Page 38 of Don't Let Me Fall (Don't Let Me 1)

“I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

“Okay.”

I glance over my shoulder one more time as I leave and catch Mia pulling out her phone, letting out a slow breath.

You got this, Mia.

Speaking of relationships. I pull out my phone from my back pocket and dial my mom’s number. It rings a few times, then goes to voicemail.

Surprise, surprise.

Frustrated, I open the messaging app and type a text to my mom.

Me: Hey. Long time no talk. How are you guys doing?

Mom: Hey, honey! Sorry I didn’t answer. Dad and I are at the crystal shop. Then we’re gonna go on a little journey tonight. We’ll call you later. Love you!

Shoving aside my disappointment, I reply.

Me: Have fun.

15

ASHLYN

Rubbing my lips together in the mirror, I run my fingers through my long, wavy hair one more time and smooth out the white dress wrapped around my body. I went for innocent today. Not sure if Logan will like it or not, but he’s always been a sucker for the girl-next-door look, and I need this. A reminder of why we’re good together. A solid night without fighting or feeling like I’m alone in the room with him. A night to shove aside the memory of my tutoring session with Colt and the ease I felt when I was around him.

I need it now more than ever.

The scent of garlic and tomatoes wafts from the kitchen, making our entire townhouse smell like an Italian restaurant. Maybe it was a bad idea to wear white when I plan on eating spaghetti, but I’m hoping it’s worth the risk.

My stomach grumbles when a loud knock echoes from the front door and Mia yells, “Shit! I’m not ready!”

“It might be Logan,” I call back, giving myself one more look in the mirror, heading out of the bathroom to answer the door.

“If it’s my date, will you tell him I’ll be there in a few?” she asks as I pass her bedroom door.

I give her a thumbs-up, push my hair over one shoulder, and answer the door.

“Hey, sorry––” My voice catches in my throat when I see him.

Colt.

He’s in a dark brown leather jacket, dark jeans, and a white T-shirt, looking like every girl’s fantasy as his gaze connects with mine.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

But before he has a chance to respond, it hits me.

“A-are you here to pick up Mia?” Surprised by the jealousy churning in my lower stomach, I shake my head and add, “Nope. Nevermind. It’s none of my business,” I remind myself. “Let me, um…” I hook my thumb over my shoulder, motioning to the hallway behind me leading to our bedrooms, and turn around, ready to get the hell out of here.

I don’t even have the chance to take a step when Colt grabs my arm and pulls me against him. My breath hitches as the warmth from his chest kisses my spine, sending heat and goosebumps along every inch of my skin. He hasn’t touched me like this. Not ever. And I hate how close I am to melting into him. How weak my knees feel. How alert the butterflies are in my stomach.

It’s… I shake my head and try to think straight. But I can’t. Not when he’s this close. Not when he’s touching me. Not when Mia could walk out of her room any second and see me in the arms of someone who isn’t Logan.

With my back still pressed to his front, Colt leans down, and his breath brushes the shell of my ear. “I like your dress, Sunshine.”

My dress?

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