Vicious Circles (22 page)

“I know,” Col in said. “Did he try anything with you?”

“No,” I snorted. “But I gave him something to think about besides Morgan.” He sighed heavily and his breath tousled my hair. I knew he was going to object and try to persuade me from going ahead with my plan. I didn’t want that – especial y not after the extraordinary way he’d made love to me. I didn’t want anything to mess up the night.

“Col in, please,” I begged. “I don’t want to talk about it tonight. I just want to lay here with you.” He ran his hand up and down my arm a few times and I lifted my face to his. He kissed me, al owing his lips to linger on mine and jolting my heart. When he pul ed away, he smiled at me. My heart flipped.

“Okay,” he said. He kissed me again. “We won’t talk about it tonight.”

“You’re agreeing to this far too easily,” I said warily.

He chuckled and kissed me again. He shifted to his side and traced my face with his finger. “Only because I just want to lay here with you, too.” He bent to press his lips to mine. “But we wil talk about it tomorrow.” I rol ed my eyes but couldn’t suppress a grin. At that moment, I could care less about anything or anyone. Screw Disneyland – I was in the happiest place on earth; cuddled up next to Col in in his bed.

“I’m sure we wil ,” I said. I wriggled closer and he fel to his back, pul ing me partial y on top of his chest. “But until then, I’d like to get a little sleep.

Haven’t had much lately.”

“We can’t have that,” he teased. He situated me comfortably and kissed me once more. “Get some sleep, Bailey,” he murmured in my hair.

“And you can make me breakfast in the morning.”

“Not likely,” I snorted as I closed my eyes. I drifted off with a queer smile on my face.

Chapter Seventeen

I woke slowly as the events of the previous evening rol ed through my mind. I smiled as I stretched and reached for Col in. My smile slipped as the spot next to me was empty. I sat up, taking the sheet with me, and searched the room.

“Damn!” came an oath from the kitchen. I chuckled and fumbled around the floor until I located an article of clothing. It was Col in’s shirt. I slipped it over my head. I tossed the sheets back and padded into the kitchen.

Col in was standing before the stove, only in his jeans, one hand on a pan handle and his pinky finger in his mouth. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered.

I crept behind him and slithered my arms around his waist, admiring the bunched muscles in his bare back. “Aw, did you burn yourself?” He turned off the fire and twisted in my arms, broad smile on his face. Grabbing my face, he pressed a hard kiss to my lips. “Yes, I did, making your breakfast.” I lifted his hand and sucked on his finger. His eyes narrowed and he tugged me closer. “Your breakfast wil get cold,” he said in a husky voice.

I laughed and dropped his hand. “I thought I was supposed to cook?” He shrugged, his cheeks coloring slightly. “You said you haven’t been sleeping wel so I thought I’d let you sleep in and surprise you with breakfast.” My heart tingled and a goofy smile engulfed my face. “Thanks.” He kissed me again. “Any time. Now sit.”

I did as he dished up the eggs and bacon. He set a plate before me then proceeded to fil two glasses with orange juice. He joined me and we ate pretty much in silence, though we both kept throwing surreptitious glances at each other.

When we finished, we cleaned up the kitchen together and it was very hard to keep my hands off of him. My heart was a jittery mess already and the knowing looks only intensified it. Once the dishwasher was loaded, he leaned against it, pul ing me into his arms.

“So, what are you going to do today?” he asked.

An evil grin spread across my lips. “You?”

He laughed, his eyes sparkling. “Wel , I won’t object but I wondered if you had any other plans.”

“Not real y,” I said as I stepped into him. My heart was thumping and I was slightly worried he’d hear it. I rested my forearms on his shoulders.

“Want to hang out?”

“Yeah,” he said as his eyes lingered on my lips. “I’l take you by your place so you can change. Maybe we can take the dogs to the dog park or something.” I snorted. “Yeah then maybe you can meet my new buddy.” I laughed when I thought of Craig.

“What new buddy?”

I quickly explained to him about my last few visits to the dog park and laughed harder at the interest in Col in’s eyes. He kissed me, massaging my lips softly. I sighed and leaned into him for support. When he pul ed back, he winked.

“Let’s go meet this friend of yours.”

