Page 118 of The Breaking Pointe
“Let’s find a seat,” he says, grabbing my hand and holding it above my head to have me lead the way.“I’m sitting wherever you sit.”
My God, he’s gonna make me jump on him and take him over.
I lock my fingers with his, taking him to an empty spotat the table beside Annie. Before I can grab onto a chair, he beats me to it, pulling it out enough for me to sit.
“Thank you,” I say quietly as I notice his behavior makes a few of our guests watch him as he puts away his drunkenness to please me.
I, myself, have never been the jealous type. Actually, it’s more that I wasn’t allowed to have that feeling without being reprimanded. I would have to keep my feelings of jealousy contained and hold my questions back from Daniel. Colton responds in an opposite manner.He’s rather calm when drinking.Which is not much different than how he is any other time. I suppose it’s his confidence.
He’s really confident.It’s a strong energy that I’m sure everyone around us can feel, except him. Both shy and sure of himself, all at once.
The way that other women look at him tells me I’m right. They see him the way that I do.If they knew what we did together, they would burn me at the stake. It’s fun to know that it’s me that he can climb on top of and take control of in the most sensual ways. I love everything about it. I love him
breathing above me like he’s working his hardest to make me feel good, while glistening and dripping with sweat.I also love the way he sounds when it feels just right for him— and I even love to run my fingers along his chest hair. I love all of it. I just wish I had more of it.
It’s not that I don’t think we connect, but let’s just say that I want to connect with him like that more often. I know that he’s going through a lot, but maybe a little bit of that connection could lift his spirits. What man can say no to his girlfriend wanting to make him feel good?
He doesn’t even have to do any of the work if he doesn’t want to.
Watching him for the rest of the party while occasionally dancing around with Annie, my thoughts return to him and I being alone, over and over.It’s nice though, having everyone over and seeing us all together for another year.I haven’t noticed anyone having a bad time, which means the night is turning out successful.
“Okay, everyone—attention for just a few minutes,” Lau- ren says, clinking her fork against her champagne glass.
Directing my attention to her, I rest my chin in my palm. “I know this isn’t some elaborate dinner, but it’s elaborate enough that I think we should toast. Let’s say to…starting over.Togetherness,andum…”shepauses,thenlooks directly at Colton and I before continuing, “loving each other and ourselves.”Why are we the example holders for that?I doubt he likes me more than boxing.I wouldn’t exactly call what we have ‘love’.I take the fabric of my dress into my hands under the table, squeezingit as I hide myface by
lookingdown.
“That’ssweet,babe,”Tonysays,lookingupatherasshe
raises her glass, followed by everyone else doing the same. Shesmilesathim,thenlooksateveryonearoundthetable.
“Cheers. Let’s eat some good food made by yours truly and Miss Mayberry, who told me not to make a big deal, but her Dutch apple pie is to die for.”She laughs, flattening her dress as she sits down.
Myfaceheatsup,listeningtoeveryoneeggonherap- preciation, smiling bashfully as I watch everyone pass food around and start to fill their plates. Colton clears his throat, leaning over to my ear.
“I’mextraordinarilygratefulforyou,Noelle,”hemur- murs as his hand rests on my bare thigh.
When I raise my head, he’s already given his attention to the person beside him, fraternizing as he was, earlier. Being the sweetest man at the table.Showing every bit of warm reception he can.
Making me grateful that I decided to give him a chance.
* * *
The clean-up was annoying, long, and enduring.Not asbad as I expected, though.Which was a good thing for Lauren and myself, I suppose.I never cleaned up anything so quickly in my life—all so I can give my undivided attention to Colton—who has mysteriously disappeared after lugging all the heavy items out to people’s cars, collecting every single dish he could find, and filling the dishwasher like it’s his own home.
Eventually, after figuring out that the only place he could be was my bedroom, I began my way there, hoping to rid myself of my very cute, but uncomfortable heels.Coming
closer to the bedroom door, I could already hear Cole singing something, sounding dreadfully tone deaf while doing so.
“Cole?” I speak into the room, entering it and closing the door behind me.
With no response, I’m forced to hear more of his quiet serenading, drawing me toward my bathroom. Pushing the door open a few inches, his voice becomes clearer than it was seconds ago.His singing and humming never ceases, even after I locate him.
“Hey,” I say, finally gaining his attention and pushing the door open more.
His eyes jump at me as he tugs on his belt, undoing it and pulling his shirt out.
“Hey,” he mumbles, having some trouble with the belt. “You need a hand?”I ask, stepping closer while taking the
