Page 87 of Surrender
Colbie found herself smiling. “I’m beginning to see that’s the case with all of them.”
While there, she’d witnessed not only Blayze but Dylan and Lane all over their wives. She’d known that Dallis likely got his confidence, boldness, and straightforwardness from his father. Now, Colbie saw that he’d grown up surrounded by it.
“Be prepared because Dallis will only get worse. They all got worse with age,” Yani informed her.
“I figured that may be the case. So, how did you and Blayze meet?”
“I was hired as the caterer for his grandmother’s seventieth birthday, and we bumped into each other literally as I came from the kitchen. From there, the pursuit was on. It was a game of cat and mouse because he made it very clear he wanted to be with me, but I stayed away because I was older than him. The age difference kept me from giving in at first.”
Colbie could understand Yani on that point; age was the same reason she’d initially tried to stay away from Dallis. However, she hadn’t realized Yani was older than Blayze.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what is the age difference?”
“Seven years, the same as Joyce and Dylan. Ellah and Lane are eight years.”
“She’s eight years older than he is?”
Yani nodded. “She is.” She then smiled at Colbie. “Our boys get it honest. Their fathers were childhood friends who had a thing for older women and settled down pretty early in life. I think seeing that example made our boys want the same thing. So, we as a family unit support them.”
Colbie smiled because she believed Yani. She’d felt welcomed by his parents when she’d first met them, and she’d felt welcomed by his aunts and uncles today when they’d arrived and Dallis introduced them. She was glad that his family accepted them.
While Colbie knew that her sister and brother were both happy that she was dating again, she hadn’t told her parents. She knew that while her father would ultimately accept Dallis because he made Colbie happy, he might have some reservations about his age. Colbie wouldn’t dilute herself into thinking her mother would accept their relationship.
Her mother was still hung up on trying to get her back with Will. Colbie knew that would be her objection to her dating Dallis. She was sure the age difference would be secondary.
After she’d spoken to her mother after Will had flowers delivered to her classroom, Colbie told her that she in no way wanted her mother to discuss her or anything involving her with Will. She made it abundantly clear that what she did with her life was just that and had nothing to do with her mother unless Colbie decided to inform her of it.
Needless to say, her mother had not taken Colbie’s words or tone well, but Colbie hadn’t cared. She was sick of her mother interfering with her life. More specifically, her love life, and she was putting a stop to it. Her mother could respect it, or the two could go without speaking.
Colbie continued speaking to Yani. Joyce, Ellah, and Christa, Dallis’ aunt on his mother’s side, came over to join them at some point. She wasn’t sure how long they’d all been talking, but they’d been laughing at a comment Ellah made when Colbie felt lips next to her ear.
“Come with me for a minute,” Dallis whispered.
Colbie turned over her shoulder, and Dallis held his hand out. She placed hers in it, excusing herself, and allowed him to lead her inside the house and to his bedroom. Colbie shook her head when he closed and locked the door behind them. She should have known what he was up to.
Dallis pulled them over to the bed before pulling her into his lap. He kissed her softly, his hands wrapping around her waist before pulling away.
“Your birthday is in a few weeks. I want to take you somewhere.”
“You don’t have to take me anywhere,” Colbie replied. “We can just spend the day together.”
“Baby, it’s the first birthday we’re spending together. I want it to be special.”
Colbie thought about it for a moment. She honestly didn’t need to go anywhere to feel like her birthday was special, but she also knew her boyfriend well enough to know that he’d want to do something for her.
“Okay, but nothing over the top.”
“I promise. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way.” He pulled her around to straddle him. “Why don’t we kill some time until they start whatever games they want to play.”
“Dallis, we are not doing that in your parents’ house with everyone outside.”
Dallis nipped at her chin. “Then I guess I’ll settle for making out like teenagers.” He smirked at her.
Colbie found herself laughing at him. One because she knew he was serious, and two because she never remembered kissing the way she did with Dallis as a teenager. She was sure she’d been more unsure and clumsier. In comparison, her boyfriend was all confidence.
“I suppose I can indulge you for a few minutes,” Colbie responded with a smile.
“I can deal with that.”