***

I didn’t know exactly how to define my relationship with Col in. It was quite obvious that things had changed – possibly improved – but I didn’t know what it meant. And I was in no hurry to find out, either. I was happy with things the way they were. We walked, hand-in-hand, to the dog park, Otis and Milo trotting joyful y. It didn’t take long to reach the park and once we released the hounds, we sat close together on the bench.

But Col in didn’t relax – his eyes scoured the park. I laughed and rested a hand on his thigh.

“He might not show up and even if he does, what are you going to do?” He draped an arm around my shoulders and whispered in my ear. “I’l just show him that he’s wasting his time trying to pick you up.” Snorting, I suppressed a shudder.

He chortled and kissed my cheek.

We watched the dogs play for awhile but Craig never showed up. It didn’t break my heart any because I real y could care less. I was with Col in and that was al that mattered.

Yeah, I was definitely a lovesick girl. I giggled.

“What?” he asked, raising a brow.

“Nothing,” I said as I scooted closer.

“Hey, what do you say if we go out tonight?” Col in asked shyly. “You know, like to dinner or something?” My heart flipped. “Sure. That’d be great.” His smile did weird things to my insides and I could do nothing more but kiss him.

We rounded up the dogs shortly after and he dropped me off at home, taking Otis with him.

“I’l pick you up in a couple hours,” he said as he kissed me in the doorway. “And I’l take Otis to my place, you know, in case you want to spend the night again.” His flushed cheeks tickled me.

“Okay,”

***

I skipped the shower and opted instead for a luxurious bath with my favorite scented bubbles. When I finished, I dried my hair and let it hang down my back. Col in hadn’t mentioned where we’d be dining so I wasn’t quite sure what to wear. I decided to keep it casual and if he showed up al dressy, I’d change. I was a wreck when the doorbel rang and hurried on shaky legs to answer it. I ripped the door open and nearly lost my breath. He grinned, his eyes never leaving my face. He was dressed in nice jeans and a green button up shirt that brought out the flecks in his eyes.

“You clean up nice,” I said as I openly appraised him.

Grabbing my waist, he yanked me flush with his body. His lips hovered over mine.

“And you look as beautiful as ever.” He kissed me and al coherent thought flew from my head. When he pul ed back I was stil flustered and a flicker of triumph flashed in his eyes.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Sure,” I said as I grabbed my bag and locked the door. “Where are we going?” He took my hand as we walked to the elevator. “No place real fancy,” he said with a slight blush. “I didn’t think you’d like that.”

“Not particularly,” I muttered.

He smiled and gave my hand a squeeze. “I was thinking we’d hit that new steakhouse downtown. Is that okay?”

“Perfect,” I said with a nervous smile.

When we arrived at the steakhouse, we were seated immediately. We placed our order, hardly glancing at the menu, too busy studying each other. Once the waitress disappeared, my nerves returned. I couldn’t understand it – it was Col in. We’d hung out plenty of times – not to mention other things. But sitting across the table from him in a restaurant was unnerving. And I was dying to know what al this meant. Were we dating now?

“So, um,” he stammered, concentrating on his silverware. “I was thinking that I should probably talk to Spencer.” My eyes widened at his suggestion. Maybe I was about to get my answer. “Real y?” Taking my reaction as horror, he reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “I wasn’t going to tel him about …you know,” he said as color flooded his cheeks again. It was far too cute. “I just thought…wel …

that I’d tel him I wanted to…date you.” He spoke the last part so quietly that I had to strain to hear him.

My heart jumped and skipped al over the place. “Okay,” I said, unsure what to say.

“Is it okay with you?” he asked, his eyes finding mine.

My self-confidence grew at his uncertainty. I obviously wasn’t alone in this. “It’s more than okay,” I said as I laced my fingers with his.

His smile lit up his eyes. “Wel , I know you didn’t want anything serious with Spencer – not that I’m asking you to get serious with me.”

“Col in,” I said as I gave his hand a little squeeze. “What I felt for Spencer is total y different than this.” I gestured between the two of us.

He flashed a half smile. “That’s comforting to know.”

“So what are you going to say to him?” I asked. I was relieved that he wanted to take things further but I was also concerned about Spencer’s feelings. He was too great of a guy to get hurt. Besides, I’d already hurt one friend – I didn’t want to make it two.

