The Girl Next Door
The Boy Next Door Chapter 40

Three hours and a shower later, I'm seated in the front of Colton's BMW. The top is up, and we're headed north toward the place we both grew up. Although, admittedly, Colton's upbringing was vastly different. Colton grew up in a wealthy neighborhood near Beck and Mia while I was on the other side town, in a more middle-class area. I can't resist glancing at him from the corner of my eye as I sit in the passenger seat.

Did I make a mistake?

If I did, it's much too late to do anything about it now. I'm along for the ride. There's no backing out. After a couple of miles, the familiar exit comes into view and we depart the highway and turn onto a country road surrounded by farm fields on both sides. I roll down the window and inhale a deep breath of fresh air. There's something so comforting about it that it settles the nerves fighting to break free at the bottom of my belly. I need that right now more than anything. Once on the outskirts of town, Colton turns into the drive of a gated subdivision before rolling to a stop outside an enormous iron entrance. Are they trying to keep people out or the residence in? Maybe a little of both?

Colton rolls down his window and taps a code into the control panel. Once the gate opens, we roll on through.

"Fancy," I whisper from the side of my mouth.

He snorts and keeps driving.

I've been to Mia's house more times than I can remember as well as Beck's because he threw his fair share of parties in high school. This is the first time I've ever been to Colton's. As much as I want to remain lowkey about the situation, I'm interested to see where he grew up and meet his parents. I'm hoping it will give me more insight into who he is. Lord knows that I need it. I've never understood why Colton behaves the way he does.

Each house we pass-if that's what you want to call these monstrosities-grows in square footage. All have intricate stone masonry and thick wrought iron embellishments. Unable to help myself, I press closer to the passenger side window. Each residence has perfectly manicured lawns and flowerbeds that riot with intense color. Trees and shrubs have been pruned to an inch within their lives.

I used to look at people who lived in these mega mansions and imagine their lives were picture-perfect. I mean, how could they not be? Gorgeous house, fancy cars parked in the drive, trips to warm locales, and the best of everything. Now I know better.

Money doesn't necessarily equate to happiness. Although, let's face it, it sure as hell makes life easier. I'm not that naive. My parents are comfortable, but they've worked hard to attain that level of financial autonomy. While we've never had an excess of money, I'm lucky they could afford for me to dance. It's not a cheap activity. Between the classes, costumes, travel, competition fees, private classes, it all adds up. It's one of the reasons I've taught in the summers.

I blink out of those thoughts as Colton turns into a long winding driveway. Trees that are in the process of losing their leaves dot the front lawn as a majestic stone structure comes into view. It has to be easily twenty thousand square feet in size. I knew Colton came from money, but I never imagined that it was this kind of wealth.

There's a stone fountain in the middle of the weathered circular brick drive. Colton pulls up to the front door before cutting the engine. For a silent moment he stares at the house as it looms in front of us. I do the same before tentatively glancing at him. A reluctant pit takes shape at the bottom of my belly.

The words shoot out of my mouth before I can stop them. "Are you sorry that you brought me with?" Truth be told, I'm wishing that I had turned down the invitation.

What am I doing here with Colton?

What's the point?

From what I can tell, he's different than the Colton I left behind for London, but is it enough? Or am I just going to end up nursing a broken heart? I can't go through that again.

Surprise fills his gaze as it snaps to mine. "Of course not. I wouldn't have asked you to come with me if I had any doubts." He turns his body toward mine. "And I wouldn't have put you in that position either."

Some of my nerves evaporate as his fingers drift across the curve of my jaw. It's so tempting to sink into his touch, but I hold back, unwilling to give in to the impulse.

"Do they know I'm coming with you?" I really hope so. Or that could make for an awkward situation.

"I called this afternoon before I extended the invite."

I release a breath. Why does this suddenly feel like such a big deal? "What did you tell them?"

One side of his mouth hitches. "Are you asking if I told them you were my girlfriend?"

A shiver dances down my spine as I nod. That's exactly what I'm asking. Two years ago, I would have been thrilled to be introduced to his family as his girlfriend. Now... That's not the case.

A soft puff of air escapes from his lips. "I told them you were a friend from high school. Can't go wrong with the truth, right?"

I suppose not.

His hand drifts from my face to my fingers which lay twisted together in my lap. He squeezes them. "You ready to do this?"

Nope.

"I think so."

"It'll be fine. Just a couple hours and then we'll head back to campus."

With that, we exit the vehicle. As Colton rounds the hood, he extends his hand for me to take hold of. I hesitate for a heartbeat, unsure what to do. This feels like so much more than he's telling me. As much as I want to keep my heart protected against him, it's becoming increasingly more difficult to do.

When I don't immediately offer up mine, he stands still, hand outstretched. A patient look fills his eyes. It's as if he knows all of the thoughts running rampant through my brain. A tentative connection forms in the driveway. One that is undeniable. Against my better judgment, I replace myself placing my fingers in his. As they close around mine, my nerve endings tingle with awareness.

