Page 13 of Between the Boards
“Isit possible to look overdressed in black?” I mutter, eyeing my reflection.
I’m wearing a black dress that hugs every curve, and falls to mid-shin, paired with black strappy heels that make me feel just a little too put together for a practice date. I straightened my hair, and I went with a clear lip gloss tint close to my natural colour.
My heart jumps into my throat when a knock comes from my bedroom door. I rush over and pull it open finding Colton standing in my doorway wearing a white long-sleeve polo, dark jeans, and clean sneakers that somehow look expensive without trying. His blond waves are pulled back in a half-up style, a few pieces falling loose around his face, and my eyes widen slightly as I take him in.
“You look nice,” I say, though that feels like an understatement because Colton looks hotter than ever tonight.
He doesn’t answer right away, as his eyes drag slowly from my face down to my heels, like he’s committing every detail to memory.
“You do too,” he finally says, his voice rougher than usual. “Ready to go?”
He offers his arm, and I slip mine through it, letting him guide me out of my room and down the stairs.
I should have known better than to expect the house to be empty though. Griffin, Eliana, Koa, Maliah, Zale—and of course, Alessia—are all crowded in the kitchen around what looks like one of Griffin’s famous dinner spreads.
Eliana is the first to spot us and her jaw drops before she immediately lifts her phone and snaps a picture. Maliah follows her gaze and gasps loud enough to turn every head in the room, including Zale’s.
His eyes land on me and Colton and I watch his expression shift as his eyes skim my outfit…and the way my hand tightens around Colton’s bicep.
“Where are you two going, all dressed up like that?” Griffin asks, his gaze bouncing between us with a knowing smirk.
I open my mouth, but Colton answers first.
“Dinner,” he says smoothly, his arm tightening just slightly as we continue walking toward the front door.
“Like…a date?” Maliah calls, voice vibrating with excitement.
I hesitate for half a second before tugging gently on Colton’s arm, stopping us before we reach the door. I turn back and find Zale is still watching, so I hold his gaze when I answer.
“Yeah,” I say, lifting my chin. “A date.”
Maliah and Eliana squeal, grabbing at each other excitedly. I wink at them before letting Colton pull me outside, the door clicking shut behind us. Cool air hits my skin, but my pulse is still racing as Colton helps me into the passenger seat before circling around to the driver’s side.
“God,” I breathe, laughing as adrenaline buzzes through me. “That felt so good to say out loud. Did you see Zale’s face?”
Colton chuckles as he starts the engine. “I did. But I also saw Alessia noticing how pissed he was.” He glances at me briefly. “Wish we could be a fly on the wall for that conversation.”
I shouldn’t feel this satisfied, but I do. Maybe she’ll go back to Italy now.
“Where are we going?” I ask as we pull out of the driveway and head toward the road out of Saltwater Springs.
“I made a reservation in the next town over,” he says.
I frown. “Why there?”
He glances at me, confused. “I figured you wouldn’t want everyone here talking about our date and having it get back to Brandon.”
Right.
“Good thinking,” I say, turning toward the window.
He nods, then his gaze flicks over me again.
“The gloss is nice,” he says. “I never see you wear that.”
“It’s new,” I admit, squeezing the clutch in my hands where the tube of gloss is tucked away. “I thought it might…help”
“Help?” he repeats, one brow lifting.
