Page 129 of Stealing Home

“I didn’t tell you because he was gracious when I told him I had a date and it was my boyfriend. He asked if it was serious and I said it was newish. He told me he hoped it worked out, and that was that. Then the flowers and note happened, and I forgot all about it since I automatically assumed it was Toby.” I tell him.

“Guess it really wasn’t him.” Cole says.

“I guess not.”

The hurt in Cole’s eyes makes me want to cry. I didn’t tell him because I didn't want the team being all wonky from it. He would have said something. But Dylan didn’t know at the time and he was nice enough about it. I truly didn’t even think anything of it.

“Can I assume you will press charges?” Officer Collins inquires.

“Yes. We can’t allow him to do this to anyone else. Especially from the sound of it, Dylan already has.” I agree.

“Yeah, you are correct. Apparently, he left where he was because of a similar incident. Only difference is that he stalked her and threatened her. She wanted to get the police involved. That is why he wanted to leave his team. I can’t go into more details, but just so you know, you are doing the right thing,” Officer Rowe tells us.

Wow. What a horrible human being.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I let them know.

“If we need anything else, we will call you. Someone will be in contact after you are home, depending on their story and the security footage from the stadium. Hope you get some rest.”

And with that, they leave. Now it’s just us.

I’m so scared this is going to break us. I can’t lose him.

“I’m sorry.” I squeak out.

Cole gets up from his chair and taps my leg for me to move it over. This man comes to lie down with me. He is very careful not to move me around, but he can get me to cuddle into him as best I can in a hospital bed. He takes hold of my good hand and interlocks our fingers.

“Baby, am I happy you didn’t tell me about Crawford? Of course not. But it’s not your fault. He made this decision. You didn’t ask for this to happen to you. If anything, I feel bad because it feels like it’s my fault. If I hadn’t pursued you, maybe this wouldn’t have happened,” he tells me.

“I think if I were to have shot him down regardless, it might have happened. Even if there was no you and me, my answer to him would have been the same. Yes, you pursued me. But that showed me who you were and how much you cared and felt, Casanova. That was a huge reason why I opened up myself to you.” I say.

“I thought I lost you tonight. You were just laying there. I was ready to burn the stadium and the world down.”

“Cole.” I chastise him.

“As long as your heart is safe, beating, and happy, that means mine is too, because you carry my heart with you wherever you go. Adriana Jade Johnson, if you couldn’t tell, I’m utterly in love with you. Losing you would be the worst thing in this world. I don’t live if you don’t,” he says with conviction.

This man has finally rendered me speechless.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Cole

Adriana is just staring at me. I can see she is tearing up. I move my hand to the side of her face that isn’t as swollen.

“I love you too, Casanova.” she tells me.

“Baby, don’t cry.” I tell her.

She tries to nod her head, but winces from pain.

“You need sleep. I won’t leave, but I’m going to go back to the chair.” I say.

I go to sit up to get out of the hospital bed, but she squeezes my hand.

“You want me to stay?” I ask.

“Yes.” she whispers.

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