Colt by Lori Foster
CHAPTER THREE
“COLT?” THEHEATED look in his eyes sent awareness flooding through her. Dropping the sheet, Charish put a hand to her heart and back-stepped.
Her reaction brought him to a halt and his mouth tightened. “You’re afraid of me?”
“No, of course not.” She was more afraid of herself because she knew if he got too close, if he made a single move, she’d revert to that adoring high school girl she used to be, forgetting all her plans. “You just surprised me.”
Eyes narrowing, he leaned back on the wall. “Forgot I was here, huh?”
Like any woman could forget him. “You know better. I was just lost in thought.” About you. About how we used to be. “I drove most of the night, and after that delicious burger, I’m fading fast.”
With new determination, he stepped forward. “Then let me help. You’ll be that much closer to a nap.”
Forget a nap. Once she wrapped it up, she planned to crash in the bed to sleep for ten hours. “I think I’ve imposed enough for one day.”
“No imposition.” He went to the bed and lifted a corner of a crisp white sheet, then expertly hooked it over a corner of the mattress. “We’re old friends, right?”
If only she could think of him as a mere friend, but that didn’t seem possible. Every time she looked at him, memories intruded...how he’d kissed her, the feel of his hands moving over her body, tentatively at first, then with hunger.
Losing her virginity.
They’d been so young, so curious, and so incredibly explosive together. She’d been with other men since then—obviously, given her present circumstances—but no one had ever replaced Colt.
She’d long ago accepted that no one ever could.
He snapped the top sheet, casting her a glance as he smoothed it out. Gaze knowing, a little too intimate, he asked, “You still with me, Charish?”
“Sorry.” Hoping to cover her distraction, she took care of her side of the bed. “I’m just amazed that you do everything so well. From what I remember of your bedroom, your bed was never made.”
“I was a slob,” he admitted. “I’ve gotten a little better, so dirty clothes don’t pile up on the floor anymore and I tend to keep the pizza boxes and cola cans in the kitchen.”
Her mouth twitched. His bedroom had been a disaster zone when he was in high school and lived with his dad. The rest of the house was orderly, but stepping into Colt’s room was like entering an alternate reality where organization didn’t exist.
She hadn’t been in his room often, but she remembered the mess because it was so opposite to everything she knew about Colt. Overall, he was a perfectionist. When it came to his room? All hell broke loose.
“What caused the big change?” she asked.
“Owning my own stuff, I guess. Since I pay for it, I want to keep it nice.”
“Makes perfect sense.” She didn’t have a lot of her own things yet, but she valued what was given to her. Right now, she was all about priorities, and that meant job security, getting enough money in the bank, setting up the baby’s room—
Without waiting for her, Colt shook out a blanket. “These days, the biggest messes are in the laundry and the kitchen, where Diesel keeps his balls, chews, and toys.”
Time to get her head back in the here and now. “That dog was always such a character. I’ve thought about getting a dog of my own, but I’m not sure I’ll be around enough once I start working.” Teasing, she added, “Not everyone has multiple households to welcome a dog.”
“True. Diesel has it made.” As they finished up, Colt said, “It just occurred to me. Shouldn’t you use the master bedroom?”
“That’s Mom and Dad’s room, you know?” Plus it’d be easier to fit in the crib, a rocking chair, and changing table for the baby.
“What will you use it for?”
Oh, um...she hadn’t expected that question. She put him off with a lame shrug—as if she didn’t already know.
Unconvinced, he asked, “Is there a half bath in there?”
“I know some of the houses around here have them, but I only have the hall bath and this room is closer to it.”
“I bet it would be easy to add one. I’ll take a look.” And just like that, he headed out of the room.
Shock kept Charish still for three valuable seconds, then she raced after him. “Colt, wait—”
Too late. The house was small, and by the time she darted around the bed and reached the hall, he already stood in the open doorway to the master bedroom.
The set of his shoulders, the stiffness of his neck, showed his surprise.
