“Overprotective of you.”
“Oh.” Though I’d sensed that when we first got to Jack’s, I hadn’t been prepared for him to admit it. But at least we were making progress. I hugged my arms to my chest. “Why shouldn’t you feel that way?”
“Because you’re not mine.”
I jerked my head up and stared at him. Did he want me to be?
“To protect,” he went on. “You’re a strong girl. You don’t need me in your business.”
Though his mouth said one thing, his eyes told another. That look was back. The one I’d seen several times over the last few days, and though I may regret the answer if I was wrong, I had to know if it meant what I thought it did. “Colby…”
I took a step toward him and the air vibrated around us, like a billion frenzied bees sensing a threat, but the only thing in danger right now was the paper-thin wall I’d built to hide the emotional roller coaster I’d been on the last several days.
“What do you want?” I asked.
His voice deepened. “What do you mean?”
“You say nothing’s broken, yet we both know we aren’t the same as before. But maybe that’s just it. We aren’t meant to go back. Maybe we’re meant to move forward.”
I scanned his face, slowly closing the distance like a cat about to pounce, and I couldn’t deny how much I wanted to do just that.
“What do you want?” He countered, his eyes now dark and his voice low and inviting.
“I think you know. I think it’s the same thing as you. And it’s probably time to stop deny—”
Colby must’ve recognized Landon’s laugh before even I had because in record time, he’d slipped away, putting enough distance between us that there’d be no questions about what was going on out here.
“Hey.” Landon looked at us, his expression more of concern than curiosity. “Everything okay?” He waved the guy he’d stepped out with to go on, saying he’d be there in a second.
Colby nodded. “Oh, yeah. The crowd’s intense. We just wanted some fresh air.”
“I thought I saw you two slip by. A busy night is great and all when it comes to tips, but, shit, I couldn’t get on break fast enough.” He tilted his head right then rolled his shoulders. “Oh, and looks like you’ve got a fan, Isla. Gabe seems quite enamored with you.”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “I’m ninety-nine percent sure this is his ‘thing.’ So not falling for it.”
“What do you mean?” Landon asked.
“You know, like he works the crowd, finds some random girl, gets up on that stage, claims she’s inspired him, then sings his way right into her pants.”
He laughed. “You’re awesome. I love that you can see right through his bullshit. I’m not saying he does this at every show, but I don’t doubt he works the crowd to his advantage.” He chuckled again. “Guess I can’t really blame the guy though.”
Colby remained quiet but I felt his gaze glued to me.
I kept mine focused on Landon. “There are plenty of other girls in there who’d love to succumb to his charms.”
“But there’s only one Isla.” Landon grinned.
Colby huffed. “I’m gonna get back inside.” He turned to me. “You coming?”
It didn’t seem like his annoyance was focused on me, but I could also tell he’d shut down. Wherever our conversation had been headed it wasn’t going there now.
I nodded, knowing it was pointless to stay outside.
“Okay.” Landon tilted his chin in my direction. “Hit me up inside if I can get you something later. On the house, of course.” He winked then took a few steps back. “And try not to break any more hearts tonight, but if you do, send them my way. Nothing fills the tip jar like a void right here.” With a laugh, he patted his chest, then spun around and headed to his awaiting friend.
I smiled and shook my head as Landon walked away, then turned to Colby. And the other look was back. The pissed-off, everything-is-wrong-with-the-world one that brought us out here in the first place.
I started to question him then snapped my mouth shut, not wanting to get into it again. But then again…“Sometimes I wish I knew exactly what you were thinking, other times I think it’s probably for the best I don’t.” I walked to the front door and yanked it open.
“What do you think I think about?” he countered.
Seriously? With a side glance, I said, “If I knew that, we wouldn’t be out here.” Then I slipped through the door, never turning back to see if he followed.