Page 55 of Judge Me Not

She smirks. "I think you're a bit overdue. Don't you think?"

My insides quiver. I look around and whisper, "What if I don't remember what to do?"

Cee Cee grunts. "It's like riding a bike. Get on and pedal, girl."

I put my face in my hands. "You're not helping."

"Stop overthinking it. You like him, right?"

"Yeah."

She rises and rubs my back. She leans in and mutters, "Sometimes you pedal fast, sometimes you pedal slow. The point is to keep going until you get a flat tire. Well, or someone else does."

I elbow her. "You're killing me."

She laughs, kisses me on the cheek, and waves. "I'm taking Abby duty all night. See you tomorrow." She leaves.

I go into the living room, stand at the window, and stare out at the blinking lights of the New York City skyline. So much has happened in a matter of days. I don't have financial worries anymore. I'm still scared about Abby's outcome, but I have hope for the first time in what feels like forever.

I don't hear Colton come up behind me. His arms slide around my waist, and I close my eyes, inhaling his scent.

"Abby asleep?" he murmurs and licks behind my ear.

"Mm-hmm," I reply, my body already humming against his.

"Where's Cee Cee and Maribel?"

"Watching some marathon for the rest of the night."

His lips trail down my neck. He moves my shirt aside and kisses my collarbone. "So, we're finally alone?"

My stomach flutters, and I spin. I put my hands on his chest.

His cocky expression appears. "Did you decide if you're staying in my room?"

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.

His face falls. "It's okay. There's no—"

"No. I didn't mean... I...well..." I bite my lip and look at his chest.

He takes his finger and tilts my chin. "Tell me what you're trying to say."

I try to gather my thoughts.

He strokes my cheek. "You're stressed."

"I haven't been with anyone since my ex-husband."

His eyebrows arch. "If you want me to stop at any time, tell me to stop, and I will."

"No. I don't want you to stop."

His lips twitch. "Then why are we out here?"

I shrug.

He reaches down and grabs my ass cheeks and picks me up.

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