Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
She smiled softly. “It makes sense. Are you okay to go back out or should I make an excuse?”
I chewed on my lower lip for a few moments before I asked, “Do I look like I’ve been crying?”
Emeline screwed up her face. “Yeah, you do. Your eyes are bloodshot, and you know how the tip of your nose always gets red when you’re upset? Well, you look like Rudolph.”
My hand instantly went to my nose.
“Let me tell everyone you got a headache.”
I quickly reached for her hand. “Then it will seem like I left because of Colt.” I shook my head. “No, I’ll be okay. I just need a few minutes and a bathroom to look at myself, and I’ll be fine.”
Less than a minute later, I was dropped off at the bathroom while Emeline returned to the charity dinner. I wouldn’t be missed, but she would. After all, this dinner was to benefit the summer camp she ran for underprivileged kids and, of course, the orphanage’s Christmas event in town.
Leaning in, I stared at myself. “Get your shit together, Ensley Wilde. You are not going to cry over Colt Owens again. Never. Again. You’re stronger than this.”
My finger went to my nose, which was a bit red. “Damn it,” I whispered, as I used my hands to fan myself and willed the color to go away. When I finally felt like I was back in control, I stood up tall, squared my shoulders, and gave my reflection a nod.
Turning on my heel, I walked to the bathroom door, yanked it open, and stepped into the hall—only to walk straight into what felt like a brick wall.
“Whoa, are you okay?”
My entire body tingled as two strong hands took hold of my arms.
I slowly lifted my gaze…and met Colt’s.
“I’m fine. Sorry about that.” I tried to move around him, but he held me in place.
“You’ve been crying.”
Letting out a gruff laugh, I stepped back. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
His eyes searched my face. “Your nose is red.”
My eyes closed, and I cursed under my breath. When I opened them again, I struggled to take a breath. Colt was looking at me with such tenderness and love.
Damn him!
Before I could say anything, he asked, “Do you want me to leave?”
Confused, I slowly shook my head. “What?”
“If my being here is making you upset, Pi— Ensley, I can leave.”
I felt something warm fill my chest. “No, I don’t want you to leave. You have just as much of a right to be here as I do. I just…it’s been an emotional time.”
He nodded. “Are you free for lunch tomorrow?”
This is it. This is the chance to find out why he left.
I felt myself chewing on my lower lip and quickly stopped. When words failed me, the only thing I could do was nod my head.
“I can swing by the ranch and pick you up, or we could meet somewhere. Maybe Granby, so people don’t start talking here in River Falls. I’m guessing the Daily Dirt is still a thing.”
A small laugh slipped free. “Yeah, it’s a thing still. I’ve been able to largely avoid it, so Granby might be the best option.”
Colt rolled his eyes but smiled, as well. “So, do you want me to pick you up or meet somewhere?”
“I’ll meet you at Bonnie’s Bake House.”
A wide grin appeared on his face. “That place is still open?”
I smiled. “It is.”
“Want to say around noon?”
I looked into his eyes…and realized that if I stared for too long, I could easily get lost. “Noon sounds good.”
We stood there for a few moments, neither of us saying a word, before Colt asked, “You’re sure you’re okay?”
Smiling, I replied, “I’m fine.”
He cleared his throat. “They’re about to serve dinner, so…”
“Right. Yes. I’ll let you go so you can use the restroom, or do whatever it was you were going to do in the bathroom. I mean, I know what you’re going to do, but you might need more time to do…um…whatever it is you’re gonna do.”
Another smile grew across that handsome face.
Oh. My. God. What is wrong with me?
I waited for the floor to open up and swallow me.
Taking a step to the side, I pointed in the direction I needed to go. “I’m just going to go now.”
Colt nodded. “I’m just gonna go pee.”
A nervous bubble of laughter slipped free, and before I could do or say anything else, I fled as fast as I possibly could in my high heels.
By the time I made it back to our family’s table, I was out of breath from walking so fast. I slipped into my seat and reached for my napkin, placing it across my lap before grabbing my water and nearly downing the whole thing.
Gatlin leaned in and whispered, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?” I asked with a forced smile, as the waitress set down our salads.