I nod. “Fine. I worked on some PR emails.”
Colt reaches out and runs his knuckles gently down my cheek. I close my eyes for a second, letting myself lean into the touch. He leans forward, resting his forehead against mine.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs.
“It’s okay,” I reply, but even I hear the lack of conviction in my voice.
He sighs and pulls back slightly. “I told Mace I’d come by later. She needs help setting up a new TV unit or something. I don’t want Caleb stuck without a way to watch his shows. But I’ll be back for my birthday dinner, I swear. I’ll spend the morning with you, then head over at two-ish. Just a couple hours, tops.”
My chest tightens, but I nod. I want to say no. I want him to chooseusfor a whole day. But how can I tell him not to go when it’s about helping his son?
“Sure,” I say, trying not to sound defeated.
He smiles and kisses me quickly before standing and heading for the ensuite. I glance down automatically.
Still hard.
Still thinking of her?
I squeeze my eyes shut.
Don’t do this, Dee. Don’t spiral.
The shower turns on, so I slide out of bed and make my way downstairs. Coffee. I need caffeine to keep myself from overthinking. Again.
If that’s all it is.
I brew the coffee and sit at the table, staring out the window at the snow falling steadily outside. My heart’s heavier than it’s ever been. Maybe Colt really would rather be with them—Macy and Caleb. Perhaps they feel more like family to him than I ever have.
He walks in, toweling his hair dry, wearing only jeans. His chest is still damp, and my eyes involuntarily roam over his perfect body. Even with the ache between us, I can’t pretend I’m not still drawn to him.
“Hey,” he says, grinning. “I was wondering where you went. Thought you might’ve joined me in the shower.”
I smile faintly and look away. “Figured you’d need coffee more than company this morning.”
“God, yes.” He tosses the towel on the counter and grabs a cup.
I take a breath and choose my words carefully. “If you want, you could head to Macy’s earlier. I know you probably want to spend your birthday with the people you love.”
He stills, turning to face me. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I keep my gaze focused on my coffee. “You said you kinda love Caleb. I figured you’d want to spend more time with him.”
“That’s not what you said,” he replies, his voice low and firm. “You said people I love. So who else are you referring to, Dee?”
I shake my head. “Forget it. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Don’t lie to me.” His voice is sharp now. “You think I don’t love you?”
I flinch at the edge in his tone, but don’t answer.
“Dammit, Dee.” His hand slams down on the counter, hard. I jump, coffee splashing over the edge of my mug. “I love you. I want to spend my day with you, but if you’re going to sit there and accuse me of loving someone else—”
“Do you?” I whisper.
He freezes. “Do I what?”
I finally meet his eyes. “Do you love someone else?”
