The Hazards of a One Night Stand (Hazards #2)(29)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“Absolutely.”

His lips moved to my neck, and I leaned my head back to give him better access. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” My confidence waned with each successive kiss.

“Yeah.” His lips moved lower as he unzipped my sweatshirt. His hand slid underneath my tank top.

I moaned. Between his lips on my neck and his hand fondling my breast, I wasn’t sure how much I could take. “You’re mean.”

“Mean? You call this mean?” His voice was throaty. He was enjoying himself just as much.

“Maybe we can just see each other without anyone knowing?”

“You want to sneak around?” He pulled back his lips and his hand.

I missed them instantly. “Just until I figure things out.” I noticed his face fall a little. “We don’t have to. You could find someone else.” The picture my words elicited wasn’t one I liked.

“Come on, Mallory. You know I don’t want to find someone else.”

“Well, those are your options.” I stood up and dusted some grass off my shorts.

“I’ll take it.” He stood next to me and slowly re-zipped my sweatshirt. “But you still have to end things with Tanner. Being quiet about us is one thing, you’re right it will make my life easier as a pledge, but I’m not going to feel like I’m doing something wrong. You’re either with me or you’re not.”

I thought for a moment. My next words could have some serious consequences.

His hand settled on my hip. “What do you say, pumpkin?” He leaned in, gently brushing his lips against mine.

“No fair.”

He laughed. “The fact that you find that persuasive should make the decision easier. You want to be with me.”

“We can try.”

“Try? I think we’ve already tried. We work well together.”

I swallowed hard. “I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.”

“Why? It’s a relationship, not something bad.”

“Relationship? I thought it was more like exclusive friends with benefits.”

“Exclusive friends with benefits? Where do you come up with this stuff?” He put a hand on either of my arms. “No. It’s a relationship that we aren’t going to be broadcasting right away.”

“No. I like my description better.”

He groaned. “No. That’s ridiculous. That implies we’re friends who like to hook up. My feelings for you are not friendly, Mal. They’re not. And it’s not just about sex either. I care about you.”

“I care about you, but—”

“No buts. You decide if your feelings for me go beyond friends and sexual attraction. If they do, I’m here.”

“And if they don’t?”

“They do. They always have.” He didn’t show a hint of doubt.

“I need to think about it. I have to talk to Tanner anyway.”

“Think about it all you want.” His lips were on mine again. I forced my hands to stay at my sides, but I couldn’t convince my tongue to behave.

Before I knew it, I was back down on the grass with Colton on top of me again.

I pushed against his chest. “I thought I was supposed to be thinking about it.”

“You are. I was just giving you one last reminder of what a relationship with me offers.”

“Walk me home, Colt.” I sat up.

He took my hand and helped me to standing. “Are you sure it’s your house you want to go to?”

“You think I’m going to go back to your freshman dorm?”

“No. That’s not on the table until you give me an answer.”

“You had random sex with me once, don’t act like a saint.”

“That wasn’t random sex.” He lightly touched my ass. I was about to scold him when I realized he was dusting off some grass.

“It wasn’t?”

“Nope. I knew we’d end up together.” He took my hand. “Do you think you’ll make up your mind by tomorrow? I need to plan out my week.”

“Plan out your week? I’m sorry if I might interfere with your social calendar.” We turned back toward the houses.

“I’m not worried about my other plans, babe. I’m worried about making sure I leave plenty of time to spend with you.”

“That’s kinda sweet.” I stopped at the foot of the steps of my house.

“Only kinda?”

“Very.”

“Have a good night.”

“You too.” I started up the steps.

“Mal,” he called.

“Yeah?”

“Sweet dreams. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you never wear bras around me.”

“I didn’t expect to see you at that field party.”

“But you knew you’d be seeing me when you came out tonight.” He grinned. “Good night.”

Chapter Fourteen

My phone rang before I even made it back up to my room. I expected it to be a silly “I miss you already” call from Colton, but it was Davie. Davie never called me, so I picked up right away.

“Davie?” I pushed open the door to my empty room.

“Hey, Mallory. I’m glad you’re still up.”

“Is everyone okay? Did you hear more about Dad?” I steadied myself on my desk. I had no idea what was coming.

“I’m on my way up to Harrison.”

“What? Now?” I glanced at my watch. It was close to midnight.

“I can’t miss practice Monday so I have to get back tomorrow night, but we’re going to see Dad.”

“He doesn’t want to see me.”

Davie sighed. “So? It’s just Dad being weird. He’s our father and he had a heart attack. We need to see him.”

“Mom’s okay with this?”

“She wasn’t thrilled, but she’s fine with it as long as we go together.”

“How close are you?”

“I just got into Charleston.”

“What? That close. I have to get ready. Should I pack? Where are we spending the night?”

“Just throw some clothes in a bag. Mom booked us a hotel near the hospital. I’ll be outside, that is unless you want to introduce me to your sisters.”

“Yeah, I’ll be outside when you get here.” I quickly changed into jeans and a t-shirt, tossing two outfit options, PJs, and my toiletries into a small duffel before heading out.

I texted Juliet and Cara. Going to Charlotte with my brother.