Page 15 of One Little Kiss

Colton walks beside me, carrying our haul.

“So, are you meeting someone in Mexico?”

Why the hell did I ask that?

His smirk sets off butterflies in my stomach. “I may be Peter Pan, Win, but I don’t have the moral compass of Captain Hook. If I were seeing someone, I wouldn’t be working so hard to get to know you.” He raises one eyebrow, and heat creeps across my cheeks. I work really hard not to roll my eyes. His deep belly laugh causes me to misstep, and even with his hands full, he manages to catch my elbow so I don’t topple over. When he knows I’m steady on my feet again, he withdraws. “My brother’s marrying my best friend. I’m meeting my entire family there. What about you?”

“My brother isn’t old enough to get married.”

His laughter echoes in the empty hallway and wraps my body in warmth.

“I meant, what are you doing in Mexico, smart ass?”

A genuine smile lights up my face. Our banter is easy. It’s fun, and I’m afraid it could be addicting.It’s fine for this twelve hours, Wendalyn, but we are very clearly on different paths in life.The voice of reason that has always kept the fun at bay douses my joy. Colton notices before I do.

“I was just playing with you, Win.”

Shaking my head, I force a smile into place. “Right, sorry. I was thinking of something else. Um, I’m actually going to Mexico to work for a couple of weeks. Some rich family is having a reunion and they’re paying me to be their beck and call babysitter. The pay is so good, I’m willing to do just about anything to make it through the next two weeks. It’ll help take some of the pressure off once I get to law school.”

“I thought you were studying. Have you already applied to schools?”

“Yes, and I received acceptance letters to every school I applied to. I’m retaking my LSAT, though. I got into law school with the one-sixty, but I need to do better for me.”

“Determined.”

“Competitive.”

“I can respect that. So, where are you staying while in Mexico?”

“Ah …” I hesitate just long enough for him to know he’s made me uncomfortable.

Raising his hands, he shakes his head. “No worries if you’re not comfortable telling me. I shouldn’t have pressed.”

What about this man makes me want to spill all my secrets?

“No, it’s not that. It’s just, I don’t really know, and I probably shouldn’t be outing the family I’m working for. I had to sign an NDA and everything. But I’m not technically staying in Puerto Vallarta. I think it’s called Punta Mita.”

A sly smile makes Colton’s dimples stand out, and blood rushes to my cheeks. Suddenly, I feel the need to fan myself, so I quickly survey the surrounding area.

“I know Punta Mita well. Maybe we’ll cross paths again, my sweet Winnie.”

Of course he does.

“I’m going to be working. A lot. So, we probably won’t.”

“Mhmm.” He stops walking, and I realize we’re back at our original spot. “This is bullshit,” he grumbles, staring at the food in his hands.

After learning all the restaurants in the terminal were already closed, he attempted to have food delivered, but TSA wouldn’t let it through security. He could have left, but the agent informed him he wouldn’t be able to get back to this side of the airport for a few hours. His options were to stay with me and buy out the vending machines or leave and get a good night’s sleep at his friend’s hotel. He stayed with me, and I’m not sure how to handle the emotions his actions are causing.

“You should go to the hotel,” I try again, hating how tense my body is waiting for his response.

“Not happening. But you’re telling me they couldn’t let a pizza through?”

I shrug as he nods with his head to the seats we had vacated not that long ago. Once we’re settled, he holds up questionable nachos and a shriveled up hot dog.

“Pick your poison.”

My eyes dart between the two choices, and finally, I point to the nachos.