Page 27 of The Pact

Cassie wipes away the droplets on her arm. “Thea, you told me that this was a test date. It was supposed to be casual.” She crosses her arms. “Is this no longer casual? God, it’s only been a few days. Don’t tie yourself down to one guy just yet.” I can feel my face redden at her words. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“It’s nothing, probably.” Her chin tips down and her brows creep upwards. “I overheard Cole talking to his brothers last night. He was telling them about my health issues and they all went into action mode or something.” I don’t know how to fully explain it. It was more of a feeling like I was being protected, but that makes no sense. “Sutton told them how bad it would be if I got sick. And Damian told them he would have someone named Jessie get rid of anything in the house with gluten and sanitize the kitchen.” Cassie’s head cocks in confusion. “Then Damian asked Cole if he could see this getting serious and he said yes.”

Cassie dramatically throws her arm over her forehead and slides off of the couch, which draws out a cackle from me. “C’mon, I’ll throw my back out if I have to pick you up off the floor.” She opens one eye and starts laughing as she pulls back up onto the couch.

“Tell me what you’re doing to bring this man to his knees. Give me some tips cause I’m still waiting for Anthony to propose.” She taps her wrist impatiently.

“Listen, Anthony isn’t going anywhere. It’ll come when you least expect it. Knowing him, I’m sure that he wants to buy you the perfect ring and do it all the right way. I mean, you’re kind of a perfectionist.” My shoulder bumps into hers as the teasing words leave my mouth.

“Yeah, yeah. Well, enough about these men. We need to talk business. How are your numbers looking this month?”

These are my least favorite conversations with Cassie. Mainly because I’m still feeling a bit in over my head. Her books are nearly filled to capacity. I’m booking clients, although not as many as I need if we want to purchase some property this year. I don’t want to worry her, so I keep my concerns to myself and give her my projected numbers, hoping she has more faith in me than I do right now.

We’re walking out of the studio together when I realize what day it is—Thursday. This time last week I was getting ready to go out to the bar. The urge to continue the routine is strong despite the man forcing himself on me a week ago.

It’s a craving that’s hard to kill.

I think of Cole. What would he think if he saw me scantily clad, flirting with some guy at a bar? The thought sends a sharp pain to my heart. I couldn’t hurt him like that. What I have with him is new and we aren’t exclusive by any means, but he’s a kind person who doesn’t deserve that.

I decide to forego the bar and text him instead. He could give me my fix, that has to be healthier. Right?

10

THEA

Cole: Hi, love. What are you up to?

Me: Editing photos. You?

Cole: Thinking about you. Want to come over? We can go swimming.

Me: I wish. I really need to get these done for my client.

Cole: I’ve been working on some gluten-free recipes. I have blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake, and pudding. Are you sure you don’t want to be my taste tester?

Me: You’re the worst. I’m on my way.

Cole: See you soon, beautiful.

“I brought my computer. I’m going to finish my edits here. There’s no talking me out of it,” I say as Cole opens the door and leans in for a kiss. I put my satchel and camera bag on the dining room table like I’ve been here a thousand times. “Oh, gimme!” I turn and rush to the island where he has all the desserts laid out.

Cole lets out a low chuckle.

“Hold on, hold on.” He grabs a couple of forks. “We’re trying these together. For better or worse,” he says skeptically.

We try each one and I promise to give him my honest opinion. “The cookies and the cake are perfection.” I dig into the cake for another bite. “The muffins are good. Could use something though, I’m just not sure what.”

“And the pudding?” I wince and shake my head. “Yeah, agreed.” He tosses the bowl into the sink so that no one else has the misfortune of trying it. “I’m thinking of integrating some of these recipes into the menu at the bakery, so you’ll have some options when you come in. What do you think?”

He’s studying my reaction, his eyes searching mine. My lips press together. I’m a bit taken aback. “Oh, Cole… I think that would be great. But I don’t want you to do that because of me.”

His face falls a bit as if he’s disappointed. I’m not trying to hurt his feelings. I don’t want to be a burden. He comes around the island and wraps his arms around me, pressing his chest into my back. “Thea, it’s okay for people to do nice things for you. You’re going to have to learn to accept that if you’re with me. Yes?”

I don’t entirely know what to say, so I croak out, “Yes”.

“Good,” he whispers against my neck.

I've had people do nice things for me. However, more often than not, it’s because there’s an expectation of something in return. Strings are almost always attached. At least, that’s my experience.

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