The distance suited him, though. Where Colt lived in a place of seeing the needs of others and striving to meet them, which she knew he’d developed through his relationship with Sue, flawed as it could be, Scott dwelt in cynicism and separation, an emotional moat around him that kept him from getting too close and getting hurt, a reaction to losing his own mama. This artificial commitment with Andrea probably made him very, very happy because he didn’t have to give too much of himself.
Memory flashed in her brain, Colt’s gaze on her, his attention riveted to her instead of the art, the easy space he’d given her when she was upset, the teasing over their cookie options. He had reason to pull away from people – losing Tick the way he had must have hurt because they’d been so close before the whole cheating-with-Allison debacle, and hismama . . . Lord. But he was all in with her, insisting they go slow so they knew it was right, but not holding himself back from her.
He gave her what he thought she needed, gave her himself.
She couldn’t ask for more.
At that moment, all she wanted was to be with him. Her friends were great, and she loved them . . . but her relationship with them was solid. She wanted to be with him, building their relationship.
Lorraine narrowed her eyes, a knowing glint in them, a smile playing about her generous mouth. “You’re about to dip out on us.”
“I am.” With a laugh, she popped the last of her brownie in her mouth and hugged both of them. “But I’ll text you.”
“Sure.” Lorraine pulled her close a moment, kissing her cheek. “In three days or so.”
“Kiss the boys for me.” She swept up her bag and keys, catching the quick, searching look Scott sent in her direction because she remained attuned to him like that.
She didn’t have to stay that way, though. Hefting her bag closer, she opened the door and stepped into the cool night, letting the thin threads binding her to him snap with the quiet snick of the door closing behind her.
Chapter Seven
Who the hell was banging on his front door?
Cursing because Ralph wound about his feet, nearly tripping him and barking like crazy, Colt snatched up his towel and wound it about his waist to stalk to the foyer, water dripping down his neck and torso, drops clinging to his calves. Geez, a guy couldn’t take a shower after a hard workout?
If this was Wally, lonely after the game? Well, Wally would be hitting the road. And please, Lord, don’t let it be Mrs. Milson, unable to find her driveway again.
Whoever it was knocked once more, harder, and Ralph went nuts, barking louder. The noise reverberated in Colt’s head, pulsing with the slight tension headache holding his temples hostage.
This had better be damn good.
He jerked the door open. “What?”
Hand raised to knock again, Holly blinked at him. She opened her mouth and snapped it closed, gaze dipping from his scowl to his torso, the towel and his bare feet then back to his face. “Do you always answer the door half naked?”
“When someone pounds on my door while I’m in the shower, yeah.” Where the hell had she found that sweater? The white fluffy knit had curling tendrils of black and red spangles all over it,game dayspelled out in silver sequins on the front. It was over-the-top bright and sparkling and . . . her. One corner of his mouth twitched with an unwilling grin. “What are you doing here?”
“What am I . . .?” Those neat brows jerked together. “That’s nice, Colton. Hello, Ralph, sweetie.”
She squatted to rub adoring hands over Ralph, who leaned into her with an adoring whine. Traitorous little mutt. And Coltwasn’t jealous of him at all, having Holly’s hands all over him like that.
“Come on in.” He stepped back so she could enter, clicking his tongue at Ralph. The workout had done more than task his muscles — the effort lifted his mood, clearing the funk and allowing him to think more clearly. He couldn’t make decisions for both of them all by himself, and he wasn’t the boy he’d been at nineteen.
He refused to let one awful decision back then ruin his life now. That would be just stupid, and like he always said, D hadn’t raised a fool.
“I’m glad to see you.” He propped a hand on the hastily tied knot in his towel, making sure the terrycloth was secure. “But I thought you had plans.”
“I did.” She dropped her bag on his favorite armchair and turned to face him, her eyes as clear and awe-inspiring as a sharp September sky. “I decided I’d rather be with you.”
The simple statement hit like a chest punch, pushing the air from his lungs, stopping his ability to breathe. “Huh.”
“Huh?” A slow smile spreading over her face, she lifted a brow and let her gaze drift over him once more. “It’s a good thing you’re handsome because you are not batting a thousand in the speak-to-impress area tonight.”
“You’re a smartass.” He threw the front door lock. “Hang on a second while I put on some clothes.”
“Don’t get dressed on my account.” She basically purred the words, and he could feel her gaze on his bare skin.
“We’re taking it slow, Holly.” He tossed the words over his shoulder, striding for his bedroom. “You want to make out like kids on the couch for a while, okay, but I don’t do casual hookups.”
