Tempted

Chapter 7

Taylor

I try to forget about the random girls calling my boyfriend to hook up, and let what he just told me about London sink in. I don’t like the idea of him leaving for several weeks, not when things are just starting to get to a solid place between us, but I understand that he has to do this for his job.

“I asked Reis to keep an eye on you while I’m gone.” He kisses my forehead.

“I don’t need babysitting, Colt. Besides, I’ll keep myself busy with school, MJ and Logan.”

“I know. It’s just, he doesn’t have many friends here, so you’d actually be doing me a favor if you kept him company. And I already asked him. He wants you to come to his first soccer game.”

“Okay.” I shrug. I can hang out with Reis while Colt’s gone. Maybe I could help him grow up a little, like I’d managed to do with Colt.

I settle into Colt’s arms, completely at home, completely comfortable. I love how open he’s learning to be with his feelings toward me. I won’t lie that hearing him say he’s falling for me sends tingles down my spine.

I decide a little reward is in order for this cute night he planned. I turn to face him and climb into his lap while a lazily grin spreads across his lips.

“What are you doing?” he asks.

“Shh.” I lean down and press my lips to his. “You’ve been good tonight.” I place another kiss on his mouth. He smiles against my lips.

“Colt,” I groan as he moves to my neck, his hands exploring my body.

He lets out a frustrated growl, stopping his progression of kisses down my throat.

“Don’t stop,” I beg. I press my hips into his, urging him to keep going.

His breath comes fast against my neck. “I want to baby. So bad.” He pulls back. “But I can’t take this.”

“I’m sorry. I know you’re not use to going this slow.”

“It’s okay, honey.” He skims my hair back from my face, tucking it behind my ears, then leans in to kiss my forehead.

I can tell this is it, the moment is over. He pulls back from me. “No, it’s not okay.” I grab his hands, keeping him near me, though I can tell he’s desperate to get away and clear his head. Suddenly I don’t want him to. I don’t want him thinking too much about our relationship which moves in stops and starts, never progressing to the point where either of us feels satisfied. I look up and meet his gorgeous hazel eyes, framed in dark lashes. “I’m scared I’m not what you need.”

He brushes his knuckles along my cheek. “Hey, stop that.”

“No, Colt.” I let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m serious. I know I don’t stack up to all the girls in your past.”

“Hush.” He forces my chin up to meet his eyes. His look is serious. “They don’t stack up to you. Not even close. It’s you that I want.”

“I know you want to…have sex.”

He smirks, unable to deny it’s true.

“And even though my body wants that too, I’m still not ready. And I don’t want you to get frustrated by waiting for me – and at the same time, once we do it – I don’t want you to get bored with me.”

“Taylor, you are everything to me. You opened up my heart and showed me how to feel again. I want you. I want you in a way I’ve never wanted anyone. I want you – all of you to be mine. But what I told you before still stands. You will set the pace. I will never push you – well, not intentionally.” He leans down to skim his lips softly across mine. “I want you, baby, but not just the physical stuff. I want all of you. But I will wait until you’re sure. Okay, baby?”

I lean forward and press my lips to his. His mouth is soft and I let my tongue reach out and carefully lick his top lip. I feel him smile in response. My hands move to his hair, tangling the locks around my fingers and tug him even closer. He lets out a groan and my heart riots in my chest.

I pull back to meet his eyes. They are bright and gleaming with his desire for me.

“What was that for?” he asks.

“Sorry.” I look down and blush. “It makes me sorta insane when you call me baby.”

“Hm.” He lifts my chin and looks at me thoughtfully. “Good. I like that.” He leans down and kisses me chastely on the lips, careful not to rile me up again.