Rubbing her palms nervously on her shorts, Charish reminded herself that he would have found out soon enough. But today? She would have liked a week, maybe a month, before all of Clearbrook learned her personal business.
On the heels of that thought was another: her life was her own and she wasn’t accountable to anyone.
Moving up behind him, she peered into the room around his wide shoulders. In the center of the floor was the crib, still in a box, with a new crib mattress atop it.
“I’ll have to put it all together,” she said, making sure not a single note of uncertainty sounded in her voice. She wasn’t ashamed of having her baby. In fact, she was ecstatic about it.
Slowly, Colt stepped into the room, still not looking at her. Hands on his hips, he dropped his head forward. With a small laugh, he said, “You’re pregnant.”
Indignation ran up her spine. What did that laugh mean? “Yes.”
He shot her a look that turned into a slow perusal over her body. “It doesn’t show.”
Notching her chin higher, she stared back. “I’m not that far along.”
“You said you weren’t married.”
An accusation? Screw that. “I’m not.”
Colt searched her face. His expression eased. “Planning to get married?”
“Planning to judge much?” Hurt put a stranglehold on her, urging her to get away.
She did not come home for this.
Pivoting around, she marched from the room. Knowing he followed, she made a beeline to the front door. She started to open it.
Just as quickly, his open palm quietly closed it again. Crowded in close to her back, he kept that long arm extended past her temple, bracing it on the door as if he needed the support.
Warm breath drifted over her ear. “You misunderstand, Charish.”
She seriously needed him to back up a little so she could think. Or even breathe.
“I wasn’t judging, okay?”
Glaring at him over her shoulder, she said, “Yes, you were.”
“No...” Huffing out a breath, he asked, “Can we just talk?”
“We were talking.” Her mouth felt too dry to swallow. “You were doing what you always do, helping too much and being too nice, then just like that, you—”
Taking her shoulders, he gently turned her to face him, but kept her between him and the door, both immovable.
For a heart-stopping second, she thought he was going to kiss her.
Then his gaze lifted from her mouth to her eyes. “Let’s rewind.”
Holding his gaze was impossible, so she nodded while staring at his throat.
“You’re pregnant?”
Since his tone was so moderate, she tried to answer in kind. “Yes. Due in early February.”
Thumbs gently massaging her shoulders, he asked, “You’re happy about it?”
Her heart swelled. Nodding fast, she smiled. “Very.”
For a moment, his hands gripped her more firmly. “The baby’s dad?”
Daring a peek up at him, she saw wariness in his dark eyes, and something more, something she didn’t understand and didn’t want to dwell on. “He’s out of the picture.”
Gradually, his shoulders relaxed. “You’re sure?”
This was the easier part. “He and I weren’t close. It was...one of those things.” A thing where she hadn’t been out on a date in forever, she was too lonely, he was a friend of a friend—but she saw no reason to explain all that. “It happened, and even with protection, I got pregnant. He was appalled, even angry. I assured him I didn’t need anything from him, but he wanted that set in stone, so he found a lawyer, and with my written agreement, he was relieved of paternal rights.”
Disbelief turned Colt into a storm cloud again. “He signed over his rights?”
Yeah, that had been her reaction as well. As much as she immediately loved her baby, Tony had immediately wanted off the hook. “He even paid the lawyer fees. Would have paid for an abortion or adoption fees, too. He was very firm that he wasn’t cut out to be a father.”
“What a jackass.”
His attitude floored her. “Well, not really. I mean, he was nice enough, but he had plans and it didn’t include a child. I understood that, but I didn’t want to chance moving away, starting over, if he was going to change his mind, so I’m glad we took care of things legally.”
His gaze searched hers, looking for things she hadn’t said, trying to uncover any hurt feelings. When it came to Tony, there were none.
Hoping to convince him, she smiled. “It really is that simple.”
Colt released a tight breath. “That’s why you came home?”
Home. That’s exactly how she looked at it.