In tandem, we walk up the wide stone stairs that lead to the front porch. It's wide and sweeping. A grand entrance. The mahogany door soars twenty feet in length. Colton grabs the ornate handle as I study my surroundings and swings it open. My feet stutter as I take in the two-story foyer. There is an ocean of white marble as far as the eye can see. A crystal chandelier hangs overhead that resembles a piece of art. Tiny light patterns dance across the shiny flooring. A sweeping staircase with a intricate wrought iron banister leads to the second-floor gallery. Everything is open and airy and reeks of wealth.

Sheesh.

When I turn wide questioning eyes to Colton, he shrugs and calls out before I fire off any questions, "Hello? Jenna?" He pauses as we both listen for signs of life from within this castle-like home. "Dad?"

There's the light padding of feet before a small blond woman with dark eyes walks into the entryway. A warm smile lights up her face as she pulls Colton in for a hug.

For a moment, I'm able to stand back and observe them. She's so petite in size that Colton nearly swallows her up in his arms. There's something sweet about the reunion. About the tenderness that flits across his face.

Once they break apart, the woman turns toward me. Her expression is so warm and welcoming that I'm instantly put at ease. "You must be Alyssa." She takes me into her arms as if we are old friends instead of meeting for the first time. "It's so nice to meet you," she says before drawing away.

"You, too. Happy birthday!"

She smiles. "Thank you. I'm delighted that you could join us. The more, the merrier."

"Thanks for having me."

Colton glances around. "Where's Dad?"

"Oh, he ran out to pick up dinner." She rolls her eyes. "I told him that I was happy to throw something together, but he insisted on grabbing carryout from Marco's."

"I love that restaurant," I say. It's one we frequented as a family when I was a kid. Their eggplant parm is amazing.

"Me, too. It's my favorite." She reaches out and grabs holds of Colton's hand. "You didn't have to come home just for dinner. It's such a long drive."

"I wanted to help you celebrate." His gaze flickers to mine. "Sometimes it's nice to get away from campus, even if it's for a couple of hours."

She releases his hand and waves us to the back of the house. "Let's go to the kitchen while we wait for your father to return."

We pass through the immense foyer before entering an arched gallery. A living room lies beyond that before we finally arrive at the kitchen. My gaze travels around the space. It's probably the biggest kitchen I've ever seen. Everything is white marble, stainless steel appliances, and gorgeous crystal lighting. There's not one speck of dust and nothing is out of place. It looks like something you would see in a glossy magazine spread.

"What can I get for you to drink?" Jenna asks, interrupting the whirl of my thoughts.

"Water is fine. Thank you."

"Are you sure?" She pauses near the long stretch of island. "You're more than welcome to have a glass of wine. We have a well-stocked cellar downstairs."

I shake my head. Something tells me that it would be best to keep my wits about me this evening. Not that I'll need it to deal with Colton's parents, but more in regard to him. Already, I feel myself falling hard without any way to stop it. Falling any deeper for this guy is a scary prospect. He told me earlier that we could take this slow. I'm not sure if that's possible.

"I'll have water, too."

Jenna shrugs before padding to the minifridge at the island and pulling out two bottles of water. I grab the one set in front of me and unscrew the cap before taking a sip. Again, I'm given the chance to watch Colton interact with his stepmother. There's an easy banter between the two of them. It's obvious they have a strong connection as she teases him with sparkling eyes. I've known him for more than a decade, and this is probably the first time I've seen him so relaxed. It only makes me realize that even though we spent six months together, he never fully allowed himself to be genuine with me. A pang of sadness blooms inside me.

When his dark gaze catches mine, I see the questions that lurk there. When it comes to my emotions, I've always been an open book. Whatever I'm feeling, the people around me know it. I'm not one to hide them. Perhaps that's the difference between females and males. Or maybe it's because I'm used to expressing my emotions through the art of dance. If you can't do that, you lose your power to connect with the audience.

I'm pulled from those thoughts when the backdoor opens from down the hall before slamming closed and an older man walks into the kitchen carrying two white bags with the Marco's logo stamped across them. He sets them down and immediately leans over to kiss Jenna. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."

He turns to Colton and pulls him in for a hug. It's one of those manly types where they pat each other on the backs before quickly stepping away. And then his gaze falls to me. Before I can stretch out my hand for him to shake, he takes me by surprise by swallowing me up in a bear hug. Warren Montgomery is a big, burly man. He and Colton are of similar height, but Warren is broader in the chest and shoulders. Kind of like a bull. His dark hair and beard have silvered over the years. His eyes, much like his wife's, twinkle with kindness.

"Hello, Alyssa. Nice to meet you. Glad you could join us."

"Thank you for extending an invitation."

His glance flickers to his son. "It's not often that Colton brings home friends from college."

"Dad," Colton grumbles.

Unbothered by the rebuke, he continues, "I heard that you grew up around here and attended high school together," he says, unpacking the covered containers and spreading them out on the massive island. "I've already set the table in the dining room, Warren. Let's unload the bags in there."