Chapter 4 4

Mia's POV

The events of the previous evening felt surreal, like a dream she was afraid to wake from. She had held her breath, waiting for Colton to retreat, to pull back into the shell of nonchalance he wore so well. Instead, he had bared his heart, and for the first time, she had seen him unguarded.

Her phone buzzed on the counter, startling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Colton.

Colton: Morning. Still on for tonight?

Her lips curved into a small smile. He had suggested dinner at his place, a quiet evening for just the two of them. It was nothing extravagant, but the simplicity of it made her chest warm.

Mia: Yes, what time should I come by?

His reply came almost immediately.

Colton: 6 PM. Don't be late.

She laughed softly, setting her phone down. The day stretched out before her, and for once, she wasn't dreading the hours ahead.

By mid-afternoon, Mia found herself sorting through her closet, debating what to wear. She didn't want to overdo it, but she also didn't want to seem indifferent. Pulling out a simple yet elegant black dress, she held it up in front of the mirror. It felt right-casual enough for a relaxed evening but polished enough to show she cared.

Her nerves began to creep in as the clock edged closer to six. What if tonight didn't go as smoothly as she hoped? What if they found themselves stumbling through awkward silences, the weight of their new dynamic pressing down on them?

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that this was Colton. Her best friend. The man who had kissed her like she was the only thing that mattered. Whatever happened, they would figure it out together.

Colton's POV

The sound of the oven timer pulled Colton out of his thoughts. He opened the oven door, a wave of heat hitting him as he checked on the roast. It was his first attempt at cooking for someone other than himself, and he was determined not to screw it up.

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of rosemary and garlic, a testament to his efforts. He glanced at the table, where he had set out two plates and a bottle of wine. Everything was simple but intentional.

He checked his watch. Ten minutes until six. The nervous energy coursing through him was foreign, unfamiliar. He had faced boardrooms full of intimidating executives without batting an eye, yet the thought of sitting across from Mia tonight had him on edge.

The doorbell rang, and his heart skipped a beat. Wiping his hands on a towel, he crossed the room and opened the door to find Mia standing there, her cheeks slightly flushed from the crisp evening air.

"You're early," he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

"By two minutes," she replied, rolling her eyes but smiling back.

He stepped aside to let her in, and her gaze swept over the room.

"This looks amazing," she said, her voice soft.

"It's just dinner," he said, but the warmth in her tone made him feel like he had accomplished something monumental.

They settled at the table, the initial awkwardness quickly fading as they fell into their usual rhythm. Conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and the occasional clink of glasses.

Mia's POV

Mia set her fork down, leaning back in her chair. "I have to admit, I didn't think you could cook like this."

Colton chuckled, pouring her another glass of wine. "I like to keep my talents hidden. Adds to the mystery."

She shook her head, smiling. "You're ridiculous."

His expression softened as he studied her. "I'm glad you're here, Mia."

The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten. She reached out, placing her hand over his. "I am too."

The air between them shifted, charged with unspoken words. His fingers curled around hers, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

"Can I ask you something?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Anything."

"What changed? Why now?"

He exhaled, his gaze dropping to their joined hands. "I've been asking myself the same thing. I think I was scared-of losing you, of ruining what we have. But last night, when you looked at me like that... I couldn't hold back anymore."

Her breath hitched, his words wrapping around her like a balm.

"I don't want to be afraid anymore," he continued. "I want to see where this goes, Mia. If you're willing to take that risk with me."

Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away. "I've been waiting for you to say that for so long."

A small smile tugged at his lips, and he stood, pulling her up with him. "Then let's stop waiting."

He leaned down, his lips brushing against hers with a tenderness that stole her breath. This kiss was different-deeper, more certain, a promise of the future they were both stepping into.

Colton's POV

The night stretched on, the hours slipping away unnoticed as they talked and laughed in the warm glow of the living room. Colton watched Mia as she curled up on the couch, her laughter filling the space like music.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this content.

"You're staring," she said, a teasing lilt in her voice.

"Can you blame me?" he shot back, earning an eye roll and a smile.

She reached for her wine glass, her movements graceful and unhurried. "I still can't believe this is happening."

"Why not?"

"Because I never thought you'd let your guard down long enough to admit how you feel."

Her words struck a chord, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I didn't think I deserved you," he admitted.

Her eyes softened, and she set the glass aside. "You're wrong, Colton. You've always deserved this. You just didn't see it."

The weight of her words settled over him, grounding him in a way he hadn't expected.

"I see it now," he said, his voice steady.

She smiled, reaching out to lace her fingers with his. "Good. Because I'm not letting you go."

His chest tightened, a mix of relief and something deeper filling the space where doubt had once been.