Not My Hero

Yep, definitely yummy.

I feel the heat creep up my neck and quickly carry on making coffee. Still, a broad smile spreads over my face.

Cassie gathers all the ingredients she’ll need, and I move her cup closer. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” I lean back against the counter and sip on the warm liquid. When Colton comes into the kitchen, I point at his cup. “There’s yours.”

“Thanks.” He shoots me a grin before picking up his coffee. He comes to stand right next to me, also leaning against the counter. We glance at each other, and it makes a blush spread over my cheeks.

It’s still unbelievable that we kissed yesterday.

Cassie’s gaze drifts over us, and when she tilts her head, frowning at us, I quickly lift the mug to hide the smile on my face behind it.

“Did I miss something?” she asks, a teasing tone to her voice.

Colton lets out a chuckle, then he whispers to me, “We might as well tell her now.”

My eyes widen as I look up at him. “Huh?”

“Brie and I…”

Nooooo.

I quickly put the cup down and then cover Colton’s mouth with my hand. My eyes dart from him to Cassie, then back to him, and standing on my toes, I whisper right by his ear, “You can’t tell your mom we kissed.”

Colton begins to laugh, and pulling my hand away, he says, “I wasn’t going to.” He places his arm around my shoulder and pulls me against his side. “Isn’t she cute?” he asks Cassie.

She nods, silently laughing as her eyes never leave us. “I’m going to take a wild guess here. Are the two of you a couple?”

Colton begins to nod. “Yeah.” Then he turns his gaze to me. “Right?”

I let out a chuckle. “Definitely.”

Cassie lets out a squeak and rushing over to us, she hugs us. “I’m so happy.” When she pulls back, she turns her attention back to the pancakes, a contented smile on her face.

I glance up at Colton and don’t have any time to stop him as he presses a quick kiss to my mouth. Again my eyes widen, and I hiss, “Your mom.”

“You don’t mind, right, Mom?” Colton asks, and it sends my face up in flames.

“If you kiss?” Cassie asks playfully. “Not at all. But when things get serious, just remember to use protection.”

Oh, my God. I’m just going to die right now.

I let out a groan and cover my burning cheeks with my hands, making them both laugh.I’ve decided to wear a navy blue dress and a white cardigan. In a way, it feels like I’m rebelling by not wearing traditional black for the funeral.

Walking down the stairs, I come to a stop when I see Colton, dressed in black suit pants and a white button-up shirt. I watch him shrug on the jacket over his broad shoulders.

He doesn’t look like a senior, but instead a man. A very attractive man. There’s a weird sensation in my abdomen, and slapping a hand over it, I slowly walk closer.

“Are you ready?” he asks when he notices me.

“Yeah.”

Cassie comes rushing down the stairs, checking her purse. “I think I have everything.” Then her eyes fall on me. “You look so pretty.”

“Thank you.” I gesture at the black dress she’s wearing. “You look pretty, as well.”

“Okay, let’s do this,” Colton says, and sucking in a deep breath, he opens the front door.

We walk to his truck, and when he opens the passenger door, he murmurs, “Ladies.”

“You can sit in the middle, Brie.” Cassie nudges my back lightly.

Getting in, I scoot up to make space for Cassie. Once we’re all in the cab, and Colton puts the truck in reverse, the back of his hand brushes against my knee. It sends sparks racing over my skin.

“Goosebumps,” he whispers before placing his arm behind me so he can pull the vehicle out of the driveway.

I shouldn’t be grinning like an idiot right now, but I can’t help it. Sitting so close to him has all the butterflies throwing a party in my stomach.

I’m so going to hell.

“Can you stop at the flower shop? I want to get fresh ones for Brady,” Cassie says, and it instantly changes the vibe in the cab from happy to sad.

“Sure.”

My eyes dart up to Colton’s face, and when I see the hard line of grief around his mouth, I move my hand from my lap to his thigh. His hand instantly covers mine.

Colton pulls up to the store, and while Cassie runs inside, he leans down and presses a soft kiss to my mouth. His lips linger on mine for a couple of seconds before he lifts his head. “How are you holding up?”

“Good.” I scrunch my nose. “I’d rather be home watching movies, but…” I let out a sigh, then ask, “And you?”

“I’d also rather watch movies.” He grins. “Lying on the couch with you. Stealing kisses.”