"Dude...come on."

"What?" I sighed, begrudgingly tearing my eyes away from the pretty blonde three tables over.

Jason kicked me under the table until I finally looked at him. Yes, somehow the guy I nearly pummeled on the first day had somehow become my best friend. When I stood up to him that day, he mistakenly assumed I was her boyfriend. I explained that I wasn't, but I still didn't want him messing with Corri.

"Please stop staring at her. It's embarrassing."

I growled in frustration as I tore into my cheeseburger and pouted at my carton of milk. "I wasn't staring," I huffed. "Just keeping an eye on her."

"You are so-oo-oo jealous," Jason sing-songed. "Fuck, I don't know why you just don't go tell her how you feel."

"Quit it," I warned. "You know it's not like that between us."

"You can't convince me you don't want her," he countered with a knowing look.

"Whatever," I shrugged. "I already told you her dad told me to stay away."

Jason nodded slowly before glancing over my head. "So what would her dad say about Trent Smith giving her the goo-goo eyes."

My head snapped in her direction, noting that she was indeed smiling at a guy sitting across from her. I could feel my scalp tingle with a feeling I had become all too familiar with. "Who is that guy?"

He chuckled, "I knew you were jealous." Jason regarded my scowl and raised his hands. "Sorry. That's Trent. Super smart kid. He's in honor society and student council. Pretty sure he's a good guy, Colt. Definitely not a player."

"Unlike some people we know," I teased, then ducking as he tossed a napkin toward my head. Jason Young turned out to not be the bad guy I thought he was. Even Corri finally forgave him when she realized we had become friends. I just liked teasing him about being a player. The truth was, pretty girls made him nervous. And no one was prettier than my Corri.

I watched Trent a little longer and then reached for Jason's juice. "Were you gonna drink this?"

"Don't do it, dude."

"What?" I feigned ignorance, grabbing the carton from his tray and shaking it as I stood. "I'm just gonna go say hi."

"You're so obsessed," Jason sighed dramatically. "Just ask her out."

"I can't hear you," I laughed, retreating across the lunch room in my quest to learn more about Corri's would-be suitor.

Neither of them noticed me as I lowered myself onto Corri's side of the bench. I straddled the seat and sat much closer than necessary, but my possessive side was coming out hard that day. "Hey, butterfly."

Corri swiveled around and furrowed her brow at me as I smiled down on her. "Orange juice?" I offered, completely ignoring Trent, but shooting Ally a quick grin.

"Oh, thanks," Corri nodded, confusion evident in her eyes. I didn't usually sit with her at lunch, opting the company of the seniors instead. But I always made sure to keep her in my sights.

I glanced between Trent and Corri, raising my eyebrows a bit. "So what's going on here?"

"Colt…" Corri sighed.

"Trent here here was asking Corri about spending some time with him...after school," Ally informed me, earning a dirty look from Corri. 

"Is that right? And what did you tell him?"

Corri shook her head and scowled at me when I stole a fry off her plate. "Please don't do this," she whispered.

"I'm not doing anything. Just wanna get to know your new friend, butterfly."

Trent narrowed his gaze at me and addressed Corri. "Is this guy bothering you?"

I could hear Ally scoffing as Corri shifted uncomfortably. "No, he's not. But maybe we should talk later?"

"Seriously?" he blustered, making a weak attempt to mean mug me. I simply grinned at him before grabbing another fry.

Corri stood and gathered her trash, jerking her head and indicating she wanted Trent to follow her to the trash can. Ally glared at me and then laughed. "You are so hopeless," she sighed.

I jumped up from my spot and strode over to where she stood with Trent, just catching the tail end of their conversation before Corri stalked outside through the double doors. I followed her in confusion, jumping back when she swung around to face me. "What the hell, Colt!?"

I backed up until I hit the brick wall behind me. "What did I do?"

Corri advanced on me with a hardened look in her eyes. "Do you wanna go out with me?"

"What?" I half laughed, half scoffed. "No. Why?"

"I'm so tired of you butting into my life, Colt Anderson! Every time you see me talking to a boy, any boy, you come over with this little possessive act of yours and you always end up scaring the guy off! I'm sick of it."

