Chapter 33 #3
I swallow the fear that latches onto those words, not letting a lifetime of anguish rob me of this.
I fist his shirt, never wanting him to go anywhere and to believe, if only for a moment, that somehow, some way, this could be. We could be.
His lips brush over my temple as his hands guide my face to his. His mouth moves over my skin so slowly and carefully, allowing me to take in every detail. The caress of his soft lips. The delicate prickliness of his scruffy jaw. His movements are sure, yet so gentle.
His fingertips push further into my hair, keeping me close and secure. He pauses, his forehead resting against mine. His breath washes over my lips as his patient gaze holds my own.
The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest calms my nerves further.
I bite my lip, afraid, but for the first time, that fear is about what I might never have instead of what I can’t see coming.
I take a chance for myself and press up on my toes, lifting my chin.
He closes the distance, his lips brushing over mine. Once. Twice. Light as a feather. They’re warm and smooth and precise.
He pulls away, leaving only a breath between us, giving me time and space. His eyes search mine, keeping me safely tucked against him.
“Ok?” he whispers, but his confidence remains.
I choke down a mountain of emotions that want to creep up my throat and into my eyes. This man—the only one I trust enough. The only one I’ve ever willingly let have this. He’s so attentive and sure, and it makes me want more.
I nod.
His mouth presses against mine with a bit more force, but still slow and cautious. I wind my hand in his shirt and tug him closer, holding myself to him.
Cole’s head moves one way, and I move the other, delicately finding a rhythm that is our own. His arms slide around me, and his hands spread across my back to surround me with his strength and protectiveness.
I release his shirt, allowing my palms to glide over his sculpted chest to his neck. I link my arms around him, pulling myself closer, wanting to be completely aware of him. His scent. The feel of his strong body pressing into mine. The soft noises that are only his.
His tongue sweeps across my lips, asking permission, and what started out as tentative and terrifying shifts into something new as heat coats my body from the inside out. But it’s not in warning. It’s the exhilarating rush of trust that’s been built between us.
I part my lips, giving myself a chance—a chance to be free with Cole, if only this once.
His tongue swipes against mine, sending my blood soaring through my body in a way that’s entirely unfamiliar. This unexplored territory is equal parts hot and chilling. I’m unsure of where I’m headed or what’s to come, but with him, I’m not afraid.
Cole kisses me over and over again, testing and savoring.
I tug myself even closer, matching his move, and a soft groan erupts from his chest.
I smile, and as if he feels it, he dives back in, kissing it away.
His mouth takes control, and I let him, but his hands don’t roam. His body is a barricade, shielding me from all that threatens to attack. I want to get lost in him, never to return to what will be waiting. What will always be waiting.
I hold onto him, letting him kiss me until I can’t breathe. I don’t just let him. I kiss him back. . .because I want to.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
There’s a light knock on the door, and someone clears their throat.
Cole pulls away slowly, but his arms stay locked around me. He presses his forehead to mine, our chests rising and falling together. His eyes don’t leave me, assuring me again that everything is all right.
“Umm. . .pizza will be here any minute, and this kitchen is about to get lit up.”
I let my head fall to his chest at Maggie’s amused tone.
“Two minutes tops. Soooo, wrap it up in there.”
Cole’s head lowers to mine, kissing my temple as I burrow into him further. I run my fingers over my puffy lips.
I don’t know what just happened or what I’m supposed to do now. He’s my assignment. My job. The man I’m to protect, and I will. I’m not who he thinks I am, and I will never be anything remotely close to the kind of woman he deserves or who he should be with.
I’m used up, washed up, and only the ragged, damaged leftovers remain.
His hands move to my face again, forcing me to look at him. His eyes are earnest and calm. “Everything is ok. You’re ok. It’s just me.”
I blink, trying to figure out if I believe him.
Am I ok? Because I’m not sure.
His lips press against my forehead as his hand slips into mine.
I hold on tight, wanting, no, needing to believe him—that this is really ok. That I’ll be ok.
I follow him out of the pantry, and his hand maintains a tight grip around mine like he’s afraid I might bolt. I just freaking might.
Teddy enters the room, holding a bandana tied to a stick high in the air. “You owe me, bro. A trip to the beach and all the jet ski time I want.”
Cole’s thumb runs over my knuckles, trying to reassure me. “If I hadn’t tripped, we would’ve had you. Don’t forget that. Next year, you’ll be paying up, you little punk.” He glances at me, but I can’t look at him.
I can only think about the feel of his lips, the taste of his mouth, him holding me close, and how I want to do all of it again.
______
TRACKER: We’ve got something. Sit tight.