Page 110 of The Ranger
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
COLE
––––––––
Scarlett and I tiptoeout of Zara’s bedroom and gently close the door.Then we collapse against one another.
I can’t help my smile.
Aidan was right—the jerk—I’m fucking exhausted.
“I can’t walk.I’m too tired to breathe,” Scarlett says dramatically, draped over my shoulder.
She’s been sleeping in the guest room for two days, and my willpower is almost out.
I love having her and Zara here, knowing I’m providing for and protecting them both.Chen is still missing, and I swear I am going to send him flowers for giving us this time together.
Not really.
Maybe a deadly virus instead.
Still, I can’t help but being a little grateful for this turn of events.
Our first night home with Zara was a little messy.We had to set up her room, which I did while Scar fed her.She’s taken to breastfeeding well, but apparently it hurts.
I can’t even grapple with how it must feel.
Then, each time we put her down and had to walk away, we found ourselves standing at the doorway staring at her.
“Maybe I’ll put a glass window in.”
Scarlett leaned her head against my shoulder, and I wrapped an arm around her.“She’s still alive, so only twenty years and three-hundred-and-fifty-one days to go.”
“Please tell me you’re not going to count down.”
“Can’t promise.”I smiled down at her.
Now, we’re in the same spot when I scoop her up into my arms.“I got you.”
She almost squeals, then snaps her lips closed so we don't wake Zara.
“Shh,” I laugh quietly.It’s like we’re the quietest drunks on the planet.
God, I’m dying to kiss her.
I’m taking this opportunity and running with it.It could go very, very wrong, but I’m madly in love with this woman and can’t wait a minute longer.
Scarlett giggles into my chest as I walk back into the living room and collapse on the sofa.She starts to climb off me, but I hold her.
When she stills, I draw in a breath.
I’ve had a lot of women; I’m not going to lie.I love sex.I love making women come.I’m not lacking in the confidence department.
The night I watched Scarlett on the dance floor—the night we made Zara—I knew she was a spitfire.Since then she’s pushed me away every second she can.
I think the only reason I didn’t pursue her after that first night was because I liked her a lot more than I expected to.It scared me a little.
She was so wild.
