Page 68 of Restricted List

I’ve missed you, too

My head falls to the table, and I groan.

Can we try to forget it happened?

As if there’s any chance I’ll forget about that incredible night.

But I miss Cole.

I’ve just got to repress the memories until I don’t even think about them.

twenty-two

Cole

We arrived at thecabin yesterday for Josh’s bachelor party. My head is still a mess, but I think I’ve done a decent job of not letting it affect my time here.

Josh wanted a low-key weekend, so we’re keeping it simple. And by simple, I mean we’re essentially drinking our weight in beer and playing video games all weekend.

Just as God intended.

I did lose every round of NHL last night, though—yes, even baseball players enjoy hockey—so I know I’m clearly not completely put together.

I figured some hot coffee on the covered back porch this morning would help clear my head.

And for a few minutes, I’m able to shut everything out, just taking in the snow falling down around us. The acres of land surrounding the cabin are covered in white, glistening as the sun beats down.

I hear the door open and look over to see Lane coming out to join me. “Great minds think alike,” he laughs, raising his coffee mug to me.

“But fools rarely differ,” I chuckle, watching as he takes the chair next to me.

“Is that how that saying goes?” he asks, and I nod, taking a sip from my mug. “Damn, that’s not as optimistic as I thought.”

“Morning, man. What are you doing up so early?”

“Dude, I have a kid. Sleeping until six is sleeping in for me anymore.” Lane laughs before taking a sip of his own coffee. “Figured I’d get some coffee in before I call Rory to see how Sage is doing.”

“Ah,” I nod, looking straight ahead. “That… makes sense.”

“Why are you being weird?” he asks, cocking his eyebrow at me questioningly.

“I’m not being weird,” I scoff unconvincingly.

“Uh, yeah, you are. You haven’t made eye contact since I mentioned Rory.” As the realization hits him, his grin widens. “So it’s not just her acting weird about you. What happened?” He looks at me eagerly.

“Nothing happened,” I lie, voice hoarse.

A whole fucking lot happened.

The best sex of my life happened.

“I don’t know if I believe that,” Lane says. “You two seem to be a lot closer lately.”

“We’re… friends. Really good… friends.”

“I’ve never seen someone so bitter over the word friends,” he laughs.

I sigh. “Doesn’t matter. Friends are all we’ll ever be.”

---