Christ, what had happened to me? This girl had messed me up.
Inhaling deeply I closed my eyes and took a moment to center myself. To get myself calm. I’d handle this with a composed heart. I’d go in and tell my girl I was sorry. And fix this.
Feeling calmer I exhaled and opened my eyes. I was ready to climb out of the car when she came into my line of vision. My girlfriend. Across the road. Out the front of the restaurant. In Colton’s arms.
Kissing him.
She. Was. Fucking. Kissing. Him.
* * * * *
HARLOW
My cell phone had died. I knew Bridge would be worried and Heath would probably be frantic. My visit with Poppy had turned into an all-nighter. Even though visiting hours had long past, when you’re a determined old Southern lady with more money than the national deficit, you pretty much got what you asked for.
The stroke had taken its toll on her. Usually feisty and stubborn, she was weak and tired. But my visit was a good elixir, or so she said, smiling up at me from her hospital bed.
When Colton left for the evening, she asked me to stay and eat dinner with her. Dinner turned in to me reading to her until she fell asleep which wasn’t until late in the evening. Still seething from my argument with Heath, I wasn’t eager to return home and was pleased for the distraction. It was easy to fall asleep on the plush sofa in her impressive suite, which was more luxurious than some five star hotels.
I woke up startled when Colton appeared, freshly showered and bearing a Starbucks for me. I was surprised to see it was after eight o’clock.
“Oh hell, my cell has died,” I said, noticing the blank screen. In my rush to get away from Heath and our argument I hadn’t made sure my phone was charged.
“You can charge it in my rental.”
“That’s okay Colton. I can get a cab home.”
“Now what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t see a lady to her door?” he drawled. “Let me drop you home Harlow, I promise I won’t bite.”
After we bid Poppy a goodbye and I promised to make more effort to keep in touch, Colton and I left in his rented Audi Spyder and headed south. I plugged my cell into his phone charger and was disappointed to see nothing from Heath. He was obviously still sulking.
I considered texting him but thought better of it. Still annoyed by his words and his lack of trust in me, I needed to get my head right first. Once I’d calmed down I would ring him. Maybe we could talk and I could still fly to Vegas for their performance at the festival.
“Where are we going?” I asked Colton when he missed the turnoff to my street.
“I really appreciate you taking time out to visit Poppy. Your visit meant a lot to her and I know it’s come at a cost. So I’m taking you for breakfast.”
“I should really just get home.”
He looked at me. “Please, let me do this and then I’ll leave you alone. I promise.”
I half smiled. “Fine. Breakfast, but then I need to get home, okay?”
He took me to The Vine, a fine dining restaurant near the beach. I had to admit, it was a welcome distraction from worrying about my argument with Heath. It also gave us a chance to clear the air regarding our break up. And if I was honest, it was nice to wrap up the loose ends of our relationship.
When breakfast was finished and Colton paid, we left the restaurant. He opened the wrought iron gates for me to step through and followed me down the short pathway towards the street.
As we stepped out onto the pavement, Colton surprised the hell out of me by pulling me to him and crashing his lips onto mine. Caught off guard I fell against him, allowing him—not by choice—a moment longer to kiss me. His mouth worked to open my mine and he thrust his tongue in. From a distance I’m sure we looked like two lovers embraced in a loving and mutual kiss. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Mustering up my strength, I pushed free, but not before he had given me a long, passionate kiss.
I shoved him with the palm of both hands. “Get off me!” Then, without thinking, I drew back my arm and punched him hard in the jaw. He collapsed like a house of cards.
Stunned, I glared down at him sprawled on his ass on the pavement.
Colton’s eyes crinkled into slits and he burst into laughter. “You should see your face.”
“You should see yours!” I reproached him.
He rubbed his jaw. “You can take the girl out of the south … but not the south out of the girl …”
“You deserved it,” I snapped. “You promised you wouldn’t bite!”
“But I said nothing about kissing you.”
He planted his palms flat on the concrete and tilted his head back in laughter.
“Oh come on Harlow—two years we spent together. You can’t blame me for trying to get one last kiss in.” He grinned and extended an arm for me to help him up.
I couldn’t help but smile and offered him my hand. I pulled him to his feet. But I was ready to deck him again if he tried anything foolish like kissing me again.
We stood across from each other. Colton’s laughter faded and he looked serious, his good looks softening into a reflective smile. “Do you love him?”
I didn’t have to think about the answer. “I do.”
“Then why are you still here?”
“Because I’m a stubborn fool. And a stupid teenager who needs to grow up,” I answered honestly. “But I love him, Colton. I love him more than I could have ever imagined.”
He nodded resignedly. “Can I at least drive you home, to say sorry for my behavior?”
“You can do me one better,” I said.
“What?”
“You can drive me to the airport.” I looped my arms through his and laughed as we descended the steps to the sidewalk below, suddenly excited by the afternoon that lay out before me. “Because I’m heading to Vegas to see my boyfriend.”
I hated that Heath and I had fought and that he’d left angry at me. If I flew out to see him … the gesture might repair some of the damage to our relationship. It would reassure him that he had nothing to worry about.
Further along the sidewalk, Colton paused to rub his chin.
“Jesus,” he muttered, “You punch like Tyson.”
I smiled, but it quickly faded when I saw the swelling at the corner of his mouth and the red mark on his cheek. I reached up but stopped short of touching him.
“Oh Colton … I didn’t mean to—”
He raised a hand and his lips curled into a swollen, but friendly smile. “You kiss it better and we’re even.”
I raised a brow, not wanting to kiss anyone but Heath.
I rolled my eyes. “Fine!” And on tiptoes, I quickly kissed the red mark on his cheek.
He didn’t try to turn his face so his lips met mine; he simply kept his cheek turned, and then grinned.
I took his chin, turned his head to face me, and said, “Our last kiss, okay?”
His eyes grew serious and he nodded. “I know it’s over, Harlow. It has been for a while. Thanks to my stupidity. And now you’re in love with another guy.”
I nodded, our faces still close. “Very much.”
He smiled and gently rubbed my arm. “I’m happy for you. You deserve someone who is going to make you happy. He does make you happy doesn’t he?”
“More than anything.”
He looked disappointed, but nodded and offered me a closed-lip smile.
“Come on,” he said taking my hand, “Let’s get you to the airport. I’ve kept you from your beau long enough.”
Chapter Fourteen HEATH
The pain was unbearable. Like nothing I had ever felt. It started at my toes and overcame me, not stopping until it exploded out of my ears. I flinched.