Page 168 of Things Left Unsaid

Shattering the moment.

It relieves me that he’s as annoyed as I am because when he answers the call, he snarls, “Theo, this had better be—” Silence. “Oh.” He rubs his forehead. “Shit.”

And with those two words, I know that our horseback-riding date is canceled.

The depth of my disappointment is a sharp wrench in my plans to live here, go through IVF, and then leave.

Colton heaves a sigh but he disconnects the call without another word. “I’m sorry, Zee. Rain check?”

“Sure.”

His eyes collide with mine again. “Later. At two? You can finish your work?”

Surprised by the concession and hating the anticipation that immediately sizzles through my veins, I nod.

Eagerly.

Ugh.

Tee would either be ashamed or proud of me—I’m not sure which is worse.

His grin is quicksilver fast, though, and it makes up for my bobbing head.

At least we’re both excited.

Colton gets to his feet and tucks his cell in his pocket. “I’ll be back by one. We can eat lunch. Together.” He coughs. “If you want.”

“I’d like that,” is my prim response.

“Have a good morning.”

“You too.”

As he leaves the room, he pauses behind me.

My heart stutters as he rests a hand on my shoulder then presses a kiss to my cheek.

The simple contact has me immediately turning my head so I can capture his lips with mine.

A startled grunt escapes him as I lift my arms, curving them around his neck as I tug him into me while I twist in my seat. One of his hands settles on my thigh. The heat of it sends electric shocks through my nerve endings, which doesn’t sound pleasant but God, it’s everything.

Especially because his fingers are so big and they’re ridiculously close to the inseam at my crotch.

As his tongue explores my mouth, I fight back. Needing more. Needing everything. Our conversation shouldn’t have riled me up, but it did. Daddy Colt is hot as hell and I’ve no problem with hellfire.

A soft whimper breaks free of my vocal cords when he finally retreats, breathing hard and heavy as he pushes his forehead into mine.

“Rain check,” he rumbles.

Ugh.

My nostrils flare. “Lunch.”

It’s a promise.

His eyes widen then he smoothes his thumb over my kiss-sore lips. “No pressure, Zee.”

I clear my throat. “Go. Now. Before I climb you like a tree.”

---