Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
NATHAN
“That’s way cheesier than I remember, but it does hold up.” I turn toward Colt as the credits start to roll. He’s wearing a big smile, and I swear he’s closer to me than he was a few seconds ago.
“Does that mean I get to keep picking the movies?”
“For now.” I recognize the trap he’s setting, but I’m not agreeing to anything.
I lean across to grab the remote, stop the credits, and turn off the TV. My knee bumps up against his, and I draw a sharp breath. My body is keenly aware that he’s been close to me for the last ninety minutes. I stop leaning into him but let my knee stay against him. I set the remote on the arm of the couch. Even through my thick jeans, I feel the heat of his body, and my dick takes notice. If this is how my body responds to an innocent touch, what would it be like to really touch him?
Those thoughts don’t quell my libido. “So, did you have a second movie picked out, or do you need to get going?” If it was three in the morning, I would still find another movie. Sleep be damned. At this point, I might not be ready to talk about my feelings, but I’m also not prepared for tonight to end.
“I don’t know, Grandpa, do you think you can stay awake until…” Colt glances down at his watch with an exaggerated arm movement. It presses his body a little closer to mine, and I bite back a moan. “Eleven o’clock if we put something else on?”
“I think I can keep up with you, whippersnapper.”
He shifts his body so that not only our knees touch but also our thighs. The scent of Colt’s pine shampoo wafts toward me, and I resist leaning my head against his shoulder.
“I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your beauty sleep.”
All the blood is in my dick, or at least that’s the best excuse I can come up with for my next move. I grab one of the throw pillows and smack his shoulder. I mean it to be gentle, but it hits with a loud thump and more force than anticipated. I gasp and cover my mouth. Colt sits there, staring at his arm, saying nothing. When he turns to look at me, his eyes are wild and intense. “I’m so?—”
He leans in and captures my mouth with his own to cut me off. It shocks my system, and my mind grinds to a stop. Colt Addington is kissing me.
Our seats are too far apart, and I’m twisted to face him, and I can’t remember what to do with my hands. I don’t care about any of that right now. All I want is for him to keep kissing me. His lips are so warm and soft; I don’t care. I’ll sit here all night doing that if he lets me.
He pulls away a bit, and I move my hand to the back of his head to pull him back. This time, when his lips press against mine, I open for him and run my tongue over the seam of his lips. He opens and lets me explore his mouth gently. I’ve dreamed about this for so long and don’t intend to rush things. His hands close over my hips and pull me a few inches closer. When I finally pull away, we’re both gasping for air. My chest heaves as I press my forehead against his. “Well, that was a surprise.”
“A good one?” His voice wavers, and I rush to reassure him.
“A very good one.” I sit back but move my hand to rest on his thigh. I need a connection between us. “My brain is having a little trouble catching up, though.” We sit silently for a few seconds, our ragged breaths slowing. He slides his hand over mine and interlocks our fingers. “I’m not sure what this is exactly.” I bite my lip. A kiss could be just that. Or he could be lonely and want friends-with-benefits arrangements. My mind runs through all the possible scenarios, trying to guess where we might land.
“What do you want it to be?”
Nope, I went first years ago; it’s his turn. “You kissed me, and I think you should go first.”
“I like you. A lot. I know saying it like that makes it sound like I’m a teenager with a crush, but honestly, that’s how I feel around you.” He squeezes my hand. “I’d like the chance to get things out between us. Take you on a real date; Maybe even kiss you some more.”
“A real date, huh?” My face hurts, but I’m smiling so much I can’t stop it. “I like the sound of that.”
“Is that a yes?”
I suck in a breath. I want it to be a yes so badly. It’s Colt. I like him, but we’re reconnecting after a lot of years away. There’s so much we don’t know about each other. Plus, dating and being in a relationship differs from being friends.
But it’s Colt. I can’t say no. My heart wouldn’t be able to bear it. “It’s a yes, but we should take things slow. I don’t want to screw up our friendship.”
“I can do slow.”
COLT
Kissing wasn’t in the plan. I meant to talk to him and tell him my feelings. Something overtook me at the moment, though, and I poured all those words I couldn’t figure out how to say into the kiss. And holy fuck, it worked.
At least, I’m not sure what slow means, but I’m happy to go as slowly as Nathan needs. We can move at a glacial pace if he wants as long as we’re moving toward whatever this is between us.
“Did you still want to watch another movie?” he asks, looking between me and the TV. I don’t want to leave, but we both need a little space to think. I can’t think when his incredibly kissable mouth is right in front of me.
“It’s getting late. I should let you go to sleep.” It’s a stupid excuse, but I need an out. Saying I need to go before I throw him down on the couch and have my way with him isn’t nearly as good.
“You’re probably right. I’m supposed to meet the guys tomorrow for brunch.” We both sit silently. This is precisely what I didn’t want to happen. Ten minutes ago, I would’ve hopped up, put on my shoes, and left. What’s the protocol now?
Tentatively, I stand up and start clearing the coffee table of the beer cans. He grabs the last one and follows me to the kitchen. Once they’re in the recycling, we both go to the front door. I untie my shoelaces so I can get my shoes on. People always tell me I need to untie them when I take them off, and I guess this is the exact reason. It’s weird having him watch me slowly untie, put on, and re-tie each one.
“So, I’ll text you about that date?” Nathan bites his lip and leans against the wall.
“You better. I want to plan a whole night for next Friday.” Nathan deserves a real first date, not a rushed kiss in his living room.
“Okay.”
I lean in cautiously and brush my lips over his. It’s chaste, but my body lights up when we meet.
I open the door and close it slowly behind me. I make my way to my car, forcing myself not to look back.
I focused so much on getting to this part that I forgot what would happen next.