Holding You (Love Wanted in Texas #3)

Leaning down he did just that. Gently placing his lips on mine, he kissed me softly. Colt’s kisses were like the sweetest candy I’d ever tasted. They were addictive and I craved them always.

“Ugh, see what I mean. Love fest example number one from Colt and Lauren.”

Smiling against my lips, Colt whispered, “I’m going to miss you.”

Sucking in a breath of air, I instantly felt relief wash over my body. “You wouldn’t mind?” I asked as I searched his baby blues.

Smiling bigger he shook his head. “Of course not, Lauren. I think it would be fun. I’ll worry about you and the girls but I certainly don’t mind.”

I threw myself into his sweat soaked body as he laughed and wrapped his arms around me.

“Lib, baby you don’t have to take Mireya. I’m sure between my folks and yours, they would love to spend more time with her.”

Dropping my arms from Colt, I spun around. Libby was grinning at Luke as tears filled her eyes. “You wouldn’t have a problem with it?” Luke shook his head. “Of course not baby.” Libby turned and looked at Taylor who was still dancing around as Mireya giggled. “I mean, I’m not sure how I’ll do leaving her for so many days but it sure would be nice to get away for a few days.”

Luke walked up to Libby and placed his finger on her chin and pulled her face back to him. “You deserve a break.”

Grace started jumping. “Okay, so I’m going to guess by Lauren jumping into Colt’s disgusting sweat-covered arms, he is down for this trip.” Glancing at Colt and I, I nodded my head enthusiastically. Grace jumped for joy and that caused me to jump for joy. Turning her attention to Will, Grace raised an eyebrow. “William?”

Alex started laughing. Will reached down and kissed Alex again. “Of course I don’t mind. That’s not saying I’m not going to be worried. I want y’all to be careful. Like no driving at night and all of that.”

“I agree with, Will.” Luke said.

Colt wrapped his arms around me as I felt a sense of warmth invade my body.

“Same here,” Colt said.

Grace beamed with a sense of accomplishment. “Then it’s settled bitches. We’re going on a girls’ trip!”

Grace and Maegan grabbed hands and jumped around as Taylor bounced Mireya all over as she said, “Yay! Girls’ trip!”

As I looked around the room at my friends I was overcome with happiness. Everything just seemed to be falling into place. Peeking over my shoulder to Colt who was still holding me, my body shook. I had a feeling things weren’t always going to be so smooth. Looking back ahead I tried to smile as I attempted to push the uneasy feeling that overtook my happiness.

WALKING DOWN THE stairs, I headed to the front door. “Hey, where are you going?” Stopping, I peeked into the living room. My mother and father were both sitting on the couch watching a movie. Heading over to them, I couldn’t help but smile when I noticed they were holding hands.

“I’m headed to go pick up Lauren. We’re gonna spend some time together before the girls leave tomorrow for Colorado.”

My mother glanced down to the bag I was carrying. Motioning with her head, she asked, “What’s in the bag?”

Smiling, I opened it slightly. “Let’s see, a blanket, a gift, and an iPod filled with Lauren’s favorite songs. Oh and a small speaker to hook the iPod up to.”

“Do you mind if I ask what the gift is?” my mother asked with a sweet smile.

Shaking my head I said, “Of course not. It’s an Alex and Ani bracelet that I’m going to give Lauren. It is a heart with a keyhole in it. You know, since she holds the key to my heart and all.”

“And what do you need the blanket for?” my father asked.

“To watch the stars.”

Both my parents looked at me with raised eyebrows. “Watching the stars, huh?” They both asked at once.

“Yeah, I’m taking Lauren somewhere special after dinner to look at the stars. Then I’ll give her the bracelet.”

My mother smiled and said, “Awe! How romantic, Colt!” Turning to my father, she nudged him with her shoulder. “Sounds so familiar. Like father, like son.”

My father smiled at my mother and kissed her gently, yet quickly on the lips. “I taught the boy everything he knows.”

Laughing, I shook my head. “Whatever, Dad. Hey I have to go. I have reservations for dinner.”

Turning to leave my mother called out. “Where in the world do you need to make reservations in Mason for dinner?”