I watched Corri pacing back and forth in front of me, shaking her head in frustration. "I just don't understand why you won't let me be happy. Do you hate me...is that it?"

My eyes widened in shock as I approached her cautiously, gripping her shoulders and lowering my head to meet her gaze. "You know I don't hate you. Not at all. I'm sorry for…"

"No you're not!" she interrupted, pushing my hands aside. "You do it on purpose and it makes me so confused."

My shoulders fell under the weight of my guilt. I was tormenting her just to keep her for myself. And for what? I had nothing to offer her. I couldn't date her, no matter how much I wanted to. The best thing I could do was let her go...and be happy without me. When I didn't respond, Corri threw up her arms and tried to move around me. I reached for her, pulling her close and tucking her under my chin. "I'm sorry," I murmured softly into her hair. "You're right. Everything you said is right. And I did it on purpose." 

Corri pulled back and peered up at me. "You have to stop hovering, Colt."

I nodded slowly before brushing my lips across her forehead. "I know. I will...I'll be better from now on."

She looked skeptical, but she shot me a small smile before Ally appeared with her books, reminding her that they needed to get to art class. Ally glanced between us and I could see she was trying to bite her tongue. They rushed off and I spent the next hour walking the grounds and trying to figure out how to deal with my feelings. I considered standing up to Charlie and telling him there was no one better for his daughter than me.

But then I imagined his response and what if he kicked me out on my ass for blatantly disregarding his most important rule. No. I just couldn't risk it.

…..

"So how's school going?"

I shuffled around the big bag, throwing punches with my right hand while Charlie held it steady. "Good," I grunted. "My grades are good."

Charlie nodded and I caught a small smile grace his face before it disappeared just as quickly. "You know, I wouldn't be mad if you wanted to try out for a sport at school. I don't want you to miss out on…"

"I like this," I asserted, landing a particularly hard punch that sent Charlie stumbling back just a fraction. "This is where I want to be."

Charlie didn't respond, but I saw the way his chest puffed up proudly. My whole life, I wished for someone to be proud of me like that. Just having someone look at me and seeing my potential meant the world to me. 

I heard the door open and close, immediately feeling her presence in the room. I spared a glance in Corri's direction, earning me a sideways glance from my mentor. "Your concentration is for shit when she's around."

I scoffed, returning my focus to the task at hand. But when I heard her voice and smelled that citrus and cinnamon scent surrounding me, I was a goner. "Hey, dad!" she chirped. "What can I help you with today?"

Charlie stepped back and tossed an arm around his daughter. They talked for a bit and I stopped to adjust the strap on my glove. Charlie left us to accept a delivery at the front door, so I used the opportunity to speak to Corri alone. I reached for her hand and leaned in close. "I really am sorry about how I acted today. I mean it."

"I know," she sighed, trying not to smile.

I watched as she loosened my glove, slipped it off and removed the white wrap as well. I watched her running her fingers over my toughened knuckles before massaging my palm deeply. "So you forgive me?"

She wouldn't look at me, tending to my hand and rewrapping it perfectly before putting my glove back on. "I don't know," Corri shrugged.

I nodded slowly before swiveling around and locking my arms behind her head in a full Nelson submission move. "Colt!" she squealed, maneuvering her body to knock me aside and wriggling out of my grasp.

I laughed when she backed me into the wall, pressing into my chest with both hands. She peered up at me with those warm, hazel eyes and I was breathless. Fuck! My daily internal battle to not kiss Corri was getting more challenging each day, but with her hands on me and her gaze pinning me to this spot, I just wanted one kiss.

"Colt!" Charlie bellowed from across the room. "Get back on the small bag! You don't have time to mess around."

I dropped my forehead to touch Corri's and growled a little. "Your father is a tyrant," I joked.

Corri let her hands drift down my chest before resting on my hips. "Better do what he says," she warned as the tip of her tongue dragged along her bottom lip in a way that had my body heating up...everywhere.

