Chapter Thirty
I’m of a different mind after my time with Judy. Maybe I’m being too hard on Colton. He does have a good heart. I can see that, in the way he treats everyone around him, and in the way he is with Christian. I’m just being jealous, but jealousy is a normal emotion, isn’t it? I can’t help it. Perhaps the problem is not Colton, perhaps it’s me. I expect too much.
By the time Sunday rolls around, I’m in a much better mood, much more open to Colton’s company. Christian is excited beyond words. We often take our little Bowrider and go fishing around the small lakes, usually catching sunfish and small bass, occasionally some pike. Only once have we caught something big enough to eat, but we set it free.
I’ve slathered sunscreen on both our faces despite it being October now. Soon, the fishing we will be over. Many cottagers have already pulled their boats out the water, including me. My neighbor, John, does it for a small fee every year. He brings Antoinette to the public dock, pulls her out of the water, and drives her to my property, winter preps her and wraps her up for the winter.
It’s chilly out, but it looks like it’s going to be a very nice autumn day. Christian sprints out of the Jeep as soon as I park along Colton’s drive. He’s mesmerized as he takes in Colton’s place. “This house is huge,” he says, stating the obvious. It definitely is. Even the sleep cabin is huge, probably bigger than ours.
He takes my hand as I lead him to the lakeside, where Colton and I agreed to meet. He insisted on meeting at seven, a little too early for my liking, but he pointed out that our chances of catching fish were better, and I didn’t argue with him. The thought of Christian catching something brought a smile to my face, and I easily relented.
Colton is looking sexy as hell, even with his grey toque on. He’s wearing work boots and old jeans and a very nice checkered jacket. He’s let his beard grow, and it’s pretty full now.
Damn.
“Hey, buddy,” he says to Christian. “Ready for some fishing?”
“Yes!” Christian replies, not quite looking at him, too busy running around, around the fire pit, and back toward the glass enclosure to peek in. “There’s a pool in here, Mommy!”
“I know,” I call out, brought back to that night.
Colton grabs my hand. “Come, I’ll introduce you to Gabriela.”
Who the heck is Gabriela?
As we near his top-of-the-line fishing boat, I clue in. He’s named it Gabriela. Before I can even wonder who Gabriela is, an old girlfriend perhaps, he tells me Gabriela was his mom.
“She’s gorgeous,” I say. “Wait until Christian gets a look at her.” This thing’s got it all; huge double motors, two separate fishing/seating areas, a canopy over the driver’s seating, a panel of fancy electronics, and gadgets galore. It makes our boat look like a crappy thrift shop toy.
Just then, Christian runs from the sitting area, and joins us on the dock. I wrap him immediately in his life vest.
“Wow,” he says when he spots the boat.
He’s eager to explore, so I hurry as I fasten his lifejacket. As expected, he’s off in a flash. Colton helps him in, and proceeds to tell him all about the boat, everything it does, and how fabulous it is. I take a seat and listen, but mostly I get lost in the sight of this gorgeous man. I hate myself for it, but I find myself wanting him again. This always happens, which is the main reason I’ve been trying to stay away. Well, at least Christian is here as a buffer today.
Before long, we take off and I find out Colton Rossi likes speed, which doesn’t surprise me in the least. The wind is strong as we blow through the lake. Thankfully, we’re all wearing toques. Christian is in his own personal heaven, and Colton looks focused and damn good in the driver’s seat. I enjoy the scenery, all the luxurious mansions on the lake. We zoom past them as Colton ventures past Windy Lake and into the larger Algora Lake, which leads to Lake Huron, where I never venture for fear of being capsized by the larger boats and yachts. Apparently, there’s a special spot for pike he likes to go to, and he promises us we’ll catch something.
I wrap my jacket tighter around myself as we brave through the wind. Christian who is sitting next to me doesn’t seem fazed at all. He’s just loving it all.
Finally, not a moment too soon, we arrive at our destination, and Colton turns off the engine and anchors in. Christian beams when Colton lets him help.
Colton points to the cooler on the floor. “I’ve brought a lot of drinks and snacks,” he tells me. “Help yourselves.”
“We just had breakfast,” I say. “But thanks.”
Colton shows off all his gadgets, including an under water camera which apparently lets you see the fish swimming around your boat. Christian hangs on to his every word, completely transfixed.
He then pulls out a giant tackle box, and when he opens it up, it’s like a summer fair in there; bright and iridescent colors abound, all kinds of cool lures, much fancier than the plain ones we usually use. Christian is spellbound as Colton shows off his collection. He pulls one out carefully. “I have three of these,” he tells him. “These are great for pike.”
Christian studies it curiously. “Can I try one?”
“Sure,” Colton says. “Do you want to try my special rod too?”
Christian nods enthusiastically. It’s definitely a yes.
“Maybe your mom can try one too,” Colton says, and shoots me a wink, stirring up a whirl of butterflies in my stomach. Yes, I’ve become this woman in his presence. I never thought I’d see the day.
He sets up our rods, and pries open his box of worms. Christian loves worms and bugs, and happily hooks his own. Colton shoots me a playful smile, and I shake my head. “Can’t do it.”
