Page 97 of Eight Steps to Alpha

Chapter 35

Glancingup to the steps to their apartment one hour later, she was sure her feet had never felt so heavy. Like lead, covered in cement, attached to cables that were anchoring her to the ground. But one foot in front of the other, she moved her feet. Until she reached the top of the stairwell, where she could hear the faint sounds from the TV inside the apparent. Her stomach instantly filled with dread, because Colton was still awake.

Fucking Colton.

She pushed the door open, just far enough to slip in through the crack, and found him lounging on the couch watching TV. His feet were propped on one end of this cushions, his inky head resting on the other side.

He moved his feet to the floor and sat up when he noticed her, then leaned forward to brace his elbows on his knees. “Rough night?”

The way he said it, reminded her of his brother. Her temples began to pound, and she shook her head, trying to mask the emotions that were bubbling in her throat. “It’s these damned shoes,” she said, kicking her heels to the corner of the room. “I’ve only had them on a couple hours, and I already want to run them through the garbage disposal.”

“Is that so?”

She nodded, “Yes.” She turned toward the TV, unable to face him any longer. “What are you watching?”

His eyes scanned her up and down, as he turned to the television screen. “Just some old documentary about hermit crabs.”

A small unexpected laugh escaped her mouth, and she looked up to his face. “Really?”

“Nah,” he whispered. “But you looked like you could use a smile.”

Glancing down to her feet, she nodded. That was something Elliot would do. Something Elliot would say.

“Where’s Elliot?” Colton asked then, causing a new wave of nausea to roll in her stomach.

“Launch party.”

“Oh yeah? Is that where you were too? Is that why you look so pretty?”

She met his eyes. “Yes.”

“You left him?”

She nodded.

“Alone?”

“With Mary.” She swallowed.

“Ahh…”

Twisting her fingers, she watched his reaction, and waited for more question, but nothing came. He just stood there, watching her, making her want to run away. To flee, to buy a ticket to a deserted island and live there for eternity. “Why don’t you take a shower,” he said, walking toward her and taking her fingers in his. “Wash off all that makeup.” He nodded. “Then come out here and watch a movie with me?”

She could feel her chin wobbling and knew she was close to tears. “What movie?”

“Jurassic World. Have you seen it?”

“No.” She shook her head.

He squeezed her hands one last time, grabbed hold of her shoulders, then pointed her in the direction of the bathroom. “Good.” But he didn’t say anything more. He didn’t need to. He just gave her a little shove forward, and she did exactly what he said.

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