Page 47 of Stealing Home

“All yours.” He says patting the seat.

“Did you have plans? I would feel awful if you canceled them. I can totally hang out here by myself. It’s not a big deal.” I blurt out while sitting down next to him.

Cole looks at me like I’m crazy.

“A beautiful woman like you shouldn’t have to spend any Friday night alone.” He tells me. “And no, I didn’t have anyplans. Some guys from the team are going to dinner and invited me. Ty told them I already had plans, and I’m glad he did.”

“Are you sure? I’d be okay here if you wanted to go meet them.” I assure him.

“I’m positive. I was actually going to call when I got back into town to see if you wanted to hangout one night. This just gave me the chance for it to happen sooner. I’d be a fool to not take it.” Cole says.

This man has now caught me off guard. He is completely honest and upfront. I need to have this conversation before the night moves forward, so he knows where I stand.

“Well, when you put it like that. Okay. I just wanted to check. Would you be okay with talking before we order food?” I finish and peek a glance at him. Cole looks nervous, like I’m about to crush his soul.

Hopefully, he’s okay with my decision.

“You can always talk to me.” He says.

“Okay, but I need you to just let me get this out before you respond. Can you do that for me?” I ask.

“If that’s what you need, then yes.” Cole says as he moves to turn his body to give me his full attention.

“I know I told you I needed time. Which, thank you for that. I don’t know that most men would have had the same reaction as you. There is an undeniable attraction between us. I know I can be awkward, but it’s because I get nervous around you.” I say, fidgeting with my hands.

Case in point. It’s not as bad when others are around, but like this? I can’t help it. Maybe it’s because we are alone so rarely.

“With that being said, I get nervous because I really do like being around you. That we could be more than friends and, after Toby, it scares the shit out of me. The thought of dating has been the furthest thing from my mind. But then you, this incredible and unexpected man, are now in front of me. You are also a starathlete who travels all over the country and, more than likely, has plenty of women who throw themselves at you. If some Joe Smoe could cheat on me, then what about you?

“I know I’m not the usual model or actress that you could date, either. I have curves and I’m not blonde. This is not me accusing you of being a cheater. To be clear, I don’t think you are. If anything, I think the exact opposite. You have done nothing but show me who you are. But I also realized that if I don’t put myself out there, then I might never find my happily ever after. I know it’ll be hard, but nothing worth anything in life is easy.” I finish my first set of thoughts.

“Can I talk now?” he asks.

Shaking my head because I’m gathering up the nerves to finish letting him in.

“Okay.” He says.

“With all of that. Yes, I’d like to hangout more and get to know you and see if it turns into more. Would you be mad if I asked that we go slow? I’m terrified of being let down and all alone in the world again. You don’t have to answer now either. You can think about it too if you need.” I say with a shy smile.

I know I just dumped so much on him; I know I should have kept it shorter, but he needed to know where my head is at. What if he wants nothing to do with me more than just friends after all of that? Maybe I should have just told him I wanted to try but go slow.

I just hope I didn’t ruin us before we even began.

“Can I hold you for a second?” Cole cautiously asks me.

Oh shit, why does he want to hold me?

“That depends on if what you are going to say after is good or bad.” I tell him. The nerves settling back in.

“Do you really think I would say anything bad if I wanted, no needed you to be sitting on my lap right now?” Cole gives me an are you serious look.

With that response, it makes it a simple choice. I get up and stand in front of Cole, in between his legs. He grabs me by the waist and twists me, so I hit his lap with my feet on the couch. My arms go around his neck. We embrace each other and hold on a little harder. I go to pull back, but he stops me. Cole presses his forehead to mine and closes his eyes.

“I really want to kiss you right now. Is that too fast?” he whispers.

“No.” is all I whisper back to him.

He slowly tips my chin up and presses his lips lightly to mine. It’s a chaste kiss, but perfect in the moment. Cole takes a deep breath after.

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