The CEO's Secret

Chapter Twelve - True Colors

A few weeks had passed and Colt and I were on our way to an actual friendship. After everything that had happened, I didn't think it would be possible for us to be friends, but we'd been having a fun time over the last few weeks. We would grab drinks every few nights and just talk. I almost wondered if we were always meant to be friends.

We mostly talked about our jobs and families. Our relationship wasn't very long-lasting, so it was easier to stick to the few topics we'd touched on during our relationship than to try to venture into anything new. We also avoided the topic of dating each other all together.

We crossed our boundaries, though. He'd brushed hair out of my face or rubbed my knee. I straightened his tie and let my hands linger on his chest too long.

Tonight was our last night to hang out. Tomorrow, I would need to be at home to pack for the trip with Shane. I had a list of what I needed to pack to make it easier, but I knew it still would be a task. I was an overpacker and overthought everything.

I met Colt at his house. This was the first time I had been back there since we'd broken up. I'd hoped things weren't going where I thought they were going, but the part of me in the back of my head hoped we were.

He invited me in and we ate take out pizza. We were on the couch where everything started and watching the same show we'd left off on. My heart was beating out of my chest because everything felt so similar to the night our relationship began.

Colt put his hand on my knee. I tensed, trying not to appreciate the contact. I had spent the last few weeks trying not to get too involved emotionally. I knew I would just get hurt. I knew this was all bad news but it was deliciously tempting to sink back in to the trap. We were leaning in for a kiss before I knew it.

The front door creaked open which drew our attention away before our lips met. Heels clicked against the tile floor and I realized they weren't my own.

“Colt?” A woman's voice called. It wasn't his mom.

Colt looked at me shyly. I didn't know yet was going on but realistically, I had a good idea. The woman walked into the living room. She was short and skinny with long blonde hair. She was dressed professionally and very beautiful. Her face soured when she saw me which only confirmed my suspicions.

“Hi, Corrine. What are you doing here?” Colt asked.

“I came to check on you when you weren't responding to my messages.” Corrine said. “Who's this?”

“I'm Taylor.” I said.

“The ex?” Corrine said. Nice, I had a reputation. I nodded to her.

“I can explain, Corrine. We're just friends, just hanging out.” Colt said.

“In your dimly lit apartment on your couch?” Corrine asked.

“I should go.” I said.

I didn't stick around to hear their fight. I had been played, again. Colt played me and I shouldn't have been at all surprised. I couldn't even be upset about it because I had seen it coming from miles away. Colt would never change.

I didn't dwell on it. I went home and recapped the night to Ashley and Megan, who were no less surprised than I was.

The next morning I woke up with a ton of texts from Colt. Some were apologetic and some were gaslighting, as normal. He went back and forth from apologizing for what happened to making sure I knew we were just friends and he'd done nothing wrong. I ignored him and went about my day. I had the day off of work to pack and prepare.

I sent to work. I picked several very professional outfits. I brought a few more casual things for the moments I wasn't working. I tossed in a few pairs of pajamas, both comfortable and some a little sexy. I wanted to be prepared for anything. Maybe I'd meet a hot guy and we'd hook up before we never spoke again.

I packed my hair tools and make up.

A call from Shane came at the perfect time after I finished zipping my luggage.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” He asked.

 “Born ready.” I said.