He lifts my shirt and unhooks my bra, and I try my best seduction attempt by pressing my chest toward him as he slides off my skirt.
He laughs.
Laughs.
“Colt, seriously?” I grumble incredulously, already annoyed.
“Yes, Dee,seriously.” His voice is firm, low. That no-bullshit tone he uses when he’s in command. “I want you. You know I do. But I’m not going to cave just because you flash your gorgeous tits at me.” He taps my arms, and I lift them. “Now, be a good girl and get your shirt on.”
With a grumble I can’t help letting out, he pulls the tank top over my head, adjusting it gently over the scar that still makes me flinch.
“You’re adorable when you don’t get your own way,” he teases, stepping just out of reach.
I glare. Colt pulls off his shirt and then his jeans, and bam his erection springs free.
I think I actually whimper.Pathetic.
“Colt, come on. Don’t tease. I could at least give you a blowjob,” I offer, desperate for any form of connection.
He chuckles and shakes his head, grabbing his boxers. “You have no idea how insane it is that I’m saying this, but… no. If you can’t be satisfied, then neither will I. It’s only fair. If one of us has to hold out, we both will.”
And just like that, the frustration melts a little because, dammit, that’s thoughtful. Selfless, even.
I blink up at him. “Wow. Who even are you?”
“There it is,” he murmurs, grinning. “That smile. The one I live for.” He climbs into bed on the other side, after pulling the sheets back. “I’m sorry, baby. I know you want me. I want you too. So much that it physically hurts. But if your leg cramps from kissing, then I’m not going to push my luck. I’ll wait. However long it takes.” He helps me settle under the covers, just like last night, and wraps himself around me.
I tuck my arm around his shoulders and press a kiss to the top of his head. “I love you too,” I whisper. “Even though you right royally piss me off.”
He chuckles, leans up to kiss me, then pulls away before I can even taste him. “Goodnight, baby.”
I sigh and switch off the side table lamp.
But sleep doesn’t come easy.
I lie there for hours, staring at Colt’s chest as it rises and falls. He snores softly beside me, blissfully unaware that my mind is spiraling.
The hysterectomy.
The emotional crash.
The constant grumpiness.
Could this already be the start of menopause?
Hot flashes. Sweating. Mood swings.
I don’t know if I’m ready for this next chapter.
But ready or not… it’s here.
Chapter Nine
DEE
Two Weeks Later
I’m still stuck in bed, on Colt’s orders, and apparently, I’m not allowed to lift a finger while he‘sorts everything out’with the band and their agent, Rob Luxley. He swears it’s temporary, just until I’m stronger. I’ve told him—no, I begged him—not to cancel any more interviews or appearances for the reunion tour, but he’s not listening.
