CHAPTER THREE Ginger
CHAPTER THREE
Ginger
“ F avor?” I ask in a squeaky voice. Considering it’s the middle of the night, I’m sure he already knows what that favor is.
I hear the sound of his latest fling ask who it is. Shit.
I continue giving him a plethora of excuses.
“He’s wasted and I didn’t … I mean, I’m not calling my dad. I’d rather hitch-hike.” I pull my phone away from my ear and check the battery. Twelve percent.
Please say yes …
“How many times have I told you not to rely on him? You know he’s gonna get shit-faced and either leave you hanging or pass out.”
I should’ve known I couldn’t call Cole Ashby for a ride without a lecture. As if I need it. I know my boyfriend Silas is a dick, especially when he drinks. I blame his chiseled abs. All he has to do is flash them and I lose all train of thought. Plus, being the girlfriend of a soon-to-be University of Kentucky football star has its perks. Namely the envy of every mean girl at school that’s ever called me fat or made fun of my hair, my braces or my height.
“I don’t need a lecture right now, Cole. I need a ride. Can you come, or do I have to hitch-hike?”
“I’ll be there in ten,” he huffs out before I hear the phone click. He’s pissed. He just started dating Lindsay Billings, who probably won’t like that he’s leaving to pick up his little sister’s friend at two a.m., but I don’t have anyone else to call. CeCe is God knows where. She and Olivia left with two football players an hour ago when I told them I was staying with Silas, and I would’ve walked the three miles home before calling my dad.
I don’t go back in to tell Silas I’m leaving. He took some kind of psychedelic with two of his football buddies an hour ago. They’re in their offseason now and taking full advantage.
I’m practicing in my mind how I’m going to end things with Silas tomorrow when the headlights of Cole’s pickup truck round the corner of Second and Williams Street.
I wave a hand so he sees me.
“I’m starting a job at Jennings Décor tomorrow for the summer,” I say as I get in and grab my seatbelt. “I told him I didn’t want to stay late, but he never listens.”
Cole looks at me with a stern face, which I hate. He’s only a couple years older than me but he thinks he’s so much more mature. He just got his own cabin at his family’s ranch too, which doesn’t help. He really has his life together. We weren’t surprised when he chose something other than ranching as a career. CeCe said he’s never really liked ranching much, and that he wants to make a difference in the community instead. He’s attending the Police Foundations program at our local technical college which he’s almost finished. As if he needed a boost in the hotness meter, becoming a cop definitely does it for me. Something about a uniform and him being ready to protect and serve makes him even sexier than before.
I sigh and look out the window. I’m used to being attracted to Cole, I just don’t usually let the thoughts roll through my mind. But what can I say. Four vodka coolers later and here we are.
“You can’t be surprised he didn’t listen to you. In case you haven’t noticed, guy’s a dick,” Cole grunts.
“Thanks, Captain Obvious.”
“Look, I’m leaving for Grosvenor in a couple of days to help out there for the summer, and CeCe is moving to Seattle in six weeks. You won’t be able to call me for a ride. And besides, it’s going to get weird if I’m leaving to pick you up like this when my sister doesn’t even live here anymore. Lindsay was pissed tonight.” He mentions his latest fling.
“Can’t you just tell her I’m like your sister? It’s very brotherly of you to come get me.” I grin at him, but he doesn’t return my smile.
“I don’t think she’d buy that. This is the second time since I started dating her that you’ve called me after midnight. Last time she accused me of screwing you on the side.”
I make a weird scoffing noise. Lindsay is jealous? Of me? She looks like a Victoria’s Secret model. Long legs; thin, silky straight hair. I am the polar opposite of that. Shorter, curvy, and my hair is wild and out-of-control curly. Unless he’s looking for how far he can stray outside his type …
“Well, obviously that’s not happening. As if you’d ever try to hook up with me. She’s drop-dead gorgeous.” I laugh at how ridiculous it sounds.
Cole’s jaw sets, and he’s wearing that annoyed look again.
“And you know, you don’t have to answer when I call,” I continue, because it’s true, he doesn’t. But he always does. “One day you’ll be asking me for help.”
He laughs in disbelief. “I’ll believe it when I see it, but I’m not going to have you walk home. What kind of almost-cop would I be?” His annoyance melts into a soft grin and my heart flutters in my chest.
God he’s gorgeous. He was always solid from playing sports and working with Wade at the ranch, but since he started training to be a cop, he’s filled out even more. I heard him say once that he works out two hours a day now. I sigh and look out the window at the dark sky as we drive.
“Well, thank you, Cole.”
