Men were so clueless, sometimes.
Jake tended to go for the young and foolish type, barely out of college, so it was no wonder he didn’t notice the perfectly nice women in his own neighborhood. Women who actually had a brain, not just an attractive body.
Anyway. That was neither here nor there.
No doubt if they’d hit up one of the local bars, they’d see people she knew. She’d still have to be careful here with Colton though, just in case.
He grinned at her from across the table, looking hotter than he should in a borrowed shirt from Jake. Inwardly she cringed, thinking that anything of Jake’s shouldn’t be considered “hot” in her mind.
But on Colton?
He could make a brown paper bag look good.
The blue shirt he had on matched the color of his eyes, and his broad shoulders stretched the soft cotton, his biceps bulging as he rested his arms on the table.
She rarely spent time with her brother and his friends, preferring instead to go out with Lily or some of the teachers that she knew from school. But now she’d have to be cautious if she ever did make plans with Jake, just to make sure Colton wouldn’t be around.
Too bad she hadn’t just come clean with him earlier. Of course, then they’d never be sitting here together having dinner.
“Is this place okay?” Colton asked, watching as she glanced around. “I can take you somewhere else if you like.”
“No, this is fine,” she assured him. “The food here is great.”
“Sometimes you just need a greasy burger and a shake,” he said, grabbing a menu “What?” he asked as she looked at him in disbelief.
“It’s not fair—guys can eat whatever they want and still look great.”
“You think I look great?” he asked, his lips quirking.
Her face heated. “You know what I mean—most men can eat a ton and not gain an ounce.”
Colton chuckled. “I work out every day to stay in shape. And believe me when I say you look great, too. Gorgeous,” he added with a wink.
She blushed, and he grinned even wider at her reaction.
“Don’t tell me a man has never told you that you’re beautiful before.”
The waitress came over with their menus just then, saving her from any further embarrassment. Colton raised his eyebrows after she left, clearly waiting for Morgan to continue. She shrugged. “Well sure, guys say whatever they want when they’re trying to get you into bed.”
“Touché. But I meant it—you’re absolutely gorgeous.”
Feeling flustered, she changed the subject. “So what made you want to be a cop?”
“I just always felt the need to help people I suppose. And there’s a certain thrill to being a bomb tech, I admit.”
She nodded. “Jake’s like that, too, I guess. Helping people and wanted to rid the world of every wrong.”
“You seem to know him pretty well. He’s a good guy. Nothing between you two, then?”
“No,” Morgan said assuredly, shaking her head. “Definitely not.”
“Phew,” he joked, pretended to swipe sweat off his brow.
Colton seemed lighter here at the restaurant—less intense than when they’d been at the house. He was probably just trying to make her feel more comfortable, but she liked that about him. “All right,” he said with an easy grin. “Change of subject. So, what do you usually do on weekends?”
“Well, I do come here sometimes—alone,” she quickly added. “Or with friends. But on Saturday mornings I usually get up and go for a run. I’m up early for school during the week, so I guess I’m used to it.”
“Yeah, I hear you. I’m on different shifts every couple of months at the precinct, but your body adjusts pretty quickly to the change.”
Morgan nodded absently, thinking of how her brother seemed to be changing shifts every couple of months as well. He was on the night shift now, so she actually hadn’t seen that much of him lately. He mostly stayed out of her business but would likely be curious whenever she did start dating someone new.
Not that she had any intention of dating Colton. He was about a million times better than her ex-boyfriend, though. Better looking, for sure, but he also had a steady job and showed her respect. His friends were responsible, too, she thought, thinking of her brother. She had trouble imagining Colton drowning his sorrows in booze every night. She was lucky she’d seen her ex for what he really was and moved on—even if it did mean moving in with Jake for the time being.
“So, why no boyfriend?” Colton asked, seeming to read her mind. “Or should I say, I sure as hell hope you aren’t seeing anyone.”
“We broke up last summer,” Morgan said. Thankfully the waitress came over then to take their orders. She ordered chocolate chip pancakes—her absolute favorite—while Colton ordered the burger and shake he’d wanted.
“So, I might ask you the same,” Morgan said as the waitress walked away. “Why don’t you, Colton Pierce, have a girlfriend?”
“Oh no, you’re not getting off that easy. You still haven’t answered my question.” He winked at her.
God, if only everything in the world were as easy as talking to him. He put her at ease despite the short amount of time she’d known him. It was easier sitting across from him in the booth of the diner than standing in the hallway back at Jake’s house with Colton towering over her. Then, she’d wanted to rip his clothes right off of him.
Not that she’d ever do that sort of thing. But man, was he delicious.
“It’s kind of a long story,” she finally said.
“I’m in no rush.”
“He just—uh, wasn’t what I thought. We lived together,” she said, taking a sip of her iced tea.
“So it was pretty serious,” Colton interrupted.
