Page 29 of Falling for Cocky Cole
And what we're offering is certainly that—a challenge to everything she's been taught about love and relationships. But if anyone is capable of rewriting those rules, it's her.
16
IVY
My tires screech as I take the turn onto the main road too fast, my hands shaking on the steering wheel. Share me? What the hell kind of proposal is that? My cheeks burn with indignation, embarrassment, and something else I don't want to examine too closely. The night air rushing through my cracked window does nothing to cool the heat spreading through my body as I replay Caleb's words: "We both like you, Ivy. And we want to share you."
I should be insulted. I should be furious. I should never want to see either of those smug, presumptuous Carter brothers again. So why am I having trouble catching my breath? Why does my stomach feel like I've just crested the top of a roller coaster?
The road stretches empty ahead of me, moonlight silvering the asphalt. I'm not even sure where I'm driving—not back to my parents' house, not to Grant's. Just... away. Away from the most ridiculous, inappropriate suggestion I've ever received.
Except it's not ridiculous at all, is it? Not to me. Not if I'm being honest with myself.
My foot eases off the gas pedal as the truth crashes over me: I'm not running because I'm offended. I'm running because they saw right through me.
Because over the past week, I've found myself thinking about both of them in ways that made me blush even alone in my bedroom. Cole with his cocky grin and knowing hands, Caleb with his gentle eyes and quiet strength. Wondering what it would be like to have them both.
It's been my secret shame, my private fantasy—the kind you never admit to anyone, barely even to yourself. The kind that makes you clear your browser history afterward, even though no one else uses your laptop.
"Shit," I whisper into the empty car.
I pull onto the shoulder of the road, gravel crunching under my tires. Killing the engine, I sit in the sudden silence, my racing thoughts the only sound. This is insane. I am insane for even considering it.
But the image forms uninvited: Caleb's hands on my waist while Cole kisses my neck. Both of them looking at me with desire, both of them wanting me. Not having to choose between the playful chemistry I have with Cole and the deep, long-burning connection I share with Caleb.
Having everything. Having them both.
My phone chimes with a text—Caleb, apologizing, telling me to forget what he said. But I don't want to forget. The realization is like a stone dropping into still water, sending ripples of clarity through my confusion.
I want this. The thought both thrills and terrifies me.
Taking a deep breath, I restart the car and make a U-turn, heading back the way I came.
My heart thundersagainst my ribs as the Carters' house comes into view again. Cole's Jeep is gone from the driveway, but Caleb's blue SUV remains. I park beside it, my hands still trembling slightly as I cut the engine.
Caleb opens the door before I even knock, his eyes widening in surprise. "Ivy," he says, my name half question, half prayer.
"Where's Cole?" I ask, stepping past him into the house without waiting for an invitation.
"Getting ice from the grocery," Caleb says, his brow furrowed. "Look, about what I said—don't be mad at him. He was trying to help me. Please just forget?—"
"So, you're not serious about it?" I interrupt, turning to face him. My heart is in my throat, but I keep my voice steady, my eyes locked on his.
He hesitates, and I can see the internal debate—tell me what he thinks I want to hear, or tell me the truth. "It's true that I want you," he says finally. "But if you don't want... that, I completely understand."
A smile tugs at my lips. "As long as you want me, Caleb, let's do it."
He blinks, clearly not expecting this response. "Are you sure?" he asks cautiously, like he's afraid I'll bolt again if he moves too quickly.
"Yes," I say simply.
Caleb takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "And what about Cole? Should we wait for him?"
"Cole can join us later," I say. "But you and I have ten years to catch up on."
That's all it takes—permission granted, restraint abandoned. Caleb crosses the remaining distance between us and pulls me against him, his mouth finding mine with an urgency that steals my breath. This kiss is nothing like the tentative one we shared on the patio. This is wildfire, consuming everything in its path.
My arms wrap around his neck, body molding to his as if we were designed to fit together. His hands slide down my back to cup my ass, lifting me slightly, and I gasp into his mouth at the feel of him hard against me.