“Y’owe me. What’s that now? Eight? Ten favors?” He playfully pushes at my shoulder.
He turns onto my street, Royal Oak Drive. We live in the part of town that’s been dubbed Pill Hill, because most of the people that live here are doctors, shrinks or lawyers. It’s a large spread of traditional Cape Cods and colonials on perfectly manicured tree-lined streets. You’d think I would love it, but the truth is I can’t wait to have my own place. Something small, off the beaten path, maybe boho chic, messy and a little chaotic.
“Eleven actually,” I tell him, keeping my gaze out the window.
“When it’s my turn to cash in, I’m gonna collect big-time,” Cole says as he pulls up to my house. It might be the only one on the street that still has its front lights on. My dad is up, and probably waiting to berate me for my life choices—tell me how everything I do affects him and our family. Same old, same old.
I grimace as I look up at our six-bedroom colonial, one of the biggest on the street. My dad is a wealthy man. He was a successful lawyer before becoming a local alderman last spring. Now he has congress aspirations. He’s running for the third district. Small business affairs, and he also owns commercial properties in downtown Laurel Creek. He didn’t become this successful from missing details. Edward Danforth never misses anything that could affect his reputation, especially not the fact his only daughter is two hours past her curfew. But my feelings, or what’s going on in my life? If it doesn’t fit into his plan for me, he doesn’t mind missing that.
“Well, looks like this night’s just about to get even better,” I say sarcastically.
“He still on you about college?” Cole asks, putting the truck in park. The muscles in his forearms ripple as he does so, and I do my best not to stare.
I fail as always.
“Yeah, says horticulture isn’t a career.” I’ve always wanted to be a florist, maybe own my own shop someday. “Wants me to do something noble and serving. Like teaching or law. Funny thing is, I would never want to be a lawyer.”
“Do you want to teach?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I love kids, I’ve had some good teachers. I have the grades to do it. But sometimes I feel like no matter what I do, it will disappoint him just a little.”
“There is nothing about you that should disappoint him,” Cole says sincerely.
He wets his lips and I wonder what it’s like to be Lindsay. To have that beautiful warm body press up against mine, to have those lips plant kisses down my neck, murmur sweet things to me—
“Ginger?” Cole snaps me out of my daydream. Am I panting?! Shit. Cole and alcohol are a bad mix.
“Uh … Thanks again, for picking me up. Sorry to interrupt whatever you were doing with Paris Hilton,” I say, fiddling with my purse strap.
Cole looks over at me. “Meh, no biggie. I’m not really feeling it anyway. She gets kind of needy to be honest. You did me a favor, if you want the truth,” he chuckles. Typical Cole. Never stays with one girl for too long.
I check my invisible watch. “Well, I mean it’s been, what? Three whole weeks? You’re way past due.”
“Fuck off,” he scoffs. I smile and move to get out of the truck.
“Hey, Vixen?” Cole’s hand darts out to stop me. He’s been calling me that more often this year, mostly whenever he’s bailing me out of one hairbrained situation or another, like this one. He doesn’t have a nickname for any of CeCe’s other friends so I take it as a win. I turn to face him.
“Hmmm?”
“Don’t let that fucking Silas prick treat you like that.” He slides his large hand downward, placing it on my knee. I try to ignore the way his touch sends heat to every cell in my body, how it feels too close, even through my jeans. I look at his hand, then up to his eyes. Their normally amber hue is molten. He’s so close I can feel the heat from his skin, smell his minty breath, and my insides turn liquid.
“I mean it. You deserve better than that bullshit,” he mutters, flexing his grip lightly on my thigh.
“Why, thank you for the advice, Officer,” I say dutifully, mocking him, trying to sound a lot cooler than I feel.
“I’m calling in my first favor,” he blurts.
I gulp and raise an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Yeah—oh,” he says. “Just … fuck. You don’t … see yourself the way other people do.”
I laugh nervously and look out the front window. “Are you complimenting me, Cole Ashby?”
He shakes his head. “I mean it, Ginger. I’m telling you this so that, even though I give you a hard time, you know your worth. And I’ll always come when you call, okay? Just … find someone better.”
I don’t know if it’s that his hand is still on my thigh, the intense way he’s looking at me, or the vodka. Maybe a combination of all three? But something inside me breaks. I very slowly and intently inch my body closer on the bench seat, notching myself against him, alcohol-induced confidence taking over. I reach my hand to the side of his face and look deep into his eyes, like I’m asking permission. He doesn’t move, he doesn’t speak, so I tilt my head, slide my other hand around his chiseled waist and pull him close, capturing his lips with mine.
