18. Chapter 18
I’m practically vibrating in the passenger seat of Foster’s Range Rover, so excited for the wedding I get to shoot today. Emma talked a local couple into giving me a chance, and I couldn’t be happier to work with her today. When we arrive at the venue, I gather my equipment from the backseat and kiss Foster on his cheek. I stand in front of the hotel and wave as he drives away. Inside the lobby, I find Emma waiting for me.
Good morning, bestie. Was that boyfriend number one I spied giving you a ride? she greets me.
That was Foster. My car wouldnt start this morning.
Ive been telling you to dump that junker forever. You must have some money saved now that youre staying in that fancy mansion rent-free.
Ill figure it out.
The wedding planner, Kristine, spots us and comes running. Glad to see you guys here promptly. The bridesmaids should be up and at them soon. She turns to me, Did you get the itinerary for the day?
Yep.”
Great. Meet me in the suite upstairs in twenty minutes. Im going to start waking everyone.
After she hurries away, Emma grabs my arm, Twenty is enough time for us to get a coffee and chat. I need all the details about the men in your life. Ive barely seen you lately. Cora misses you.
I feel guilty for neglecting her, so I let her cart me off to the hotel cafe. We grab our coffees and sit at a small table.
Spill the tea, she says.
There isnt much to say. Ive been seeing Foster and Talon both, and its been good. Really good. Maybe too good.
That dreamy-eyed look on your face says its better than good. They both know, and everybody is okay with it?
“Yep, communication is key.”
She rolls her eyes at me, Well, duh! And hows it going with Cole?
Avoidance is the name of the game with him. If thats not possible, we say as little as possible. Hes been busy with practices and workouts.
So, he hasnt made a move?
There will be no moves.”
Whatever. Back to the other two, has there been any hot group action?
A scandalized gasp leaves my mouth, No way
Don’t act like its not inevitable. Whats the point of being in a throuple if theres no Blake sandwich.
I shake my head at my friends enthusiasm for the topic. No to the sandwiches. One-on-one is enough.
As a married woman, it’s my right to live vicariously through you. You really should suggest a visit to Paris.
I scrunch my forehead in confusion, and Emma laughs. “An Eiffel Tower, you prude. The high fives are strictly optional.”
I roll my eyes at her. Hey, perv, we only have a couple of minutes left. We should head upstairs now.”
She huffs an annoyed breath but follows when I stand up and make my way out of the cafe and to the elevators. Dont forget its Coras birthday party next weekend. She does miss her Auntie, she tells me.
Ill be there. I took the day off from work.
Great, bring the guys with you if you want. Even Cole is invited even though hes not a part of your harem again…yet.
Ill pass along the invite, I say, ignoring the rest of her commentary. Cole and I, as a couple, are over. I dont even have hope right now that we can salvage a friendship. We hug as we get to the floor where the bridal party is staying.
Tear yourself from all those men once a while to see me, will ya? she asks, and again I feel guilty. I dont want to be the girl who forgets her friends over a guy or multiple guys.
I promise I will. Ive missed you too, Emma. I didnt realize how much testosterone Ive been drowning in.
She cackles as we make our way to start another busy workday.
By the time my night is over, its after eleven, and I wait for one of the guys to pick me up in front of the hotel. I’m surprised it’s not Talon’s sports car or Foster’s SUV but Cole’s sleek silver Lexus pulling up.
He opens the passenger side door for me from the inside. I slide into the plush seat and place my camera case into the backseat behind me.
“How was your night?” Cole asks as we pull away.
“Not bad, it was a beautiful wedding,” I answer.
“That’s awesome. I’m proud of you,” he tells me.
I try not to melt because I’m waiting for asshole Cole to emerge. “It makes me happy. How did the other guys talk you into picking me up?”
“I was on my way back from a night out with some of the Dragons, and Foster asked if I would mind swinging by here since it’s on the way back to the house.”
I relax in my seat, settling into the friendly conversation, even though I’m slightly shocked by Coles change. I try to decompress from the long night. I grab my water bottle and take a couple of ibuprofen for my aching body.
“You okay?” Cole looks over and asks.
“Yeah, being on my feet for hours takes its toll. After the accident, I had a lot of pieces that needed to be put together again. I fared better than humpty dumpty. Anyway, how are things with the team going?”
“I think it’s good. It feels right to be on the ice where we went to games as kids.”
“I can’t wait to see you play there wearing an Ice Dragons jersey.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I hope the team offers me a contract, but nothing is guaranteed.”
“Would that be the end of your career?”
“Nah, I have other offers on the table, but I know where I want to play.”
“I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.”
He throws a smile my way, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
We fall into a comfortable silence for thirty minutes until we pull up in front of the house. As we approach the circle drive in front, I see Foster and Talon waiting outside.
“Were they worried you wouldn’t bring me back?” I ask Cole, amused.
He chuckles, “No, they have a surprise for you.”
I groan, “A surprise? I hate surprises.”
“I know. Just grin and bear it. Make your boyfriends happy.”
I got to open the door, but Cole stops me with a hand on my arm. “I’m sorry about everything. About our breakup, abandoning you, the accident, and my shitty attitude. I can’t go back in time, but it would be nice to be friends. I like seeing you happy. And if either of those guys steps out of line, just let me know, and I’ll take care of them.”
I give him a small smile, “Thanks Cole. I want to be friends too.”
I pull my tired body out of the car and reach for my case from the back before walking up to the two men waiting for me. I go on my toes to give them each a kiss.
“What are you guys doing waiting here for me?” I ask.
“We’ve got something for you,” Foster says, leading me into their massive garage. I see each of their cars, along with a red Jeep.
“I don’t need–” I start, but Talon cuts me off.
“Don’t start. Your car is toast. This one is nothing new and fancy because I knew you wouldn’t accept it. It’s two years old with low mileage. We had a mechanic look at it, and he assured me everything was in good working order.”
Foster reaches into his pocket, pulls out the key fob, and hands it to me.
I look between them both with tears in my eyes, “I don’t know what to say,”
“I believe the words you’re looking for is ‘thank you,’” Foster says sarcastically but smiling.
“Thank you so much, both of you. This gift is the nicest thing anyone has given me,” I tell them both, my eyes tearing up, but I hold them back.
Foster takes me in his arms first, kissing my lips and wiping my tears away. “You’re so welcome, pretty girl. You deserve the world.”
When he releases me, Talon moves in. His kiss is harder and longer. “It was no problem, Kitten. But I need you to drive me around in it tomorrow.”
“Deal,” I tell him.
Over Talon’s shoulder, I can see Cole hovering at the garage door, watching us. His eyes are soft with longing. When he notices my eyes on him, he gives me a sad smile and walks out. My heart squeezes, watching him go.