Page 19 of Break Me Like a Promise (Oak Valley)

“So. Monday.”

Colton kicked the gravel driveway, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He took a long look at the bus before answering her.

“I can stop by around 4 p.m., I think if that works for you. And I really would like to help you, Ruby. With this project. A home on wheels, to travel and see the world… It kind of feels like a dream, you know?”

Ruby would’ve taken a step back if it weren’t for his stupid fancy sports car. A dream? The wistfulness in his voice about anything other than football was new to her, let alone something that involved leaving Oak Valley. Hell, ten years ago wanting to go to play college football was part of why they broke up — and he wanted to stay close to home to help at the auto shop while he pursued his dream at a semi-local state college, and she needed to get out in order to pursue hers.

“Y-Yeah, I do know.” She cocked her head, trying to see this new version of him.

“Why do you sound so surprised? You know I’ve always wanted to build a house. This is kind of like that, only better in some ways.”

“I just… I thought you wanted to stay in Oak Valley.”

He barked out a laugh. “What, ten years ago? Mainly out of obligation to my family? Ruby, I traveled around. I love Oak Valley but being back here after everything I’ve experienced… I don’t know if I’m ready to stay put.”

She let his words sink in.

Ten years was a long time. It was possible that in those ten years Colton had changed, just as she had.

“Earth to Ruby.” Colton dipped his head in front of hers, close enough their noses almost touched. A wave of his earthy scent hit her, and she was thankful she could catch herself against the car. His scent, his proximity, did not mean she needed to swoon like a damsel. Or at least not enough for him to see his effect on her.

“Sorry. 4 p.m. works on Monday. We won’t have much light but some work is better than none.”

He smirked, those damn dimples coming out of hiding. “Great. I’ll see you then.”

“Great.”

He cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows. “You know, if you want me to stay all you have to do is say so.”

“Wha— ” Ruby realized she was leaning against the driver’s side door, but Colton didn’t move aside when she pushed off the slick black frame. They stood chest to chest, Ruby’s breath quickening. Colton loomed over her, his broad shoulders shielding her from the bitter winter wind. She looked up at him, meeting his brown eyes. She could step around him, but there was that part deep in her body that wanted to go through him. That wanted to merge herself with him until they were one, to remember what it felt like to be his.

Colton swayed closer, and Ruby watched his lids lower, his lips part. She was drawn to him in equal measure, the magnetic force field almost too much to take.

Until she was slammed with cold air, Colton off to her side. He ran a hand through his damp hair, thrusting the car door open. It pushed her forward and Ruby turned on her heel.

“Yo, watch it, asshat!” She wasn’t sure about the moment they just had, where it was headed or if she even wanted it to happen. But there was no need for him to sidestep out of nowhere and to throw his door into her.

“Sorry, I forgot I needed to be somewhere. I’ll see you around.” Colton slid into the car and slammed the door, his face mostly hidden by the heavily tinted windows.

Ruby stood back as he peeled down the driveway, reeling from what just happened.

Colton not knowing what he wanted and being a dick about it were things that clearly hadn’t changed, even after ten years.

19

Colton sank the red solid in the corner pocket, trying to tune out the din of the drunk patrons at Cheers and Beers. He and the guys were making use of their Saturday night, even if they risked running into Cara and her crew; a guys’ night was worth the risk given the distraction it afforded Colton from his day. He could barely feel his arms from the heavy lifting he did that afternoon. Or stop his heart from pounding at the near kiss he’d had with his beautiful, infuriating ex. A cold shower and a nap hadn’t settled his nerves, so he was hoping the guys’ night would do the trick.

It was him, Dragan, and Archer against Liam, Dean, and Caleb. They’d been friends since the first grade, when happenstance landed them in Miss Morales’ class. And unfortunately for their parents and teachers, the bond developed from a sweet reading group to class clowns in no time. Archer and Dragan were always the least likely to get in trouble, but Colton was convinced that had more to do with their acting abilities than their looks. Especially Dragan, who should’ve played basketball or football professionally but opted to spend his time with his nose in a book. Colton snickered, knowing it probably had to do with June Beaumont more than anything.

He was too distracted and scratched on the next hit.

“Mr. Panties-in-a-twist, what’s up?” Dean playfully shoved him while moving into place for his turn.

“Nothing.” Colton scowled, downing the rest of his IPA.

Archer raised his eyebrows and tried to hide a smile. “Would you prefer Mr. Pissy Pants instead?”

Liam and Dean burst out laughing, Dragan shaking his head with a smile.

---