Page 64 of The Alpha's Second Chance Mate

“What the hell am I gonna do?”

15

AVERY

Cole texted to say he’d pick up Ashton the next morning to begin training him in self-defense. It would mean I’d have most of the day to myself, which gave me time to go car shopping. The rental company had emailed me an invoice for the next week, and it was getting incredibly expensive. Part of me wished I’d kept the car Perry had gifted me, but it was probably better to fully cut that tie. There was no need to keep trying to deal with him when it wasn’t necessary.

Not only would it be cheaper to own a car, but it was a necessity. Ashton would be turning fifteen in a few weeks, and he’d want to get his learner’s permit. He couldn’t learn on a rental, that was for sure. We’d be spending the rest of summer in Harbor Mills, if not longer, which meant the sooner I did this, the better.

Cole arrived just after ten the next day, and Ashton was all ready to go. In fact, he was practically bouncing with energy and excitement.

“I can’t wait,” Ashton said.

“You realize you aren’t going to become Bruce Lee in one afternoon, right?” I said over my cup of coffee.

“Yeah. It’ll still be cool, though.”

The doorbell chimed, and Ashton sprinted over to let Cole in.

“Good morning, everyone,” Cole said, winking at me.

The memory of our kiss the previous afternoon flashed through my mind. Warm, pleasant heat radiated from my stomach up into my chest as I recalled the feeling of his lips on mine.

“Morning,” I said, putting my mug down and standing.

“What are you going to do while we’re gone?” Cole asked.

“I was thinking about which car dealership to go to,” I replied. “I need to get rid of that rental and buy a car. Do you know who has the best deals right now?”

Cole perked up. “You’re gonna get a car? Ash and I will tag along.”

I smirked at him and rolled my eyes. “Is this the thing where the big, strong man thinks a lady can’t handle buying a car?”

I had plenty of past experience with some salesman thinking he could either pull one over on me or belittle me because I was a woman. It was a frustrating aspect of being female in our society. I didn’t want to tell Cole that, though.

“No,” Cole said with a quick shake of his head. “It’s not about that. I can help, and this way, the three of us can spend more time together.”

“Cole, I can handle buying a car by myself. I’m not helpless,” I said, feeling a little heated despite knowing he didn’t mean anything by it.

“I know you can,” Cole said, holding his hands up in surrender. “I want to be helpful is all.’’ He looked at me in that way I’d always liked, sort of like I was the only woman in the whole world. “I want to help you. Take care of you, I guess.”

More heat spread up my back, and goosebumps popped out on my arms.

“Fine,” I said. “If it’ll make you feel like a big, strong man, you can come along.”

Cole grinned and stepped forward, giving me a kiss. It was quick and sweet but still managed to make my head spin. Was this really happening? Was Cole Garrett reallyback in my life?

“Gross,” Ashton muttered, and we separated.

“Sorry, bud,” Cole said. “She’s just too pretty not to kiss.”

I blushed.

“Does this mean we’re not training today?” Ashton asked, looking dejected and forlorn.

“I promise a little car shopping won’t interfere with that,” Cole said. “Besides, we were gonna hang out for a bit, anyway, before getting started. Trent isn’t free until later this afternoon.”

Ashton chewed on his lower lip. I could tell he was wanting to ask something that he thought I’d say no to. I’d had over fourteen years to learn his quirks and tics, and this was one of them.

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