Chapter Eleven
Evie
It was already lunchtime, and I couldn’t get Colton Mathis out of my head. It had been a few days since he was at my apartment for a night of burritos and playing Xbox with Carter, but I still felt like I was walking on air, a perma-smile plastered on my lips. I must have looked like I had great sex last night, only there was no sex, just texting. I had spent the last few evenings texting Colton past midnight. I was learning a lot about him. Like he preferred Lou Malnati’s pizza over Uno’s any day. I had to agree with him on that. He grew up being a Cubs fan but when he became governor, convinced himself to be impartial. He also may have alluded to the fact that he wouldn’t argue if we got some alone time together. Just texting him had me hot and bothered. The man was gorgeous, one look at that body of his and I was having all kinds of dirty thoughts. It also didn’t help that we connected on an emotional level. I know the media made him seem like an ultimate playboy, but the citizens of Illinois adored him because he advocated for people. Still, I had to face the reality that he was most definitely a lady’s man through and through. A lady’s man I seemed to be getting hooked on. I was in such deep trouble.
I was staring into space when I noticed Jake waving his hands in front of me, then he signed ‘earth to Evie.’
I shake my head and motion the sign for ‘sorry a lot on my mind.’
“Oh yeah,” he signs, but he doesn’t seem too pleased with me. “Would it have to do with a certain governor?” he was signing when he asked, but I feel the disdain roll off his features. “Carter told me he spent the night hanging out with you two a few nights ago.” Carter had spent the last three nights at home. I knew he texted Jake often. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that he told Jake about our burrito night with Colton.
I just didn’t understand why Jake was so tough on me about the Colton thing.
“Yes, he brought us dinner, and Carter and Colton played X Box. That was it. I told Carter he’s a friend,” I say with my hands.
Jake’s lips purse together. “I think you’re making a big mistake, Evie. The problem is, I know you too well, and when you set your mind on something, there’s no changing it. I just don’t want you to get hurt at the end of the day. I’m just looking out for you,” Jake signs and the shield I was holding up where Colton was concerned melted. I didn’t need to hide from Jake, I never did. He had my best interest at heart. I knew that.
“I appreciate you, I do. I don’t want you to worry. I’m a big girl. Can take care of myself, you know that,” I motion in return, hoping to ease his worry.
“He’s a powerful man. You see the news, you’ve seen his women. Is that what you want for yourself?” he asks, and I still feel like he isn’t on board, which puts me on edge.
“Jake, that isn’t fair. I didn’t say I’m marrying the guy. I like him, like spending time with him. That is all. I’m not falling head over heels in love.” I brush him off, knowing my words bleed dishonesty.
“Really? When I walked in here, you were in la la land,” Jake motions using extra drama for effect. I couldn’t deny his words. I was definitely on cloud Colton. Shit!
“Give me a break. I’m young. Need a life. I know you’re looking out for me but give me space on this, okay?” I stand from my desk and walk around to hug Jake. Hugging him always felt comforting, like home.
He pulls his head back and drops his hands so he can sign something. “I forgot… the reason I came by was that Mom is moving to Chicago. I wanted to tell you the other day, but I got caught up with a bunch of things.”
“Oh wow. Carter is going to be so happy. When does she arrive?” I ask.
“Today,” he responds, and my eyes go wide.
“Today?” I repeat the gesture in shock. “Where is she staying?”
“With me until she finds a place. She felt secluded without us in California. I was trying to convince her for a while. She got a job here working in HR, so she’s moving.”
“That’s amazing Jake. I’m so happy for you,” I sign, grinning wide.
“I wanted to see if you wanted to join us for dinner tonight? I know it’s my night with Carter, but Mom would love to see you.” I knew the question was coming. In the back of my mind, I had thought about seeing Colton tonight since Carter wouldn’t be home, but Colton hadn’t said anything, so I was free.
“Yes, I’d love to come. I’d love to see her too. What should I bring?” I motion.
“Nothing. I’m making my famous baked chicken,” he gestures with a wink. “I will see you at six, yeah?”
I nod. “Thanks.”
Jake leaned in to give me a peck on the cheek and then he was gone. He seemed always to be very busy lately, and I wondered if it was a woman that occupied his time. I wouldn’t have been jealous, but I sometimes do feel territorial over Jake because he was important to me and I wanted him to settle with the right girl. That thought made me realize that he was also only looking out for me too. I returned to my desk, hoping to get some work done when my phone lit up on my desk. A message from Colton. Great timing, Colton. I thought to myself.
What are your plans for tonight? If you have Carter, maybe we can just hang out, and if you don’t have Carter, maybe we can just hang out. Followed by the message was an emoji with sunglasses.
The man was smooth. I’d give him that. These last few nights he had been busy with commitments, but he texted me every night when he got home, and I looked forward to hearing from him. I never dated much, so I had a slim chance of settling down, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t crave the feeling of having someone to love who would love me back. I felt empty and tired of being alone, sleeping alone, eating alone. Especially when Carter went to Jake’s. Here I was falling fast and hard. It scared me that I could picture Colton and me getting into bed at night together, sharing meals…everything…I could imagine a life with Colton.
I don’t have Carter tonight. But I have to go to Jake’s for dinner.
After writing the message, I suddenly regretted agreeing to dinner with Jake and Veronica. The dots were rolling on my screen indicating he was replying.
Dinner with Jake? I thought you said he wasn’t my competition.
I shake my head laughing at the thought of Colton being jealous of Jake. Yes, Jake was handsome, smart and a good man who was hard to find, but Colton was the whole package, charismatic, intelligent, he loved to help people.
Jake’s mom is having dinner with us. She’s moving to town, and I haven’t seen her in a while.
I press send, realizing I was explaining myself to this beautifully handsome powerful man that has a heart of gold beneath his suave demeanor. Little old me. And better yet, he wanted my explanation. The fact that he even cared was enough to floor me.
Can I pick you up after dinner?
It will be late. I’ll be tired.
Why was I pushing him away when I wanted him so bad? I was scared. That had to be the only answer.
I’m persistent. I want to see you. Let me come over.
He continued to be persistent, and I loved his pushiness. It did good things to my insides. I also wasn’t going to reject him. Sheesh! An evening alone with Colton would be dreamy. The thought was getting me stirred up, and the temperature in the classroom seemed to elevate, or maybe it was just my overheated body.
Okay. I’ll see you at my place later. Text you when I’m done.
The dots begin rolling on my phone as I anticipate what he will say next. One word comes through…
Good
I was starting to get the impression that Colton Mathis could be bossy and for some reason his bossiness made my belly tighten deliciously. I was merely too weak to deny him.