Page 86 of The Perfect Distraction

Colton laughed. “When is she leaving? Not that I’m trying to push her out the door or anything.”

Beth smiled since she’d thought the same thing. “Soon.”

Colton glanced at his watch. “I have a couple of hours before Joey returns, but if you want, we could grab lunch.”

“Lunch?” Beth tried to hide her disappointment, but it obviously didn’t work.

“As much as I’d like to take you inside and strip you out of those clothes, I don’t want us to get caught again.”

She nodded. “Lunch it is.”

Colton made an exaggerated show of glancing up and down the street, and then he leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Even though it was brief, it was filled with promise. She reminded herself that the July Fourth holiday was just around the corner and they’d be spending the entire weekend together.

A few minutes later, when she entered the cottage, Becca was standing in the kitchen with her luggage at her feet.

“You’re leaving already?” Beth said, surprised that Becca had gotten ready so fast.

“Don’t pretend to be sad. I saw you cozying up with Dadalicious.”

Beth grinned. “I told him about Christopher, and he seemed really happy about it.”

“Well, duh! Where’s Joey?”

“He’s out with a friend, but Colton and I are going to have lunch together.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, sis. And thank you for driving all the way up here to check on me.”

“I’d do it again if you needed me to, but I have a feeling I’m leaving you in good hands.”

“Very good hands.”

“Walk me out?”

“Of course.”

Beth picked up one of Becca’s bags and followed her out to the car, where she stuffed them in the trunk next to her boxes of real estate documents. Beth gave her a tight hug, told her to drive safely, and waved until she was out of sight. Afterward, she took a fast shower, changed into a pair of shorts and her new Harbor Springs T-shirt, and texted Colton that she was ready.

They met in front of his house, and when he took her hand and entwined their fingers, she looked at him and smiled.

“Mary’s Café?” Colton asked.

“Sure.” At that point, it didn’t matter where they ate. She just wanted to be with him.

They walked down the street hand in hand and went inside the café. Mary spotted them immediately, but Colton kept ahold of Beth’s hand. He obviously didn’t mind anyone knowing they were a couple, and the realization filled her with joy.

“Where’s my little buddy today?” Mary asked as she greeted them.

“He’s with a friend,” Colton replied.

“Ah. What can I get for you two?”

After placing their orders, they found an empty table at the back of the café and settled in. Instead of sitting across from her, Colton took the seat next to her, and he smoothly placed his hand on her thigh beneath the table.

Today was the first time they’d shown affection in public where all the world could see. While she was thrilled, she remembered that they still hadn’t told Joey yet.

“I need to tell Joey about us,” Colton said as if he’d just read her mind.