Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Star
I woke up warm.
Not just physically, though that was part of it, but wrapped in something solid. For a split second, I didn’t move. I just lay there, breathing slow.
Then memory caught up with me.
The ol’ ladies. Hummingbird Cake. Burnt nuggets. Cole.
My eyes fluttered open.
He was still here.
Still asleep beside me, sprawled in a way that told me he hadn’t planned on staying but hadn’t fought it either.
We were fully clothed, him in a T-shirt and jeans, me in an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, but tangled together like it was the most natural thing in the world.
My head rested against his chest, his arm heavy around my waist, and his hand curled at my hip like it belonged there.
It felt… safe.
Too safe.
I inhaled slowly, careful not to wake him. His breathing was deep and even, with the rise and fall of his chest steady beneath my cheek. He smelled like soap and leather. Familiar now.
I shifted just enough to look up at his face.
Relaxed. Unguarded. The hard lines softened by sleep.
My heart did something stupid and skipped. I swallowed and glanced toward the doorway.
That’s when I saw her.
Mom stood there, leaning against the doorframe with a mug of coffee cradled in both hands. Steam curled up past her face as she took a slow sip, her eyes flicking between me and Cole with a look that was more curious than anything else.
Not angry.
Not shocked.
Just… observant.
“Hi,” I whispered.
She lifted her brows slightly as the corner of her mouth twitched. “Morning, Star.”
My pulse kicked up. “This is—”
“Cozy?” she offered.
I winced. “I was going to say… not what it looks like.”
She hummed thoughtfully as her eyes drifted back to Cole, who hadn’t stirred at all.
I held my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
It didn’t.
Instead, she took another sip of her coffee. “How is he still sleeping with us talking?”
I glanced back at Cole and smiled faintly. “He grew up in the chaos of the Fallen Lords. I think he can sleep through anything.”
Mom snorted softly. “That doesn’t seem ideal for someone whose job it is to protect you.”
Almost on cue, Cole shifted. His brow furrowed, and his arm tightened just slightly around me as he stirred.
Mom’s lips curved into a grin. “Ah. Prince Charming stirs.”
Cole groaned quietly and blinked awake. His eyes focused on the ceiling first, then drifted down to me, confusion flickering briefly before smoothing into awareness.
Then he looked at the doorway.
“Morning,” he said, his voice rough with sleep.
Mom lifted her mug in a mock salute. “Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. Looks like you fell asleep in the wrong bed.”
He didn’t flinch. Didn’t scramble away or look embarrassed.
“Star asked me to stay until she fell asleep,” he said calmly. “And her bed’s comfortable.”
I felt heat creep up my neck.
Mom studied him for a moment, then nodded. “I guess that makes sense.”
She took another sip of her coffee like that settled it.
“I need to get to work,” she said. “What are you two up to today?”
I blinked. “Uh… resting?”
She smiled. “Good. But if you’re feeling up to it, you could grab some groceries. There’s a list on the fridge.”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I can do that. I need to get moving more anyway. And if I get tired, I can always use one of those scooters.”
Mom laughed. “That’s the spirit.” She glanced at Cole. “You good with that?”
He nodded. “I’ve got her.”
“I know you do.” She softened then, her gaze landing on me. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
She blew me a kiss before turning on her heel. “Have a good day.”
The door clicked shut behind her, leaving the room quiet again.
I stared at the ceiling for a second with my heart still racing. “Should I be freaking out that we’re in bed together?” I asked.
Cole shifted, rolling onto his side and propping his head up on his hand so he could look down at me. His eyes were warm. “Is freaking out going to change it?” he asked.
I thought about it. “No.”
He tilted his head. “Do you wish it could change it?”
I hesitated, then shook my head. “No. I… like it.”
His lips curved into a small smile. “Then why freak out about it?”
I didn’t have an answer for that. It just seemed like what I should do. Ah, there’s a sexy man in my bed.
I just lay there, watching him, suddenly very aware of how close he was. How easy it would be to close the distance. To tilt my chin up just enough…
My breath caught.
I wanted to kiss him.
The thought startled me with its intensity.
He must have seen it on my face because his expression shifted; something unreadable flickered in his eyes. But instead of leaning in, he glanced toward the door.
“You want to get breakfast on the way to the store?” he asked.
The spell broke.
“Oh. Uh, yeah,” I said quickly. “That sounds good.”
He rolled out of bed and stretched, then headed toward the doorway without looking back.
I stared up at the ceiling and exhaled slowly.
Regret tugged at me for not kissing him.
But hope followed close behind.
There would be another chance.
I could feel it.