Teased(38)

The movie was a comedy that had them all laughing. Vida wished it lasted longer when it went off and Colton pulled her to her feet.

“We’d better be going, Brenley. We have to work in the morning,” Colton told his sister.

Brenley rose from the chair. “Let me get your leftovers.” With a grin, she went into the kitchen.

“I like your sister,” Vida remarked with envy in her voice.

Colton smiled. “She’s pretty cool for a sister, but she can be a pain in the ass sometimes.”

“I heard that. If you’re not careful, I’ll take that half of a chocolate cake out of the bag,” she threatened.

“You’re the best sister ever,” Colton said soulfully. Vida laughed at his little boy act while Brenley handed him a plastic zip up bag that would make it easier to handle on the bike ride back.

“That’s more like it,” Brenley said before turning to Vida and giving her a quick hug. “It was really nice meeting you. Stop by sometime for a visit and I’ll tell you all of Colton’s secrets.”

Vida couldn’t help herself. “If it involves women, I think I’m finding that out for myself.”

“I think the right woman could get Colton under control.”

Colton took Vida’s hand, leading her to the door. “Bye, sis.”

“Bye, Colton. See you next week.”

Colton tugged Vida out the door, hastily leading her to the bike.

“What’s the hurry?” Vida asked, watching him strap down the food bag on the back of the bike.

“I didn’t want my sister giving you more ammunition against me.”

“I already know what kind of man you are, Colton.”

“Do you? Or have you simply made judgments based on how I acted when I didn’t care what you thought?”

Vida began to feel uncomfortable. She didn’t want Colton’s attitude to change towards her. She was comfortable with the way things were with them except for this morning, which she had every intention of forgetting about.

Without answering his question, she waited for him to get on the bike before getting on herself.

It had rained while they were inside, but the motorcycle drove effortlessly on the wet pavement. Colton was able to even control the bike when a car pulled out recklessly in front of them. Vida felt safe, not frightened in the least when she felt the bike’s wheels slide slightly before Colton expertly maneuvered the bike to a slow stop. Expecting him to rant at the stupid driver, he surprised her by slowly regaining his speed until they were once more traveling through the night traffic.

She was becoming tired by the time Colton pulled up in front of his apartment.

“Mind if I take the shower first?” Vida asked once they were inside.

“No, you go ahead.”

Vida didn’t take long, wanting to go to sleep. Putting on her pajamas and brushing her hair before braiding it, she went out to the living room to see that Colton had made the couch for her.

Coming to a stop, she appreciated his thoughtfulness. She really didn’t know how to handle this side of him. He had never been mean to her, merely treating her as a stranger in his home. Which she was. Now, with his change in attitude and how he treated her with consideration, almost like a girlfriend, she was beginning to be scared of the feelings it was bringing to the surface.

“Thanks, Colton.” Vida stepped around him, moving towards the couch.

“No problem. I can see you’re tired.”

Vida lay down on the couch, already half asleep. Colton turned the light out when he saw she was settled. She was about to roll on her side when she felt him standing by her side.

“Colton…”

“I’m going to let you get used to the idea of us while I wait for my divorce.” Sinking to the floor beside her, he reached out to cup her cheek. “When my divorce is final, Vida, you’re going to be in my bed,” he said firmly.

Vida was determined to shut him down before things could go any further. She was about to let him have it for his mistaken assumptions when his mouth closed over hers, his tongue driving all thoughts of denial away until he lifted his head, taking his mouth away from her and rising to his feet.

“Now you can go to sleep, if you can.” Colton’s thick voice had her wanting to drag him back.

Vida rolled onto her side, her body in turmoil and sleep no longer close by. It took time for her body and mind to calm. Her body wanting his and her mind telling her to jump up and escape. Weariness finally overrode both, providing her with the sleep she needed.





Chapter 13





Vida took a long time getting ready for work the next day, which provided her with the perfect excuse to ignore Colton. The morning ride to the tattoo shop had been full of nervous tension for her. Colton, on the other hand, was laid back as if he actually believed all he had to do was wait and she would fall in with his plans of having sex.