Chapter 3 3

Mia's POV

She sat cross-legged on the couch, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee. The events of last night played on a loop in her mind, each moment sharper than the last.

Colton had kissed her. Not the way he usually did- teasing, playful, with no promises attached. Last night had been different. His touch, his words, everything about him had felt... real.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, pulling her from her thoughts. She hesitated before picking it up, her stomach flipping when she saw his name on the screen.

Colton: Morning. Can we talk later?

She stared at the message, unsure how to respond. They'd already talked-or, more accurately, she'd spilled her heart, and he'd kissed her in a way that made her hope for something more. But where did that leave them now?

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard before she finally typed out a reply.

Mia: Sure. Let me know when.

Setting the phone down, she leaned back against the cushions and closed her eyes. Her heart wanted to believe that last night had changed everything, but her mind was already bracing for disappointment.

The sharp knock at her door startled her. She wasn't expecting anyone, and a quick glance at her phone confirmed it wasn't Colton.

Opening the door, she was met with Layla's grinning face. Her friend held up a box of pastries like a peace offering.

"I figured you could use some company," Layla said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Mia blinked at her. "Did you read my mind or something?"

Layla set the box on the counter and shrugged. "You're not exactly hard to read, Mia. So, what happened?"

Mia sighed, dropping onto a stool by the kitchen island. "Colton kissed me last night."

Layla froze mid-bite of a croissant, her eyes widening. "Wait, what? Like, *really* kissed you? Not one of those 'I'm trying to charm my way out of something' kisses?"

"No," Mia said, her cheeks heating. "It was... different. Like he actually meant it."

"Holy crap." Layla set the croissant down, her expression turning serious. "What did he say after?"

"Not much. He left after the kiss. But he texted me this morning and said he wants to talk later."

Layla leaned forward, her gaze intent. "And how do you feel about it?"

"I don't know." Mia buried her face in her hands. "Part of me wants to believe this means something. But the other part is terrified he's going to say it was a mistake."

Layla reached across the counter and squeezed Mia's hand. "Look, I've seen the way that guy looks at you. Whatever this is, I don't think it's just a fling for him anymore."

Mia nodded, hoping her friend was right.

Colton's POV

The familiar hum of the elevator filled the air as Colton leaned against the mirrored wall, his thoughts racing. He'd spent the better part of the morning replaying last night over and over in his head, questioning if he'd handled it the right way.

The kiss had been impulsive, but it had also been inevitable. He couldn't keep pretending that what he felt for Mia was casual. Not anymore.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing the sleek lobby of his office building. He stepped out, nodding at the receptionist before heading to his private office.

Caleb was already there, lounging in one of the leather chairs with a cup of coffee in hand.

"Good morning to you too," Colton said, raising an eyebrow.

"Morning," Caleb replied, his grin entirely too smug. "You look like you didn't sleep."

Colton dropped his briefcase onto the desk and loosened his tie. "Not in the mood, Caleb."

"Let me guess," Caleb said, leaning back in the chair. "This is about Mia."

Colton glared at him. "What do you want?"

"To help, obviously." Caleb's tone was annoyingly cheerful. "You kissed her, didn't you?"

Colton's silence was answer enough.

"Well, it's about time." Caleb set his coffee down, his expression turning serious. "So what's the plan now?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out."

"Here's a thought," Caleb said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Tell her how you feel instead of overthinking everything like you always do."

Colton ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's not that simple."

"Sure it is," Caleb shot back. "Unless you're planning to push her away and regret it for the rest of your life."

The words hit harder than Colton wanted to admit. Caleb had a point, but the fear of losing Mia was paralyzing.

"You're right," Colton said finally. "I need to talk to her."

---

Mia's POV

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the park as Mia sat on a bench, her phone clutched in her hands. She'd texted Colton earlier, agreeing to meet him here, but now the weight of what they needed to discuss was pressing down on her.

The sound of footsteps on gravel made her look up. Colton was walking toward her, his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

He stopped in front of her, his hazel eyes meeting hers. "Hey."

"Hey," she replied, her voice softer than she intended.

He sat down beside her, leaving a small but noticeable gap between them. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

"I've been thinking about last night," Colton said finally, breaking the silence.

"So have I," Mia admitted.

He turned to face her, his gaze intense. "Mia, I meant what I said last night. I've been fighting how I feel about you because I was scared. Scared of ruining what we have. Scared of losing you."

Her heart thudded in her chest as his words sank in.

"But I can't keep pretending," he continued, his voice steady. "This isn't just physical for me. It hasn't been for a long time."

Tears pricked her eyes, and she blinked them away. "Colton..."

"I know I've messed up," he said, his tone softening. "But I need you to know how much you mean to me. And if you'll let me, I want to figure this out together."

Mia's breath caught as she searched his face for any sign of hesitation. She didn't find any.

"Do you mean that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I've never been more sure of anything," he said.

The vulnerability in his eyes was her undoing. Without thinking, she reached out and took his hand, threading her fingers through his.

"I've wanted this for so long," she said, her voice trembling.

"Me too," he admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips.

In that moment, the weight that had been pressing down on her lifted, replaced by something warm and hopeful.