Colton, I’m scared of these indescribable feelings that are blooming in my chest.

I’ve had my fair share of short-term relationships, but I've never felt like this. From the moment I was old enough to understand what type of man I wanted, it was always someone older. From actors, and singers, to random men passing by me on the street that would catch my eye.

Colton St. James is precisely my type, and that scares me more than words could describe.

◆◆◆

The forest around is thick. The wind grew stronger over the course of our fifteen-minute car ride, and I still haven’t gathered the courage to ask him where we’re going. I messaged Grace, letting her know I’d be out for a while, and not to worry if I’m not back by dinner time. Mainly because I’ve decided I’ll do everything in my power to stay in his company for as long as possible.

What’s strange is how good the road is. It’s not something one would expect of a road in the forest, but then I remember who I’m dealing with here, and where I am, and all of a sudden, it makes sense. I wouldn’t be surprised if the asphalt were entirely covered in a red carpet.

“Where are we going, sir?” I glance at his profile briefly, then my eyes flick down to his hand holding the steering wheel. His eyes are focused on the road, and I am a little taken aback that he’s the one driving. From what I’ve gathered about the man, he has a personal driver who always takes him places. Though, I can’t say I’m complaining that it’s just the two of us.

“My home.”

My eyes nearly fall out of their sockets, widening almost comically. I blink, shake my head a little, yet the disbelief is still on my face. Are we going to his home? What? Why?

This is starting to look like a low-budget horror movie, and I’m his first victim. All that’s left is for him to be living in some abandoned facility, with overgrown thorns, and broken windows, and I’m almost definitely dying today.

“Your home?” I ask, swallowing thickly. My voice is a little shaky, and I clear my throat, trying to sound as calm as possible. “I thought we were getting tea.”

“We are,” he nods, glancing at me for a moment, before turning his eyes back to the road. “We’re getting tea at my home, because I have the best quality tea.”

I’m about to ask him further questions, and possibly demand answers as to why he didn’t disclose it immediately, however, as I look back in front of me, all the thoughts, all the words die inside of me, and all I can do is stare.