But the way his hand on my cheek was giving me electric shocks made it clear that this wasn’t simply lust or merely attraction.
It wassomuch more.
“I know what you mean,” I finally answered.
He lit up. “You do?”
I wanted to give up, to drop the exhausting guard that was constantly up, but I knew I wasn’t ready yet. “I mean, I’ve truly lost myself these past couple of years. I became someone unbearable, but I felt safe like that. I was too scared to get too close to anyone; I didn’t think I could handle another broken heart. But in just a few months of knowing you, I’ve laughed more, felt more like myself, and loved life more than I have in a very long time.”
Colton had replaced Corporate Allegra with Ally, and itwas like a breath of fresh air.
Colton’s face was serious, his strong eyebrows raised slightly, but the rest of his face was solemn. “Ally…”
“Colton…” I swallowed hard, sure I was going to have a heart attack at any moment.
He pulled me close again, his hands on my face as he kissed me long and hard. He was kissing me like he was dying, and I was oxygen; he kissed me as if his life depended on it. “I love you, Ally,” he said between our kisses. “I love you.” He lowered his head to kiss my neck. “I love you.” He kissed my collarbone. “I love you.” He kissed my jaw. “I love you.” He kissed my temple. “I. Love. You,” he declared as he planted one final kiss on my forehead.
I closed my eyes, wanting to remember every second of this moment for the rest of my life. I let out a shuddering breath.
He pulled back, one hand in my hair, tucking a strand behind my ear, the other on my waist, feeling like he was holding me up.
I was smiling so hard my cheeks were starting to ache. “I love you, Colton.”
It was the first time I had said it to a man and truly meant it. I loved every inch of him. I loved his handsome face, his strong body, and his hands that he held me with. I loved that he was sweet to me, but was as strong as steel, not afraid to do hard work at the drop of a hat. I loved that he was sensitive, not afraid to let me see him cry, but also not afraid to defend my honor and protect me no matter what.
I loved him.
And that was completely horrifying.
Chapter Thirty-Six
“It’s stunning,” I whispered.
The lake in front of us was breathtaking. The water was as still as glass, the towering trees reflecting on the surface. The horizon melted into the water, making it look endless.
Colton and I had found it tucked just behind the trailers.
We were on the dock, our toes dipping in the warm water, our thighs touching. I couldn’t get closer to him if I tried, and that’s what I wanted.
His declaration of love was still playing in my head, warming me from head to toe. I had never been loved so fully, and it was the best feeling in the whole world.
“Almost as stunnin’ as you,” Colton flirted.
I was resting my head on his shoulder and looked up at him. “Oh?”
“Yes, ma’am. Don’t even get me started on those baby blues of yours,” he practically moaned. “They could make me melt if you let them.”
How was he not snatched up a long time ago?
I battedmy eyelashes. “Theseol’ things?”
He nodded, putting his hand on my thigh. “You’d better be careful, Ally. I’d do anythin’ you say.”
“Anything?” I challenged.
“Anythin’,” he confirmed.
I tapped my chin as if I were thinking hard. “Okay, take off your shirt and jump in the lake,” I dared.
