Page 44 of Restricted List

It’s growing thick, the tension between us almost insurmountable.

When Rory’s breath catches in her throat, I’m confident she can feel it, too.

My hand is lying on the bed between us, so she slowly slides hers over so we’re almost touching, leaving just enough distance between us to not brush up against me.

But I’m tired of pretending nothing’s there. I can see it in her eyes when she looks at me that she knows this could be something,wecould be something.

And that’s enough to make me brush my finger against her hand.

That single-handedly might be the worst mistake I’ve ever made.

The lightest of touches has electricity coursing through me, confirming for me that this is somethingreal.

I’m battling with myself right now, trying to figure out what to do. I know I should leave and get myself out of this situation.

But the only thing I want to do is lean over and kiss her.

And I think about doing it. My will is fading; it’s just a distant voice in my head now.

Before I can really move, though, Rory bolts out of her bed. “Well, I should probably call it a night. Gotta get to the airport by seven, and you know how traffic is going to JFK.”

“Yeah,” I reply, sitting up as my voice wavers. “You should probably get some sleep.”

“Thanks for coming over to help, Cole. I appreciate it.”

I stand now, walking across the room and heading toward her door so I don’t do something to make her more uncomfortable. “No problem. That’s what friends are for.”

“Right. Friends.”

I sigh as I open her bedroom door before turning to look back. “Have a good time in Vegas, Starlight.”

I can hear her say bye as I softly shut the door behind me. I scrub a hand over my face and make a beeline straight to her door to get myself out of this situation.

I should be thankful she stopped me.

I should be thankful she kept me from risking everything.

But I’m not fucking thankful at all.

I can’t keep pretending to just be her friend. I’veneverwanted to just be her friend.

And tonight, I was going to fucking go for it.

But just because I wanted to give in doesn’t mean she did. She looked like she did, so I thought taking the chance would lead to something.

But it didn’t. Now, she’ll be gone the entire weekend, and I’ll have to wait until she returns before we can talk about it.

I guess that’s one way to end the holiday.

fifteen

Rory

Cole almost kissed melast night.

At least, I think he did.

The sparks were fucking flying, and he looked like he was ready to lean over and kiss me.

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