The moment we connect, static lines every part of me. I’m no longer molten, I’m pure fire, every inch of me burning for him. I moan as Cole’s hands circle my waist, and I press my body closer against his. For one second, everything feels so right—perfect even. For one second.
Until those hands push me away.
The buzzing sound continues like a leaky faucet, interrupting my dream of one of the most embarrassing nights of my life. I open one eye and see my phone five feet away on the coffee table.
The room is bright. Almost midday bright. I stretch my legs out on the couch and feel the warmth of Cole’s arm under my toes. We fell asleep, again. I give him a nudge as I pick up my phone and flip it over. I groan.
“Father,” I answer.
“Darling,” he replies curtly, all business. “It’s almost noon. Are you just waking up?” I can hear the displeasure in his voice. “You weren’t out doing anything you shouldn’t be, were you? You know the primaries are coming up.”
Yes, Father, I do. One wet t-shirt contest for charity in college, and I’m ruined for life it seems.
“No, I’ve been up for hours,” I lie.
Cole yawns like a yeti at the other end of the couch, not realizing I’m on the phone. I kick him. His eyes flit open and my core twinges. I try very hard not to fall asleep with Cole because the way he is in the morning, hair ruffled, warm and toasty against my body, is just—
“You sound like you’re half asleep. Are you still coming for dinner tomorrow night? Your mother is trying to figure out how many places to set.”
As if I have a choice.
“Yes, of course I’ll be there.”
“Are you bringing anyone?” he asks hopefully.
“Wasn’t planning on it,” I say dryly, rolling my eyes.
“Hmm, I see. See you at seven sharp. Be punctual.”
“Yes sir,” I mock before hanging up. I flop back on the couch and groan.
“Don’t you have your own room?” I ask Cole as he stretches.
“I tried to leave but you were sleep-talking.” He grins. “Begged me to stay.”
I kick him harder and put my hand to my ear. “What’s that now? You have to go? Such a shame,” I say, standing and grabbing my toiletries.
Cole chuckles and sits up, working the knots out of his neck from the uncomfortable couch. “That’s it, use me and kick me to the curb before I’ve even had a morning coffee.” He goes to adjust himself and, even though I try not to look, it’s hard not to.
“You know, I think that’s what she said.” I wink.
Cole laughs in spite of himself.
“Fuck, she’s staying at this hotel,” he remembers. “I can’t even go downstairs for breakfast. I was supposed to leave early this morning.”
“Not a chance I’m feeling sorry for you and your first-world fuckboy problems.” I roll my eyes. “And you’re going to have to find someone else to share a couch with when we’re in Vegas next weekend. The family might think it’s weird if you sneak out of mine and Olivia’s room in the morning. And I’m also not about to explain your need to hang out with me all the time to CeCe right now when she’s being a bit of a bridezilla,” I say without looking at him as I rummage through my overnight bag for my yoga pants.
Cole laughs from behind me. “Guess I’ll just have to find some other grumpy, non-morning person to hang out with while we’re there.”
“Good, and your knees can dig into someone else’s back all night.”
I gather all my items into a pile in my arms, balancing my clean socks between my chin and my toiletries because I’m a one-trip bitch.
“Don’t worry about CeCe. She’s too involved in her own life to notice anything we do.” He points at me. “And don’t act like you don’t enjoy my company.”
He stands and tosses his hoodie back on over his t-shirt. When his head pops through, he’s wearing a big, dimpled smile.
“I feel the way you snuggle your feet into my side when you’re falling asleep and snoring like a little freight train.”
I narrow my eyes at him and decide to give up my stack of perfectly gathered items in exchange for tossing my socks at him. They hit him square in the face. So worth it.
“I cannot be held accountable for any snuggling I do when I’m unconscious. And I do not snore,” I say heatedly. “Now, I need a shower and a coffee. Time to go pursue your next victim. Toodles, Law Daddy.”
I gather up my items again and head to get ready without so much as a glance back.
“You definitely snore!” I hear him retort as I shut the bathroom door behind me. I take my time in the shower, mulling over the impending dinner with my parents, particularly my father. He hasn’t invited me because he wants to spend time together. He wants to go over his primary schedule and anything he might “need” from me.
