Page 44 of The Pact

No turning back now.

“You’re looking much better,” he observes.

I took a long shower, styled my hair, and even put on some mascara and gloss. It’s not much, yet when my go to makeup look is bare minimum, this could be considered done up. Cole’s eyes rake over my body.

I’ve opted for another long sleeve, not wanting to draw any more attention to my wrist than necessary. It’s white and thin, so at least I’m not too hot. It’s tucked into my nude corduroy high waisted mini skirt that hugs my hips. Beneath, I’m wearing black sheer tights.

Cassie’s comments about the guys staring at my body comes to mind. Maybe I should have worn something else. If what she said is true, I don’t want to encourage them.

I lean in, giving Cole a quick kiss, but he pulls me in close. The press of his muscled chest and his hands on my waist makes my skin heat. It’s been a long week a part, I need this closeness. He doesn’t free me until we’re inside. “Well, hello to you too.” I giggle at his enthusiasm.

“What’s that?” He’s inspecting the bag in my hand. I hide it behind my back.

Giving him a coy smile, I tease, “A little gift for you.”

“Oh really? You didn’t have to get me anything.”

Resting my palm on his chest, I assure him this isn’t a reciprocal gift. “Cole, this is something I’ve been working on for a while. I didn’t randomly grab it on the way here.” His dark brows pop up. I’ve piqued his interest.

“Well, in that case, hurry and open yours. I want to see what’s in that bag.” Cole hasn’t given me the impression that he’s the impatient type. However, I can feel his energy thrumming with anticipation right now.

He leads me to the living room and sits me down on the sofa facing the fireplace. Reaching behind it, he pulls out a large black box with silver lettering stamped on top. I run my fingers over the word ETERNA.

“Open it,” he urges.

My fingers find the lip of the lid and lift. Inside, I peel away the delicate layers of tissue paper until I see it.

I run my hand over the rich, reddish, buttery soft leather, admiring the craftsmanship of the satchel. Stamped on the front are the letters TG. Words escape me. I want to thank him. I also want to tell him I can’t accept this gift. It looks expensive.

“Cole… this is too much. I—” He puts a hand up to stop any protests that might spill from my mouth.

“You can and will accept it. See…” He points to the letters. “It already has your initials, so I can’t return it.” He smiles at me warmly. Those damn dimples make it impossible to argue with him. “Go on, take it out, open it up. I hope it’ll fit everything. Yours is a little bigger, although I think this will still work.”

Before I do as he says, my hand cups his cheek. I look at him earnestly. “Thank you so much. This is beautiful. I'll use it every day.” Leaning in, I kiss him slowly and meaningfully. I want him to feel just how much I appreciate the thought behind this gift.

I take the satchel from the box, open the flap, and peek inside. It’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to put all of my things in it. Placing it back into the box, I set it on the coffee table and hold up the bag I brought.

“My turn!”

“Oh, you can be impatient, huh? You’ve hidden that flaw so well.” I laugh as I say it, and he gives me a sheepish grin. “Maybe… I should hold on to this a little longer.” I dangle the gift out of reach. Cole easily reaches across me, pressing his chest into mine as he swipes the bag from my hand, giving me a peck on the lips before sitting back down.

He tests the weight of it with a perplexed face. “Is it a… French press? No, too heavy. A cookbook?”

“Now that would be insulting. A cookbook for a culinary mastermind?”

“Careful, you wouldn’t want to make my ego too big. Then, I’d be impatient and insufferable. That might be what drives you away.” We both laugh and I brace myself as he pulls out the thick bound album. Nervousness courses through me and knots my stomach. It’s too personal of a gift to give this early. I should’ve left it at home.

It’s black, discreet, because I don’t know if he’ll be embarrassed by it. I’ve made it so it won’t stand out. He can keep it tucked away from prying eyes. I hold my breath as he opens the cover to the first page.

Cole’s quiet. He thumbs through the album, nearly expressionless. My heart pounds hard against my ribs and it’s taking all of my self control not to rip it from his hands.

This was a bad idea. He flips some more, his eyes scanning over each image, until he reaches the end and closes the book. Cole stares at the front of the album, unwilling to meet my gaze.

“I’m sorry if that’s too weird.” I fidget with my hands, fixing my eyes on my lap.

“Love…this is the nicest thing I’ve ever been given.” My eyes meet his—they’re watery. I reach for this hand. “You took all of these? These moments… I mean, I knew you were taking pictures sometimes, but these are amazing.”

He opens it back to the beginning. A photo of him wiping down a counter at the bakery, looking focused, yet calm. Another of him standing with his brothers in front of the grill the day they caught us in the pool. A selfie of him and me kissing as we stood outside my studio. One of him chopping an onion the night we had Cass and Anthony over. His face concentrated on what he loves most.

---