Addicted to You(12)

But hadn’t it? I stared up at him wondering if there was even the tiniest bit of change in the way he saw me. Last night had been pretty amazing. I’d handled it well. Hadn’t gone all crazy. Could he ever see me as a something more than just Isla? Because as stupid as it was, I saw him as more. Was Colby one of my favorite people? Yes. Was I in love with him? Definitely. But now he was also the guy I’d had some seriously amazing sex with, and being this close to him, wrapped up in his arms…well, I couldn’t think of much else.

And call me crazy, but maybe he couldn’t either, considering his eyelids suddenly looked heavy, and his breathing deepened as our chests brushed against one another. In fact, I was almost certain we were about to kiss.

My tongue slid over my bottom lip as I tilted my head ever so slightly.

His gaze moved from my mouth to my eyes and back to my mouth. And then…Colby stepped back. Like literally took one foot, moved it a good distance away from me, then followed with the other.

I blinked, not sure how to respond to such a physical act of rejection, then quickly rebounded, forcing my mouth into a smile. “That’s good, because nothing should change that.” I turned away, reaching for the door handle, ready to get in the car before I screamed or cried or both. “See you Sunday.”

The feelings of hurt mixed with disappointment felt heavy in my chest. My heart ached with longing and sadness, and I wasn’t sure how much more of this I could handle.

I pulled my phone back out, tapped Felicity’s name, and prayed this time she’d answer. It rang three times before her sleepy voice came on the line.

“Hey,” her grogginess made me wonder if this was the best time for a serious conversation.

“Hey, sorry to wake you.”

“It’s okay, I haven’t been asleep long. Everything okay?”

Though the answer was a big fat no, I felt bad for pulling her from sleep.

“Eh, I’ve been better, but why don’t you just call me back when you’re awake.”

“Wait.” Her voice sounded clearer, more alert. “What’s going on?”

“Colby drama. We can talk about it later.”

“You sure?”

There was always some self-created Colby drama in my life so I was positive Felicity didn’t take it too seriously. “Yeah, positive. Call me when you’re awake and have free time.”

“Okay.” She paused then continued, “You’re sure? Nothing’s wrong? I’m here to listen.” Her sentence trailed off with a yawn.

I laughed to mask what was really going on. “Go to sleep, Felicity.”

“Okay, but we will talk soon. I want to hear all about the Colby drama!”

“You will! Now get some sleep.”

“Night, Isla.” She yawned again. “Talk to you later.”

I hung up and stared at the flashing red traffic light. Like a beacon telling me to halt and go no further. But when it came to Colby, I doubted I’d ever learn.





Chapter 5


It didn’t matter that it was only breakfast. I woke up early. Fixed my hair. Dressed cute. And slapped a smile on my face. I wasn’t going to let Colby see the miserable, wallowing girl I’d become over the last two days. Nope. He’d only see the happy, carefree Isla who was good at one-night stands. We hadn’t spoken since what I’d thought was a near-kiss—but apparently just wishful thinking on my part—and it was of the utmost importance he had no clue how much that moment had wrecked me.

I’d been foolish to think having one romantic moment with Colby would be better than never knowing what it’d be like to kiss him. Had we not hooked up, I could still be living in the fantasies of what if? But now I was stuck in the reality of what now? And sadly, I wasn’t sure our friendship would survive.

So I’d mourned the loss of him for two days, then woke up this morning with plans to start fresh. I’d get over this awkwardness, put that night in the past, and stay focused on moving forward. But it wouldn’t hurt to look amazing while doing it…as a reminder of what he’d had. Not that he probably cared, but sometimes a little spite helped mend the soul. Or maybe that was just me.

After breakfast I was heading to the beach with Taylor, who’d texted me after we hung out the other night. She seemed to also be in need of some female companionship, and as long as she was dating Matt, we’d probably be seeing a lot of one another. It seemed like a good situation for us both.

The knock at the door dragged me from my thoughts. I checked my hair one last time in the mirror before heading into the living room, but Grandma had beat me to the door since she’d been cooking in the kitchen.