Hometown Love

Callie & Colton

Callie

I never tired of watching Colt play football. He was damn good, and man did he look sexy when he played. I had always been so proud of Colton growing up, watching him discipline himself with meal prep, hitting the weight room, and always being the last one to leave the field after practices. When he was drafted, I was by his side waiting to hear the news. While my heart sunk when I heard he would have to move to LA, I knew that he deserved this more than anyone. Plus, I had never imagined that my friendship would change so drastically when he left.

I had let my guard down, I realized that now. When he came back, I was angry, but my love and admiration for Colton wore me down quickly. I had missed my best friend, and I was having so much fun with him back in my life and in our town. But being at Trace's football practice and hearing Colton talk about the NFL, the realization that he would be leaving again in a few weeks hit me like a ton of bricks.

Would he shut me out again? Would he return to LA and never look back? Was I just a temporary distraction-- the way I had felt the first time he left?

Once Coach had let the boys go, a couple stragglers hung around asking for Colton's advice-- what workouts they could do, how to eat right for their body, and more about how they could achieve their dreams. It was heartwarming to see these kids who had always idolized Colton working just as hard to get where he was. But I still felt a pit in my stomach, knowing that the reality of being with Colton was short-term.

When the boys had left, Colton jogged over my way, glistening with sweat and looking delectable, softening my pain just a little.

He surprised me by bear hugging me around the waist, picking me up and spinning me around. When he set me down, I nearly lost all coherent thought in my head as he stayed pressed close to me.

"Thank you, that was so much fun," he beamed.

"What are you thanking me for?" I gawked.

"You set this all up, didn't you? Probably because you wanted to admire my sexy body," he teased.

I felt the blush creep up my cheeks and I rolled my eyes to distract from the fact that he was right.

"Seriously, helping those kids get better was really rewarding and you know how much I love playing football," his eyes narrowed in sincerity.

I nodded once, "I know, Colt. I'm glad you had fun."

"Now I am all yours for the rest of the night. I know you're not working at the ranch tomorrow, so let's get into some trouble," he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

I giggled, temporarily putting my pain to the back of my mind, knowing that I should enjoy the time I have with Colton before he broke my heart again.

"Well what did you have in mind, cowboy?" I wiggled my eyebrows back.

"Let me go get a shower at my mom's, and then I'll come pick you up and we'll go for some ice cream?"

I beamed, he knew how much I loved daiquiri ice in the summertime.

"Works for me!"

Colton

The time I'd been able to spend with Callie so far was perfect. It felt like old times, only now she knew how I truly felt about her. I knew she still doubted my feelings, and rightfully so. I had hurt Callie in an unimaginable way, and I would always regret it. Hopefully, though, I could show her how badly I messed up and prove to her that she was my future.

Her birthday was the perfect opportunity.

I had two weeks to come up with the perfect day-- she knew I loved celebrating her birthday so I couldn't surprise her with anything, she'd see it coming. But my grand gesture could be more meaningful than a surprise.