Page 72 of Cole's Command

She spat out the words, her breath quickening as she glanced back to the darkening skyline. Following her gaze, Cole took in the amber sunset. Night was bleeding into its peach hues, chasing away the light.

“In your mind?” He wanted to tread carefully, to comprehend, but not to judge.

“Obviously, yes.” She sounded close to tears. “But when I do, I actually see him.” Squeezing her eyes closed, she gripped her mug harder. “You must think I’m mad.” He does. She inhaled. He thinks I’m fucking mad!

“No.” He reached for her arm. “I don’t.”

“A hypocrite then?” Her tone was accusing. “A therapist who needs therapy herself.”

“We all need help sometimes.” Surely, she knew that? “Why would I think less of you for that?”

“Because I’m supposed to be the one with the answers.” Her hands trembled as she answered. “That’s why people come to see me. That’s why you came to see me!”

“Hey.” Encasing her hand with his palm, he leaned closer. “You’re excellent at your job, but you’re still human, Eden, with your own history and your own issues. That’s just life.”

“How come you’re so mature?” She chuckled, despite her obvious upset. “Aren’t I supposed to be the older one?”

“You’re not the first person who’s said that to me.” Patting her hand, Cole was reminded of his older brothers. “I guess I’m just mature for my age.”

“I guess so.”

“Listen.” Sensing he might finally have gotten through to her, Cole pressed on. “I’m no expert, but it sounds as though you’re still grieving your dad and these visions could be a manifestation of that grief.”

“You’re good at this.” Her brow rose, and for once, her tone wasn’t sardonic. “Fancy training in psychotherapy?”

“I don’t know about that,” he replied, relaxing back in his seat. “It’s just my hunch. Everything needs support sometimes.”

“It’s a good hunch.” She gazed at him over the rim of her cup. “I should look into grief counseling.”

“Good idea.” He lifted his cup to his lips and inhaled the aroma. “I’m happy to help if I can.”

“I think you just did.” Thank you. She never said the words aloud, but Cole felt the sentiment all the same. “He’d have loathed you, you know.” She shook her head.

“Who? Your dad?”

“Yeah.” Her smirk grew wider. “He’d have said you’re too young, and that I was a fool to risk my career.”

“Isn’t love always a risk?” His tone was thoughtful.

“Love?” Did he just say the ‘L-word’?

“Relationships,” he corrected. “Anything emotional. We put ourselves out there every time, but I’m told by my older brothers that it’s worth it.”

“I take it that they’re in relationships?” she probed.

“Yes.” He sipped at his cocoa. “Two of them are, and they’re very loved up.”

“Nice.” Her mocking tone had returned.

“It’s quite annoying actually,” he admitted. “But it would be lovely to have a lady of my own.”

“Your lady?” Her eyebrow cocked. “Is that who I am?”

“We’ll see, I suppose.” He wished he could hear what she was thinking at that moment, but her thoughts seemed closely guarded. “But I’d like you to be.”

“I’ve never been called a lady before.” Her tone was knowing. “I thought you’d see me more as your personal thrall.”

“Personal thrall, eh?” Winking at her, he placed his mug on a nearby coffee table. “Now we’re talking.”

---