Page 24 of Craved By You
Chapter 14
Astrid
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Colt’s place.
On one hand, I anticipated something simple, while on the other I had wondered if he was a billionaire who was living in some secret mansion in the woods. I held my breath the moment we turned onto the long and dark driveway; it had to be a mile long with trees densely lining the path up to his house. My heart began to patter harder and harder with anticipation of what was to come.
It had been awhile since I had stayed the night with someone, let alone a person I was dating.
What if I snore?I could feel my cheeks flush at the thought.
When we got closer, the trees parted and I was finally able to catch a glimpse of the house. It was dark, almost black, blending into the night. Lights came on as they detected our presence, lighting the path up the rest of the driveway creating an atmosphere where his home felt a bit more welcoming.
His home was larger, but not quite mansionesque. I couldn’t imagine how much it cost though, especially knowing that he owned the surrounding property and the warehouse on it. The front was a two-level a-frame that was nothing but windows looking into the living room and what appeared to be the hall upstairs that overlooked the living room. I couldn’t wait to see how he decorated the interior.
Colt grabbed my hand. “Now, don’t laugh, but the decor is more bachelor-lifestyle.”????I smiled at him, it was as if he really was able to read my mind. “I wouldn’t expect you to have a feminine touch unless your mom came and helped you decorate.”
My comment seemed to strike a nerve. Colt released my hand, placing them both on the steering wheel and he stared out the windshield until we pulled into the garage.
“I hope I didn’t say anything wrong.” Colt had never spoken of his mom much. I didn’t know if they even had a good relationship, and I was starting to feel like an asshole for bringing it up. Why hadn’t I pressed harder to get him to share more about his life with me before now? Instead, he’d been focused on helping me work on my own trauma.
I let out a sigh.
“It’s okay.” His voice was monotonous and my concern deepened.
This time, I was going to be there for him. I placed my hand on his thigh. “You know you can talk to me.”
“I wouldn’t want you to look at me any different than you do now.” Colt glanced over and smiled as he caressed my face. “I’ll tell you everything when the time is right.”
I let out ahumph. Why was he so closed off to me? What was so bad about me that he didn’t feel he could open up to me yet?????Shut up Astrid, this isn’t about you.My thoughts consumed me, coming in louder than expected.
Colt shut off the engine of his car and got out, slowly walking around and opening my door for me as he held out his hand in order to escort me inside. “Tonight is all about you.”
I smiled at him through my frustration. “Every night is all about me.”
“I’ve never known anyone to complain about being spoiled.” We stepped inside and I could hear the garage door closing behind us. Like magic, the lights came on and illuminated the entryway. I couldn’t help but peer down into the living room as we removed our shoes.
As I had somewhat expected with the way his home looked, a grand chandelier hung in the center of the living room but instead of it being created out of antlers it was a gorgeous matte black with crystal accents, it was beautifully extravagant. A string of red beads caught my eye, culminating into a crimson teardrop which was deliberately placed at each of the lights to resemble dripping blood. Nowthathad to be a signature touch of his. I was in shock over the more macabre vibes of the home compared to what my idea of a bachelor lifestyle looked like. In retrospect, it all made sense.
“I thought you said this was a bachelor pad?” I stuck my tongue out playfully.
Colt rolled his eyes. “Listen, sunshine. I’m a bachelor and this is my pad. I can’t help that you thought it meant that I had poor taste.”
He didn’t. The color scheme throughout the home was black and red. I immediately fell in love with the black plush carpet that squished under my feet and deep red velvet chaise that looked softer than any sofa I have ever tested. In the corner of the room there was a platform, almost like a stage, and sitting upon it were some guitars. Displayed in the center of the platform was a beautiful black baby grand piano. It was unique, instead of your typical ivory keys it seemed as if Colt’s had been dyed red.
I couldn’t help but feel drawn to that side of the room. “Do you play?” The piano was like nothing I had ever seen before.
Colt let out a sigh. “Not as often as I would like.” Still, he pulled out the bench and sat down, his fingers gliding across the keys as a haunting melody echoed throughout the room.
It was like he had just placed a spell on me, drawing me in deeper than I already was. Ihadfallen for him, too easily almost, and I was scared to tell him. I wanted to believe that he felt the same about me, but it was hard. If he didn’t… my soul would be crushed into a million pieces never to be repaired again. I had given Colt pieces of myself that I never imagined giving anyone else again. I trusted him with things that others would have killed to get out of me.
He must feel the same way I do.
The thoughts of his mom continued to linger in my mind. Had something happened to her? I was consumed, obsessed, and I needed to know. If nothing else than to ease my mind and help me make future conversations a smidge easier instead of accidentally killing them. I wanted to help him in similar ways that he had helped me.
As soon as the melody ended, I stood there and waited for him to turn around, giving him a moment of peace before I became his number-one focus again. Slowly, he stood up and turned back toward me. “That was beautiful.” I couldn’t contain myself any longer.
“My mother taught me how to play,” he paused. “I haven’t played much since she died, but I wanted to have something in my home to remind me of her.”