She could think more easily if he’d give her some space. Yet, at the same time, the human contact, with his implicit understanding, offered a distinctive form of comfort that she longed for. “Clearbrook is a great place to raise a kid.”
His gentle smile removed all the hard feelings from moments ago. “Yeah, it is.” Finally, he stepped back, going only as far as the couch, where he sprawled into a corner. “A baby.”
The wonder in his attitude brought her closer, then she took the chair adjacent to him. “I’m still getting used to the idea myself.”
“Your mom let you move away?” Grinning now, he said, “Dad would lose his mind if he had a grandkid on the way and I moved out of reach.”
No, her mother hadn’t been thrilled, but she’d understood and had even apologized for uprooting her all those years ago. “Mom and Hank aren’t that far away. They’ll come for a long visit when I have the baby, and then often after that. In a couple more years, they plan to move closer, maybe into a condo or something.” Colt’s acceptance stole her reservations and helped ease her fears about the future. Having his friendship meant a lot—probably more than it should have. She wouldn’t worry about that now, though. It felt too good, having her circumstances not only accepted, but celebrated. “She understood that I wanted a fresh start.”
Sitting forward, he asked, “Do you know what you’re having?”
“Not yet, no.” Her smile twitched. “I sort of want to be surprised.”
He grinned with her. “Have any names picked out?”
Now she outright laughed. “You’re getting way ahead of me. It seems like I found out, had to settle things with Tony, then I made plans to move, had to find an ob-gyn in the area, and a job, and a house.” It still overwhelmed her, thinking about it all. “I did all that long distance, then turned in my notice at my old job. Since Mom and Hank gave me furniture, I arranged the movers... It’s been a little crazy.”
“That was a lot to take on.”
He said it with acknowledgment of what she’d accomplished, with admiration, too, instead of suggesting that she might have gotten in over her head. He had faith in her, always had. “I was prepared to spend a week just getting set up, but now it’s almost done thanks to you.”
“I’m glad I was here to help.”
Yes, now that he was being so wonderful, she was glad, too. “Your friendship means a lot to me, Colt. Thank you.”
His sharpened glance cut her way, but only for a second. “Right. Guess you have time to get the crib set up.”
“I want to paint and decorate that room first. And the baby will be in a bassinet by the bed for a while anyway.” Placing a hand on her stomach, she sighed...and gave a soft confession. “I’m so excited to be a mom, but I’m also scared silly.”
Pushing to his feet, Colt came to kneel by her chair, taking her hands in his, searching her face. “But you’re home now, to stay.”
“Yes.”
Nodding, he stated, “Everything is easier with friends.”
God love the man, could he be more wonderful? Coming straight from her heart, she whispered, “Thank you.”
Her emotional gratitude sent him drawing back. “When do you start work?”
She didn’t understand him. Trying to hide the ridiculous hurt, she said, “I have another week to get settled.”
“Not much time.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Dr. Fleming has been nice, plus he knows about the baby and says he’ll help with a workable schedule.” That remained one of her biggest concerns. How in the world would she keep working with a newborn?
Standing again, Colt pulled her up from her chair and into his arms for a hug that, to her heightened senses, felt well beyond friendship.
Until he set her back again. “The burger. You mentioned craving it?”
“I’ve had crazy cravings, and yes, that was a big one.”
“Cravings?” His grin went crooked. “Plural?”
This new mood of his teased her senses, urging her to let down her guard, but she didn’t dare. She had to remember the six years that existed between them.
Fixing a smile in place, she said, “Nothing like pickles and ice cream, so don’t be amused. I’ve had a thing for fried pickles, though.”
He laughed. “A thing, huh?”
Gesturing down at her body, she said, “You see the extra weight.”
Sobering, his smile faded away. “You’re beautiful, Charish.”
Whoa. The words, along with the heated intensity of his dark eyes, left her flummoxed.
She stared up at him, drawn to him as always, even while trying to resist. She couldn’t feel the same—because he couldn’t possibly feel the same.