I nodded absently as Corri stepped back and left me standing there praying that no one would notice the way she affected me...and my body. I took my frustration out on the bag and tried to block her out. Corri was a distraction and I needed to figure out a way to put some distance between us.

….

"Colt?" 

"I'm out here," I called through the open window.

Corri's face appeared as she leaned on the sill with both hands. "What are you doing?"

The sun was starting to set and was casting a pink glow on her face. "Just watching the sunset."

Her gaze swept over me as I lay stretched out on a blanket on the roof outside my window. I had one arm tucked under my head and my eyes pinned on her as sat perched on the sill. "Can two play this game?"

I chuckled and nodded, reaching for her hand. "Of course. Just be careful."

Her eyes went big as she stepped toward me on shaky legs. I pulled her down next me and made sure she was secure before easing myself onto my back again. "Best view in town."

"It's kinda high," she observed before reclining beside me. "Aren't you afraid to fall?"

I turned my head and found her struggling to get comfortable. I eased an arm behind her head and held my breath when she snuggled closer. "Not a whole lot scares me, butterfly."

She wiggled a little, gasping as she slid down the roof just a hair. When she reached for me, tucking her face into my neck, I tightened my arm around her shoulders. "Are you okay?" I chuckled, feeling her shudder a bit in my grasp.

"I'm fine," Corri insisted bravely as she pulled her face back and peered up at me.

"Did you hear from that guy? Make any plans to hang out?" I blurted suddenly. 

With her brows knitted together, she shook her head, "You mean Trent?" I nodded. "No… he never did call."

"Maybe you should call him," I offered lamely, already wishing I hadn't mentioned his name. She was already scooting away from me.

I watched as Corri gazed off in the distance and I could feel a wall going up. "What about you? How come you aren't hanging out with Jason?"

"He had a date," I told her. "But we might hang tomorrow instead."

"Sun's gone. Now what?"

I gazed over at her profile, taking in her cute nose and rosy cheeks, loving the mass of blonde hair framing her face. "Wanna watch a movie with me?" I inquired hopefully.

I could see the grin forming even before she turned to face me. "As long as you let me choose," she insisted.

I helped Corri climb through the window, steadying with my hands on her waist. And maybe I let them longer there a little longer than I should. "Go pick a movie and I'll make the popcorn."

Corri crossed the room and knelt at the small oak cabinet that held my TV and a small collection of DVDs I had chosen from the bins at Wal-Mart. When she noticed my wallet sitting on top of the cabinet, she reached for it. "Put that back," I insisted as she flipped it open and looked inside.

"Oh look how cute your driver's license photo is!" she gushed exaggeratedly.

"Give it back," I warned, leaning over her to retrieve it. 

I shook my head when she passed it back before realizing she still had my ID. "Today is your birthday?" Corri gasped. "You didn't say anything, you jerk!"

I pulled my license from her fingers and shrugged. "Don't make a big deal of it."

"It is a big deal, Colt. I wish I would have known. I would've made a cake."

"I don't like cake."

"Still," she pouted. "We have to do something!"

I groaned at her enthusiasm. "We said we'd watch a movie. Let's do that."

"Boring!" Corri scoffed. "Now let me think…"

I shifted my weight as she stood before me, tapping her finger to her lips as she pondered. "I got it! Go get changed."

"Into what?"

"Something you can swim in!" She was already rushing to leave. "Meet me in the driveway in 10 minutes!" she called as she quickly descended the stairs.

….

I considered bailing on Corri. I didn't care what we did for my birthday, but she was excited and that made me happy. "You ready?" She was grinning from ear to ear as she approached me in an oversized t-shirt and two beach towels draped over her arm.

I didn't even get a chance to answer before being dragged down the street with her tiny hand wrapped around mine. "We aren't driving?"

"Nope. Come on! Not too much farther…"

I allowed her to guide me across the street and three houses down before we paused at a tall wooden gate beside a small Cape Cod style home. Corri produced a small key and unlocked the gate, opening it wide and waving me in. 

"Should we be here?"

"Don't be a baby. Just come on," she urged, yanking on my bicep.

