Even though I keep my gaze trained on the television and attempt to focus on the movie, I can't. Unable to sit still, I squirm until his hands settle on my waist, gently pulling me toward his chest. His legs are stretched out in front of him as mine hang off the side of the chair while he cradles me in his arms. The position is entirely too comfortable and after a while, my muscles gradually loosen as my head fits perfectly against the hollow of his neck. The woodsy scent of his cologne inundates my senses, lulling me into a contented state.A sigh escapes from me as Colton absently strokes his fingers through my hair. Only now do I realize how much I've missed the quiet moments we spent alone. There were a ton of parties, but it was the nights we spent shuttered away from everyone that were my favorite because I had Colton all to myself. It wasn't necessary for me to share him with his teammates, friends, or other girls. He was all mine.No matter how many guys I went out with

Harsh sunlight filters through my eyelids and I wake with a satisfying stretch. It's been a while since I've felt this well rested. Like I slept for twenty-four hours straight. As soon as I shift, I realize that I'm not alone. There's a warm body snuggled up against me.Well, fuck.It takes a moment for my sluggish brain to conjure up the events from last night.Alyssa.Dinner at my place.Unable to sleep and shooting her a text.I crack open an eye only to find her sprawled across my bare chest. There is nothing better than waking up with her in my arms. Even though my feelings for her had scared the shit out of me, I regret pushing her away sophomore year. I have no idea if it's possible to get back to a place where she can trust me again, but I'm determined to do everything in my power to give it a shot and prove to Alyssa that I can be the man she needs. All I know is that I need to slow my roll and not come on too strong.If I push too hard, she'll run. And I can't blame

My mind cartwheels as I press my hands to my mouth and stare at Jack as he sits on the couch across from me. "I still can't believe you're here," I whisper for what feels like the hundredth time. "Why didn't you tell me that you were going to visit?"His smile grows wider until his blue eyes crinkle at the corners. "I wanted it to be a surprise."Laughter bubbles up in my throat. "Mission accomplished." I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this new turn of events. When I'd opened the door, I had fully expected to find Colton waiting on the other side.Instead, I found Jack.And Colton.Oh God...A shiver scampers down my spine as I remember the look on the blond football player's face. I'd just stood there, staring at Jack. Totally shellshocked. I'll have to deal with the Colton situation later.It takes effort to shake off those thoughts and focus on the guy in front of me. Even though it's only been a month since I left him behind at Heathrow, it feels like foreve

In one swift movement, I pop open the trunk and toss his luggage inside before slamming it shut and clicking the locks. We both slide inside before I started up the engine and pull onto the street, heading toward the metropolitan airport about thirty miles away. Normally, it's a forty-minute drive with traffic. I plan to have him there in under thirty.See if I don't.Not only does it take effort to unlock my fingers from around the leather steering wheel, I have to unclench my now aching jaw. I dredge my brain for something to say. Something that will fill the uncomfortable silence that has settled between us. I glance at him from the corner of my eye. The British prick sits ramrod straight as if someone shoved a two-by-four up his ass.What the hell does Alyssa see in this guy?He's dark-haired where I'm blond. He's slightly shorter than I am in height. You bet your damn ass I noticed that. Sure, he's broader. Beefier. His physique is more suited to a brawler where I was

Three hours and a shower later, I'm seated in the front of Colton's BMW. The top is up, and we're headed north toward the place we both grew up. Although, admittedly, Colton's upbringing was vastly different. Colton grew up in a wealthy neighborhood near Beck and Mia while I was on the other side town, in a more middle-class area.I can't resist glancing at him from the corner of my eye as I sit in the passenger seat.Did I make a mistake?If I did, it's much too late to do anything about it now. I'm along for the ride. There's no backing out. After a couple of miles, the familiar exit comes into view and we depart the highway and turn onto a country road surrounded by farm fields on both sides. I roll down the window and inhale a deep breath of fresh air. There's something so comforting about it that it settles the nerves fighting to break free at the bottom of my belly. I need that right now more than anything. Once on the outskirts of town, Colton turns into the drive of a