Page 32 of Colt

She turned to face me, smiling. “Stop being all gooey. You know I hate that shit.”

I laughed just as my ringtone filled the car. Leaning down, I grabbed my purse and fished my phone out. I knew it was him. I felt it. He’d been calling me all day, each voicemail message getting angrier.

I turned my cell so Abi could see the caller ID. “Answer or not?”

She checked her watch, smirking. “It’s been more than twenty-four hours. I think you can answer now. Remember what I said. Colt’s gonna be mad at you. Be sweet back, but don't apologize. Let him know you’re Freya fucking Stone, and you’ve got a life.”

I nodded, took a breath, and clicked to accept the call while putting it straight onto the speaker. “Hey!” I said breezily. “I’ve just seen all your missed calls. Everything okay?”

Abi’s smirk widened.

“Where the fuck have you been?” Colt demanded.

“Went to check on my car, grabbed a bite with Abi, then we hit the gym.” I kept my tone light. “Have you had a good day?”

“No.” he snapped. “Been tryin’a get a hold of ya. Why didn’t you answer your goddamned phone?”

“I had it on silent,” I lied. “We’ve just got back. Jeez, Colt, chill out.”

Abi’s face turned bright red with her attempts not to laugh out loud.

“What ya doin’ tonight?” he asked.

“Going to a bar with Abi,” I lied again.

“Cancel,” he demanded. “I’m taking you out.”

My friend’s eyes widened, and she punched the air.

“Hmmm. I don’t really like canceling plans. Abi’s relying on me. She wants me to be her wingwoman because you dragged me out ofBelow Zeroon Friday night. Can we do it another time?”

Abi squeaked.

“Cancel,” he repeated, louder this time. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“I dunno,” I murmured undecidedly. “Maybe I’ll just stay home. I’m tired.”

“Eight. Be ready,” Colt barked before disconnecting the call.

Abi burst out laughing. “Oh my God.” She chuckled. “You played that one perfectly. I thought he was about to have a stroke.”

I sat back in my seat. “I can lead a horse to water, but I can’t make it drink. I’ve done what I can. Now, he has to take the initiative. If nothing happens tonight, I’m done. I can’t be around him and act like we’re only friends. We’re more, and he knows it. He’s known it for years. I’ll lay it on the line tonight, and he’ll either be in or out.”

“I think he’ll surprise you, babe. By the tone of his voice just then, he wasn’t happy you weren’t available for him. The plan’s working.” Abi counted off on her fingers. “One, you showed him you weren’t a kid anymore and made him see you as a woman. Two, when he acted like an ass, you pulled away, effectively showing him you wouldn't take his crap. You know when we can’t have something, we want it more, it’s human nature. Three, you just showed him you wouldn’t wait around, and that he’s dispensable. Now, he sees you as a challenge he’s got to overcome.” Her lips curved evilly. “Now, the last part of the plan happens tonight.”

I winced. “What are you gonna do?”

She cackled a laugh. “You’re gonna make Colt pant after you. Tonight, Freya fucking Stone will turn some heads and show Colt there are plenty of men who’ll snap you up if he doesn’t.” She waggled her eyebrows. “I think it’s the perfect time to bring out the red dress.”

A slow smile spread across my face. “Yes!”

Suddenly, my cell phone beeped with a message. I looked down at it and grinned. “He’s bringing out the big guns, Abs.” I turned my cell around for her to show her the message.

Colt:I’ve booked Rioja. Wear something nice.

“How the hell did he get into Rioja at short notice?” Abi asked.

I grinned. “Knowing Colt, he probably hacked their computer system.”

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