Page 27 of Forbidden Flame

“Absolutely not. I adore your pies and thought minipies would be perfect for the vibe we were going for: a small, intimate wedding on the farm.”

“I hope your guests love them too,” I said.

Gia, the wedding planner, popped her head into the room. “Sarah, come eat before you need to get dressed.”

“Duty calls,” Sarah said happily as she left the room.

Marley turned slightly in her chair. “So nothing happened between you and Cole?”

“We talked about our pasts and got to know each other. It was nice.” Nice was an understatement. It was explosive. Like nothing I’d ever experienced, but I couldn’t tell these women any of that. It would put them in a difficult position.

They supported their men and the Monroe business. Talking to them was a good reminder that Emmett and the others didn’t want me here. At any time, they could decide I wasn’t welcome, and I didn’t want to cause any trouble for Cole. I knew how much he needed this family and wanted a future career to be wrapped up in the farm and Heath’s contracting business.

“Cole talked to you about his family? Emmett said he rarely talks about them.”

“I think he shared because I’d talked about my daughter and my pie business.” If Cole was closed off about his family, what did it mean that he’d shared his rocky past with me?

I was uncomfortable to acknowledge that it might have meant he was interested in more than just sex. I’d chalked it up to him wanting to get to know me before being intimate. But he didn’t have to share so much with me. He could have talked about the Monroes and left it at that.

The fact that he’d been so open settled in my chest and gave me hope that the night had meant something to him. Even if we couldn’t pursue it, I’d remember it fondly.

The only thing was that it made me long for that connection with someone. Cole made me feel like I could talk to him, and he’d listen. That he’d be the perfect person to share my day with. That he’d be attentive and kind.

“You don’t have to share with us until you’re ready, but we’re friends, and we’d love to support you. We think the feud is ridiculous. Sure, your family’s farm is one of our competitors, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends with you,” Marley said.

I didn’t want to darken the mood by pointing out that was exactly the issue, especially when it came to Emmett.

Ireland frowned. “I wonder why Cole said he didn’t think we should have your pies at the wedding?”

I’d been wondering about that too. “What exactly was said?”

“Sarah brought it up one night at dinner, and everyone was able to let her know what they thought of the idea. Emmett and Cole were against it. They didn’t think we should associate with your family.”

This was why I didn’t think it was a good idea to get involved with Cole. I wouldn’t make that mistake again. Our hot-tub date was nice, but there wouldn’t be a repeat.

“Lori took over and said we were doing whatever Sarah wanted. It was her wedding after all. Don’t worry; Emmett always grumbles about everything,” Ireland added.

“Does Cole grumble about everything too?” I asked, almost afraid of their response.

“He’s usually quiet about family matters, probably because he’s just a cousin. He’s not always included in the business meetings, but that night, he said he wanted a stake in it. So maybe things are changing.”

If Cole was pursuing a place in the family business, that was one more reason why we needed to pretend that nothing happened between us. It hurt that he didn’t want my pies at the wedding. Especially when he knew how much it would mean for me to have the business and the exposure Sarah’s wedding could provide.

The betrayal struck me in the chest, making it difficult to breathe. Conversation turned to the wedding and what we needed to do to be ready on time. I tamped down any thoughts of Cole. But the pain of what they said lingered.

After my hair was finished, I moved to the makeup room, then got dressed quickly. I didn’t bother eating because I was upset about what they’d said about Cole.

One night with him was my intention all along, so nothing that was said today should hurt my feelings. But it did.

I was thankful we didn’t need to be escorted down the aisle. But I’d need to take Cole’s arm after the ceremony. It should only be for a few seconds. Then I hoped my time with him was done for the night.

When Holly moved with the music down the aisle, I saw the way Talon looked at her. I’d heard they were seeing each other, and it was clear he was halfway in love with her if he wasn’t already there.

My heart clenched as my gaze slid to Cole who stood next to Talon. He looked handsome in his suit.

I followed Gia’s cue to walk, noticed Cole’s gaze on me, and I almost stumbled. There was so much heat in his eyes. It reminded me of that night when we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. I was hoping it was an anomaly, brought on by the romance of the auction and the location of the date. It was the hot water and bare skin.

But now I wondered if it was just our chemistry. I hadn’t experienced anything like it with anyone else. What did it mean?

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