Branded as Trouble by Lorelei James

the floorboards creaked. “Man, this parenting stuff has me whupped.”
    The couch cushions moved slightly as Colt sat beside her.
    “How long did you sign on for?”
    “Today and tomorrow. Sky and Kade will be back late tomorrow night.” She sighed. “It’s weird. I see the girls for a couple of hours every week and I think they’re all sweet smiles and cute clothes. But then, I see what it really takes to take care of them every day…”
    “And what? It seems like too much work?”
    “No. The exact opposite. It seems like the only kind of work that’s worthwhile.”
    Neither one spoke, but it wasn’t an awkward silence.
    Finally, Colt said, “You see yourself havin’ kids some day?”
    “Sometimes I think I’m ready now if I find the right man, but yeah, definitely some day. A couple. Or more.” Pause. “How about you?”
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    Branded As Trouble
    “I can’t wait to have kids. I feel like I’m finally at the time and place in my life where I’m ready for them.”
    “Is that why you asked Fallon out? Because she’s wife and mother material?”
    Colt didn’t say a word.
    “Look. I’m sorry. None of my business who you date.”
    “Maybe it should be your business.”
    A funny tingle started in her chest but she still didn’t open her eyes.
    “I’m sorry I dragged you into a pile of shit last night. I swear to God I didn’t bid that high to embarrass you.”
    “Why did you?”
    “Because people in this town have no fuckin’ idea how talented you are. It pissed me off.”
    A beat passed. “That’s sweet, but since you have so much credit with me, that means I’m going to be pushing for the starburst nipple design.”
    He laughed softly.
    India wasn’t about to let him off the hook. “As far as Fallon?”
    “She was a mistake.”
    “Then why’d you ask her out?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Come on, Colt, that’s crap. Why’d you ask her to the community center dance where everyone could see you two were on a date?”
    “Because she wasn’t like you.”
    “Gee. Thanks.”

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    “You took that the wrong way.”
    “How else am I supposed to take it?”
    “Listen, I thought if I was with someone who wasn’t like you in any way, I wouldn’t…compare.”
    That hurt. She might’ve actually winced. Then she felt him move next to her and his breath fanned her cheek.
    “Dammit. I’m doin’ this all wrong. Look at me.”
    She turned her head and opened her eyes.
    Colt was right there, with his head next to hers on the couch.
    “Every single woman comes up short when I compare them to you.
    And before you ask, I ain’t talkin’ about you bein’ short in stature.”
    “You know me so well.”
    “I do. And that’s what this crazy week has proven to me. I don’t want to watch you datin’ other guys. I don’t want you to watch me datin’ other women. I don’t want to have to drag you into a supply closet to kiss you and then apologize for doin’ it.”
    “Colt—”
    “I don’t want to be just your friend any more, Indy.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because I think we can be so much more.”
    Her heart beat a mile a minute. She took a chance and blurted,
    “I want that too.”
    “You do?” Colt’s eyes searched her face. “Since when?”
    “Since that night I shot you with the nail gun.”
    He smiled. “So I guess I can quit bitchin’ about that, huh?”
    They stayed like that for a long time, not touching, just looking at each other, and just breathing the same air.
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    Branded As Trouble
    “So what do we do now?” she asked.
    “We start dating. Official like.”
    “Dating? Like you pick me up at my place, hold the door for me and take me out for dinner?”
    “Something like that.” Colt paused. “How long has it been since you dated?”
    Would Colt be pleased or pissed if she told him the last relationship she’d been in was purely sexual? When India thought about