“No idea,” he shrugged. “But I have a plan that I hope wil soften the blow.” A knowing smirk covered his face.

“Care to share?” I asked, my curiosity aroused.

“Not yet,” he winked. “I’m not sure if it wil work.” I bent over the table and lowered my voice. “You’re not going to hire a …

professional, are you?”

“Professional?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

“You know,” I said, trying to keep the amusement out of my voice. “A prostitute?” He snorted his laughter and picked up my hand to press it to his lips. “No, not at al .”

“That’s a relief,” I said as I sat back in my chair. The waitress appeared with our food and our conversation turned casual as we ate. I couldn’t remember the last time I'd enjoyed myself so much on a date and I had to chalk it up to the love I felt for him. Maybe there was hope for me yet.

When we finished our meal and the dishes were cleared, Col in paid the check and led me back to his car. I wasn’t eager for the evening to be finished even though I knew where I’d be when the date ended.

“So, what would you like to do now?” Col in asked as he started the engine. “Do you want to catch a movie or something?” Even though sitting close to Col in in the dark was appealing, that wasn’t exactly what I wanted at the moment. Of course we didn’t have many options since it was a Sunday evening.

“You probably won’t believe this is coming from my mouth,” I smirked. “But how about if we take a walk around the park?” A slow smile spread across his lips. “Aw, Bailey does have a romantic streak in her.” I blushed furiously as he leaned closer to me. “You’re a closet romantic, aren’t you?”

I lifted a brow though the heat in my cheeks ruined the effect. “Would you like me to punch you?” He chuckled. “Not real y. I’m sure you pack a punch.”

“And I’m pretty sure you could take me,” I teased as he parked the car.

We both got out and joined hands as we made our way through the park. The night was warm and we weren’t the only couple enjoying the evening. It real y was quite romantic and it surprised me how much I liked it.

“So, back to Spencer,” he said as we approached the duck pond. The dim lamps cast long shadows on the path and I imagined it would be rather creepy in inclement October weather.

“What about him?” I asked, instantly on guard.

“Wel , if you want to continue this,” he said, lifting our linked hands to gesture between us, “then I need to speak to him as soon as possible.”

“Col in,” I said, taking the plunge. I wouldn’t plunge al the way and admit my deepest feelings, but if he was wil ing to go out on a limb for us, then I’d need to be honest. “I like you, a lot. I do want to see you again and I’d prefer not to have to hide.” Stopping, he turned to face me, taking my other hand. “I don’t want to hide, either. I watched my brother go through hel last year and I don’t want to see the same thing happen to us.” He leaned in to kiss me quickly.

“Any idea what you’re going to say?” I asked.

“Not real y,” he sighed. He dropped one hand and tugged me forward, continuing our walk. “I guess just be as honest as possible. I don’t want to tel him too much but I don’t want to outright lie to him.”

I tossed it around in my head a little bit, considering what I could do to make it easier on both of them. “Do you want me to talk to him?”

“Nah, I think it’s best if I do,” he said. “He is my cousin and my best friend.”

“If you insist,” I said.

He laughed and yanked on my hand, causing me to stumble into his side. He wrapped his arms around me and planted a long kiss on my lips.

It took me a second to figure out what was going on before I grabbed his shoulders and returned his kiss.

“Ready to go?” he whispered as his lips left mine and traveled up to my ear. He trailed his lips along my jaw and down my neck. I shivered and twined my arms tightly around his neck.

“Yes,” I hissed. “Let’s go.”

We barely made it into the house, let alone the bedroom, before I was whipping the shirt off his body. He grinned and helped me out of my clothes just as eagerly.

Every inch of my skin was on fire and every time he touched me, that fire burned out of control. I just couldn’t get enough of him.

His kisses turned fervent as we fel to the bed and I kissed him back just as hungrily.

I held on to him tightly as I writhed underneath him and when we finished, we both struggled to find our breath.

“Damn, Bailey,” he said, his chest heaving. “I don’t know how the hel I manage to keep up with you.” Chuckling, I rol ed to my side. I swiped at the sweat on his brow and kissed him. “You do a fantastic job, trust me.” He laughed and pressed his hand in the smal of my back, forcing me closer. His eyes searched mine as the smile slipped from his lips. My breath hitched as he eased me into another kiss –