Chapter 104: Twenty-six.

Colt sat on the floor, in her porch, she was confused, no more like completely baffled, and not just by what it was she was supposed to wear. Because really what kind of an instruction was 'dress waterproof', anyway. But, also by the fact that she was going along with this 'date' in the first place.

Yet, here she was, surrounded by piles of different types of outdoor gear, and trying to work out which exactly she was supposed to wear.

Felix was being his usual cheerful self, having spent his day chasing girls in town, he was now leaning on the door frame that connected the indoor porch to the rest of the house, laughing at his friend's bewildered state. It wasn't often he got to see Colt in such a flap.

"A date, Felix, he said a date! What the hell am I supposed to wear?" Colt muttered in a her panic, sifting through different jackets and coats across her legs.

"Come on, Kitten. You know how to dress for a date." Felix teased her, "and, it's not usually in something that covers you up," he winked.

"Not helpful, and not a waterproof date I don't! What does that even mean?" She moaned back. "I'm not an idiot, obviously, its outside. But, is it outside up a hill, outside in a field, outside kayaking down a bloody river, or outside in a damp forest? Could he be taking me to see a waterfall, or could we be headed up an mountain, where there may be snow? I just don't know, Felix!" Colt cried out in dismay, making the lion laugh heartily.

"You never did get many dates with Elijah did you?" Felix asked, eventually taking pity on her. "Get up, go put the kettle on and stop panicking. It will be fine."

"Put the kettle on? He will be here in like ten minutes!" Colt sighed, clearly still in a flap, "And you know I didn't. He went from zero to broody in five seconds flat. If Elijah could have got me pregnant, before we had met he probably would have tried. Not that it would've worked, but still," She said bitterly.

"You could just wait you know, and make him explain when he gets here, then?" Felix suggested, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, trying to redirect her mood, for her sake as much as everyone else's.

"I...." Colt paused, "I could do that, couldn't I?" she agreed, smiling as if she had had the best epiphany in the world, "Felix, you're a bloody genius!" She stated triumphantly, as she stood and quickly started hanging up the various pieces of clothing again.

"I am. It's a gift really," he nodded in agreement, "Although sometimes my burden is a heavy one. Tea?"

"Please, I will be right there," Colt replied happily, laughing at her friends ridiculousness.

Twenty-five minutes later, Colt was comfortably sat on the couch finishing her tea, and laughing at Felix as he regaled her with his failed attempts at wooing a librarian in town. He just couldn't understand where he went wrong, and Colt found the prospect hilarious that he never could grasp the phrase, 'just not into you'. He wasn't in her experience rude or pushy about it, but it was cute how it always left him utterly lost when he got shot down. Being a gentleman, he would act accordingly and back off, but he never understood fully, why he wasn't being welcomed with open arms, or '0legs' as was his quoted preference.

She had just splurted out a bit of her tea on her white top while laughing, when the door knocked.

Getting up and throwing off her tank top, leaving her in just her blue lace plunge bra, she called out, "It's open," before she went to throw her top into the laundry pile in the utility room, and head upstairs for a new one.

Refusing to rush in any way since Calum, was late. Colt was just coming back towards the staircase in the main room, when the porch door opened and Calum's mouth almost hit the floor. She raised an eyebrow at the delicate scent wafting from the fresias he was carrying, as he stared at her immobile, his eyes drinking her topless state in, before he finally found his voice, when she went up the first two steps.

"Y... Y... You're, only in a bra?" He stuttered, "I mean, it's a very, very nice bra," he looked over seeing Felix on the couch smiling at him, "But...erm.."

"I prefer her green one, it's more of a balcony style, looks like she could spill out over the top, and." Felix called out stirring the pot, "it really brings out her eyes. Although I doubt, Calum your bottom jaw would be hitting the floor from staring at her eyes in it. It's really rather sheer as well."

"Shut up, Pussy Cat." Colt scolded, annoyed at him.

"Although," Felix continued, as if Colt hadn't spoken, "That blue one does have very nice matching panties with it, really highlights her ass...."

"Felix, I swear to god I will mount you're head on a wall!" Colt spat.

"I was going to say, assets, I swear," Felix answered innocently, "Plus if there's any mounting to be done, it should really be Calum who takes care of you there, Kitten."

"If I get my hands on you..." Colt began to snarl under her breath at the lion.

Felix's eyes only lit up further, "You'll what? Please do continue, but I do hope Calum can join in too?" Felix added, throwing Calum a salacious wink.

"W... W... Why are you in just a bra?" Calum asked interrupting the bickering, his heart rate soaring, as his territorial side kicked in, and he stepped forward to block Felix's view, while simultaneously reminding himself that the lion was a complete wind up merchant.

