Eliza Jane - In Too Deep

I’d made the conscious decision when I began here three years ago to never tell anyone that McAllister is my dad. I didn’t want to be treated differently, or to have anyone think I hadn’t earned my way. I had. And then some. His standards for me were higher than for anyone else. Which was fine by me. I didn’t want his pity. One day I’d be running this place, because I deserved it, not because he felt obligated to give it to me.

I scan the rest of the files on his desk, looking for something that sparks my interest. Something that will get me out on the road again, hopefully with Taylor at my side. The next time I’m alone with her, I won’t hold back. She will be mine. 

              My break is over faster than I imagined. Sunburnt filled days at the pool with Piper, dinner every evening with my mom and dad, and bonfires at night where I successfully navigate Wes’ advances, and actually find, he no longer has any pull over me. His boyish immaturity doesn’t hold a candle to Colt’s sexy masculinity.

I missed Wilbrook. I missed MJ’s insanity and the balance Logan brought us. I missed training with Colt and the adrenaline of the assignments McAllister gave me. And despite my dad’s home cooking, I missed the food in the café.

Before I know it, it’s time to go back. All my clothes are folded, freshly laundered, and stacked in a laundry basket in the trunk of my dad’s car, along with my olive green duvet and body pillow.

My parents and I make the journey back to Connecticut, more quiet this time on the drive than before.

When we arrive, there’s a barbeque underway, out on the front lawn. Parents are welcome to stay for lunch. My parents stay for a late lunch, but have to get back on the road for their drive back. The entire time we eat and make small talk with Vera and MJ’s parents, my eyes search for Colt. But he’s nowhere to be found. I wonder if he was serious about our date. I try to convince myself he was kidding. After all, we talked on the phone every night and emailed throughout my break, but neither of us ever mentioned that date again.

Once I see my parents off, MJ and I make our way upstairs. She helps me make my bed with my duvet cover from home.

“How was your break? Anything interesting happen?” she asks.

“Funny you should ask.” I know talking to her about Colt is a stupid idea. I pray she won’t flip out and judge me too harshly. “I kind of need to talk to you about something.”

Her eyebrows dart up.

I pat the freshly made bed. “Sit.”

She does, her eyes still on me.

“So…” Rip it off like a Band-Aid, Taylor. “Colt asked me out.”

She cocks her head, shock and horror visible on her face. “Asked you out?” She shakes her head. “He doesn’t ask people out. He takes them back to his room like a caveman. End of story.”

I laugh nervously. “I know. I thought so too.”

“What exactly did he say? And when was this?”

“Over break. We talked and emailed every day. And the first night I was away, he told me he’d make up for his recent behavior by taking me out.”

“And you said?” She waits, her eyes conveying her concern.

I look down, plucking at the blanket. “Um, I sorta said yes.”

“You slut!”

I giggle. “MJ!”

She laughs. “It’s your death, baby.” She pats my leg. “But I’ll be there to catch you when you fall.”

My stomach twists nervously and I remember her friend Jewel. “Thanks,” I mumble. 

              As I’m finishing putting away all my clothes, I sense movement out of the corner of me eye.

Colt stands in the doorway to the girl’s dormitory staring at me.

I jump up. “Hi.” My voice is too eager. I try again. “Hey.”

He smirks at my jumpy response. “Hey.” His voice is smooth, molten and utterly sexy. God I’ve missed him way more than is rationally healthy.

I walk closer, sensing he won’t enter the dorm. I stand in front of him just inside the doorway.

“So… about that date.” He smiles a cocky lopsided grin down at me.

I wait, breathless, my heart galloping.

“Can you be ready in an hour?” His voice is just a whisper.

I nod.

“Good. Meet me at the front door. One hour.” He brings one finger to my lips and presses it there for a brief moment. A promise of a kiss later, I can’t help but think. He drops his hand slowly.

I nod again, sure I’ve completely forgotten how to speak.

As soon as Colt’s gone, I snap to attention, grabbing my bathroom bag, making sure I have a razor and then dash down the hallway toward the showers.

Fifty-five minutes later, I’ve showered, shaved my legs and underarms, dried and straightened my hair, talked MJ into doing my makeup and am dressed in dark jeans, ballet flats and a fitted blue top that MJ says makes my eyes pop. The top is cut in a deeper neckline than I’d normally wear, but I like it and am grateful to MJ for loaning me clothes and helping me, even though I know she’s doesn’t approve of my date.

I thank her, grab my purse and dash down the stairs. I make myself slow down and navigate the steps carefully, not wanting to stumble and embarrass myself in front of sex god, Colt Palmer.

When I reach the bottom, Colt’s waiting in the entryway, leaning against the banister at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at me expectantly.

His eyes are soft, full of wonder as he drinks me in. I make myself go the last few steps to him. He’s also wearing dark jeans, I note and a button down white shirt. His skin is tan, and healthy. His hair is perfectly disheveled and his eyes dance on mine. God he’s incredible. Breathe, Taylor.

We’re both quiet as Colt helps me into the BMW, which has conveniently been pulled up and parked outside the front doors. His fingertips graze the small of my back as he tucks me safely into the car. I resume breathing once he closes my door. There’s an obvious chemistry between us and I can tell we’re both aware of it.

I breathe in. I’d forgotten the scent of his car. Pure Colt. Clean male with a trace of spicy cologne. It makes my knees weak. I clamp my thighs together and focus on breathing.

“Pick out some music.” Colt hands me his mp3 player.

I scroll through the songs and chose something I’ve never heard of. “Grouplove?” I ask.

“It’s more than just music. It’s a lifestyle.” He cracks a sideways grin.

I chuckle as the music starts. Its seductive thrumming beats in time with my heart. “You have interesting tastes, Mr. Palmer.”

He shoots me a warning glance, then shakes his head. He finds my hand and gives it a squeeze, the hard look on his face falling away. “You are a sassy little thing, aren’t you?”

I don’t answer. Instead I loose myself in the beat of the music, the warmth of Colt’s hand around mine, the smooth motion of the car as we race down the highway. So far this date equals perfection.

Colt pulls up to a fancy yet understated restaurant and parks right in front. He climbs out, tossing his keys to the valet, who catches them with a look of surprise. Then Colt’s at my door, opening it and pulling me up to him. His eyes are playful, but he quickly releases me, keeping one hand on my lower back as he guides me to the door.

We’re led to a table in the back corner, where it’s dim and quiet. The table is covered in crisp white linen and a small votive candle burns in the center. It’s romantic without being overly done.

Colt pulls out my seat for me, and I slide down into it. So far he’s been a perfect gentleman. If I didn’t already know to be weary about his past, I wouldn’t have believed a word of it after seeing his behavior tonight.

I take a moment to survey our surroundings. The restaurant has exposed brick walls, tall ceilings open to the heating ducts above and a rustic stone fire place at its center.

When my eyes find Colt’s he’s openly watching me. I blush under his steady scrutiny, wondering what on earth he could be thinking about when he looks at me like that.