“Yeah, for a while anyway. We were together for two years, rented an apartment, talked about eventually getting married. But he started drinking more and more and couldn’t hold down his job. Then I caught him cheating….”
Colton let out a low whistle. “He sounds like an asshole.”
“Yep, to say the least. We broke up, and I moved out. His name was on the lease, but it was actually better that way. I mean, I needed to find a place to live, but it was a fresh start and all that. Plus I had a job, so I guess he finally had to get sober and get one himself or move out as well.”
She shrugged, a feeling of uneasiness washing over her.
Her own mom had struggled to support them when they were kids, but it was better that way from the stories her mom had told them. Although she’d been upset about her own break-up, Morgan knew it was better she hadn’t gotten married and had kids with her ex. She had a fresh start now. Her own life to live. She’d meet a nice, safe guy one day and that would be that.
The waitress brought over their food just then, and Morgan smiled as she set the plate of pancakes down in front of her. The aroma was heavenly, and after hauling boxes around earlier, she’d worked up more of an appetite than she thought.
“You look like a kid in a candy store,” Colton teased as he watched her.
“Pretty much,” she agreed. “I’m starving, and I love chocolate chip pancakes.”
“I’ll remember that,” he said in a low voice, watching her with interest.
Morgan raised her eyebrows. “Are you planning to make me pancakes one morning or something?”
“Hopefully,” he said, his lips quirking.
She flushed as Colton chuckled. The only way she imagined him making her breakfast was if they’d spent the night together. And she knew he was thinking the exact same thing. But she could never have a one-night-stand with him. It had been months since she’d slept with a man—and she sure wasn’t about to break that streak tonight.
She’d enjoy this little pseudo date with Colton, or whatever the heck it was, say goodnight, and then get on with her boring life. Back to teaching, friends, and being on her own. Dreaming about being with a man like Colton was just that—a fantasy.
Chapter 4
Colton watched as Morgan tucked a long strand of caramel-colored hair behind her ear, looking slightly flustered. Maybe he’d made her uncomfortable by saying that he’d love to cook her breakfast one morning.
After they’d spent an amazing night together. That part was implied.
“I’m in no rush,” he said with a wink.
He picked up his burger and took a large bite, watching her relax a little. It was cute as hell the way she blushed around him. She was different than the women he usually chased after, but he liked that about her.
“That’s good,” she joked. “Because I’ve never had a man make me pancakes on a first date before.”
He wanted to make a smartass remark, like there was a first time for everything, but he didn’t want to scare her off. And her admission was interesting. She was a little bit shy, to be sure. It shouldn’t surprise him that she didn’t go home with a man she just met. And he liked the fact that she clearly didn’t sleep around, as crazy as that sounded. He’d had more than his share of women that he’d take home for the night and never see again, so maybe he was a hypocrite, but damn.
Colton wanted her all for himself.
If he slept with her, she would be his. He was possessive and protective, and he knew in his gut that one night with her wouldn’t be enough.
Maybe he didn’t make a habit of seeing the women he took home for round number two, but she was different.
Morgan poured syrup over her pancakes, and the seemingly innocent gesture had him imagining himself pouring syrup all over that curvy little body of hers—and then licking it off. Slowly.
His groin tightened at just the thought.
He shouldn’t be fantasizing about her like that. Clearly, she wasn’t a woman you took home for a good time and then never saw again.
Besides, even if she was only Jake’s roommate, he’d probably kick Colton’s ass for something like that.
She took a bite of her food, and the little “mmm” that she mumbled nearly made him come undone. He’d give just about anything for one little taste of her. Those soft lips. Those wide eyes. She had a certain innocence about her, and hell if he wouldn’t love showing her all the ways he could make her his.
“So you really planned to marry that ex-boyfriend of yours?” he asked.
Morgan seemed young, probably only in her early-to-mid-twenties. Not that he was exactly an old man at thirty-two, but in his experience, women who wanted to settle down tended to be older than she was.
She shrugged, not seeming to mind the topic. “I figured we would someday since we were living together. I kind of feel like I dodged a bullet though,” she said with a laugh. “I mean it sucked at the time when we broke up, don’t get me wrong, but better to find out now what he was really like than after we were planning a wedding.”
“Or living happily ever after.”
“Yep,” she agreed. “But it wouldn’t have been very happy, would it? I’ve got an okay job teaching, but I didn’t make enough to support both of us. And I didn’t really want to be around someone like that for the long haul.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice low. Anger seethed through him on her behalf. A man needed to take care of what was his, not expect a woman to support him while he sat around drinking all day. Both of his parents worked in their family business, and it was difficult to even imagine his father lounging around while his mother was the only one out earning a living.
There was certainly more to Morgan than met the eye. She was obviously dedicated to her students, what with spending her weekends gathering books for them. She’d clearly supported her ex to some extent. That sure as hell wasn’t the type of man she needed in her life.
