Page 58 of Riding the High

I swallow and nod but I don’t argue. Instead I try so hard not to let the way he says “home” like it belongs to both of us become something I crave, something Ineed.

Cole turns to get Mabel in her seat and, after giving the cabin one last look, I follow them to the truck and open the passenger door. I slide in and gulp down my remaining tears, talking to Mabel like nothing is wrong the whole way home when in truth I thinkImight be a little traumatized.

By the time we reach Cole’s and unpack the truck, I’ve stopped shaking and am feeling calmer. Safer. Now that we’re in Laurel Creek, the atmosphere is more relaxed. Cole takes Mabel in and gets her ready for bed while I start putting things away. It’s not even nine o’clock but she’s exhausted. I promise her we’ll watchAnnietomorrow and she seems satisfied with that as she says goodnight.

After I start a load of laundry, I head to my part of the house and settle in to take the longest, hottest shower I can. It’s here that I finally let go, allowing the tears to consume me as the water runs over my skin.

We’re safe. She’s safe. We’re safe.I repeat this to myself until the water starts to turn cold.

I step into my matching tank and pajama shorts and blow-dry my hair, taking my time to compose myself.

I pull my robe on, tying it tight. I’m determined to spend the rest of the night apologizing to Cole, but when I open the door to my bedroom I jump and suck in a breath, because sitting on the edge of my bed in the almost-dark room is Cole, sitting shirtless in his sweatpants.

He stands as soon as he sees me before making his way over.The light glints against the wall as the sun sinks down behind the horizon and I’m not prepared for the feelings I’m experiencing right now. Fear mostly, guilt and shame, but as Cole pulls me into his arms, the most prevalent thing I feel is relief.

I mold against him the way I have so many times before, wrapping my arms around his warm waist. But this time, it feels different.

“Cole. I am so sorry. What I did, choosing to stay out longer, not paying attention to the clouds, was so stupid.”

“Yes, it was,” Cole confirms, and I know he must be angry, but his next words surprise me. “But it wasn’t your fault. I didn’t tell you what the weather can be like out there, and I should have. Because I know you, Ginger. I know you’re impulsive and so …” He flexes his jaw as he searches for the words. “You’re so goddamn giving, and I know you just want to make her happy. If you were having fun with Mabel, of course you’d opt to stay out longer.”

He pulls back and places his hands on either side of my face. My heart feels like it may cease to beat as he stares into my eyes.

“I can’t even imagine how afraid you must have been out there.”

Tears fill my eyes once more.

“I was so scared,” I admit in the tiniest whisper. “Her safety was in my hands and I wasn’t experienced enough to take her out that far. All I could think about was how worried and helpless you would feel.”

A lone tear spills onto my cheek and I look down to avoid his intense whiskey irises. Cole tips his forehead to mine and closes his eyes, swiping the tear away with his thumb. He breathes out a sigh and the scent of him overwhelms me.

“But you did keep her safe,” he says softly.

My breath stills and I keep my forehead pressed to his. I feel his hands slide down to my waist. His large fingers hesitate for a moment at the knot of my robe, and I stand frozen, as thoughwe’re at a tipping point. The moment he starts gently untying my robe and pushing it open, the decision is made. My pulse thunders in my ears with the loosening of the fabric, so loud I’m sure he must hear it.

He slides his hands in, slowly, and I let out a tiny moan. His fingers feel cool and callused against my freshly showered skin as he circles under my tank with his thumbs. I open my eyes and look into his. Cole’s hands move upward to graze my ribcage and he lets out a groan, tugging me closer, flush against him, before bringing a hand up to the side of my face, tracing my cheekbone lazily.

“In case you are completely oblivious to what is going on here, it wasn’t just Mabel I was worried about out there,” he says, his voice low and deep.

The heat emanating from his body is all I can feel. His hands move into the back of my hair, and his lips hover over mine, forcing me to stop breathing. For a moment, it feels as though we both do. The struggle in his eyes echoes mine and every cell in my body tingles at his closeness.

Cole tips my head back, before bringing his lips down to my neck, kissing me there once, then twice. He moves his mouth to my cheek, and dots light kisses all the way to my mouth. His soft lips ignite my entire body and I clench my thighs together as his lips brush against the corner of mine.

“Every single night is a fight …” he says breathlessly. “Every goddamn night since you’ve been with me, Ginger.”

I have no strength to speak as he continues. “It’s a constant fight for me, because all I want to do is leave my room and come to yours.”

I shudder as he pulls me even closer.

“I stop myself because I know if I start kissing you, we’ll see daylight before I’m done.”

“Cole …” I whisper, trying to remember how to breathe.

“Today just showed me it is time tostopfucking fighting.”

His arms wrap around me and his lips drop to fully capture mine in a kiss I’m not prepared for. Fire spreads through me as Cole’s mouth forces mine open, and I swear the feeling of his lips on mine causes the earth to shift on its axis.

I’m willing and boneless against him, matching his urgency, kissing him back with everything I have. It feels like coming home.

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