Page 48 of The Upside of Falling
“Like making your bed and folding your clothes.” He nods, quieting down, focusing on the dishes. Did I say something wrong? His body completely morphed, and I wonder if maybe I touched on a sensitive topic. Wanting to move forward and not lose him in the conversation, I ask, “What about now, what kind of privileges do you get?”
Clearing his throat, he keeps his focus on the dishes but answers, “Seniors have unlimited weekend passes, we can have a car on campus, we can have electronics in our dorm rooms—things like that. Simple things that were stripped from us when we were fourth-class cadets, or freshmen.”
“So you’re living the life now, huh?”
“Oh yeah.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I feel like I have my Colby back.
He finishes the dishes and drapes the towel over the oven door handle and then takes a look at the time on his watch. “I should get going.”
Disappointment washes over me. For some reason, I thought maybe he would be staying the night, or just a little bit longer. It’s not that late . . .
“Leaving already?”
He nods. “Yeah, have to wake up early to get in my PT and then I have some studying I have to do. I want to make sure I’m ready for undergrad flight training, so I’m putting in some extra work.”
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone more dedicated than him . . . the amount of hours he puts into his studies and his future. I’m sure his effort exceeds anyone else at the academy. I could be wrong, and I could be partial, but in my mind, Colby is the best of the best.
“Okay.” I stand from my seat and walk him to the door. “Thank you for coming over tonight. I hope you had a good time.”
“I had a great time. Thank you for teaching me how to cook my first meal. It meant a lot to me, Rory.”
I step forward, linking his hands with mine. “You’re welcome.” Tugging on him, I ask, “When do I get to see you again?”
“When do you want to see me again?”
I don’t want you to leave. I don’t say that, though, because he made it clear he has plans for tomorrow, and even though I want to be selfish and keep him here for the night, I’m going to respect his plans. He made it known when we met that he didn’t want any distractions, and I want to make sure I honor that. Because if anything, Colby is a man of honor. I want to be someone who he knows is motivating him, spurring him on to be the best pilot he can be.The best version of himself.
“Tomorrow?” I ask shyly.
Bringing our hands to his lips, his mouth presses a sweet kiss along my knuckles. “Tomorrow it is. I have an idea for something we can do. How about I pick you up around six? You available?”
I nod, excited. “I’ll be done with work by then.”
“Good.” He pulls me in close to his body, bringing one of his hands just below my chin, tilting my head back. “I’ll pick you up then.” Colby bends the last few inches and puts his mouth on mine, his lips soft and pliable, gentle and calm. There is no rush; there’s contentment in his kiss, like he could be molded with my mouth for hours.
Passing his tongue over my lips, he parts them effortlessly. He strokes my tongue with his and deepens our kiss, pressing our linked hands behind me, against my lower back, and pulling me in even closer. The hand gripping my chin slips to my cheek, where he holds me in place, moving his mouth back and forth, using fire to show me how much he likes me . . . igniting a flame inside me.
A light groan rumbles through his built chest as he pulls away, lifting his mouth away from mine, leaving me desperate and needing more.Hungry.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Rory.”
Before I can even think to stop myself, I say, “You’re mean.”
Chuckling, he brushes a piece of hair behind my ear. “How am I mean?”
“Leaving me when all I want is to snuggle into your large and warm body.”I’m lying. I want the heat I felt at the Garden of the Gods. I want his body pressed against mine. I want him in my bed.But I sense that he doesn’t want to rush this.Us.And I’m okay with that.
The expression on his face softens as he pulls me into a hug, pressing his chin to the top of my head, holding me in his embrace for longer than I expected before he speaks up. “Dream of me.” He presses a kiss to my head, gives me one last squeeze, and then takes off.
He has me so brilliantly hooked, and it’s absurd how much I want to run down the stairs and bring him back up here. I want to be in his arms, and I want to receive more of his kisses, his hugs, his sweetness.Him.But I’ll wait. And without a doubt, I’ll dream of him.
Chapter Twenty
COLBY
“What part of Colorado Springs did you grow up in?” Rory asks, holding my hand, looking so fucking good I’m having a hard time concentrating on the road.
She came barreling down the stairs of her apartment wearing black leggings, boots, a dark green sweater, leather jacket, and her hair curled at the ends, tucked under a black winter hat with a pom-pom on top. And wrapped around her neck is a soft green and black scarf. The ensemble immediately had my pulse picking up. It isn’t overtly sexy in any way since she’s covered up, but the way her clothes fit and outline her frame so perfectly make it hard to look away, especially when her excited eyes connect with mine.
