Brazen Bachelor

“I understand that. And I know what it’s like dating someone in the public eye. It’s definitely not a walk in the park. It’s not traditional is what I mean. If he does anything… If his name appears in the tabloids for anything negative, that can impact you as well.”

I knew it was a risk when I agreed to dinner. Being with a man who’s been photographed more times than I’ve taken selfies is daunting, but the thought of my name being splashed across newspapers is far worse.

“I understand, and I’ll make sure to be careful,” I tell her, closing my eyes while I wait for her to respond. Being with Colton is going to be a challenge, I know that. But I can’t say much more than I already have because I have no idea how tonight is going to go.

“Good.” More tapping comes over the line and then, “Enjoy your evening.” She hangs up before I have time to respond. My stomach is flip-flopping at the way my life has changed seemingly overnight.

Two challenges await me—a date with a world-famous underwear model, and my job taking on a whole new path—and emotion clogs my throat when I attempt to swallow.

I tap out a message to the one person who knows how hard I’ve worked. And I pray she doesn’t guilt trip me as she always does. My sister has always been the more outgoing of the two of us. With her looks and her job, I’ve always lived in her shadow, and I’m thankful I finally have something that’s mine.

The buzzer to my apartment sounds throughout the living room, bouncing all the way into the bedroom. I throw my phone on the bed before heading to the door. Peeking through the peephole, I see Colton on the other side, and my stomach has another bout of flurrying butterflies before I open the door.

“Hi.” He offers me a grin that makes everything south of my belly button tingle. Why does he have to be so gorgeous?

I return his greeting with a smile of my own. “Hi.” For a moment, we stand in silence. “Shit, come inside,” I splutter. “I’m sorry. I’m almost ready.”

“That’s fine, there’s no rush.” When he steps inside my apartment, I have to pinch myself to believe this is real. It’s been a long time since I’ve been alone in here with a guy. Usually, with dates, they end and start at the restaurant or cinema. But having him inside my personal space is different. A good different, but still alarming.

“You look nice,” I mumble, taking in his black slacks that seem to be painted onto muscled thighs and an ass that would make any sane woman lose her mind. His button-up shirt hugs his broad shoulders with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I get a magnificent view of the corded veins under the smooth, tanned skin of his forearms.

He glances at me with a raised brow. “Are you flirting with me, Violet?” he questions with that thick British accent that does stupid things to my libido.

“I don’t flirt,” I retort hotly, making Colton chuckle. The sound vibrates through his chest like a promise of seductive laughter.

“It’s all right, you know,” he insists.

Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I ask, “What is?” Colton shoves his hands into his pockets, his head lowered, and he lifts his gaze to mine. The almost innocent way he’s looking at me doesn’t hide the desire dancing in those endless ocean eyes.

“Flirting.” One word dripping with a husky need falls from his impossibly beautiful lips. “It’s all right to step outside of your comfort zone sometimes, Violet. When you do, good things happen.”

“Tonight is dinner,” I insist, but I’m trying to convince myself more than I am informing him. As much as I want to deny my attraction to Colton, I can’t. It’s right there, and the thought turns my cheeks hot.

“Dinner.” He nods.

I rush into the bedroom, leaving him to grab my purse and my phone. When I walk into the living room a few seconds later, I notice him looking at the photo of me and my sister, Victoria. I always remember my mom telling us she almost named her Jolene. Yeah, my mother enjoyed country music while she was pregnant with my sister.

“I’m ready,” I tell him, causing him to turn around. Once more, his appraisal is done with those eyes, and I can’t stop the shiver trickling down my spine. His nearness doesn’t help as I pull open the door, and Colton steps up behind me.

His tall frame looms over me, his warm breath at my neck, sending waves of pleasure through me. I have to bite my lip to keep from moaning. Get a hold of yourself.

Once I’ve locked my apartment, we make our way to the elevator in silence. The moment the doors slide shut, Colton glances at me.