Page 151 of Restricted List

Rory

That sounds great, Cole

I’ll come by in a couple hours

I’ll bring dinner, too

How do wings sound?

Cole

You know the way to my heart

I’ll see you in a bit, baby

“That was fucking delicious,” I say, leaning back in my chair and wiping a bit of hot sauce from my lip.

“They have the best wings, I swear,” Rory says, resting her elbow on the table and looking at me.

Just looking at her is enough to calm me down. She always eases any tension I’m feeling. Her brown eyes pull me in, and suddenly, everything is okay.

“I’m glad you’re here, Starlight,” I say, shooting her a soft smile that she returns.

“There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be.”

I stood no chance when it came to falling in love with Rory. It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

Like it’s the only thing in life I’m meant to do.

I stand up and grab her hands, bringing her up with me. “Come here.” I wrap her up in a tight hug, enjoying the floral scent of her perfume. “I’m sorry we can’t get out and ever have an actual date night, Rory.”

“I get to have you here, Cole.” She gazes at me with the sweetest look in her eyes. “This is enough.You’reenough.”

“You’re perfect,” I murmur, capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

I place one of her hands on my shoulder while I clasp the other in mine, intertwining our fingers. Now, with my other hand low on her waist, I start gently swaying us from side to side.

“I love it when you do this.”

“What’s that?”

“Dance with me in the kitchen. We could use some music, though.”

“Are you asking me to sing?” I ask softly, smiling at her.

“Always,” she replies, and I hand myself over to the tenderness of the moment.

As we continue swaying, I start singing. I choose the first song she ever heard me sing, my favorite song—Chasing Cars.

I’ve always liked this song, but something about the way I sing it for Rory makes me love it all the more.

It’s emotional and tender and sung in a way that’s meant only for her, even if she doesn’t realize it.

It’s sung with love.

Because I’m so fucking in love with her.

I continue gazing at her as her lips turn up into the sweetest smile, and my heart flutters in my chest.

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