Page 76 of Stay

I know he didn’t mean for it to happen, but his words hit like a crowbar. My feelings used to give my parents power over me. If they sensed a weak link in my armor, they’d pound on it until I caved and did whatever they wanted. Felt how they wanted me to feel. Said whatever they wanted me to say.

Cole’s the opposite. He sees my feelings as another way to support me. Lift me. Care for me.

“I know my feelings are safe with you.” Lacing my fingers with his, I lean back on the couch. “And you can celebrate your achievements and tell others about them, Mr. Architect. The other shoe won’t always drop. I promise.”

“Damn. You just had to call me out on that, huh?” Cole laughs. “Touché.”

Our food arrives, and while I grab it from the delivery guy, he makes a call.

“Hey, Dad. Guess what?”

Joy fills my heart as Cole tells his father about the Marine Life building, and the pride that erupts from the other end of the line is so loud that I can hear it from across the room.

Cole’s smile is huge. He runs a hand over his head, leaning back on the couch with his legs spread, and looks over at me. “Thanks, Dad.”

I try to keep quiet while plating our cheesesteaks in the kitchen. When Cole hangs up, I saunter over and hand him a plate. “Good job.”

He cocks a brow at me, his gaze slowly gliding up and down my body. “What’s my reward?”

“Clean your plate and I’ll give you dessert.”

“I fucking love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Always have. Always will.

As far as second chances go, ours is turning out pretty epic.

Later that night, I fall asleep in Cole’s arms, fantasizing about our future.

And praying nothing will fuck it up.

Chapter 24

Cole

Two weeks later…

I can’t wait to see what Haley’s pulled together for tonight’s company party. And knowing the people on the invitation list? Well, if she knocks this out of the stratosphere, like I know damn well she will, Haley will have events booked out for the next five years.

I can’t wait to watch my girl soar.

These past two weeks have been a dream and I’m counting all my motherfucking blessings.

Grabbing a decent parking spot in the lot, I see Haley’s beat-up car in the corner, under a bright light. I know she got here early to set up, but I hope she still found time to eat something today.

Heading into the Gantz Plaza, I’m eager to see my girl.

A woman in a black pantsuit greets me immediately. “Good evening, sir. Are you here for the NGC Architects event?”

“Yes.” My gaze sails around the lobby, looking for Haley.

“You’re a little early,” she says, like she’s not about to let me in. “We’re still setting up.”

“I’m here for Haley, actually.”

“Oh!” Her eyes round. “I’ll take you to her.”

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