Page 39 of The Perfect Distraction

She wasn’t sure what she’d expected him to say, but it wasn’t that.

“So, you think we can do this without getting…attached?”

“I didn’t say that.”

He’d switched to the left leg now, and his hands continued to move steadily. How he could manage to have a serious discussion while he was touching her like that, she had no idea. It was all she could do not to turn over and pull him down on top of her. It’s been way too long, that’s why.

“So, what are you saying, because it seems like I’m doing most of the talking?”

Chuckling, he gave her a pat on the butt and said, “All done.”

She sat up to find him perched on his knees with a big smile on his face.

“What are you smiling about?”

“You.”

“Me?”

“Um-hmm. It’s sweet of you to worry about me and Joey, but you don’t have to.”

She looked at him quizzically. Sure, she was concerned about them, but that was only part of it.

“Look. I understand that you’re only here for a short time, but I like you, and so does Joey. I’d rather spend a couple of months with someone I like than a couple of years with someone I don’t. Make sense?”

She nodded, but he must have sensed that she wasn’t completely satisfied. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb over it.

“I think Joey and I can handle this if you can.”

And there was the ultimate question. Looking at him sitting there with such an earnest, open expression, she wanted so badly to agree, but she was still hesitant.

“I understand that you’ve been hurt,” he continued. “So have I. But why should we let that stop us from enjoying each other’s company or from taking comfort in one another?”

“By taking comfort, do you mean…”

“Sex? That’s up to you.”

Narrowing her eyes at him, she said, “Why is it up to me?”

“Because I don’t want to be like your ex-fiancé, that’s why. I don’t want to play games, and I don’t want to hurt you. If all you want is companionship, fine, I can provide that. But if you want more…”

“Then all I have to do is ask?”

He shrugged. “Unless you have a better idea.”

Looking out over the bay, she sighed, deciding it was too much to process right then.

“You know what? There is something I want.”

“Name it.”

“I want to go swimming!” And with that, she jumped up and raced across the sand toward the water. She didn’t look back, but she could hear Colton running behind her, and the next thing she knew, he’d scooped her up in his arms and was carrying her into the water.

“That’s it. You’re going under,” he teased.

She barely had time to plug her nose before he dunked them both under the water. She came up sputtering with his arms still clasped around her waist, and he hauled her forward against his chest.

“That wasn’t fair!” she said, pushing her hair off her face.