Page 91 of The Pact

Typing out my reply, I hit send and turn off my phone before heading back into the room.

31

THEA

The room is dimly lit, made even darker by the wood slatted ceiling and dark decor. Across from the two beds is a fireplace. A large leather armchair sits in the corner. I walk to the one window in the room and peer out.

Dusk has fully settled over the grounds of the inn, washing the forest and fields in a muted gray blue.

Cole’s been gone for about twenty minutes. I wonder if he’s going to come back at all. He wouldn’t leave me here. Doubt creeps in as soon as I think it. What the hell is wrong with me? Of course he wouldn’t. I’m being paranoid because things feel off between us.

This is supposed to be an unexpectedly romantic evening. Before he asked for two beds, I was sure we’d finally sleep together tonight. It’s been building up for a while and what better way to take the next step than a night away? We wouldn’t have to worry about his brothers hearing us.

It would be a perfect memory, just for us.

But now, I’m unsure. This can’t all be because of earlier. Although, I have no other explanation for the sudden distance I feel from Cole. My mind goes right back to years of falling asleep to Gavin’s cold shoulder.

After the first few years, I learned that trying to work through the issues was more trouble than it was worth. I’d wait for the storm to pass. Then we’d be on good terms like nothing happened.

I can’t fall back into that. Years of anxiety and insecurity knotting in my stomach aren’t things I can do again. While I hate confrontation, Cole and I need to talk—tonight.

He walks back in at that moment, carrying two plates. My stomach growls in response. Okay, we can talk after we eat.

“I did my best. The front desk lady said she’s pretty sure there isn’t gluten in any of it. Do you want to chance it?” Cole stares down at me as I sit on the bed, weighing my options.

Hunger wins. “Yes, I’m starved.” I take the top plate and remove the foil. The smell is heavenly. “Thank you,” I acknowledge before pushing a forkful of rice into my mouth.

Cole turns on the fireplace, then plops down in the armchair. We eat in silence, although in my head I’m working up the nerve to have this conversation with him. Things have been so smooth—I’m not ready for our first fight.

Setting my plate down, I stare at him as he looks at his phone. I want to remember him before I ruin this.

Deep breath. “Cole, is everything alright? Did I do something…wrong?” I hate how it comes out, like I’m a child in trouble.

“Yes, love, everything’s fine. Why?” He appears completely unfazed by my question. No anger or defensiveness. Am I crazy?

“You asked for two beds. I thought we’d share one. And it feels like you’re miles away from me. Are you upset because of what I said earlier, at the waterfall?”

Cole’s brows pull together, yet I can’t read him. “I’m not upset at you. I…” He pauses, running his hand over his jaw. “I don’t know. I feel foolish for thinking you loved me. It’s too soon, I know that. I let myself get carried away. Sorry, I don’t mean to take it out on you.”

I’m stunned. That isn’t what I expected. Honestly, vulnerability, an apology. I don’t know how to react, although my body does. Walking to where he’s sitting, I push between his legs and sit down on his lap.

I wrap my arms around his neck, cuddling in close to him. He makes me feel unbelievably safe and his reaction to my question proves he isn’t like my ex. “Thank you for telling me that. Please don’t feel foolish. I love that you got carried away.” I pull back a little. Cupping his jaw, I force him to stare at me. “I’ve gotten carried away, too. I needed some time to sort through my emotions.”

Cole’s eyes soften, the green in them so dark they almost look black in this light. “I have to keep reminding myself that your last relationship wasn’t healthy. Rushing into this is scary for you. Right?” He brushes a stray hair from my face.

“Yes,” I breathe out. “But being scared hasn’t stopped me from falling for you, Cole. I’m not sure anything could’ve stopped that.” My fingers brush over his lips. The next part is the scariest, although I don’t let it stop me like I did earlier. “I love you.”

His lips curve beneath my fingertips. “Thea, I love you, more than you could ever know.” The words ease the worry in me. I realize I’ve said over and over that Cole is perfect. I was wrong. No one’s perfect. He has his flaws, just like I have mine. However, he’s perfect for me and that’s all I’ve ever needed.

The sweetness of the moment quickly fades away, replaced by ravenous desire. I lick into his mouth, sucking on his bottom lip before kissing down the column of his throat. I shift to straddle him. His cinnamon and amber scent sets my sense on fire. It reminds me of the evening on my couch, but tonight his hand won’t do—I need much more.

Cole must agree—he cups my ass and stands up. I pull away long enough to look behind me and see that he’s taking us to the bathroom. My lips return to his neck, my teeth grazing his skin. A moan vibrates against my mouth, making me smile against his throat.

I barely register passing through the doorway when he drops me onto the counter.

He steps away and crosses the bathroom, turning on the shower. Then, goes to the adjacent tub and turns it on too. Steam billows at our feet.

Cole pulls his shirt over his head as he comes back to me. My palms connect with his hard chest. I run my fingers over the ridges of his abs until I get to the edge of his jeans. My eyes flick up to his. I’m met with a needy stare and wet my lips in anticipation.

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