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)
“Talk to your parents?”
He nodded. “That, and cleaning out the room if you think it’s something you could do.”
My stomach churned. A small part of me suddenly wanted to say no, afraid of what we might find. But if Colt and I were going to give things another shot, supporting him was a good start.
“Of course. I’ll do both if you want.”
“Colt, I know it’s going to be hard to approach your parents about this. And I can’t imagine the pain they felt losing their son, so don’t be upset if they aren’t ready, even if it has been ten years.”
Nodding, Colt replied, “Thank you so much, Vivianne. Thank both of you for letting me talk to you about this. I truly appreciate it.”
They both smiled warmly at him. Then my father cleared his throat and asked, “So—let’s get to the matter of you walking out on my daughter.”
My mouth fell open.
“You are going to make it up to her, I presume.”
I was positive my face was beet red as I cried, “Dad!”
Colt’s mouth twitched. “Your daughter has given me the gift of a second chance. I made a promise to her, and I’ll make the same one to you both. I’ll never hurt her again, the way I did when I left. If she’ll let me, I plan on making it up to her for the rest of my life.”
“And how are you going to start?” my mother asked with a slight smirk.
Colt looked at me, then back to my parents. “By coming up with the most amazing second first date ever.”
My father laughed and popped a piece of brownie into his mouth. “You’re going to have to top Caden’s first date with Lilibeth.”
“That’s what I told him,” I added.
Colt looked between the three of us, then sighed. “What in the world did he do on this date?”
“Let’s just say it involved the theater in town, a private viewing of her favorite movie, and all her favorite snacks,” Mom said.
I sighed. “It was so romantic. And I got to serve the meal.”
“Meal?” Colt asked.
“Caden had us set up a small table, candles—well, LED ones—and beautiful china, and he had a private meal catered for them.” I placed a hand over my heart. “So romantic.”
Colt rolled his eyes. “So you’ve said.”
Smirking, I added, “You have big shoes to fill.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, he sighed. “I think I’m going to have to bring in some help for this one.”
My mother winked as she said, “Yes, you are, Colt. Yes. You. Are.”
We sat on the front porch for another thirty minutes or so before my mother declared it was too cold. My parents said their goodbyes to Colt, then retreated into the house.
“I should get going,” he said shortly after, standing from the swing.
Pushing the blanket to the side, I stood, as well. “It is chilly out here.”
“Before you know it, winter will be here. Do you still love winter?”
Smiling, I nodded. “I do. There’s nothing like that first snowfall that covers everything in the most beautiful white.”
Colt led the way inside, and we grabbed our coats.
We walked down the steps and toward Colt’s truck. He opened the door, then turned to face me. “Thank you for tonight, Ensley. You have no idea how much this meant to me.”
Smiling, I placed a hand on his chest. “I’m glad you came over. And, if I’m being honest, I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with for our first date. I’m actually excited.”
He laughed. “No pressure or anything.”
I held up my finger and thumb, making a pinching motion. “Just a bit of pressure.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow, and we can talk about a good time to chat with my parents.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
When he turned to get into the truck, I reached for his arm to stop him. “Colt?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s going to be okay.”
Even in the darkness, I could see the worry in his eyes. “I’ve missed you, Pippa. So fucking much.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
For a moment, I thought he was going to lean down and kiss me.
When he didn’t make a move, I did. Stretching up, I gently brushed a kiss across his lips.
It only took him two seconds to deepen it, wrapping his arm around my waist and drawing me toward him. My body melted against his as we both moaned softly. This was what I’d missed more than anything. This closeness. Being in Colt’s arms.
When we broke apart, he leaned his forehead against mine. My eyes were still closed as I took in a few deep breaths.
Rubbing his nose against mine, Colt whispered, “I love you, Ensley Wilde.”
My hands gripped the front of his coat. “I swear to God, Colt Owens, if you hurt me again, I will find you and tear your limbs off, then shove them up your ass.”