I followed behind her as she placed the towels on a lounger and moved toward a panel on the wall. Suddenly the back yard was illuminated by strings of tiny lantern lights trailing all along the top of the tall privacy fence. Then more lights flicked on as the inground pool became blasted with colors and sending shimmering reflections everywhere. The bubbling hum of jacuzzi was next, immediately sending clouds of steam into the cool night air.

"Wow."

"Isn't this great?" Corri gushed as she approached me. I searched for words as she tugged that big shirt over her head and revealed a hot pink bikini underneath. She tugged at the bottoms a little, blinking up at me when I couldn't tear my eyes away. 

I removed my own shirt and watched as Corri entered the pool from the shallow end, leaning back to wet her hair down when she got in deep enough. Oh fuck. I glanced down at my own choice of swimwear, a pair of knit gray shorts that would conceal NOTHING once they got wet.

"Come on, birthday boy! The water's great!"

I paused for only a moment before making a mad dash for the deep end, nailing a very splashy cannonball in the process. When I resurfaced, I was graced by the sight of wet and grinning Corri. I pushed my dripping hair from my eyes as she swam towards me. "Having fun?" she prompted.

I could feel my hands shaking as she began treading water in front of me, gripping my shoulders to hold herself up. Instinctively my fingers sliced through the warm waves to find the curve of her hips, holding her body away from mine so she wouldn't know how she affected me.

"This is great, butterfly. But I'm worried we're trespassing…" I glanced up at the house for any sign of a pissed off owner.

"Oh my gosh, no! This is Mrs. Peters' house. You know? The lady who I've been dogsitting for? She told me I could use the pool whenever," she explained.

"But you just liked making me worry, huh?" I teased, pressing my fingers into her bare skin and tickling her under the water.

"Stop!" Corri squealed as she struggled to swim away from me.

After dunking and splashing each other for over an hour, I swam to edge and rested my forearms on the concrete and watched Corri sidle up beside me. "Have you had enough?" she mused, bumping my shoulder with hers.

"Hey," I bumped her back. "I put in a full training session today."

"So how about we relax your sore muscles in the jacuzzi before I take you home?" Her question was innocent enough, but the way I pictured her was anything but.

I finally conceded when she gave me the pouty lips. Ugh. I hoisted myself up on the edge as she climbed up the stairs. I tortured myself as I followed her to the steamy tub, watching her lower herself with a moan. "Feel good?" I croaked, knowing the answer when I saw her eyes roll back.

"Heaven," Corri replied with a breathy sigh. 

The close quarters didn't allow me much room to maneuver away from her. I could feel her silky calves brush my knees as she tipped her head back to rest on the edge. With her back arching, her chest rose above the surface and the sight of her nipples hardening was unmistakable. I groaned… loudly. 

Her head snapped up and concern etched her features. "Are you okay?"

Before I could ward her off, Corri was crawling toward me, climbing behind me to perch on the edge. "Scoot forward and let me rub your back."

"Corri…" I protested weakly. 

"Hush. Just let me," she insisted.

Her hands felt like magic and pretty soon my head was lolling back in total relaxation. "This has been the best birthday I've ever had," I murmured, nearly comatose in euphoria.

"Yeah?" Corri hummed as she eased back into the bubbles, her body tucked in tightly beside me. 

I let my head roll to the side, finding her eyes pinned on mine. "Colt…"

I watched her suck her lower lip into her mouth and her eyes drop to my mouth and then back to my eyes. I lifted my hand to cup her cheek, overwhelmed by sight of her. She was too good, too young and innocent. Every part of me felt how much she wanted me to kiss her. So I leaned in, pressed my forehead to hers and dropped a little kiss on her nose.

When I pulled back, I could see the disappointment in her eyes. I couldn't spend one more second sitting this close, wanting her this badly. I scooped her up into my arms, laughing when she gasped and blaming the extreme heat for why I needed to get out. 

We walked home with our fingers entwined and all I could think of was how much her kindness meant to me. I meant it when I said it was the best birthday ever. She did that for me.

....

A/N: awe poor Colt! So many emotions in this one 💕 thanks for all the love!