Page 101 of Fighting the Tide
Fifteen minutes later, Colette comes out of the house dressed in a flower-patterned dress and combat boots, making me laugh as she launches herself into my arms.“I get to kiss you whenever I want,” she says as she presses her lips to mine.It’s innocent and sweet until her mouth opens and her tongue brushes against mine.With that simple touch, I’m ignited.My hands land on her ass as I grab it by the handfuls and pull her in closer.It’ll never be close enough.
We break apart, and she gives me a bashful look, her cheeks coating in a delicious blush.“We have some time to visit the bookstore,” she suggests, and I nod.
“Sounds good.”I lean in to kiss her forehead and then open the door for her.
We drive into town with her slender hand in mine and the music blasting as she sings at the top of her lungs.I soak in her presence every chance I get by watching her just exist in the moment.She’s so wild and free, not caged by her upbringing or chained with regrets.I have so much to learn from her and I can only hope she gives me a lifetime to do it.I don’t want to stand at the gallows of self-pity any longer as I watch her open my path to redemption.
I park in front of the town’s bookstore, a small brick-and-mortar store filled from floor to ceiling with old and new books.We head inside as Colette squeals and runs toward the back, making me chuckle at her enthusiasm.I’ve never been much of a reader, but I think I could benefit from the calm it would provide.Heading down an aisle, I follow Colette’s giggling voice, the sound so contagious I find myself laughing along with her.“Nolan, come here!”
I find her in the Jane Austen section, and even though the thought of owning old British romances makes me cringe, I would buy the entire section if she remains this happy.She has a few books in her arms and I give her a nod.“Let’s find more.”She runs into my arms, pressing the books between us, and kisses me soundly on the mouth with excitement.
“The results must’ve come in.”At the sound of Cassie’s voice, the hairs along my neck raise.Is she following us?
Colette pulls back and we both turn to face her, the high we were riding suddenly plunging into pools of frustration.“Yes, I’m so excited to finally be forming a bond with my daddy,” Colette says sweetly as she runs a hand along my chest.“We worked so hard at it … all night.”Then she walks away, giving me a warning look as Cassie watches her with her jaw on the floor.
“Are you guystogether?”she asks, looking at me, aghast.
“Yes.”That single word muttered means so much more than anything I have said before.“We are.Are you following us?”
“Of course not!”she exclaims, one hand going to her chest as the other holds firm to an iced coffee.“I was getting coffee across the street and saw you two come in here.I thought I would say hello.”
“Do us both a favor and don’t next time.Or any time ever.We are no longer friends, Cassie, and I would appreciate it if you stayed away from me.”Anger washes over her face as her cheeks darken and her eyes narrow.I can see it’s a result of the embarrassment straightening her spine.
“No problem,” she spits out from between her teeth and spins on her heel to head back to the front of the store.
Hands come around my waist and slowly skim down over the front of my jeans.I would’ve been jumping out of the way if I didn’t know her scent so well or feel her presence in my chest before she makes herself known.“You are so hot when you’re assertive, Nolan Sears.”Her breath hits my neck a second before her tongue and my knees nearly buckle with the rush of desire.
I turn and gather her in my arms, walking her backward until her back hits the shelves.Then, like a madman, I’m gathering her skirt in one hand and dipping the other beneath to discover her bareness.“Colette.Do you not own panties?”I growl the same moment I’m running my fingers through her folds.
“I never will again if this is the result,” she purrs, her head tipping back against the books behind her.She spreads her legs, giving me easier access, and I take it as I plunge two fingers deep inside of her.
“We need to talk about birth control,” I mutter as my face falls into the crook of her neck.“Because I’m going to be fucking you every chance I get.”
“I’m on the pill,” she moans around her words and arches her back.“Are you going to fuck me here?”
Her question brings me back to reality and I remember where we are and just how easily we can be spotted.I pull my fingers out of her warmth and shush her when she whimpers at the loss, then I slip the fingers into my mouth, savoring the taste.“Where are the books?”She points across the aisle and I spot a cart filled with paperbacks.“All of those?”I turn and look at her with wide eyes.
“It’ll fill up your shelves and you can begin to read me bedtime stories.”She gives me a heated look, but all I can hear is the fact that she wants to be with me every night.
“Deal.”I seal it with a kiss and we head to the front of the store.
Chapter Forty-Four
Iglanceagainatthe screen of my phone, noting the time at 11:34PM.She should have called me by now.The theater closes at 11.I try not to panic or jump to conclusions.She’s probably doing some accounting or cleaning up the popcorn counters.None of it sounds out of the ordinary, but I can’t ignore this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach.She doesn’t have her bike because I dropped her off today, but she could’ve taken a ride from a coworker if she felt like not bothering me.Even though I specifically told her to call me.
With another glance at my phone, I decide to give her five minutes.If she hasn’t called by then, I’m taking a trip into town.I don’t care how crazy I look, she’s the most precious thing in my life.I’ve been battling with myself all day, trying to keep the overprotective side of me suppressed and let her live her life with little intrusion.I want to accent her life, not take it over, but I’ve also watched someone I care about die in my arms and I never want to experience that again.
Just as I’m about to grab my keys and head out to the Range Rover, my phone rings.I dig it out of my pocket and breathe a sigh of relief when I see Colette’s name.I curse myself for the overreaction before I pick it up and say, “Hey.”
The first thing I hear is the wind as it batters against the speaker, making my brows come together in confusion.“Nolan?”Colette’s yelling to be heard over the sound and I rush to the front door and open it.Dark clouds are rolling across the sky, covering the moon and its light.Another storm.
“Where are you?”I try to stay calm and breathe.She’s an adult, and she’s not her mother, but her next words have me stumbling out of the front door.
“I’m at the lighthouse.”The wind and the way she’s screaming all make sense now, and I slam my door shut and hurry toward my vehicle.
“A storm’s coming!”I sound panicked and feel terrified.“What are you doing there?”
“We need to talk,” she says.“Meet me here.I’m at the top.”She hangs up as I start the engine and pull out of the driveway, squealing my tires with the speed.
