Page 23 of Heartbeats and Hashtags
Tanya stuck by me through the rise to influencer fame. She never changed like some others who expected constant plugs or perks to keep hanging out. My real friends remained genuinely interested in my life, not just what I can do for their clout by association.
I don’t mind occasional transactional relationships as long as both parties understand it. But Tanya and my other core support circle relate to mefor me, not my platform. And for that I am very grateful.
“Uh, have you met me? That sounds freakin’ sexy as hell!” Tanya exclaims.
I throw a pillow at her, laughing despite my reddening cheeks at memories of take-down drills...Cole’s athletic form dominating mine momentarily...his hot gaze trailing over me.Okay, yes, the beautiful man with alien eyes protecting me does have undeniable physical appeal. But it’s purely superficial attraction. And off limits.
Besides, Cole is clearly as closed-off emotionally as they come. He probably has major unresolved issues making him keep people at an arm's length, which is exactly the kind of baggage I don’t need right now.
My track record with insecure men who shield their inner worlds is definitively awful. Growing up begging the human iceberg also known as my dear father to thaw long enough to connect left me with enough emotional frostbite for one lifetime.
No, I resolved after the last aloof jerk that melted faster than a snowflake in July not to pine after distant men again. Potential romantic partners get vetted for openness and willingness to be real from day one now. And by that criteria, Mr. Silver utterly fails the test.
So no matter our insane mutual chemistry, nothing can or will happen there. Time for another glass of ice water and maybe researching convent life. Just to be safe.
“Nope, I need someone less...closed off. He’s not my type,” I reaffirm.
“Come on,” she groans, “you’re allowed to admit he’s hot, you know.” Tanya pops a cookie in her mouth, crunching loudly. I frown. I want one, but I’d already had an apple this afternoon, and the comment I’d read earlier this morning about my thighs growing is playing on my mind.
“He’s like, that undeniable, alpha-male super sexy kinda hot.” Tanya looks into the distance as if pondering the many ways that Cole could devour her.
Crunch. Another cookie. “I mean, just THINK of all the ways that man could throw you around!” she proclaimed finally. I was right. She was totally thinking of him devouring her. My cheeks heat at the thought of Cole doing…that with anyone.
I shiver, dramatically shaking my head.
“While he may be conventionally attractive, I wouldn’t let him throw me around anywhere. Well, not unless I was in, like, mortal danger or something. You know, like if a zombie apocalypse or something of the sort were to take place, and I was about to be eaten by a zombie.Then, andonlythen, might I let Cole…”
Tanya squeals a little, interrupting my monologue, and her eyes widen.
“Might only then would you let me what?” Cole's deep voice rings out, edged with dry amusement.
I whirl around, stomach plummeting. Please let this be a nightmare and not my stern-faced bodyguard overhearing...that.
But, no, Cole stands there raising one judgmental brow, muscular arms crossed. I snap pleading eyes to Tanya but find only wide-eyed excitement, another cookie halfway to her grinning mouth.Traitor.
“Uh, how much did you hear exactly?” I ask Cole weakly.
He shrugs. “Not much...”
I exhale in relief as Tanya also relaxes, clearly assuming Cole missed her vulgar speculations.
“Just the part about specific situations where I would apparentlybe allowedthrow you around,” he adds casually, his sultry voice making the hairs on my arms stand up.
I flush beet red.The nerve!
“I… Well, you know…”
Before I can conjure any face-saving response, Cole saunters out, leaving me sputtering.
Tanya cackles. “Your face...priceless!” she says between breaths.
I scowl. “You see the crap I deal with? The man is infuriating!”
“Yeah, but that deadpan delivery is kinda hilarious. I gotta give him credit.” She snorts. “Lighten up. He's just yanking your chain.”
I huff, still repressing a smile and intrigued despite myself. Maybe Cole isn't 100% automated robot-alien man. But I refuse to give him the satisfaction of knowing his teasing gets under my skin...in more ways than one.Jerk.
“You have to admit that he's kinda funny though.”