I know my father was hoping I’d bring David Black with me. He’s the son of one of his colleagues, a lawyer just like him, and for some reason when he introduced him to me last month, he thought we were a match made in heaven. David was nice enough—tall, dark and handsome. But also a little arrogant and self-absorbed. The entire dinner my parents awkwardly arranged was spent listening to him tell me how many cases he’d won and how he was going to make partner soon. Not my type, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that my parents think he is the kind to “settle down” with. The last guy they loved like that was the son of my dad’s newly appointed political adviser …
Brock. The good guy. The guy that seemed as though he’d do anything for me. My parents adored him and I even kind of fell for him, thought he might have been the one. Until he broke my heart. I found him in the shower of my dorm with a girl from down the hall. It had been going on for weeks while I busted my ass at my placement study. Ever since then, I’ve only casually dated now and then. I don’t really see the point until Mr. Sweep Me Off My Feet comes around. Aside from the obvious, and I have enough vibrators for that.
When I finish in the shower, Cole is gone, probably already checked out to get back to Mabel.
I’m just packing everything into my suitcase when there’s a knock at my door as my phone buzzes on the bedside table simultaneously.
I go for the door first.
“Good afternoon.” A concierge flashes me a smile as I swing open the door.
“Oh, I didn’t order anything—”
“This is from Mr. Ashby,” he cuts in, pushing the cart into my room.
He hands me the slip of paper and I read the breakfast menu: coffee, Greek yogurt with berries and granola.
I pull a five out of my purse and thank him as I close the door. Making my way over to my phone, I see texts from Cole. And, of course, texts from Liv, mine and Cece’s best friend.
LAW DADDY
Don’t drive on an empty stomach. Also probiotics and berries will help with that really miserable mood you were in when I left.
Your fault for trying to talk before coffee. Did you get out of here without being spotted?
LAW DADDY
Barely. Till next time Grandpa.
Grandpa?
LAW DADDY
Shit sorry, all that snoring, got you confused with my pop.
In that case, till next time, Professor Fitts.
A few seconds go by.
LAW DADDY
Did you just name the Laurel Creek High Biology teacher? I’m not going to ask.
Oh sorry, I was just remembering the last man that made me fall asleep from just talking, like you did last night.
LAW DADDY
Terrible attempt at a joke. Enjoy your breakfast, asshole.
Yes sir. I grin and start happily munching on my strawberries, opening Liv’s message as I do.
LIV
Look what I scored.
I open the image. It’s a photo of two silky sashes that read “ The bride’s bitches. ” I smile. This weekend will be one for the ages. Nash has chartered us a private flight to Vegas and we’re all heading down for him and CeCe’s “together” bachelor and bachelorette party. “Together” because they are disgustingly obsessed with each other and can’t bear to spend one night apart.
Perfect
LIV
I thought so
What are you doing? Lunch? Sage and Salt?
I look at the time. Twelve-thirty.
I’m just leaving Lexington now, so about an hour?
LIV
You’re just leaving now?
I sip my coffee.
I slept in.
LIV
It happened again, didn’t it?
Liv is the only person in the world that knows about mine and Cole’s unorthodox friendship.
See you in an hour.
LIV
You know you’re like a girlfriend without the perks. In porn they call that a fluffer. Just saying.
I roll my eyes and do my best to end this conversation.
See you soon, porn expert.
Precisely an hour later, I’m seated at the outdoor patio in the sun at Sage and Salt, the lunch hot spot in our quaint little town of Laurel Creek, with Olivia giving me a stare that says, The jig is up .
“ What? ” I ask defensively as I sip my iced tea.
“Look, I got it when his marriage was falling apart and he needed a friend. I got it when they split even, and he didn’t want to be alone.”
I push my sunglasses further up my nose.
“But what is the reason you guys still do this now? He’s been separated from Gemma for over two years. How do you always end up back together but never together?”
She eats a forkful of her pasta as I push my quinoa and chicken around on my plate.
“He’s like a stray dog.” I grin.
Liv smiles back. “Uh-huh. And it has nothing to do with the fact that you’ve always been semi-infatuated with him and, whenever he calls, you come running?”
I think back to all the times I’ve been there for Cole when he’s needed me over the years.
“He was in the room next to mine. We watched some TV. We’re friends,” I say simply. “And he was always there for me too.” I hold a finger up. “Before you ask, I don’t know why.”
“I do.” She smiles again, tightening her ponytail high on her head. “You’re the only woman in this town he hasn’t stuck his dick in.”
“He worked through this town years ago. We’re just friends,” I reiterate for the hundredth time.
“Whatever gets you through the day.” She winks. “But just so we’re clear, you have no thoughts whatsoever about him hovering his strong body over the top of you. And I won’t find you two together in the morning this weekend in Vegas?”
I scoff as the picture she paints washes over me. I think of the way he looked this morning. His brow knotted in sleep, his full lips slightly parted. I clear my throat as my heart rate starts to accelerate.
“Of course not,” I lie.