“Lead the way.”
Palmingthe tail end of a bean and cheese burrito, I glance over at Colson. We’re eating at one of the small metal tables outside the Mexican restaurant. “I have to say, I really like this nicer version of you. I’m kind of getting used to him.”
He takes a huge bite, eating half of his burrito in one go.
“My day was shit when my car broke down,” he explains around a mouthful. “Believe it or not, I can be decent.”
He hid me away in the tub when those people walked into Fletcher’s bedroom, so I believe it. Only when Everleigh texted me that she was heading back to the apartment did I climb out and meet her on the porch.
“Why’d you look upset?”
I nibble on my burrito. “What do you mean?”
“When we bumped into each other back there, you seemed upset.”
The last person I was expecting to see today was him so wiping all evidence from my face of the conversation I had with my dad wasn’t a priority. Bumping into him is still a pleasant surprise, though. Even if he is questioning where my head is currently. It helps that he’s easy to be around. That there aren’t any expectations, and I don’t feel like I’m lying when we talk.
Even if I haven’t told him about my life, we exist together easily.
“You don’t have to tell me,” he offers, chewing. “But are you good?”
Am I?
“I will be.”
He nods and we fall into an easy silence while we finish our food. He inhales three—yes,three—burritos to my one, then we toss our trash into a can and make our way back in the direction we came. My car isn’t far, and I’ll head in its direction soon, but I want to milk as much time with him as I can.
Colson twists the lid off his water bottle as we fall back in line on the sidewalk. He gulps down half of it, and I can’t help but catch the size of his hands. He’s on the taller side, around six feet. His muscles lean, his biceps more filled out than the rest of him. And don’t get me started on his forearms. The muscles in them jump when he puts the cap back on and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. My eyes linger on the ink spread out on his skin, a collage of intricate roses and a very detailed lion’s face with scars etched into its fur.
“Thank you for lunch.” By the time I pulled my wallet from my bag, he had already handed over the cash for both orders.
“Should be thanking you. Those were some of the best burritos I’ve ever had.”
I smile. “Told you they were good.” I don’t know why, but I add, “Next time, I’ll buy.”
“Holding you to it,” he says, pulling his phone from his pocket. He must do it to check the time because he puts it back after and hooks a thumb over his shoulder. Almost back to where we bumped into each other, he slows. “I need to go see if I can track that place down.”
And I need to head into the daycare soon. We linger, stepping closer when a couple needs to skirt around us. “See you around?”
“Depends.”
“On what?”
“If you’re buying those burritos.”
I smile and look away.
He reaches out, brushing my arm with his hand, his voice soft when he asks, “You sure you’re okay?”
I pull my bottom lip into my mouth and chew on it. For now, I’m fine, but I know I won’t be for long. I highly doubt Colson and those burritos will be around when it happens. As usual, I’ll fall into my yoga routine and take the short reprieve it offers.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
His gaze volleys between my eyes. “They tell me differently.”
My stomach somersaults. If not for anything but knowing that he’s paid enough attention to realize that something is off.
“What are they telling you?” It’s soft and quiet when it comes out. I can’t help but lock onto his stare, on the tiny flecks of amber in his blue eyes. They’re easier to see when he takes a step closer. His warm hand curls around mine, and the faintest electrical shock zaps up my arm. My breath hitches. I look down. Lifting my hand, he straightens my fingers, pressing my palm to my heart.