“It is what it is,” she joked. “But what about you? I never heard why you’re single.”
“I was in a relationship for a while, too. My ex and I dated for over a year—we weren’t living together, but it was getting serious. Something was off though, and I found out that she kept a bunch of things from me. She lied about a few things that I just couldn’t forgive her for.”
“Oh,” Morgan said, looking uncomfortable again. “Like what? If you don’t mind my asking, I mean.”
“Money problems, mostly…. She’d maxed out her credit cards and then stole one of mine. We’d talked about living together, but I had no idea it was because she wasn’t paying her rent. I would have bought her something if she needed it—that wasn’t the issue. But the lying and stealing?” He scrubbed a hand across his jaw, frustrated. “I had no idea how much debt she was in. After she stole my credit card, I was done.”
“Damn. I can’t imagine anything like that.”
“I couldn’t either,” Colton said, frowning. “I consider myself pretty open-minded, but I just couldn’t handle all her lying.”
“Did she get arrested or anything?”
Colton shook his head. “I could’ve pressed charges, but I just let it go. Let her go.”
“You’re a good guy,” she said quietly.
He met Morgan’s gaze, assessing her. He was, mostly. He’d fallen hard for his ex, even though most of their relationship had turned out to be a lie. And although he’d had a string of women he’d enjoyed afterward, he sure the hell hadn’t let anyone into his heart again.
“Most of the time,” he said with a low chuckle. “But enough of all the sad talk about our exes—that’s kind of deep for a first date.”
“No more ex talk,” she agreed. “Tell me about your work or something else instead—what’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?”
He paused for a beat, surprised she wanted to talk shop on a Friday night. Although he had plenty of stories from his job at the NYPD, he wanted to learn more about her. The types of women he usually chased after loved to fall all over him and talk about themselves.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Morgan was different.
Lots of things about this woman surprised him though. Surprised and intrigued him.
And wasn’t that damn unexpected.
Chapter 5
“I’ll get the door,” Colton said as they pulled back into Jake’s driveway two hours later. Time had flown at the diner—they’d lingered over their casual dinner and then ordered dessert. It had grown louder inside as the place filled up, but they’d talked and laughed so much, that it was dusk by the time they finally left.
Colton jogged around his Mustang before Morgan could say anything, and a beat later, he was opening the car door for her.
“Let me walk you in,” he said, helping her out. “We should’ve left a porch light on or something.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think we’d be gone that long. Not that I’m complaining.” She glanced up at Colton in the low light and caught the amusement in his eyes.
“Me either. But I do want to make sure you’re safely inside.”
They walked toward the front door, cars passing by them on the street, and she felt butterflies in her stomach. This was silly. It wasn’t really a date. They’d just happened to meet each other earlier. At her brother’s house, she reminded herself.
Even if she did like Colton, she’d say goodnight and that would be that.
Still, the way Colton’s large hand rested on the small of her back as he guided her forward had shivers racing down her spine. Not to mention heat burning into her skin where he touched her. His broad frame behind hers made her feel safe and protected—shielded from the rest of the world. And she was very aware of every single movement he made.
It’s not that she ever felt unsafe in Jake’s neighborhood. Everyone knew he was a cop, and besides, it was early now. Barely even dark really. But she had to admit there was something to be said about having a man walk her inside.
This guy dismantled bombs for a living and had alpha male written all over him. He was big and broad and strong. Colton was used to storming in and commanding the situation, whereas she was used to dealing with a roomful of children.
They were totally differ
ent, and she couldn’t figure out why he’d even be interested in her. She was somewhat quiet, a somewhat uninteresting teacher. He was totally out of her league.
Morgan fumbled with the lock as she opened the front door and flipped on the porch light, turning to face him as she stood in the doorway.
Now was where they said their goodbyes. Maybe she’d fantasize about him kissing her goodnight, but he wouldn’t do it. He’d just been teasing her before.
Colton gazed down at her as thoughts whirled through her head, seeming in no hurry to leave. “What are you thinking so hard about?” he joked.
“Nothing. But thanks for dinner.”
“I don’t suppose I can take you out for real sometime,” he said.
“I thought this was a real date—according to you at least,” she said with a nervous laugh.
He reached up and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, sending heat washing over her. “It’s definitely a real date,” he said, letting his hand linger on the side of her face. “Unexpected maybe, but I had a great time.”
“Me too,” she said softly.
“And I’d love to take you out again.” He slowly ducked his head down, letting her know his intentions, and in that moment, time seemed to stand still. She could back away—turn her head to the side, hold out her hand to push him away.
But she wanted this. Needed him.
And even though she knew it would be a mistake to kiss her brother’s friend, she couldn’t stop herself. Colton was here and real and perfect. His large hand cupped her cheek as they stood there, his warm body was inches from hers. She couldn’t stop him if she wanted to—couldn’t resist him if she tried.
Be Mine Tonight (Line of Duty Book 2) Page 3