Chapter 31

• “It’s like that, huh?” He sighs, adjusting his position so he is propped up on his arm, a hand fisted against the edge of his jaw, and gives me a little breathing space. Moving back a few inches but still pressed against the entire length of my body and still touching my face. “Two summers ago, before Carmen and I started dating. You were wearing a green dress, serving candy floss at the meadow festival. You served me, wouldn’t look me in the eye, and when you passed me my change, you dropped it on the ledge rather than hand it to me. You had a yellow flower in your hair.” His voice is soft and husky, and I try hard to lock on his gaze as my memory dashes backward, trying to pinpoint what he’s remembering. It’s vague, but I remember the festival and how his pack spent the entire day lording over the rest of us and causing mayhem. It was an ordinary day, and nothing sticks out as memorable about it.
• “You have my memories, so how do I know you’re not just tapping into one of mine,” I blurt out, a little stubborn indignation in the mix because I know he’s trying to get me to be a little less mad at him. Colton smiles, shaking his head softly with a frown, lifts his fingers to my temple, and gently presses, projecting his memory to me among the many we share. It wouldn’t be hard for him to look back and see me when he has all of mine in there to choose from.
• An instant mental visual of that sunny day, and there I am, standing at that cart, making floss, and looking like maybe the day wasn’t as bad as I remembered. I have a strappy dress in a delicate shade of mint green that brings out a golden color in my hair. My tousled waves blow free in the wind, and I look almost carefree for a second. Maybe even pretty. I can see myself, so these aren’t my memories. They’re his.