“You’re not. We’d be doing the same thing even if it weren’t your car.” I slide the paper across the counter, snagging a pen along the way. “I just need your John Hancock.” Our fingers touch, and my eyes aren’t drifting away from the motion.
“Hey, would you want to grab dinner tonight?” she asks after signing her name, a quick scribble of what looks like a big S, a punch of curls, and another big M with the repeated process.
“I’ve got Nellie tonight,” I reply without hesitation. I’ve never had a woman around my daughter, was always adamant I’d meet them on my own, put them through some kind of three-ring circus to make sure they knew we’re a package deal, and Nellie would always come first. Yet, with Sable, I don’t feel the same way.
“Oh, well, she can come with us. That is, if you even want to go out. I’m sorry. Maybe I read the room wrong.” I noticed on the phone earlier she’d ramble when nervous, and she’s doing it now.
“You didn’t read the room wrong. How about we have dinner at my place? Nellie and I will pick you up from the B&B around six?” Sable nods in response. “I try not to eat out too much with her, plus we had lunch from the diner, and she’ll be able to chill once dinner is over.”
“I’d like that. What can I bring? And before you say anything else, how about I walk over, but I’ll gladly take a ride home?”
“You don’t need to bring anything. And we’ll be out and about anyway, so we’ll pick you up and take you back.” I lean in, my hand moves up, and my thumb brushes along the apple of her cheek.
“Yeah, okay. I’ll still figure something out to bring with me.” I shake my head, letting her have this win. With her staying at the B&B, it won’t be too much, or at least I hope so.
“Alright.” Sable lifts upward, brushes her lips along my cheek, or tries to. I move at exactly the right time, and our mouths land on each other. The kiss barely lasts a few seconds, but it damn near consumes me whole and makes me want a fuck of a lot more. That’ll come later, only later can’t come too soon.
10
Sable
Iwent through every piece of clothing I brought with me to Whispering Oaks, but nothing felt appropriate to wear around Colt and Nellie. I knew that thought was dumb, so when I went downstairs at the Inn, ready to go shopping, I decided to veer from the course and went for a walk instead.
I made a quick stop at Oak & Brew, chatting with the barista about the area and what I’m there to do. In doing so, I met a few women walking in to get a dose of caffeine themselves. Ronnie, Shae, and Lyric heard me talking about it being my first time in Whispering Oaks, immediately took me off to the side, and we sat and chatted for nearly an hour. I now have a list of places to sightsee, their phone numbers, and a promise to meet up with them again in the near future.
I left with dessert in hand, luckily, the coffee shop had baked goods from the local area, and I didn’t have to make a second stop. Especially since I had approximately thirty minutes to get my rear in gear. I rushed up the stairs, waving to Gus and his wife, changed into an oversized thin green sweater, front tucked into a pair of skinny jeans, and a pair of cognac flats. I tossed my hair back in its clip, kept a few pieces out to frame my face, and I swiped some blush and mascara on with just enough time to spare.
By the time I made it downstairs, Colt and Nellie were just pulling in, and while I’m all for a chivalrous man, when he has a little girl in his truck, the last thing I want is for her to be left alone while he walks up the front steps to greet me. Instead, I met him at the truck, where he opened the door for me, I slid in, and we were on our way.
“And this is my bedroom.” Nellie grabbed my hand the minute we parked on what I now know is the back of the building of Barlow Auto Repair. From there, we went on a tour. I got to see the living room, the kitchen, a bathroom off the hallway, Colt’s bedroom, which I was shocked to see was cleaned and picked up. I don’t know why I assumed it’d be messy and unkept. And while I should have probably asked about Nellie’s mom, it’s safe to assume that she isn’t around in terms of their home.
“It’s pretty just like you.” I look around the room, taking in the butterflies she has on the walls, the peel-and-stick kind you can get from the store. The quilt on her bed is light pink, as is the bean bag chair. The bed frame, nightstand, and dresser are white, perfectly suited for a little girl.
“Thanks. And this is my mom. She’s in heaven.” Nellie drops an atom bomb, and I’m caught completely unaware. I can’t say that I’ve ever been in a situation similar to this one, having no idea what to do.
“Nellie girl,” Colt says from behind me. I look over my shoulder. He gives me a look that says, "Kids, what can you do?”
“Well, I just wanted her to know,” Nellie says with exasperation. “Aunt Kara says to put all the cards on the table. She’s smart, duh.” The way she talks, it seems she’s alright with bringing her mom up in conversation.
“You have her dimple when you smile.” I look from the framed photo to Nellie, who’s beaming at me without missing a beat about what would usually be an uncomfortable situation.
“That’s what Mimi and Poppy tell me, too.” Nellie exits the bedroom, leaving the two of us in her room.
“Sorry about that. I probably should have warned you, and her, for that matter. Brooke, Nellie’s mom, passed away the night she was born. In a car accident.” My hand goes to my throat, a gasp leaves me, and I’m once again stunned into silence.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I’m sorry for your loss, for Nellie’s loss.” I take a step closer, my hand reaching out for his, unsure if he’ll be receptive or not but more than happy when he curls his around mine.
“Thank you. We weren’t together, two different people. Still doesn’t make it easy when there’s a child involved. Anyway, now that the hard shit is out of the way, what do you say we go about making dinner, and hopefully, the night doesn’t get too awkward where you’ll be running away from me again.” Colt shoots me a wink, his head dips, and he brushes his lips against mine. I’m unsure if I should press my body against his, drape my arms around his shoulders, and dig my fingers in the longish strands at the nape of his neck.
Colt’s tongue slides along my upper lip, causing me to shut down my brain and feel, really let myself go. That's probably why, when his thumb slides against my cheek, the warmth from the palm of his hand and the way he grips my neck with his fingers are all I need. My hands move to his chest, I give chase with my tongue, and he takes it deeper. It isn’t until a clatter of noise coming from the kitchen that Colt ends the kiss. “You good, Nellie?” He keeps his gaze locked on mine.
“Yeah, dropped the paint brushes.” She sounds annoyed with herself, and my ears perk right up with hearing what I’m assuming will be the next art and craft she’s about to do.
“We should probably get out there.” His words aren’t exactly convincing as he licks his lips and the hand not holding my facegoes to my hip, giving it a firm squeeze. It’s when he slides his hand lower, causing a delicious shiver to skate down my spine, that my core heats with desire.
“Yeah, it might be for the best. You never know where paint can land. In your hair, on the floor, or on the walls, which are usually where they get the brunt of the colorful stuff.”
“I’m assuming you’re speaking from experience.” I guess we’ve yet to go into detail about our lives, well, his I’m able to see right in front of me. My career is a bit off the beaten path.
