Page 12 of Cole's Command

“Good,” she replied, acknowledging the fluttering of her heart and deciding it was due to dehydration. Once Cole had left, she would pour herself a jug of water and make sure she drank every drop. “Let me check my schedule for you.”

Turning to her laptop, she disregarded how she would usually ask Joe to book follow-up sessions for her. She had decided to manage Cole’s appointment personally.

It doesn’t mean anything, she resolved as she scrolled through the coming days. I’m only being thorough.

“How soon suits you?” she asked, peering over her screen. Catching his piercing green eyes, she watched as he ran his hand through the length of his dark hair. “I normally suggest once a month.”

“I was hoping for next week.” His tone was serious, his gaze drilling into hers as he answered. “I mean, we’ve made some progress, but there’s a lot more I need to get off of my chest.”

Her eyes fell to his expensive looking shirt at the prompt, wondering at the body he was hiding beneath it. For God’s sake, Eden! Her disdain rattled around her mind as she dragged her gaze back to the screen. Pull yourself together! She, of all people, should know how to control her reflexes.

“I have next Thursday,” she went on. “But not until four o’clock.”

“That works for me.” Cole’s reply was instantaneous, and fleetingly she wondered how he could know for sure without checking with his own calendar. It didn’t matter, of course. Once the client was booked in, they forfeited the fee if they failed to show, and yet for some reason, Eden cared if Cole could make it. She wanted to see him again, although fumbling with her device, she refused to acknowledge why.

I only want to help him heal.

Clicking on the appointment slot, she typed Cole’s name into the space.

“That’s all booked for you,” she announced, saving the data. “The system will send a reminder to your mobile the day before.”

“Perfect.” His smile grew as their eyes met, and as he rose to his full height, she was once again struck by how tall he was. “I look forward to seeing you then, and may I compliment you on your incredible backdrop? I’ve seen a few views in my time, but yours is spectacular.”

“Well, thank you.” Heat tingled in her ears and neck as she turned to examine the vista.

What’s wrong with me?

The question she dared not answer echoed in her mind and as she scanned the cityscape, something dark in the corner of the office snagged her attention. Heart racing, she glanced its way on impulse, expecting to see nothing, and yet horrified as her gaze landed on the outline of a man standing there.

Shit!

Straightening at the sight, her breath caught. He was little more than a mist in structure, her cream wall visible through him and yet she could see all of his features, from his knowing eyes to his twitching mouth. Dad. She inhaled at his presence. Why are you here?

“.... very distracting.”

Tuning into Cole’s words, she acknowledged that she hadn’t been listening to what he was saying, her focus fixed on her father’s ethereal attendance.

“Yes,” she murmured, conscious of the blood draining from her face. “It can be distracting.”

Her father wasn’t really there. His specter was nothing but a figment of her overactive imagination.

“Are you okay?” Cole moved around her desk to stand by her side. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I...” Brow furrowing, her head snapped back to the place she’d seen her father, but to both her confusion and relief, the presence was gone. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“You’re sure?” Towering over her, there was concern etched in Cole’s eyes. “It seemed like you kind of phased out for a moment there.”

“Yes, I’m sure.” Gripping the edge of her desk, she pulled in a breath, inadvertently inhaling the scent of his woody aftershave.

“Do you have vertigo?” He retreated a step, but was still watching her closely, as if she was a doll who might fall apart without his support.

He probably thinks I’m mad. Eden tensed at her verdict. After that behavior, perhaps I am? I bet he won’t come back for a second appointment now.

“I’m good.” She forced herself to smile as she dodged the looming temptation of his body and strode for the door. “I’ll get myself another drink.”

“So long as you’re okay.” Cole was right on her tail, joining her as she reached for the door.

“Yes,” she insisted, determined to conclude the session with an iota of professionalism. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Vaughn.”

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