Colt's POV.

The following morning, I began my usual morning routine: jogging. I slipped on my favorite pair of running shoes, threw on a tank top, and stepped out into the warm California sun. The air was fresh, the sky a clear blue, and the promise of a new day ignited my spirits.

As I hit the pavement, my feet found their rhythm, pounding against the ground as I pushed myself along the tree-lined streets. The sounds of the city waking up filled my ears—birds chirping in the trees, cars rushing by, and the distant laughter of people enjoying their mornings. Each breath I took filled my lungs with invigorating energy, reminding me of why I loved summer so much.

Half an hour into my run, I was already drenched in sweat, but it felt good. The adrenaline coursing through my veins invigorated me. I decided to turn back, but then I gazed through a corner and my eyes caught sight of a ripe pumpkin approaching. I slowed down and waited for her to catch up.

"Hello, sugar," I winked at her, my playful tone carrying on the early morning breeze.

She rolled her eyes, quickening her pace, trying to outrun the conversation.

"You know this is not the way to treat your guest," I called out, matching her speed as I fell into step beside her.

Her silence was palpable, but I found it just as amusing as her attitude. A girl with fire, just my kind of challenge. It baffled me how Jack had managed to snag someone like her.

"So, goody-two-shoes didn’t come with you?" I ventured, attempting to pry deeper into the impenetrable fortress she seemed to have built.

"He's your friend, you should know him," she replied, her eyes fixed ahead of her.

Yeah, I knew Jack well enough to laugh silently at his laid-back, introverted nature. He hardly matched her vibrant energy.

"That’s sad," I pouted, feigning sympathy as my competitive edge kicked in. "Someone might really steal you away from him. I mean, I don’t see how anyone could glance at a hot girl covered in sweat and not say hello."

She shot me a side-eye that could cut through glass, and I couldn’t help but chuckle, appreciating how she carried herself; confident, yet guarded. God, she looked damn sexy in that pink jogger suit, skin glistening and breath coming in quick, alluring bursts. The sight made my heart race for reasons beyond my morning jog.

"And you’re trying to steal me away from him?" she challenged, a spark of defiance lighting her gaze.

"Do you want me to steal you away from him?" I teased, stepping closer, not ready to back down from the playful banter.

She came to an abrupt halt, turning to face me, irritation dancing across her features. "Colt, or whatever your name is, you should really stop trying to hit on me because no matter what you do, it’ll never faze me," she spat, a mix of fire and frustration pouring from her words.

"Really?" I pressed closer, my eyes boring into hers, hoping to unravel the tough exterior.

I leaned in, our faces just an inch apart, the air thick with unspoken tension. The intensity ignited between us, and for a fleeting second, all I could focus on was the warmth radiating from her, so close I could almost taste it.

The ferocity in her eyes slowly dissipated into something vulnerable, and my insides leaped in satisfaction. As always, I have an irresistible effect on women.

"I don't think so..." I began. "If at all I wanna hit on you, I'll succeed in wooing you," I smirked and her eyes sparked up in realization.

I continued my jog back home and upon getting there, I met Jack at the door. "And where are you heading to?" I raised a brow at him.

"Work obviously," he answered, brushing pass me to his car.

"You are a very bad host," I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, bro. I'll make it up to you when I return," he said, slipping into his car and just like that he zoomed off.

I went inside the house, escaping the morning heat that was beginning to settle in. The coolness of the air conditioning hit me like a refreshing wave, and I sighed in relief. Jogging always left me in a state of blissful exhaustion; my body thrummed with energy, but my skin felt sticky and clammy.

I headed straight to the bathroom, determined to take a cool bath to refresh myself. The bright tiles gleamed under the overhead lights as I stood under the cool shower.

As the cool water cascaded over me, I felt the sweat and tension of my run begin to melt away. The refreshing droplets ran down my body, soaking my skin and silky chocolate brown hair, and I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

After a few minutes, I grabbed the soap and began to scrub away the remnants of my morning. The scent of citrus filled the air, invigorating my senses even more.

Once I finished rinsing off, I stepped out and grabbed a towel, drying off quickly. I glanced in the mirror and ran my fingers through my damp hair, fluffing it a bit to give it a carefree look.

Tossing on a casual white tee and a pair of dark jeans that fit just right, accentuating my athletic build, I stepped out of my bedroom.

As I entered the kitchen, the warm, inviting scent of something cooking filled the air. There she was, focused and busy, whisking together ingredients for breakfast. I approached her, quietly taking a moment to observe the way she moved.

Her hands worked with skill and confidence, and I found myself entranced. Slowly, my gaze traveled downward, following a bead of sweat that trickled enticingly down her neck and onto her chest. I swallowed hard, feeling an unexpected rush of heat at the sight. My eyes continued their journey, roaming up her sweaty neck to those luscious, kissable lips that seemed to beckon for attention. I shifted my focus upwards from her mouth to her nose, landing finally in the depths of her amber eyes, which held a fierce intensity that pulled me in for a tantalizing moment. A few strands of her light brown hair clung to her forehead, evidence of her efforts and, if I dared say, added to her undeniable allure. The way her fitted pink jogger suit accentuated her perfect hourglass figure was nothing short of captivating, this girl was a total package.

It took an immense amount of self-control to finally tear my gaze away from her. “So… what are you making?” I asked, trying to strike up a conversation, hoping to shift the energy.

“Isn’t it obvious?” she replied sharply, her tone cutting through the air like a knife.

“I hope it’s just as delicious as yesterday’s, just as delicious as you,” I flirted, a playful smirk creeping onto my face.

At my words, her eyes flashed with anger. She slammed the spoon down hard onto the table, spinning to face me. "Don’t you think you should get over all your vulgar and vain talk?"

I feigned innocence, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t understand.”

“Why would you say something like that? Have you tasted me before to make such a claim?” she retorted, her irritation palpable.

“Do you want me to taste you?” I teased, leaning in slightly, challenging her to react.

“In your dreams,” she spat, her voice edged with defiance, before storming out of the kitchen, leaving me chuckling to myself.

I loved how passionate she was, even if it meant enduring a few fiery exchanges. In that moment, I realized I was hooked, and the game was just beginning.