Thirty and Single.

Chapter 17.

The moment I stepped into my house, the silence enveloped me like a comforting blanket. I slipped off my heels, relishing the coolness of the floor against my sore feet. My maroon dress pooled around my ankles as I made my way to the bedroom. Changing into my favourite oversized hoodie and soft pyjama shorts, I felt the tension of the evening begin to melt away.

In the bathroom, the familiar scent of lavender from my cleanser calmed my senses. I massaged it into my skin, the circular motions soothing both my face and my thoughts. After rinsing and patting my face dry, I applied moisturizer, the cool cream a balm to my tired skin.

Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed, the plush mattress embracing me. The events of the evening replayed in my mind, the laughter, the stories, the warmth of Corey's family. Yet, beneath it all, there was an undercurrent of something unresolved.

A sudden knock at the door jolted me from my thoughts. I glanced at the clock—10:45 PM. Curious, I padded to the door and opened it to find Colton standing there.

He looked freshly showered, his damp hair tousled and a subtle scent of sandalwood wafting from him. Dressed in casual shorts and a T-shirt, he exuded a relaxed confidence.

"Hey," he said, his voice soft.

"Hi," I replied, stepping aside to let him in.

We settled on the couch, the ambient light casting gentle shadows around us. The silence between us was comfortable, yet charged.

"So, how was dinner?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"It was nice," I replied. "Corey's family is lovely."

He nodded, his gaze fixed on me. "I'm glad they treated you well."

"They did," I affirmed, sensing something more behind his words.

He shifted closer, our knees brushing. "Genesis," he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

I turned to face him, our eyes locking. The intensity in his gaze made my heart race.

"I've been thinking about you all evening," he confessed.

Before I could respond, he leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a tender kiss. It was soft, exploratory, and sent a shiver down my spine.

I responded instinctively, my hands finding their way to his shoulders. The kiss deepened, our connection intensifying.

When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," he admitted.

A smile tugged at my lips. "Me too."

We sat in silence, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

"I should go," he said reluctantly, standing up.

I walked him to the door, our fingers intertwined. At the threshold, he turned to me, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Goodnight, Genesis."

"Goodnight, Colton," I whispered, watching him disappear into the night.

The next morning, the office buzzed with its usual energy. Brooklyn spotted me and immediately approached, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Spill," she demanded, pulling me into the break room.

I laughed, the memory of last night warming me.

"Colton kissed me," I confessed.

Her eyes widened. "Finally! How was it?"

"Incredible," I admitted, a blush creeping up my cheeks.

She squealed, clapping her hands. "I knew there was something between you two!"

I nodded, the reality of the situation sinking in.

"But now I'm confused," I admitted. "Corey is sweet, and his family is amazing. But with Colton... it's different."

Brooklyn placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Follow your heart, Genesis. It knows the way."

Back at my desk, I couldn't focus. My thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions.

A message popped up on my phone:

Corey: Good morning, beautiful. Hope you have a great day.

I stared at the screen, my heart heavy.

Later, as the day wore on, I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. I stood up, trying to steady myself, but the room spun.

"Genesis!" Colton's voice called out, concerned.

I turned to see him approaching, his face etched with worry.

"Are you okay?" he asked, reaching out to steady me.

"I... I don't feel so good," I murmured, before everything went black.