Breaking eye contact finally allowed her to murmur, “Thank you, but I’m going to get a lot bigger.”
“If you’re at all like Violet, the changes will come slowly.”
Why did that sound so intimate? She peeked at him and found him staring at her breasts. She fought the urge to cover herself. Also fought the urge to step closer to him.
Her breasts felt heavier, tighter.
Jaw ticking, Colt inhaled, and suddenly his fingertips feathered over her cheek, along her jaw, then tipped up her chin. “Do you plan to tell everyone about the baby?”
The mixed signals were adding up. Friendliness, antagonism, distance, then sensual touching... It was like being on a roller coaster and her emotions were already in hyperdrive. She didn’t need Colt stirring them up even more.
But if he could be moderate, by God, she could, too. “I’m not keeping it a secret, but I don’t want to make an announcement either. I figured that as I made friends again, it’d come out.”
His hand settled on her shoulder. “You already have friends here, and they’ll be excited to see you again. Just know that your business is your own. You can share the news when you’re ready, okay? I won’t say anything to anyone.”
Before she could be too relieved over that, he continued with “But why didn’t you tell me? It’s been a long time, I know, but I like to think we’re still a little more than just friends.”
A lot more than that, at least to her heart, to the memories she held so dear. Blast him, now her stomach was churning.
She frowned. “How would that have worked? You said hi, and I should have immediately blurted, I’m pregnant?” She rolled her eyes. “That would have been a shocker.”
Far too serious, he held her back at arm’s length. “You think seeing that baby bed wasn’t a shocker? You said you weren’t married, but that didn’t rule out a fiancé or significant other.”
Was that what he’d reacted to? Not a baby, but a man in her life? She wanted to ask if it mattered to him, but didn’t dare. “It’s just me.”
His gaze went to her stomach. “And the new addition.”
Sucking in a breath, she nodded. “Yes.”
“So.” He took a critical look around. “What else needs to be done?”
No, she absolutely couldn’t take more of his push-pull help. “You’ve done enough.”
“If you really think that, you don’t remember my energy level.”
Oh, she remembered it all right. Colt used to fill up every available minute, cutting grass and working at the diner to save for college, and still hitting the honor roll every quarter. He’d accomplished so much at school, he’d graduated early with extra credits.
And still he’d found time for her.
“I’m not sure...” She, too, looked around. “I guess I need to go to the grocery. And I’ll have to set up the coffeepot because I’m seriously sluggish in the morning. Decaf,” she said as an afterthought. “No more caffeine for me.” Thinking about his grass-cutting job made her realize she’d forgotten all about the lawn. “I’ll probably need to find someone to do the yardwork, at least until I can buy a mower. If you have any suggestions on that—”
Taking charge, which was something else Colt excelled at, he promised, “We’ll get it all sorted out. For now, let’s get groceries. I’ll drive.”
Astonished, she shook her head. “You really don’t need to do that. I promise, I can manage on my own.”
Turning her, he gave her a light swat on the bottom—just as he used to when they were teenagers. He no sooner did it than he froze. “Yeah...sorry. Didn’t mean to overstep.”
She choked on a laugh. If he ever meant it, she’d really be in trouble. “Old habit?”
“Something like that.” Appearing relieved that she wasn’t angry, he suggested, “Grab your purse or whatever. I’ll see about the coffee machine.”
Shaking her head, Charish watched him head into the kitchen, her kitchen, and damn it, another smile tried to break free.
His stride was long, his presence big, and she knew, yes, she knew...her heart was in very big trouble.
ITDIDN’TMAKEany sense, but after spending so much time with Charish yesterday, even after thinking about her through half the night, Colt woke refreshed, ready to take on the day with a new perspective.
Not that he’d been a downer before that, and he sure as hell hadn’t moped around.
Yet he knew he felt different now. And he knew it had to do with Charish being home.
A baby.
It kept replaying through his head. A little boy or a little girl who would be a part of her.
