Especially my dad.
I’m pretty sure he looks at Sage as a surrogate granddaughter.
He really does need some grandkids, though I’m certainly not ready for kids yet.
But I picture it anyway.
And in my fantasies, my kids have a medium complexion and curly hair. Some with blue eyes, some with brown.
Because in my fantasies, Cole is their father.
God, it’s way too soon to be picturing that, isn’t it?
I sneak away from the party for a moment, stepping into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.
I down half of it in one drink before I take a breath and lean back against the counter with my eyes closed.
I stand there for a few minutes, just breathing and willing my ovaries to keep themselves in check.
The silence doesn’t last forever, though.
“You okay, Starlight?” I hear my boyfriend ask as he walks over to me.
“Starlight?!” a female voice cuts in. Sounds like both of the Pierce siblings have joined me. I open my eyes and find Harlow looking at me excitedly. “He calls you Starlight?!”
I smile softly. “Yes, he does.”
“That is so fucking cute!”
“I should’ve known you’d act like that when you heard it,” Cole says, shaking his head. He peers around the kitchen to makesure it’s just the three of us before he wraps an arm around me and kisses my forehead. “You look incredible today, baby.”
I just stare at him. “I’m in leggings and a sweater. This outfit doesn’t exactly scream ‘I’m trying.’”
He brushes his lips over my temple and speaks lowly. “Because you don’t have to try. You look good in anything.” His voice turns huskier. “And nothing.”
Harlow pretends to gag. “That’s gross.”
I smirk at her. “No different than anything you do withhisbest friend.”
An unmistakable blush flushes across her face.
Cole chooses to ignore her griping, instead pulling me closer to him. “I’ve missed you.”
“You saw me yesterday,” I laugh.
“That’s too long, Rory girl. Come over tonight?”
Heat creeps across my face as I sink my teeth into my bottom lip. “Yeah, I can do that.”
Cole’s smile is wide, reaching his eyes. Those deep blue eyes I’m so enamored with. Navy pools with splashes of gray. The most beautiful shade I’ve ever seen.
He places his finger under my chin, tilting my face up as he kisses me softly. “I’m going to head back out to the party so we don’t create suspicion.” He kisses me one more time. “Can’t wait to see you tonight.”
I watch as Cole walks out of the kitchen, a smile etched on my face.
I must keep my gaze in that direction longer than I realize as I’m only brought back to reality as Harlow squeals next to me. “You’re in love with my brother!”
I snap my head quickly to face her. “What? We’ve only been together for a month.”