Her head tilted as she stared at him. "Colt, last night was fun. I'm glad this happened. Don't stress about anything."
Fun wasn't what he wanted with her. They weren't young, and this wasn't cheap. His blood ran cold as tension wrapped around his muscles. "I can't make you more promises, Vicki."
"Stay calm, Colt." She leaned on the headboard of the bed, "We're both consenting adults and we had fun."
The word fun scraped against his skin like razor blades. She should tell him that she cared about him. He shook his head, as that last thought wasn't true either. "Belle told me I was being stupid and listening to my doubts because you were here, and reliving my childhood wouldn't make me happy. Then I dropped her off and came home to you. It's a jerk move, and I'd not want a man to do that to my daughter."
"Our daughter." She reached out and took his hand in hers. Her small hands were soft and like silk. "And don't let whatever happened with Belle poison our family. Today is supposed to be about Clara."
"Why did you say that?" He scratched his head. How did Clara fit into this conversation? His brain screamed that she might want to take her from him.
"We tell her I'm her mother," she reminded him as she crossed her legs.
Yes, he hadn't forgotten, but it wasn't enough. They didn't make sense. He crossed his arms. "Vicki."
"Colt, you're not going anywhere now." She gathered the sheet to cover her nakedness. "You promised. Today is the big day."
At least this big day didn't come with him at the altar declaring his eternal love. Vicki waiting for him to slip the ring on her finger was another fantasy. His cheeks must be red, as he hadn't felt this hot in years. He'd not go anywhere. He was being an idiot. "Let me go and handle my chores first. I'll keep my word."
They stood and he grabbed his pants. She unfolded her bra and slipped it on. "I'll have breakfast ready, including that coffee."
Burned everything would taste fine to him. He closed his eyes, and the heaviness on his shoulders doubled. "I'll be home soon. Don't worry about me."
She threw her dress over her shoulders and tugged it over her body. Then she dropped the sheet on the floor.
His skin itched that he needed to move. In the military, he'd look for something physical so someone would hit him. Here, at least he had work. He had to run. He lowered his gaze and found his t-shirt.
Victoria Morgan was an angel in his life, but she deserved far better than him.
Vicki deserved to have it all, and he wasn't able to be that guy for her.
#
Vicki showered in the bathroom in her room, and stretched. Visions of how Colt had kissed her replayed over and over. Her lips tingled and her body was warm from last night, but she refused to rush Colt.
The way his gaze flickered and how his shoulders stayed tense were all the evidence she needed. She'd not add more layers right now. She sighed and told herself they were adults, and could be adventurous and carefree. Her stomach growled, and she held together, reminding herself of her promise. She opened the door and found a note from Colt tacked on. She squinted and then tore the paper down to read it in her hand.
Princess,
I will work fast today. Wait for me to tell Clara as a family, but it might be at dinner.
Colt
Her heart thumped a little and she folded the note in her jeans pocket. At least he was still the stand-up guy she remembered. She straightened her plain tee shirt. Clara could not know what happened last night. Vicki slipped out of her bedroom and walked out to find her daughter.
In the kitchen, Clara sat on a chair, calm and collected. Their eyes instantly met. Then Clara asked, "Did Daddy have a nightmare last night?"
"No."
Clara stared, and her eyes watered a little. "I heard noises and thought you were taking care of him."
"I did go check on him." A blush must have been on Vicki's face with the heat that emanated through her. She explained, "He's perfectly fine, so don't worry. He's strong and good."
"Okay." Clara smiled and bobbed her head. "I'm hungry, Vicki."
"Let's go to the kitchen, then, and figure out what you want to eat."
Clara bounced off the chair and half ran into the kitchen. Vicki followed behind, and immediately opened the cabinet. Clara pointed to a cereal brand, and Vicki handed her the box like this was always their routine. Then she found two bowls and set them on the counter.
When she was halfway done with pouring, her phone rang. She put the box down for a moment then ran to pick it up. "Hello?"
"Do I have to call my brother to get his permission for you to take me to my doctor's appointment today?"
"Alice. I forgot." Vicki's mind went completely blank as she ran through what she knew. Colt had said dinner in his note. She'd leave him a note on the refrigerator so he'd know where they went. "Don't worry at all. Clara and I will leave now, so we can take you to the doctor."
"Okay, perfect." Alice sighed. "It sucks that my doctor put me on bed rest. I'll wait for you rather than face John's wrath if I drive myself. Your brother is being overprotective, but it's cute."
"It's a one-day conference. You'll see him tonight." Vicki wiped her hand and picked up a pen to leave a note for Colt. "You called early. We'll be on time."
Alice then gushed, "I guessed you'd be in heaven this morning because Mom told me that Colt dumped Belle."
Last night's activities replayed in her head, and Vicki's cheeks heated. She finished jotting her note, and then returned to the cereal and finished Clara's bowl. "How did you know?"
Alice laughed. "Mom messaged me and quizzed me on what you must have done to break up the wedding."
Vicki froze. "Ohh."
"Don't worry about it," Alice assured her, "Mom will be fine. She's a lady, and not like your dad. She was always kind to everyone and will give you a fair chance."
Vicki crossed her arms. "She has to hate me and think I'm a horrible person."
"She also remembers you as my friend, and she never yelled at us. So hurry up and get over here. We'll talk in person."
His mother had saved Clara too, so Vicki needed to make friends with her. "Deal. Bye."
She swallowed hard and then told Clara, "Your Aunt Alice has a doctor's appointment and your dad is out with his chores. After breakfast, we have to change fast and head over to drive her. Is that okay with you?"
"Let's go." Clara nodded then finished her breakfast.
Vicki cleaned up, ate a fast breakfast, and then hung the note on the refrigerator with a napkin. She scanned what she'd written a minute ago to ensure that she didn't use a word that indicated feelings.
Colt,
Had to take Alice to the doctor's. Packed up Clara and took her with me. We'll be back early this afternoon. Can't wait for tonight.
See you soon.
Vicki.