Page 30 of Stay

His flirtatiousness trips me up because I’m still stuck in my guilty haze, while he’s staying true to his word, and giving us a clean slate to work with.

I try my best to play along. “Tell me where to go and I’m there.”

“My office.”

He’s working on a Saturday? That sucks. Then again, so am I. “I’m coming now.”

His laugh spreads warmth down my spine. “I’ve heard those words before.”

My cheeks heat. “I bet.”

“How soon can you get here? I wanna be ready.”

I still don’t know my way around the bay area very well. “Probably twenty minutes? I’m over by the Metal Petal florist.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

“Do you want me to bring anything? Lunch? Coffee?” It’s a little past three, but I haven’t eaten yet, and maybe Cole hasn’t either.

“Just that sweet ass, Angel.”

Oh geez. He really wasn’t kidding about starting fresh. The man’s a menace to my heart and body.

After we hang up, I run in my high-heeled boots to get to my damn car faster. I haven’t seen him since that dinner at the Screaming Pelican, and I miss him.

When I arrive at his office in twenty-five minutes, he’s outside waiting for me. “Damn girl, do not run in those things. You’ll break your ankles.”

“I didn’t want to keep you waiting.” I slow down to a brisk walk until I reach him. “I hit every red light getting here. I’m so sorry. I didn’t think you’d be waiting for me outside like this.”

Cole’s smile falls. Then he cups my face. “Stop apologizing, Haley.”

My stomach knots.

“You don’t have to rush to get to me. Ever. I’m a patient man, and you’re worth the wait.”

My heart twists.

He kisses my forehead, and the heat of his soft lips does little to thaw my frozen face. “Damn, you’re ice cold. Let’s get inside.” He opens the door for me and once we’re in the elevator, Cole gets this suspicious, playful smile on him. “Did you fall out of a vending machine, ‘cause you be looking like a snack in that outfit.”

I burst into laughter. “Dear God, is that how you pick up dates now, Cole?”

“Nah.” The elevator door opens. “I pick them up like this.” He scoops me into his arms and carries me out of the elevator while I squeal.

“I can’t believe you’re here on a Saturday.”

“No rest for the wicked, I guess.” He sets me down at the receptionist's desk. Dressed in jeans and a hoodie, Cole looks sexy as hell. I notice he’s gotten a fresh haircut this week.

I’m not the snack here. He is.

Scratch that. Cole’s a five-course meal.

And I’m starving.

“I’ve been busting my ass with some big projects this week and wanted to make sure yours got done as soon as possible.” He holds my hand and guides me into his glass office. Without another word, he guides me over to his drafting table.

“Have a seat, Angel.”

I’m too awestruck to obey. “Holy shit.” My hands tremble when I touch the blueprint. Here it is. My office. My vision. “Cole, this is exactly what I wanted.”

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