Page 38 of Riding the High

“I do have an idea that I think will help us both,” he starts.

I lean back against the couch but say nothing. Cole takes that as his invitation to keep talking. “What if we stayed married?”

My mouth falls open and, for at least ten seconds that’s how I stay, until I realize I should say something, anything. But it’s impossible to form any words, becausethe fuck?

“I … For … ever?” I ask, gulping.

“No, not forever,” Cole chuckles before making his way over to sit down across from me on the ottoman.

“You don’t want this to affect your father. And I don’t want to give Brent a reason to pick away at my position or for the public to find out.” He takes a breath before continuing. “I remember you saying you might be a little short on money this summer, and I’m struggling to keep Mabel busy. What if I can offer something that suits us all? Mabel included. That’s why I wanted you to come over early this evening. So you could … so I could see how you fit.”

Everything adds up as I realize why I’m here tonight. Anger rushes through me.

“This was anannyinterview?!” I ask incredulously. “That’s fucked up, even for you.’

“No, not an interview!” He reaches out and grabs my arm before I can stand. “Christ, Ginger, I know you’re more than capable. I just …fuck.”

I pull my arm back and raise my eyebrows expectantly. “Start talking, Ashby.”

Cole rises, takes a sip of his drink and continues walking the length of the room, bourbon in hand. He pauses in front of the window, staring blankly into the distance, before turning back to face me.

“Ginger, you’re great with Mabel. Amazing, actually.”

“That’s a good start.” I wait for him to continue.

“I just, I’m trying to figure out if this could be an option. This isn’t easy for me. I don’t … let people into our world. Ever.” He comes to sit back down across from me. Then he drains his glass, looks me in the eye, and continues. “Hear me out. You move in here. For the summer, so you can help me take care of Mabel. I’ll pay you. The going rate, whatever that is, plus ten percent. It will only be part-time, but I’ll pay you for full-time. My mom likes to help when she can, and Mabel will be gone for over a week to Gemma’s parents’ cottage too. Mabel will have an explanation for why you’re here without her needing to knowwhat’s really going on. And it covers our tracks in case anyone, mainly Brent, ever finds out. We can divorce quietly later, sometime in the fall. This way, it will be a lot easier to make the town believe we meant to get married but chose to keep it private if the news gets out.”

I don’t answer him immediately, so Cole starts rambling on about my accommodation.

“The in-law suite would be yours, so you’ll basically have your own wing. I redid it a few years ago and it’s never even been used. You can spend the summer swimming and relaxing at the house …”

Cole trails off and moves closer, sinking to his knees and placing both his hands on my thighs. I tense. I’m not used to this Cole. The one who isn’t afraid to touch me. For years, ever since the night we kissed, it’s been like both of us have been on a mission to show each other who wants the other less. But this Cole? The one that makes me dinner, touches me freely, and looks at me like I’m his only hope … I’m not really sure what to do withhim.

“If word gets out, we’ll tell them all we thought it could work, but we realized we were too different.” He smirks, like that much is obvious.

“That’s believable,” I say with a shrug.

“I thought so.” He removes his hands and sighs. “Look, I know in terms of favors this one is big—”

“Huge,” I say, putting my head in my hands. “The hugest.”

“The hugest,” he repeats, swiping my hands away and using his finger to tilt my chin up. “But Ginger, I need this. Sometimes, fuck, I feel like I’m holding everything in my life together by a single thread … that someone just coated in gasoline and set on fire.” He deadpans.

I can’t help but laugh.

“Look, personality-wise, I’m not so sure about you.” I grin ashe sticks his tongue out. “But as a dad? You’re doing a great job, Cole,” I add seriously.

“It might seem that way. But I barely have time to cut my own lawn. There’s so much mess to clean up from what the last sheriff left behind at work.And, on top of that, I’m trying so fucking hard to be a good example for my daughter. This job I have is her future. I need to be good at it.”

I eye him for a beat. “You better get me another drink and some sort of notepad, ’cause I’m gonna have some ground rules.”

The smile Cole gives me in response takes up his whole face. His full lips curve up over his straight white teeth and the dimples settle in his wide jaw. He stands.

“Yes, okay … whatever you want.” He grins, then kisses my cheek. “And … you’re the best PIC ever.”

“Settle down with the flattery, Ashby. I already agreed.” I swat at him as he turns to head into the kitchen.

I chew my bottom lip as a rush of excitement flows through me. I’m going to stay Cole’s wife, and even if it’s just for a little longer, the thought of it doesn’t fail to make me feel warm.

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