Page 27 of No Reservations

All the comforts of first class couldn’t compete with the impending joy of seeing Cole again. Leaving LA hurt, and I had to pull out all my practical thoughts to remind myself why I couldn’t stay. I had an apartment with five months left on the lease. I had friends I wanted to see. I neglected Wes and Deeafter our vacation at the inn, and we spent a lot of time hanging out in the week since my return.

The plane finally rolled to a stop at the gate, and I shot to my feet to grab my carryon. Why did everyone move so slowly? It wasn’t like anyone wanted to hang out on the plane longer. We all had places to be.

I skated around the plodding crowd as soon as I hit the concourse and tried not to actually break into a jog when I spotted the “Vehicle Rental” sign in the distance. There was no suited driver waiting for me with a discrete sign. There was only one person I wanted to see.

Cole sat in one of the few vinyl chairs across from the long wooden counter, his head bent over his phone. He must have heard the sound of my flip-flops on the tile, because he looked up the moment I drew closer. A beautiful smile spread across his face, and he stood to rush toward me. “Matty.” The deep murmur of his special name for me sent shivers down my spine. No one had ever called me that before or come up with any other nicknames. Santi had called me either Matthew or occasionallyqueridowhen he was feeling particularly romantic.

There was no pretense between Cole and I anymore. I cupped my palm around his neck and drew him in for a long kiss. His hand settled on my hip, and everything felt right with the world again. It would be a total cliché to claim I didn’t know how much I missed him until we were apart, but it somehow felt true. The single week without him had felt like forever.

“How was your flight?” Cole slung the strap of his near leather carryon over one shoulder and turned toward the rental counters.

I bumped his shoulder with my own. “You upgraded my ticket. You didn’t have to do that. I’m used to flying coach.”

“I wanted you to be comfortable.” He shrugged. “Maybe it’s time to get used to something different, Matthew.”

On any of the infrequent business trips I’d taken in the past, I rented whatever compact car they had available because it was the cheapest. Something more rugged would have matched the brand I represented better, but they didn’t want to pay for more.

In less than ten minutes, Cole had upgraded the compact to a plush SUV – more city luxury than rugged -- signed the contract and led me out to the covered parking lot.

“You didn’t have to do that either,” I said as I opened the door.

Once Cole settled in the passenger seat, he turned toward me. “Matthew, I have a lot of money.” He held up a hand before I could say anything. “I give an awful lot to charities and support causes that I believe deserve it. I don’t gamble, buy expensive trinkets and bling, or indulge in ridiculous extravagances. When the time comes, I’ll be able to retire comfortably on my investments. I see no reason not to use my money to make myself and the people I care about more comfortable.”

“I don’t expect you to spoil me, Cole.” I stole a look at him before merging onto the highway. “This isn’t about the money. The fake relationship contract wasn’t even about the money for me.”

He slipped his hand over my thigh and smiled. “I know. That’s what makes it so easy to give. I’ve gone on dates with so many men who only wanted me for money or whatever perks came with being on the arm oftheCole Gilliam.” He sighed, but stroked his fingers over my leg as if it soothed his regrets. “An upgraded car for a business trip isn’t a big deal, Matty. If it feels like it to you, we can talk about it, but I’d rather you just let me do my thing.”

I tried to hold back a chuckle. “Do your thing, huh?”

“Yes. It’s very different spending money on someone who doesn’t expect me to, you know? Someone who is worth it.”

“Damnit, Cole.”

His eyes shot wide as he swung around to look at me again. “What? Matty, what did I say wrong? If you’re really offend—”

“Nothing.” I interrupted him with a head shake as I linked my fingers through his where they rested on my leg. “You’re saying pretty much everything right. You know I don’t expect you to wine and dine me or whatever. I wouldn’t want you to. I’m a regular guy who’d rather have a beer in the backyard or take a hike in the woods than go on any fancy trips.” I chuckled and lifted his hand to my mouth for a quick kiss against his knuckles. “You know me.”

We drove silently for several miles until the GPS warned me of the upcoming exit. I put my hand back on the wheel and took a deep breath. “I gave the money to Prism House anonymously.” I wished I could see his face when I told him, but the traffic got heavier on the town roads. “The money from the contract.”

Cole spun around to face me. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know. It felt weird to keep it after things weren’t so professional anymore. It’s a great place that does a lot of good for the community, you know?”

“I have no doubt that you chose a great cause.” We fell into silence for a few minutes as I navigated the traffic flow. “How much time do we have before your work duties start tonight?”

A quick glance at the dashboard clock ruined any spark of sexy plans. “Not enough time for anything fun. We have to check into the hotel and head out right away. You can stay behind if you want… if you have jet lag or anything.”

“No. Unless I’d be in the way, I’d like to see what you do. Maybe I’ll discover a love of camping.” He flashed another smile my way. “I liked that canoe trip we took.”

“You’ll be wearing cargo shorts in no time.”

Cole’s carefree laugh rang through the car. “That may be taking things too far.”

***

Cole sank down onto the edge of the ugly green bedspread and leaned back on his hands. “You were wonderful. I hope I didn’t embarrass you too much.”

The first night of the convention went as smoothly as possible. Two local reps from the company took care of the booth. My job was to circulate through the crowd, network with other industry professionals, and pose for any photos the press wanted of the attendees. The public would arrive the next day to try out fishing poles and explore luxury campers they probably couldn’t afford. I’d be in full-on spokesmodel mode.

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