Page 15 of Heartbeats and Hashtags
“Just a photo of my coffee, details of the run, and a good morning message.” I sip my coffee as we walk. Even with the caffeine starting to hit me, I’m glad we decided not to run back. I have to film later and don't want to tire myself out. My followers expect energy.
“What kind of details of the run? Anything about the route?”
I roll my eyes, as if I would be that stupid.
“No details about the route. Just time and distance, people like to know.”
He pulls out his phone, clearly checking. I cross my arms, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk.
“Seriously? You think I’m lying to you?” I snap.
Cole’s face remains unreadable as he puts his phone back in his pocket.
“I have to be diligent. Besides, you’re not lying to me, just your followers.” He gives a bored shrug.
My cheeks flush red. My eyes flicker down to his fitness watch.Shit.
“Look, sometimes I embellish a little,” I admit, averting his eyes.
Cole shrugsagain, not commenting.Infuriating.
“And besides, there is no difference between three and five miles really. And it inspires people to see someone else working out,” I justify as much to myself as him.
Cole nods, face unreadable as he gestures for me to lead the way. As we make our way back, I strategize ways to chip through Cole's exterior and maybe bond a little so our time together is less painful.
“One moment,” I say to Cole, answering my phone with an unknown caller buzzing. I prefer privacy on my calls, so I walk just out of earshot.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Everly, this is Amy from ChicCosmos,” a peppy voice greets. “So sorry to call you directly, but we lost contact with your assistant Kirra.”
My face flushes. “Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry about that, Amy! Kirra actually resigned last week, and I should have updated you. Please feel free to contact this number from now on.”
“No problem at all.” She clicks away on a keyboard, probably adding that as a note. “I have great news anyway! We wantyouas the face of our new campaign.”
I nearly drop my phone “Wow, that would be a dream. I love ChicCosmos!” I say, trying to play it cool.
As we discuss campaign ideas and the possibility of shooting on a private Bahamian beach, I can hardly contain my excitement. This ishugefor me. This shift to lifestyle and fashion is a small move out of solely fitness content.
I happy dance back toward Cole as I end the call, nearly twisting my ankle as I twirl. Suddenly I'm falling backward. Just as I brace for impact, strong hands catch me.
Cole's face is mere inches from mine, steady arms supporting my waist for a split second. A thrill shoots through me.
Heart already racing from the near fall, I regain my balance, not before noticing the well-toned biceps flexing from breaking the impact.
“Uh, thanks. Got a little carried away there,” I laugh unevenly, warmth creeping up my neck as I smooth my windblown hair.
Hyperaware of Cole's large hands now steading my shoulders. His subtle, woody scent mixed with clean sweat envelops me. Objectively, the man smellsdamngood.
He assesses me with an inscrutable look before nodding slightly and releasing his hold. My pulse skips as my feet find balance again on solid ground. I catch my lower lip between my teeth.
If he wasn’t so icy, I could even find myself being attracted to him. But he isexactlythe kind of man that I don’t need in my life. Closed off, defensive, cold. But…maybe working one-on-one with Cole won't bequiteso bad, if I can admire his looks.From a distance, of course.
COLE
“We should establish some protocols now that I'm heading your security detail.”
Everly’s eyes twinkle a little, and her lips curl up with amusement. I shake my head in bewilderment. I have no idea what it is about me that she finds so comical.
