Chapter 29
Chapter 29:
Without a word to anyone else, Colton strode into the restaurant and headed directly for her. His hands were curled into tight fists, veins standing out beneath his skin. Holding his anger in check, he spoke in a low voice. “Why didn’t you pick up when Bobby called p>
Kristine calmly took a sip of her lemonade. “You told me your plans, but you never once asked whether I wanted to be involved p>
A flicker of displeasure passed through Colton’s eyes.
“But that’s always been your style, hasn’t it?” she continued. “Doing whatever suits you, never caring about what I thought or how I felt.” She set the glass down with a deliberate motion, her smile bright yet edged with steel. “Does it make sense now? We didn’t fall apart because you missed the courthouse. We ended because I finally got tired of your selfishness p>
𝘚𝗁𝖺𝗿𝖾 𝘆о𝘶𝗿 𝘁h𝗼𝘂𝘨𝗁t𝘀 𝘰𝗻
Colton’s pulse skipped.
That old, helpless feeling of losing control crashed over him.
“Kristine, I only had Bobby call you because I arranged a candlelit dinner. I wanted it to be a surprise,” he said.
A sharp, mocking laugh escaped her, her smile practically dripping with sarcasm.
The sight of it grated on Colton. He scowled. “What’s so funny p>
“What’s funny is that you bothered at all. There was never any chance of us sharing that candlelit dinner.” Her eyes danced with something that looked almost like mischief.
Colton pressed his fingers to his temples, exasperated. “Can’t you just have a normal conversation p>
“Define normal.” Her gaze met his head-on, playful defiance in her expression. “Tell you what, Colton — want to make a bet p>
Colton leaned slightly forward. “What kind of bet p>
“You arranged that candlelit dinner, right? Let’s go tomorrow night. If we make it through the whole meal without any interruptions, you get to ask me for anything you want. But if you leave before we finish, then you’ll owe me a favor p>
Barely pausing to consider, Colton nodded. “Deal p>
The wager seemed so insignificant he didn’t even blink. He couldn’t understand why Kristine would bother with such a simple challenge. Still, her willingness to engage with him at all felt like progress.
Later that evening, Kristine accepted a ride back to the villa in Colton’s car. Watching her slip quietly out and head toward the door, he found himself lost in thought.
She seemed unchanged. And if she truly did not care anymore, why had she come back with him? That idea soothed Colton, and some of the tension faded from his features.
Together, they made their way upstairs. Kristine stepped into her room and immediately moved to close the door behind her — only for Colton to block it with his hand.
“Kristine p>
She looked over her shoulder. “I’m going to bed p>
A faint, disbelieving chuckle escaped him. “So am I p>
Kristine’s grip tightened on the doorknob. “Your room is right next door. Use it p>
She held her ground, making it unmistakably clear that he was not welcome to cross the threshold.
Colton arched a brow, his tone drifting toward something half-teasing. “Do you really need to be this stubborn, Kristine? You were once eager to share a room with me p>
All the color drained from her cheeks.