Page 60 of The Step Don't

He licks my lips before coming in for a kiss, pressing his weight against me, his tongue teasing mine, desire pulsing through me until I gasp. As I roll my head back, his mouth runs down my jaw to my neck. He makes his way back up until his lips are by my ear. “You think maybe we could just be friends and hang tonight? Then fuck around later? No strings?”

Colin bites at my earlobe, then sucks gently before pulling away, looking so fucking proud of himself for his performance.

I wish I wasn’t grinning so hard, but when he’s good, he’s good. “To be clear,” I say, “I know it’s kind of a date, but we can agree that’s a stupid word, so can we just go out and have fun?”

Colin shakes his head. “You are fixated on me. I feel like I’m leading you on, but maybe if we go out together tonight, I can help you understand that’s just not happening. You’re not even my type. I like nerdy guys.” He studies me. “Brunettes with hazel eyes…who wear glasses.”

“Interesting that you just described me to a T, though we both know you prefer blonds.”

His gaze settles on my bangs. “I must’ve been mistaken.”

And…he’s got me laughing again.

“Don’t worry,” he goes on. “I’ll help you through this, bro.”

I don’t fight it. “Yeah, I’d really appreciate your help through this, bruh.”

“Perfect. Now come on, Ash. You got our table reservations for six thirty, and we don’t want to be late for ourdate.” He really emphasizes the word, which I admit doesn’t sound horrible coming from his mouth.

“I fucking give up.”

“Figured you would,” Colin says before offering another kiss.

And really, though I doubt many people would get it, this might be my favorite way to start a date with Colin.

A sound catches our attention, and I turn to see Frat Cat pawing at his leg.

The meds the vet tech gave us have really helped, and he’s been moving about quite a bit.

“You didn’t drop the baby off at the sitter’s already?” Colin asks.

“The babysitter’s down the hall.”

His brow rises.

“I was gonna ask Miranda again, but Marty insisted.”

“Marty? Really?”

“He’s taking to him pretty quickly. Think Frat Cat mellows him out a bit.”

“You hear that, Frat Cat?” Colin asks. “We gotta rollto your sitter’s.”

“You’re gonna have to set me down for that.”

“Do I?” he asks, carrying me to the door.

“No, I need my wallet!”

Colin backtracks, watching out for Frat Cat as he heads to my desk and grabs my wallet, then heads into the hall, Frat Cat following close behind. Fortunately, we don’t have far to go before he finally frees me. Marty’s looking at us like we’re out of our minds as we’re in stitches at his door.

After we walk him through instructions for watching our kitty, Marty says, “You know most cats are pretty independent, right?”

“He’s just a baby,” I say. “And he likes lots of affection.”

“Especially scritches,” Colin chimes in, “and if you stop petting him for too long, don’t worry, he’ll remind you.”

Marty rolls his eyes. “You two have the most spoiled cat I’ve ever met. But don’t worry, he’s in good hands.”

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