Only Exception

Chapter Six: New Messages

I giggled, “In your dreams.”  His eyes twinkled at the challenge.

“Set...” he slowly turned away from me, checking that the path was clear, then shot me one final grin. “... GO!”

We took off running at top speed.  I was never really a runner, and my short legs could account for that.  But Colton was fast.  Whether it was his stinkin' long chicken legs or some invisible muscle, that guy could run.  I felt my feet pounding hard on the concrete, and I fought to speed up.  Colton was yards in front of me when I noticed him starting to slow.  I willed my legs to run faster.  I flew past Maggie and Sky, who were distracted talking to a cute blond on a bench on the boardwalk.  I shook my head and kept going.  My hair was flying out behind me as I hit the sand.  Colton was now just feet in front of me.  With a final spurt of energy I caught up with him.  I was starting to pass him when he caught me around the waist, spinning me back.  For half a second I was screaming on the inside.  But for once, I told my brain to shut up.

“Colt-on!” I shrieked.  I couldn't hold back the giggles.

“You so weren't supposed to win!” he laughed, one hand resting on my shoulder.

“I told you not to go easy on me!” I argued.  His eyes were bright with laughter.

“I sort of took that as typical stubborn Natalie.” he said reasonably.

“Your mistake.” I replied, trying to look serious.

“Wow bro, Nat totally showed you up.” Phillip had finally caught up, and was standing behind us chuckling.

“Phil can recognize talent.” I joked sticking my tongue out at Colton.  He replied by wrinkling his nose then sticking his tongue out at me.

“Oh, the sunset is beautiful.” Maggie and Schyler were slowly making their way towards us.  I had to agree.  It was a lovely tangerine shining out over the gorgeous waves.

“It really is.” Colton was slowly sitting down on to the sand, eyes glued to the sky.  Schyler joined him, as did Maggie.  I wrinkled my nose.

“C'mon Nat.” Maggie patted the sand next to her.

“It'll all get in my clothes!” I argued.

“I never took you to be such a girly girl.” Colton looked up at me with puppy dog eyes.

“Says the guy I just outran.” he snorted but turned back to the sunset.

“Well I'm going back to that bench by the boardwalk.” Phillip said, “I don't know about ya'll but I like to keep my clothes sandless.”

“Hear hear.” I laughed, following him.

“Please Natalie!” Maggie begged.

“Uh uh.” I replied, shaking my head.  There was nothing I hated more than having sand get stuck up in my clothing.

“I just wanna watch the rest of the sunset,” Colton shrugged, “Then we can all head back.”

I nodded in agreement, then hurried to catch up with Phil.

I started out watching the sunset.  I swear I did.  But next thing I knew I found my eyes resting on Colton.  He was sprawled out in the sand with his brown eyes glued to the sky, looking content.  His shoulders rose and fell gently with his steady breathing.  As I watched him, I got caught up in my thoughts.

Colton Dixon was a legitimately good person who truly cared about others.  He was just completely... Genuine.  No laughs were faked and no smiles misleading.  He was exactly who he appeared to be, and something about that made him one of the most fantastic people I had ever met.      But at the same time he intimidated me to no end.  Not because of who he was or how he acted, but because of how I felt about him.  I fingered my heart charm.  It seemed to have gained pounds of weight through just my thoughts.  I had vowed never to fall back into love.  I completely dreaded that total helplessness and attachment.  I couldn't afford to lose myself over a guy again.  The feeling was never mutual anyway.