Those Emerald Eyes

Chapter 6 - Colton's P.O.V.

As I stepped out of my condo, I was taken aback by her unexpected transformation. My mouth dropped open when she smiled at me, though it didn’t reach her eyes; at least she wasn’t glaring at me anymore.

I still didn’t trust it. It didn’t take long for my initial shock to fade, replaced by amusement. What was Green Eyes up to now?

Not fifteen minutes ago, she had shot daggers from her eyes, but now she was making an effort to be cordial.

There was no hint of seduction, just a play at politeness. Her strained facial muscles betrayed her; she did not like me. However, her new courteous behavior grated on me.

It irked me. The sheer force of her indignant passion that she now hid from me, I craved like an alcoholic yearning for the next drink. A wild impulse overcame me, and I prodded the jade tiger.

For a hot minute, I regretted it, until I witnessed the flicker of flames in her eyes as I fanned them. The electricity in the air compelled me to guide her further, teetering her on the edge of the cliff before I nudged.

It didn’t take much to strike that match. When I called her Green Eyes, her lips pursed tight, and her posture grew rigid. Still, she said hi and ignored the nickname. Hmmm....nope, I don’t like it. Just one more push...

Anger simmered just beneath the surface as she turned to open the door, propping a sizable container on her knee. My eyes roamed down to that biteable ass, and I lingered my gaze waiting--no willing her to catch me, and boy did she.

Excitement raced through my veins, and I itched to slam my lips against hers. What in the world is wrong with me?

Sensing the stall in my movement, her ponytail swayed, flipping over her shoulder and exposing skin on her upper back and neck.

As she tilted her head to peek behind, those glittering eyes narrowed and burned bright. Her face bloomed in color, revealing lovely pink cheeks that I longed to caress with my thumbs and mouth before tasting her soft, full lips. How far down did that pretty blush travel?

She scowled at my smug expression and slammed the door. Victorious, yet uncomfortably aroused, I continued down the hall to meet Zach. Yeah, I’m making this worse. Oops.

I approached the stairwell, but my feet came to an abrupt stop. Emerging from the landing with a box in her hands was an adorable yet sexy redhead. Given the item she was carrying, I concluded that she must be friends with my Green Eyes. My? Wait...what?

She raised an eyebrow and smirked, unapologetically devouring my entire form. I looked down. She stripped me down with a glance, but upon my brief check, I confirmed I still wore clothes. She made ME blush. Shaking my head, I tossed her a cheeky grin.

“You’re not shy, are you?” I accused, amusement coating my voice. A Cheshire smile on my lips. What will she tell me about the woman who drew me in, captivated my mind, and made my c**k throb with a glance?

“You’re walking s*x on a stick, no time for shy,” She snickered with a wink.

I burst out laughing, giving her my dimples and full set of white teeth. This woman was a riot. “You helping out my new neighbor?”

“Yeah, I’m Mel,” she offered a hand to shake.“I can’t believe she didn’t mention you.”She undressed me again.

“Red. Red. Red. You are trouble,” I pretended to scold. “Oh s**t, I forgot her name already, what was it again? I’d hate to look foolish and say, ‘Hey, you,’ next time I bumped into her,” I feigned ignorance.

Come on, she was eye f*****g me the moment she ran into me. She would tell me, wouldn’t she? She popped a hip and narrowed her eyes at me, but humor shone in her eyes.

“Veronica. Ronnie for short. You like her," she stated, amused, studying me. No inflection of jealousy, only mischief. The redhead leaned closer and added, “But let’s be real...um...,” she paused, leaving the opening for me to give her my name.

“Colton,” chuckling, I lifted my eyebrows in anticipation of what hilarious thing this wild woman might say next.

“Let’s be real, Colton. I’m quite certain she never told you her name. Actually, I’m positive she doesn’t like you at all. Am I wrong?” she laughed, and I joined in. Yep, their friendship is making more and more sense. Yang to Veronica’s yin.

Rubbing the back of my head, I cast her a sheepish grin, “No, Red, you are not wrong on all of the above. However, I do like a challenge, and I’m definitely provoking her on purpose. She is cute when she’s mad. Well, I gotta get going, I’m meeting a buddy for a night out. You have fun unpacking,” I winked.

“Hold up. You say you like a challenge, do you?” I nodded in reply, stepping back to her. Oh Lord, what is this spitfire going to do now? Her small frame somehow magically contained an enormous personality.

“Well, sir, climbing Mount Everest might prove easier.” She rubbed her chin in thought, but then her eyes lit up. “However, I am willing to help you,” she said, and then bounced in excitement, setting the box down at our feet.

What’s that now? Why would she propose that when it came to her best friend, who damn near hated me?

Charming Red, a scheming plotter. Considering the offer for a moment, I decided against it. I should do this on my own if I wanted to make peace and garner Veronica’s favor.

Disappointment filled me; riling her up was my new favorite thing, I discovered. All that heat in her eyes made the idea of cracking that shell and seeing what kind of wild kitten was buried beneath so enticing.

I opened my mouth to speak, only to be cut off by her sexy rasp infiltrating my ears.

“Mel, I need you. ASAP!” Her annoyance and panic were evident in her voice, which rose an octave. Interesting.

We both turned to look, fixated on the angry raven before Mel gave her a signal, asking for more time. Game on.

Ronnie’s chest rose and fell, and her fists were balled at her sides. The desire to be licked by her flames possessed me once more. I spun to face Mel.

“Count me in. What do I do, Obi-Wan? Mind you, she doesn’t like me at all. How do you plan to turn that around?”

“Oh, for f**k’s sake. Obi-Wan, really?” she said under her breath. I tilted my head in confusion at her reaction. She waved her hand as if to say Forget it in response.

“She may not like you, but I’m a wagering gal. I’m betting that ‘like’ and ‘lust’ don’t live in harmony for Ronnie. The like will come later; if not, the lust might burn you both to a cinder. So let’s do a little experiment, shall we?”

Mel rested her hand on my bicep and murmured, “Shove your hands in your front pockets, pulling your pants tight over your, ahem, assets.” She hinted toward my backside with a nod of her head. I shook my own and laughed.

Seconds later, I followed her strange suggestion. After a minute of her pretending to be focused on our conversation, she redirected her gaze over my shoulder. Her eyes lit up with satisfaction as she scrutinized her friend. I craned my neck to inspect for myself.

Oh god, I groaned. Ronnie’s tongue caressed her lower lip, as her eyes appeared to be hypnotized by my ass. My d**k twitched, pressing against the zipper. Jesus!

Mel did not miss; she lined up her target and hit it dead center. Caught ogling me, Ronnie attempted to act innocent and look away, but the stain of shame colored her cheeks once more. She flushed so easily, and I loved it.

“Okay, devious one, what’s next?”

“So, any good places around here to get a drink?” She batted her eyes. “Ronnie and I are going out once the movers are gone,” I smirked at her not-so-subtle clue.

“Yeah. I think tonight, the best place to be is Club Bliss. My friend, Zach, and I are going out too. Not sure where we might be,” a conspiratorial smile on my lips.

“You never can tell,” she patted me on the back and picked up the box, strolling toward Veronica. I peered back one more time, and before the door closed on my neighbor’s condo, she poked out her head to peek. Saluting two fingers at her, I tipped my head.

Just when I thought I had won that round, she popped out her middle finger, kissed it, and blew it at me. Love it. Promises. Promises. See you later, V.