Colt sighed, "Well obviously I thought I'd even the score, with all the times you miraculously appear naked in front of me," she teased him sarcastically, placing a hand on her hip. "Why are you late?" She asked irritated.

Deciding it was for the best he should ignore her sarcasm, and irritation, Calum replied, "As much as I appreciate the kind and very generous thought, Love. Three's a crowd," he responded, hinting at his own discomfort that she was on display. "Also, I had to do some unexpected running around. I'm sorry."

Smirking, Colt stated, "It didn't seen to bother you earlier? And in front of a camera, tsk tsk."

Calum smiled, knowing now she wasn't actually annoyed at him for his lateness. "Ah, yes but as we have apparently discovered, I am a natural born exhibitionist, who looks good in any state of undress. So if you've got it, flaunt it," he smirked.

Colt tilted her head raising her eyebrow, "What, and you don't think I have it?" She asked, trapping him, and leaning forward slightly,. "Am I not attractive enough, Calum? Maybe I should just remove this altogether and we can see once and for all?" She asked, her arm reaching around to unclip her bra.

"Now I never said that," Calum replied hastily, panicking about the eyeful Felix might be about to get. "But, if you lower those straps any more, I may lose control of what little self restraint I have left," he stated shifting uncomfortably. "And, then you will really find out how loose my tongue can be." He winked back at her.

Colt shook her head, "You two are as bad as one another," She stated climbing further up the stairs, "But, you can relax, Casanova, I only spilled my tea, I'm going to grab a clean top now." She stated, reclipping her bra, "Then, you can explain to me what kind of waterproofing I actually need."

Calum laughed, though he couldn't deny the relief he felt at her explanation, automatically going to follow where she led. His mind still wanting to let his tongue do some much needed exploring. That is, until she froze mid way up the stairs.

Turning Colt asked, "And, where do you think you are going, Mr. Macgregor?"

"With you?" Calum stated as if it were obvious, closing the gap between them.

Colt tilted her head patronising him, placing her hand firmly on his chest and stated, "Oh no. You just wait down here with the other randy Tom Cat. I am quite capable of dressing on my own. In fact I bet the process will be a whole lot smoother. "

Calum froze with a frown, "But, I..."

"No." Colt threw back without even turning around, "Wait here."

Crestfallen, Calum awkwardly turned around to face the direction of the sniggering lion. But, he looked around the open plan living area to avoid eye contact, and couldn't help the smile that began to play on his lips. Though the kitchen of the house, which was usually his favourite, was sequestered along a corridor towards the back of the house, and even though he spent all day yesterday here, he was still somewhat blown away with pride, at the job Colt had done restoring the house. It was so run down before, and now it was cosy, warm and bright. It was a home.

Finally, when he couldn't avoid it any longer, he made eye contact with Felix.

"You two make this far too easy," Felix laughed at him.

Calum flapped his arms, "In another life, I think we would get on far too well. Probably cause all sorts of trouble, and drive my mother at least, up the wall."

"What, we can't do that in this one?" Felix asked, feigning hurt.

"No chance, you've slept with my mate. My hot and cold blowing mate." Calum stated frustrated, and rubbing his face as he sat down on the edge of the cuddle chair, placing the flowers on the table.

"Colt has her reasons, give her time. Also, to be fair, I have slept with a lot of men's mates. You shouldn't take it so personally, I am a very good lover." Felix purred.

"Nah, that ain't helping your case, bud." Calum said, while shaking his head, but Colt began to descend the stairs before he could question the lion further on his mate's 'reasons'.

"Well it's official. I need more information Casanova?" She requested, looking at Calum. "I have no idea what wear."

"But, that would ruin the surprise. Speaking of, I need to drive your truck. Can't take the bike where we are going." Calum answered, both relieved and disappointed at the simple blue fitted t-shirt Colt was now wearing.

"Nope." Colt stated, coming into the room with a fleece zipped hoodie slung over her arm. "No, Calum Macgregor, you can tell me where we are going, what I need to wear, and I will drive my truck there."

Calum stood up walking over to his mate, crossing his arms in front of his chest and looked down on her.

"Woman, behave yourself. Just this once, do as your told, and please, get me the keys," He spoke at her, enjoying her closeness.

"Dude, that was a mistake. " Felix said with a whistle, as Colt's face shut down in a scowl.

"Take out for dinner, Felix? Looks like I'm staying in, afterall," Colt retaliated, moving to walk away from Calum as if he weren't there.

Calum scoffed, grabbing her arm, "Like hell you are, Woman. Get your bloody coat on now."

