Chapter 12 #2
A few minutes later, she heard tires crunching on the dirt outside and the engines from the big SUVs that Cole’s men drove. She stood and looked out the open door. She lifted a brow. “Well, that was fast. Douglas County Sheriff’s car is outside along with your men.”
The sheriff’s deputy came in first. “Mr. Kincaid, we got a call about a trespasser and an altercation out here. Is this the man?” He pointed at Sykes.
Jerry put his shoulders back and straightened his spine even more.
“He is. He’s tried a couple of times to kill me. Luckily my bodyguard thwarted his plans both times.” Cole walked to Regan and put his arm around her shoulders.
She looked up at him. What’s he doing? This is not professional. I wonder if this means he’s fired me and wants to take our relationship to the next level?
The deputy sheriff looked at her and spoke to Cole. “Where is your bodyguard?
Cole chuckled. “Right here.” He pointed at Regan.
The deputy’s eyebrows shot up. “She’s your bodyguard? I thought she was your girlfriend.”
“We’re still working on that.” Cole looked down at her and smiled.
She didn’t get it. What was he up to? Jerry Sykes had been arrested for attempted murder and was going to jail. That should have been the end of her contract, but it sounded like Cole wanted more. But as a bodyguard or as a girlfriend?
The deputy shook his head. “I’ll need you two to come down to the station to give your statements.
The sooner the better. While things are still fresh in your minds.
” Then he took Sykes by the shoulder and lead him to the patrol car.
He covered the top of Jerry’s head with his hand so it didn’t hit the door frame. Then he drove away.
Regan finally stepped out from Cole’s arm around her shoulders. She missed his touch already, and the only thing they’d shared were a few kisses and a bed, twice.
He looked at her, confusion in his gaze. “What’s the matter?”
“You. You’re what’s the matter. What do you want from me? I told you I can’t be one of your?—”
He pressed two fingers against her lips and gazed at her. “Shh. Baby, I don’t want you to be someone I date for three weeks and then move on to someone else. I’m not proud of who I’ve been, but I want to be better, and I want to be better with you. Please, Regan, give us a chance.”
Tears filled her eyes. This was what she wanted. She wanted to be with Cole more than anything. She loved him. He was kind, and he loved his family. He took care of his employees, treated them fairly, and paid them well.
But it was the way he was a gentleman with her.
He didn’t try to take advantage, and it wasn’t just because she could kick his butt.
It was because he was a good man. She knew that the first time they’d slept together.
She knew that in the way she’d cuddled close both those nights, and he still didn’t try to use her.
She nodded.
He opened his arms and pulled her in. Then his mouth was on hers, and they kissed, deeper than she thought possible. He loved her with his mouth and she returned that love.
Her arms went around his waist. She felt fevered and like she wanted to just eat him up, become one with him.
Their tongues met in silent need, almost a frenzy as they tasted each other, played, dueled, fought, loved. All of it was there, in that kiss.
Cole cupped her face, holding her close but gently, so she could break free, if she wanted.
But she didn’t want to be free of this man…ever. If he could just love her like she loved him.
She leaned back but kept her arms around his waist. “Cole.”
He grinned. “Regan.”
“Are you sure this is what you want? I can’t?—”
He kissed her quick, just a peck to silence her. “Regan, sweetheart. I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you.” He rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks and a light, easy motion.
She tightened her arms around his waist. “I’ve never felt this way either. Not even with Danny. That was a schoolgirl infatuation, not love. I—” Her eyes widened as she realized what she’d said.
His eyes lit up, and he smiled. “I love you, too. I didn’t know what these feelings meant, because I’ve never had them before, but just saying it out loud…I love you…feels so right.”
She nodded. “I love you, too. I think I’ve known since the night at my apartment when we slept together the first time. You didn’t try anything, were the perfect gentleman. Then the second time, on the platform, I was wondering what was wrong that you didn’t try to put the moves on me.”
He chuckled. “I wanted to, believe me. It was only through willpower I didn’t know I had, and…” he looked at her with one eyebrow cocked. “The fact that you could hurt me kept me from making you mine that night. I’m sure the people on the platform have us engaged and getting married any day.”
She laughed. It felt like the first genuine laugh she’d had in a long time. She felt giddy. Was she allowed to be this happy? She didn’t know if she deserved it, but she was grabbing on with both hands and she was never letting go, regardless of what the future held.