“Colton. Real nice to meet you.”
“I kept seeing you at the show, but never had a chance to say hello.”
“Yeah, I love your music.” Colton let out a nervous laugh. “The band I mean. Greg might be sick of me suggesting we go listen.”
Which meant Gregwassick of him asking. He hoped Colton had one more ask in him. “I have to get back. I was heading there when I saw you. Would you like to get something to eat after the next show?”
Colton’s first reaction was shock, but it quickly turned into a smile. “Are you asking me out?”
Zach’s face was hot enough to fry an egg. “Would you be offended if I was?”
“You can’t answer me with a question.” Colton huffed. “It’s not right.”
The attempt to sound put off helped calm Zach. “Except you answered me with a question.”
Colton laughed. “I reckon I did, which is poor manners on me. How about I answer your second question first. I would not be offended if you were asking for a date.”
He still hadn’t answered the question, but Zach was willing to overlook it this time. “In that case, yes, I am asking you out.” He crossed his arm and smiled. “Your turn.”
“Well, aren’t you all confidence and swagger.”
Maybe Colton didn’t like his men so forward. Oh God, please don't let him screw this up. “More like nervous and unsure.”
“Not how I see it, but yes, I would like to get something to eat after your show.” Colton gave him a thousand-watt smile, and Zach’s heart started beating again.
It was hard for him to speak when he was grinning like a fool. There was something about Colton McAllen that pushed buttons Zach hadn’t known he had. Ones he wished he didn’t have right now. Things were complicated enough without liking the guy. “Great. I probably should get back. I came out to get a cherry limeade, but the line was too long. Figured I’ll get one afterward.”
“That’s my favorite drink too.”
“Wow. Small world.” Not really when you stalked someone. “If you get there before the show ends, meet me at the entrance to the left of the stage. Your right.”
“Yeah? It’s all good me coming to get you?”
“I’m an adult,”barely,“I can have a date.”
“Well, I did assume you were an adult, but you do look young.”
Which was a curse and a blessing at times. “Nineteen, be twenty, middle of next month.
Another grin. “Squarely in the adult world. And since we’re sharing, I turned twenty-four two weeks ago.”
“Happy belated birthday. I’ll have to treat you to something sweet to celebrate.”
“Maybe I should treatyouas an early birthday gift.”
God, the guy had the sweetest eyes. It made it hard to think clearly. “Okay, it’s a date. It won’t take me more than a couple of minutes to come out, so head over once we leave the stage.”
“All right.” The way Colton stared at him gave Zach goosebumps.
He liked it, but it unsettled him. Zach could deal with lust, and he avoided infatuation, but this was admiration and desire. He hadn’t had enough experience with that to know what to do.
“I…” He hitched his thumb over his shoulder.
“Right.” Colton seemed as flustered as Zach felt. “The next show.”
Stand in the same corner you always use.He started to put his hand out to shake but pulled it back and waved. “Hope to see you at the show.” Three backward steps, and he spun around to walk back.
Just before he turned the corner, he heard, “You bet your ass I’ll be there.”