It felt selfish, but he was glad the guy had bounced. Whoever he was, he didn’t deserve Charish. Sure as hell didn’t deserve a kid with her.
How much courage did that take, to face motherhood alone while relocating and literally starting over? She’d impressed the hell out of him, once he got over the shock of thinking she had a guy in the picture.
In hindsight, his reaction bothered him. It gave away too much, especially when he fully intended to keep the upper hand this time around. It was the only way he knew to protect himself—to protect his heart.
Another chance. With Charish. Damn straight he’d be running the show.
Charish thought she’d imposed on him, when he’d been the one insisting. He had a million questions for her. He wanted to get to know her again.
He wanted her to know him, to understand that he was a grown man in command of his own life.
It seemed like a total dick move now, but for a little while there, he’d figured on getting cozy with her again, then he could be the one to break things off. He’d told himself that he was still raw about it because she’d ended it instead of him.
Now he knew he was full of it.
He still wanted her. He still planned to have her. But the ending was now up for grabs.
It didn’t matter how much time had passed. Deep down, where no one could know, Charish would always be the one for him. His first, and his last, whether they were close or living far apart.
But she was here now, planning to stay, and if anything, the baby would keep her from uprooting again.
A baby.
Damn, but it made him smile every time he thought of it. He remembered when Violet carried Paisley, but other than feeling her kick every so often, he hadn’t been in on the intimate details. He remembered that his dad had been extra attentive, which annoyed Violet’s independent nature, but he’d also been extra loving, and she’d been on board with that 100 percent.
Watching it all unfold had been fun, especially since Violet didn’t have any difficulties. She’d worked at the diner right up until the day Paisley was born, and even after that, she didn’t slow down much.
Would Charish be the same? God, he hoped so, because the idea of a rough pregnancy made him sweat.
He’d taken to the role of big brother with ease. Charish might not know it yet, but somehow he’d find a role in her life as well. Given how she’d reacted each time he touched her yesterday, he could count on eventual success.
She was no longer the virginal girl who adored him. Now she was a woman, and that excited him even more.
CHARISHWORKEDFORpart of the morning, then decided she needed a break, and on a whim, she headed to the creek. Knowing others would be there, she brought along big sunglasses and parked at the farthest end, where the creek narrowed, making it impossible to swim. Farther down, the creek widened near a field where many people would take advantage of the entertainment value, letting their kids swing from a rope to drop into the cold water.
Other than a few older boys looking for crawdads under rocks along the creek’s edge, she didn’t see anyone—though she could hear them, some probably on a picnic as she and Colt used to do, others playing ball or just enjoying the sunshine.
Leaving her sandals in the van, she went to the bank and found a nice flat rock. Keeping the sun to her back, she poked her toes into the water and let her mind wander.
She’d be seeing Colt again tonight. How would his family react? Would they resent her? She didn’t think so, even though they had every right.
A sudden whine interrupted her thoughts and she sat forward, listening. The boys had wandered on, so she didn’t think it was them.
There! She heard it again. It sounded like an animal, and her heart started tripping. Then she heard a low bark, followed by a longer whine.
Thinking some poor dog had gotten separated from his family, she waded into the creek toward the woods on the other side, moving quietly, her ears attuned for any sound of distress.
It took her a few minutes to see the small, scruffy terrier tangled in the wild blackberry bush.
“Oh, baby. Are you okay?” He tried to wag his tail, maybe even his whole body, so she quickly shushed him. “Easy now.” Picking her way over sticks and sharper rocks, she moved up the bank. “You really got stuck, didn’t you?”
Again, he tried to reach her, then yelped when a particularly nasty bramble snagged on his nose.
“Shh, shh.” Reaching into the bush, scratching her arm in the process, Charish tried to figure out how to free him.
It wasn’t happening. “I won’t leave you, baby. Hang on.” She tried to think of what to do...but really, she only had one answer. She bit her lip, debating—and the dog whimpered.
That made up her mind. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and put in the call.
