Page 50 of Full Throttle

“Oh, my god! Did he?”

Colby couldn’t finish her words. Lila shook her head vigorously. “No. It didn’t get that far, but he undressed me and placed me in his bed, then got in next to me. Of course, that’s how Brian found us. I was so out of it that I couldn’t say anything. All I remember is Anthony laughing, and then he and Brian got into a physical fight. Shortly after, I passed out.”

“So, all this time, Brian thinks you cheated on him with Anthony?”

Lila wiped away her tears. “Probably. We never talked about it. By the time I got back to our apartment, he had already boxed up my stuff and left it in the hallway. That was the last time I saw his face until the other day.”

Colby walked across the room and took Lila’s hand into hers. “You two should talk. You’ve got to tell him the truth.”

Lila rolled her head around her neck. “There’s no point. It was years ago. I’m sure Brian could care less now.”

“He was shaken when he saw you the other day. I get the feeling things may not be as finished as you think. Maybe with the passing of time, he might be willing to listen to the truth. If not, maybe you two can at least find some kind of closure.”

“Brian Lockwood is my past. Sometimes, it’s best to keep things there.” Lila pulled her hands away from Colby’s and shook them out. She pasted on a fake smile. “I don’t want to be a downer. You’re going on a date for the first time since breaking it off with Derrick. Knowing how closed off you can be, that’s a big deal.”

“It’s not a date,” Colby said. “I already told you, Liam and I just need to figure some things out.”

“You and Liam don’t need to figure anything out. Brian is your boss, not Liam. So, what is this really all about if it’s not really a date?”

After Lila just bared her soul, Colby really couldn’t hold back. “He kissed me today.”

Lila’s eyes went wide. “Oh shit! How was it?”

Colby’s eyes rolled back into her head. “It made my toes curl.”

“That good?”

“God, yes.”

“So, youaregoing to let him dust off a few cobwebs.” Lila laughed through her pain.

“Lord, I hope not.” Colby heard the doubt in them, then said her words more firmly. “No. I’m not. I can’t.”

“C’mon. Stop playing this cat-n-mouse game. For heaven’s sake, why not?”

“I told you! Plus, I’m racing in two weeks.”

“So?”

“So,” Colby drew out the word, “sleeping with him could ruin the career I don’t even have yet.”

“Why go to dinner? It’s not exactly a good keep your distance strategy.”

“Liam is always around and,” Colby bit her lower lip, “we are so attracted to each other. It’s almost like the attraction has a mind of its own. When I tell myself no, everything else says yes. I think it’s the same for him; only he doesn’t seem to mind.”

“Liam doesn’t really have anything to lose.”

“Exactly! So, tonight we are going to discuss how to navigate this possible train wreck.”

“Have you thought about just having sex? Getting it out of both your systems?”

Colby frowned. “I can’t imagine having sex for that reason.”

Lila shrugged. “It’s not like he doesn’t get you all hot and bothered, and it’s been known to work.”

Before Colby could respond, the doorbell rang. It was seven on the dot.

“I think that might be yourdate.” Lila stressed the last word. “And he’s right on time. I do believe Mr. Lockwood might be a little anxious to get between those chocolaty thighs.” Lila laughed out loud.

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