I gave him a long look, then raised a brow. “But I didn’t hear anything about how I can rock a hoodie and jeans.”
Colton blinked. Then let out a low, rough chuckle.
He stepped forward, hands reaching for mine. I let him take them.
The hug came next. His arms wrapped around me. The way he held me felt right. Strong and steady. We’d finally landed in the same place at the same time.
He pulled back slightly, hands framing my face. His thumbs brushed along my jaw.
And kissed me.
Slow. Deliberate.
Forget what I said before, this is the perfect kiss.
But it wasn't just a kiss. It was a choice.
I leaned into him, my body syncing to his without a second thought.
This was the right choice.
His hands moved from my face, slowly down to my shoulders. He pulled his lips off mine and looked at me. There was a small curve to his lip, like he was trying to stop the famous Colton Hayes smirk from appearing.
"You are smart, sassy, and passionate. And about the most beautiful person I’ve ever met."
I should say something.
The words were right there, caught in the back of my throat.
If I were being honest with myself, I had been waiting for him to run. Letting him make the choice. So I didn’t have to risk making the wrong choice.
But now?
I had no excuse left.
I knew exactly what I wanted. The next step is simple. I have to let him know. Simple.
I stared into Colton’s unfairly blue eyes, and my brain had apparently decided to take a break.
Colton tilted my chin up. "What are you thinking?”
OK Riles. Next step. Simple, remember?
Deep breath. “I don’t want you to leave.”
His head jerked slightly. I saw it in his eyes—that moment of surprise.
I swallowed. Then forced myself to keep going.
“Stay. Tell the coach you don’t want to transfer. Tell him you want to stick it out, to get better and better.”
Say you’ll fight for this.
I didn’t say the last part out loud.
But I knew—deep down—that’s what I meant.
He kissed me again.
