Page 110 of Cruel Steps

“I, um, actually work there.”

“Shut up.” She gaped, her eyes wide.

“Yeah, it’s cool. There are a few different rooms. I can get you in one night that I work if you want.”

“Hell, yeah. That sounds awesome.”

“Cool. It’s not a secret, but not something I want everyone to know.”

“Totally get it. My lips are sealed.” She mimed zipping her lips, and I smiled. It felt good to put faith in someone.

We both changed, and I pulled on some comfortable clothes for the drive. Dad, Rose, and Hope had left at halftime so they could get there and get the cabin set up. Holden and I were to ride up together after the game. I’d tried to drive myself, but I’d been outvoted.

Colter and Holden hadn’t stopped their diligence with walking me to and from class and to my car. I didn’t know if it was connected to not having any messages or not, though. There hadn’t been any updates from the police, either. I’d handed over my alibi, removing me as a suspect in the hit and run, and they’d gone radio silent. Maybe it was ignorant, but I wasn’t too concerned. I just wanted to live my life.

“Have a good weekend,” I said, waving bye to Jenny when we got to the parking lot. Tonight had been one of the rare Friday games, giving everyone a full weekend to celebrate.

Arms wrapped around me from behind, and I melted into Colter’s touch. He kissed my neck, and I sighed. Tilting my head back, I smiled up at him. My feelings for this man had grown so much. I enjoyed every second I got. We still hadn’t officially declared anything between us, and I hoped it was because he was waiting for Holden to figure himself out. Personally, that ship was about to sail.

Colter nuzzled into my neck, his fresh citrus scent wrapping around me. “I’m gonna miss you, Merbear.”

“I’ll be gone for two days.”

“Two of the longest days of my life.”

I spun in his arms, smiling at him. “You know that toy I showed you last week?”

“Uh huh.” Colter’s eyes heated, and he licked his lips.

“It found its way into my bag for this weekend.”

“It did. Interesting.”

“Yep. And I was thinking… depending on the reception, I could either make a video for you or call you while I’m using it.”

Colter groaned, rocking his front into me, and nuzzled my neck. “Fuck. Now I’m hard. Do you think?—”

“We’re leaving. Don’t get any ideas, Colt,” Holden bellowed.

Colter sagged in my arms, grumbling while I giggled. “Talk about a cock block. Don’t tempt me, Hol. I’ll hide in the bed of your truck if necessary.”

“No, you won’t. There’s spiders.”

“Spiders!” Colter jumped. “Why?” My sweet boyfriend looked like he was on the brink of a panic attack at the mention of spiders.

“He’s joking,” I assured him.

“No, I’m not. The mums had all kinds of creepy crawlies on them, and now they’re in the back.” Holden gave a pointed glare, and I rolled my eyes.

Looked like we were back to distant Holden. Yay. This drive would be fun.

Colter sighed, but kissed my neck before pulling away. “Have fun, be good, and Hol, shower before you come to the apartment. I don’t want you to bring any spiders.” He shuddered. “You’re still moving in when you’re back, right?” Colter frowned. I know he didn’t want to admit it, but he’d been stressing over it.

“That’s the plan.”

Now that Holden had a job, he’d been able to afford his part of the lease and was moving out, despite our parents’ wishes. But since he was paying for himself, there wasn’t much they could do.

I wanted to be happy for them both, but I’d gotten used to seeing Holden on the other side of the bathroom. I knew I’d see him when I visited Colter, but I tried not to stay over all the time, so I didn’t wear out my welcome. It felt like another layer of distance between us.

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