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“You can suck it up,” Harlow says, leaning back against Knox’s chest. “You know your best friend’s plans with me are the same as my best friend’s plans with you.”

“Not wrong at all,” I reply slyly. Heat flares through Cole’s eyes.

“And I’m stuck with my hand yet again,” Lane grumbles.

“Explains why your grip strength has been getting better,” Knox says, trying to suppress a laugh.

“I think Daddy needs new friends, Lovebug,” he says to his daughter, putting on a voice of faux happiness.

“Well, you ever get tired of your hand,” Cole adds, “you know we’ll watch Sage for a night. Get out and get some action. You’re starting to turn grumpy like Knox was.”

“I need new friends, too,” Knox replies, shaking his head.

“Come on, Slick,” Harlow says, bumping Knox with her hip. “Take me home.”

“Yep, we’re out,” Knox says, hurriedly walking Harlow to the door. “I’ll see you guys at practice tomorrow.”

“We’re going, too,” Lane states, grabbing Sage’s things gathered by the door. “I want to spend some time with my daughter.”

“Glad everyone is back now,” I say. “We’ll have to get the group together again soon.” Lo, Knox, and Lane agree as they walk out the door, leaving Cole and me alone.

In a quick movement, Cole stands behind me, wrapping his arms low on my waist. “Fuck, I missed you, baby.”

“I missed you, too,” I sigh as he starts trailing soft kisses down my neck.

“Missed seeing that stunning body splayed on my bed, too. Yours will have to do for now.”

He starts trying to lead me to my bedroom, but I turn around and stop him, placing my hand on his chest. “Easy there, tiger. We’ll have plenty of time for that soon. But I have something for you first.”

Cole watches me curiously as I break away from him and walk into my kitchen. He leans against my kitchen island as I reach into my fridge and pull out my surprise.

“A cake?” he asks.

“Yes, a cake. You weren’t here on March twentieth, but I figured it’s better late than never.

“What’s March twentieth?” he questions. “My birthday is in July.”

“Read the cake, dude,” I say, placing the dessert in front of him.

He finally reads what it says, throws his head back, and howls with laughter.“Happy National Sparrow Day. I didn’t even know that was a thing,” Cole chuckles.

“There’s a day for everything,” I smile. “I did get some looks from the workers in the bakery when I asked for it, though.”

He pulls me in, kissing me tenderly. “You’re so fucking amazing, Rory.”

I smile at him sweetly. “I just wanted to do something nice for you.”

“You do plenty that’s nice, baby, in and out of the bedroom. But this…” Cole presses a soft kiss to my lips. “This is one of my favorite things about you. You’re so damn thoughtful, and I love your heart.”

I love you.

I feel the words on the tip of my tongue, threatening to spill from my lips.

I can still keep it to myself for now, but I don’t think I can hold back much longer.

“You’re worth these things, Cole,” I say, placing my palm against his scruffy cheek. “You’re so incredible and kind. I love getting to do this for you.”

Affection pours from his steel blue eyes, wrapping me up in its warmth. My heart hammers in my chest, beating wildly as I appreciate the man in front of me.

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