Page 8 of One Night

Talk. Drink. Hangout.

He used ‘date.’

I need to call Daphne. I’m sure she’d have some solid advice to set me back in place again.

I’ll call her after dinner… before thedate.

Ellie bites into her pizza, pulling the crust away with a stringy piece of cheese hanging from her mouth. “This is so much better than cow poop.”

Colton laughs, and I get the feeling this is their dynamic, which I have no plan on disrupting. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been raising a little girl without her mother.

“So, what are you two going to do tomorrow?” Colton takes a sip of beer and settles the bottle onto the table.

“Nora says we’re going to see how much longer until the new playground is done at Mrs. Robinson’s house.” She bites into her pizza again, before taking a sip of water.

“That sounds like a fun day. I think they’re still working on it, but I want to say a slide was finally up. Take pictures for me.”

Ellie continues, “Then, we’re restocking the house with food, and we’re gonna learn how to make the cheesy noodles I had at that restaurant.”

“Alfredo?” Colton grins toward me, brushing his hand down over his beard before tossing his napkin down onto his empty plate. “That sounds delicious. I’m sure you two will do great.”

“And… apple pie for dessert, ‘cause that’s my favorite. I told Nora your favorite is raspberry, but we’re gonna makemyfavorite first.”

“Okay…” The lines beside his eyes wrinkle as he holds his gaze on mine. I wonder if I have something on my face, or basil in my teeth, or if my mascara is smudged all over my eyes. With my luck, it’s all three. “I was hoping you two would have time for lunch tomorrow. I’ve got a few colts to feed and normal chores, but I should have time for a picnic.”

“Oh,” my tone brightens with excitement, “we could definitely meet you down in the pasture for lunch. I planned to get an early start, anyway.”

“Yes! We can show Nora all the pretty horses, and I can show her how to braid their hair, and I can show her my kingdom!” Ellie shouts and jumps up from the table.

“Are you finished eating after one piece, bug?” Colton flips the pizza box open and wiggles his eyebrow toward Ellie.

“Yeah, I’m tired.”

“Tired?”Colton’s voice draws deeper as he says, “I’ve never heard you admit that to anyone. You feeling okay?”

Ellie grins wide, twisting her curls. “Nora says that I’m a unicorn princess, and a princess needs eight hours of sleep every night so their powers are their strongest.”

“Oh yeah?” Colton glances toward me. “What’s your superpower?”

“Unstoppable energy!” The announcement comes straight from her chest as she hops up from the table and runs toward the stairs.

Colton smiles at Ellie then toward me. “That’s very perceptive of Nora to notice that, and I agree, sleep is the best way to keep those powers fresh and strong. You better go brush those teeth. I’ll be up to tuck you in shortly.”

“Okay. Good night, Nora.” She runs up the stairs, one foot after the other, as my heart expands and warms. I shouldn’t imagine what it would be like to be a part of this family because I’m not and never will be. Idefinitelyshouldn’t fantasize about Colton and I disappearing into his bedroom after dinner. He didn’t mess with the hot mom, so he’s certainly not going to mess with me.

“I’ve got this, if you want to head up and get ready for bed too. Your day has been long.”

“Umm, thanks, but you’re paying me to clean up and take care of things, so why don’t you get cleaned up and I’ll do this.”

“It’s a pizza box and a few glasses. Let me feel like the hero tonight.” He smiles that big, gorgeous grin that he smiles, and stretches up from the table. “We can talk after we get comfortable and put Ellie to bed. Does that work?”

Getting comfortable with him wasn’t something I anticipated. In fact, I don’t have a change of clothes. “Oh, shoot. I wasn’t expecting to start on the spot like this today. I didn’t bring anything from home to wear.”

“Damn. I’m sorry. I should’ve thought of that. If you want to go upstairs in my room, the second drawer of the dresser has some t-shirts of mine you can wear. I’ve got extra toothbrushes in the bathroom next to your room.”

His t-shirt. He wants me to wear his t-shirt… to ourdate. This is going to my head. I need my sister.

“Okay,” I say, my voice cracking as I turn. God, I need to get a grip. It’s not a big deal. It’s fabric. It’s just washed fabric. “I’ll meet you in Ellie’s room in five.”

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