"No." Colt said, removing his hand with distaste and folding her arms across her chest, like a petulant child.

"Look, I'm no trying to bull doze over your whole, I am a woman and I can roar as loud as any man can, vibe. But, I would like to surprise you with something fun," Calum forced through gritted teeth, "So, please give me the keys and let's go."

"You are not driving my truck," Colt scoffed, turning around towards the kitchen, "Coffee, Felix?"

"Woman!" Calum warned, about ready to sling her over his shoulder.

"Oh for crying out loud, you two are unbelievable." Felix cried out, standing up. "Calum, take my rental car, keys are in the ignition. Also, Colt is a she wolf as you know, but she is also a high ranking one. You're going to lose your balls if you keep talking to her like that." Then he turned to Colt, "Kitten, cut the man some slack, I know you have your trust issues, but he isn't Elijah. Give him a chance and stop being so awkward, we both know you're excited about this." Then he made his way to the kitchen, muttering, "Worse than bloody children," and collecting Colt's flowers as he went.

Colt froze with a sigh, annoyed at herself mostly. Then she felt Calum's hands on her shoulders, pulling her back towards himself, and her body automatically started to relax from the tension.

"I'm sorry, Love. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that," he said, regretting his tone, "and, I should have asked to drive your truck, not demanded it."

Colt deflated against him, all her irritation dissolved, as she was left with the bitter after taste of Felix calling her out on her issues. "Me too." She said, "Can you help me find something suitable in the porch to wear, please?"

"Of course," he stated taking her hand and leading her through towards the front door. Calum quickly grabbed a light, but warm jacket and found some waterproof overalls at the front door. He handed them to Colt and then grabbed welly boots. "So, you were excited? Are you still?" He asked hopefully, trying not to get nervous by her raised eyebrow.

Colt laughed at his nerves, as she put on the overalls before her jacket and then slipped on her boots, "Mud boots?" She asked, "We're definitely not hiking then," she spoke her thoughts out loud, "And, I was nervous. I don't often enjoy surprises. But," she sighed, opting for at least some honesty, "I wanted to see you, and so yeah, I was a little excited," she offered.

"What in the name of the wee man, are 'mud boots'?' Calum asked, while internally grinning at her answer.

Colt lifted her leg quizzical, "These?"

Calum laughed, "No." He shook his head. "No, they're wellies, Love," he corrected her mischievously, "Short for Wellington boots?"

Colt laughed catching on, "Alright, since we are in Scotland, they can be 'wellies'," she tested the strange word on her tongue, "But, when we visit the states, they're mud boots."

Colt froze, realising what she had just unintentionally said. She had just acknowledged having a future with Calum. The thought had her on edge, especially at just how easy it slipped off her tongue.

"As you wish," Calum sighed, pretending not to notice her sudden shift in mood, and he put a red bobble hat from the hook onto her head to protect her ears, "There, you're perfect. Although the bra and leggings was a good look too. Come on," he said, to break the ice, before opening the door.

Colt followed Calum out, watching as he stooped to collect a large bag on the ground, and a giant thermal flask, before heading towards Felix's car. He had only taken three steps when she called out to him.

"Wait," she sighed, closing her eyes, "Let's take the truck," she threw out an olive branch, "You can drive."

Calum smiled, his whole face lighting up. "Bloody hell, you're hard work, Love," he laughed, "Keys?"

"Ignition," she responded, feeling a small touch of guilt for the trouble she had caused, or helped to cause.

Colt sat in the passenger seat, the late afternoon becoming the early evening and watched Calum as they drove Her stomach was bubbling with a mixture of excitement and nerves. His smell was literally coating her, and it was exquisite. But, it equally drove her mad as her fists clenched with the need to mate. How he coped with it she had no idea. Nor did she know how she would cope with the return journey. Around forty minutes after they began their drive, Calum was parking at the harbour, and Colt was about ready to throw herself shamelessly into the cold sea for a second time, just to calm herself down. Though she doubted he would see the funny side of such a course of action.

"Can you tell me yet?" Colt asked hopefully, needing to get outside.

Calum smiled, "We are going fishing, Love. Come on," he stated jumping out the truck excitedly, and answering her silent prayers.

"Fishing?" Colt asked, following him.

"Yup, I have dinner here," he stated lifting the bag, before explaining further, "We have some lobsters to catch for Fiona, because I'd really rather not have my backside plastered all over the internet again, if it's all the same to you, Love?"

Colt smiled warmly, reaching out to take his hand and he led the way onto the pontoons.

"Wait, what do you mean again?" She asked.

Author's Note, I don't know about you guys, but Felix owned this chapter for me. What do you think? B x.