“Don’t leave me,” I whispered. I felt him settle back beside me and knowing I was safe, I drifted back off to sleep.
When I woke again, daylight was pouring into my room as I opened groggy eyes. Something had died in my mouth and I needed to brush my teeth desperately. I also needed coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Vats of caffeine. In fact, if it was possible, a straight IV of the black nectar would be ideal.
With my body protesting loudly, I gingerly climbed out of bed. Good God what was that smell? Was that me? I shuddered and stumbled to the bathroom. I peeled off my underwear and set the shower to hot. As it heated, I brushed my teeth vigorously. Twice.
When the room was heavy with steam I climbed under the unforgiving spray and washed away the pain. My eyes closed as I scrubbed my scalp and then my body. Pity I couldn’t open the insides and scrape them clean as well, I mused.
My eyes flew open as I remembered MattandColton had been here when I had briefly woken up during the night. Oh man, I was not looking forward to this.
Resolutely I got out of the shower and wrapped myself in the biggest towel I owned. I tiptoed to my room and hastily dressed in sweatpants, t-shirt and cardigan. Matt had stayed with me, I saw the impression on the pillow that his head had left.
I brushed my tangled wet hair and then having run out of things to procrastinate over, I tied it up still wet and braved the living room. The wonderful smell of coffee greeted me as I walked down the hall and I detoured into the kitchen.
A full fresh pot sat waiting alongside Colton. He was leaning casually against the counter, waiting for me. He was dressed in dark jeans and a clean crisp white t-shirt. His feet were bare and I briefly considered how sexy his feet were and wondered where his socks were. Who knew he would even have sexy feet.I did. I rolled my eyes internally. I was pathetic.
“Where’s Matt?” I asked softly.
He didn’t move. I sighed out loud and pulled one of the kitchen chairs out. May as well get this over with.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Like shit.”
He nodded like he expected nothing else. “You were lucky.”
I snorted. “I don’t feel lucky,” I snapped. The eyebrow lifted. I scolded myself to be civil. It wasn’t his fault after all. I only had myself to blame. “Sorry,” I muttered.
He placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of me. I took it gratefully. I picked it up and inhaled deeply. Nothing is more satisfying than inhaling that first whiff of coffee in the morning.
I heard the other chair pull out and looked up as he sat down. I quickly averted my eyes.
“Do you know what day it is?” he asked me softly. I looked at him quickly. Was he tripping?
“Sunday,” I answered, I didn’t hide my confusion. He smiled softly and shook his head.
“It’s Monday Ari.”
“What?” A flare of panic was rising in me, how was it Monday?
He checked his watch. “Monday afternoon in fact. Matt’s in class. We have a test, I couldn’t leave you here alone. Matt went to sit it and make my excuses. I’m hoping that my otherwise impeccable attendance record, goes in my favour for a re-sit. If it doesn’t dad’s a big investor in the college. I could maybe flash his money,” he flashed a humourless smile at me.
I sunk down in my seat.I’m going to burn in hell.
“I’m really sorry.” I stared at my coffee cup fighting back tears.
“He’s going to go see your professors too. We both have an abhorrent case of food poisoning.” He continued. I sank further. I felt wretched.
“I’m really, really sorry.”
“Your boyfriend called.” I jerked in response and looked up at him. He held my gaze; my eyes ran over his face and I noted the disappointment. I felt something inside me die.
“Ok, he’s not really my boyfriend, we’re just friends,” I muttered. I took a deep drink of scalding coffee. I winced as it burned, but in all honesty, it was the least I deserved.
“Well he seems to think he is.” Was the easy retort. I shrugged. I felt like I was being chastised by my father. Only dad would never have made me feel so incredibly guilty. Although to be fair, I would never have been so stupid before.
“I’ll call him back later.”
Colton sighed and looked out my kitchen window. I drank in his side profile. He had beautiful skin, it wasn’t fair. Those ridiculous long lashes and those cheekbones, I should hate him.