Colt stared at her. Did she really want rid of him that badly, or did she have something to hide? “I need to run,” he said again, “but I’ll be back shortly. How about I grab lunch from the diner?”
Her eyes widened at the offer. “It’s not even two yet.”
“Dad and Violet open a little earlier now.”
Already shaking her head, Charish denied his offer. “That’s okay. I’ll need to hit up the grocery store anyway.”
“Which you can’t do until the movers are done, right? Until then, you’ll need something to eat.”
Those sinfully dark eyes of hers narrowed. “I know I’m heavier, but I can go a few hours without starving.”
Heavier? Knowing women as he did, he detected the defensive note of defiance. Because she’d gained weight? Of all the...
Allowing himself a slow perusal of her body, he appreciated every enhanced curve, from her more voluptuous breasts to her rounder ass and her shapely thighs. Incredible—every inch of her.
“Don’t tell me you’ve turned into one of those women who frets over every pound.”
Teeth locked, she said, “When there are enough pounds, yes.”
“News flash, Charish. You’re even sexier now than you were as a kid.” With a quicker temper and more independence.
Her mouth literally dropped open.
With a fingertip, Colt tapped it closed. “I’ll be back shortly with lunch, okay?” After she gave a reluctant nod, he smiled. “Great. Until then, don’t do too much until I’m here to help.”
He was halfway out the front door before she came storming after him, dogging him across the lawn. “I am a grown woman—”
“Believe me, I noticed.”
“Stop trying to take me off guard.”
Colt grinned as he continued on his way.
At Heidi’s door, he paused. His blood pumped with new excitement, the kind he hadn’t felt in too many years. He’d get to know her again, and this time he wouldn’t be blinded by love.
With her looking so stormy, though, he needed a little help, so he threw out his ace. “Did you know Violet gave me a little sister?”
As if she’d been expecting something entirely different, Charish blinked, her annoyance replaced with surprise. “You have a sister?”
“Paisley is five now.” He couldn’t think of his baby sis without smiling. “She’s tall for her age and has dark hair like Dad—”
“And you.”
“—but she has Violet’s big blue eyes.”
The beautiful smile he knew so well bloomed as Charish beamed at him. “Oh wow, Colt, that’s awesome.”
“Very much so.” Reeling her in had been too easy. He stared into her eyes and said, “Sometime this weekend, I’ll introduce you to her.”
“What?” Blank-faced, Charish stepped back. “I can’t—”
“We’ll work around your schedule, no problem.” He moved into Heidi’s kitchen, easing the door shut. “I’ll be back within the hour.”
It gave him a lot of satisfaction to softly close the door on her astonished face.
* * *
CHASED BY MEMORIES, Charish bustled around the house putting away what she could. After she’d gotten all the dishes in the cabinets, she worked on the bathroom, unloading her beauty products, hanging the shower curtain, and putting towels over the bars for quick access. Lastly, she put away the clothes she’d brought with her.
The movers called to say they’d be there any minute and she was both excited and daunted by the task ahead of her. She had so much to get done still, and yet she was home.
Hugging that reality to her heart, she turned circles to take in the house where she’d once lived. The interior had changed as much as the outside, but all for the better. Everything was fresh and new, the carpet gone and the wood floors refinished. The oak cabinets in the kitchen were the originals that she remembered, arranged the same, but they were now snowy white, enhanced by a modern tile backsplash and new solid countertops. The stainless steel appliances were new, too, and she couldn’t wait to try out the stove.
Yes, she knew she was nesting, but so what? It was past time she got to live her life on her own terms. She was really looking forward to tackling the future.
Of course, her thoughts drifted to Colt. Needing some fresh air, she stepped outside and sank down to sit on a step. How many times had they sat there together, shoulders touching, quietly enjoying each other’s company? Sexual tension always existed between them—but now it had a different quality to it. Sharper edged, no longer so comfortable.
Physically, he hadn’t changed, except to get more devastating. Thicker shoulders. More pronounced biceps. A wider chest.
Personally? He seemed much bolder, definitely pushier, and maybe a bit cynical.
Or was that attitude just for her?
It had taken her off guard, seeing him again within a minute of arriving.
It bothered her far too much that she showed every mile she’d just driven, her hair an utter disaster, her face a little sweaty, while he just looked...like a more mature version of Colt.
Touching her hair, she considered heading inside, maybe freshening up, but what would be the point? The future she anticipated didn’t include him.
At times, he’d seemed almost cold, making her wonder if he knew all her secrets. But then he’d insisted on sticking around, and now planned to return...
She didn’t know what to think.
Her gaze slanted over to Heidi’s house. No, she wasn’t an idiot. Obviously he and Heidi had something going on. Why had he said they were only friends when clearly he’d spent the night? She’d even spotted a hickey on his chest!
Growling, she stood and paced to the shade of a big oak tree, trying to purge thoughts of Colt from her head.
The movers helped with that, pulling up out front and greeting her with a smile.
None of the furniture was in the style she preferred, but they were all in good shape and she was grateful to have them. Throw pillows and new lampshades would update the living room. A new comforter would make the bedroom more her own.
And in the second bedroom...she had a brand-new crib ready to go. With a hand to her stomach, she accepted that she had plenty of time for that yet.
Long before she was ready to give birth, Colt would have moved on. Again.
She understood that. She’d accepted it.
But she wished he hadn’t shown up on her very first day back because seeing him had blunted some of her joy, reminding her of what she’d once had, and what she’d lost.