I choke on my own breath.
Elena: Oh I can handle it.
Colt: I’m just curious about you. That’s all.
Elena: Are you getting all rough on me now? I like you for your kind, mature side. Bringing me my ID and all that.
His reply is immediate.
Colt: Even a gentleman knows when to take control of a situation. And personally I trust you. Plus, you know I’m not seeing anyone else. So at least I check that box for you.
My whole body warms.
I turn red, violently red, becausetaking controlismyjob in the corporate world.
I don’t let people boss me around.
But the way he said it?
Deadly.
Elena: Well… you can take control anytime.
I swear it was supposed to be a joke. It doesnotsound like one once I hit ‘send,’ however.
Colt: I can take control.
My pulse spikes.
So I push back—half-joking, half-not.
Elena: Dom me then, Mr. Trainer.
Three dots appear.
Stay.
Disappear.
Reappear.
Then:
Colt: Okay. Let’s get real for a second.
Elena: Please.
Colt: How’s your nutrition been this weekend?
I look over at the cold pizza slice staring at me from the counter.
Betrayal.
Elena: …Are you going to tell me to eat less?
Colt: No. You need to eat more.A lot more.Especially with the workouts I’m going to have you doing. I’m getting you strong, remember?
My breath hitches.
