Page 15 of Marc
I sat down with Colbie on my lap. Jess, North, and Zeke were in a huddle, talking quietly and keeping watch.
“I’ll bereallyglad to be out of the Blue Mountains.” Colbie shuddered.
“I think we’re not too far from Blue Mountain Base.”
“Really? I’ve heard so many stories about Blue Mountain Base. It must just be a ruin, now. I used to have a map my dad gave me, and I loved memorizing all the parts of the base. I still love listening to my parents telling me about the brave evacuation from the base when the aliens attacked. And about when Hell Squad and the berserkers detonated the weapon that destroyed the Gizzida.”
I’d grown up with all those stories. Mom and Dad had shared them. Uncle Hemi always told them the best.
“One day, I hope we can get rid of the monsters,” Colbie murmured. “That the mountains and forests can be clear and safe again.”
“One day.” I smoothed her hair back from her face.
Her gaze locked on mine, then dropped to my lips. She licked her own.
“You know, I promised myself a reward if I survived out here.”
I cocked my head. “Oh yeah? More than just a cheeseburger?”
“Yep.”
“What?”
She hesitated, then cupped my cheeks, and shocked the shit out of me by kissing me.
I froze. Colbie Erickson’s soft lips were pressed against mine.
My hands dug into her hips and desire flared like a damn explosion inside me.
What the hell was this?
But a darker part of me reared inside.Push her away. Don’t let her any closer.
I stayed frozen, not moving.
Her lips moved against mine for a few seconds, then she pulled back.
“Crap.” Embarrassment washed over her face. “Sorry. I should’ve asked you?—”
“Don’t fucking do that again.” My voice was harsher than I intended.
She flinched and went as stiff as a board. “I said I was sorry. I…wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Clearly.” I set her down on the ground and stood. Edgy energy rushed through me, not to mention licks of desire that I couldn’t control.
I glanced over and noted the others weren’t paying us any attention. They hadn’t seen.
“What about that fucking guy?” I snapped.
She blinked. “What guy?”
“The guy you brought to my barbecue.” A guy who’s head I wanted to rip off. Had she been kissing him?
“Spencer? We’ve had coffee twice. We aren’t…it isn’t serious.”
I sliced a hand through the air. “It doesn’t matter. This isn’t happening again.”
Colbie’s chin came up. “Right, sorry, but it’s not like I haven’t seen you kiss women at the bar. Most of them strangers. You’ve never had any problem with that. I’m sorry my kiss was so abhorrent.” She crossed her arms over her chest and turned to look at the trees.
