Page 14 of Into the Fire

He shrugged. “Nothing. Guess I’m just trying to be happy.”

“Trying or are?” I got out of the Jeep. He followed and closed the door behind him.

“I am,” he murmured, holding me at the waist again and placing a kiss on my lips. “Seeing you happy makes me happy, Rosie. You’ve been smiling a lot today. I like that.”

“I wish I could smile every day then,” I said, winding my arms around his neck. “Because I love seeing you this way.”

His eyes sparkled as he stared down at me. “Me too, baby.”

“Hey, Enzo wants to know if Rosalie is staying in tonight or going out,” Ethan called out as he poked his head through the doorway.

“I’m going out,” I said, grinning back at Fox, who chuckled.

“Then can you please come in here and calm Cole down? He’s being, what’s the word I’m looking for?” Ethan frowned as we walked to him.

“Relentless,” I supplied.

“Stubborn? Wants to back out on Rosalie going out with Anson? Pissed off? Problematic?” Fox asked as we stepped past Ethan.

“Yeah, basically all those things,” Ethan said, sighing. “How are you today, sweetheart?” He took my other hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

“I’m good. Worried about Cole,” I said, really hoping Cole would relax.

Ethan gave me his gentle smile and kissed my temple before releasing my hand as we stepped into the kitchen.

Cole zeroed in on me straight away.

“Rosebud, do you really want to go out tonight? It’s cold out. I heard more snow is coming. Also, it’s flu season. I don’t want you to get sick—”

I silenced him with a kiss. He let out a soft groan and parted his lips, his tongue sliding against mine as he took the kiss to another level that would have made onlookers blush if they weren’t my guys.

“Don’t go,” he whispered against my lips. “Stay here where I know you’ll be safe, baby.”

“Cole, we agreed,” I answered back, twisting my fingers in his Henley. “Please don’t backtrack.”

“Rosebud,” he said, cinching me tightly against his body. “I worry, and I hate that motherfucker.”

I sighed and hugged him, not wanting him to worry so much. “What do you want me to do? Be a lonely cat lady?”

“I’ll get you your first cat,” he offered softly. “If you stay home.”

I pulled away and looked up at him. So much worry was on his face it made my chest hurt.

“OK. I’ll stay home,” I said, feeling bummed out. I didn’t want him to worry though. I knew he didn’t like Anson and ifhe wanted me home, I’d do it. My intention wasn’t to make him feel uncomfortable because of my friendships, and god knew if he really knew what had happened, he’d have killed him already.

Not wanting any of that, I relented.

His eyes lit up at my words, but it was short-lived as Enzo swept into the room and pulled me away.

“Cole. Knock it off. We agreed on this. She’s going out like we promised she could. I’ve already spoken to Anson. He’s taking her to Starstruck on Ninth. He’s bringing one of his friends along just in case. I’ll have a few guys watching from afar. I don’t foresee anything terrible happening, so let’s see how tonight goes. OK?” Enzo kissed my forehead and looked at Cole from over my shoulder.

“Motherfucker,” Cole swore with a groan. “She gave in though.”

“Sunshine, please go get ready or whatever it is you need to do so I can get him out of here. We’ll be back later tonight. We’ll probably grab some dinner after. Anson said he’d have you home at a reasonable time, but it’s solely up to your discretion. I just want you to have a good time.”

“Enzo,” I said, kissing him. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you,” he murmured, kissing me back. “Go on. I don’t want him to guilt trip you any more than he already has.” He released me, and I turned to leave the room to see the worry still on Cole’s face. I trailed my hand along his abs before leaving the room, knowing Enzo was right about needing to get away. I knew I’d cave if I had to stay and see the despair on Cole’s face any longer.

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