Page 25 of Heartbeats and Hashtags
Then after a moment he adds, “And try to get some sleep.”
I break into a wide smile. “I absolutely will going forward. Thank you, thank you,thank you!”
I move in for a hug before stopping myself halfway. Even though I’m a big hugger, hugging anyone from the mailman to my friends, hugging Cole for some reasons feelsintimate. I cough awkwardly trying to style out my misstep, hoping he didn’t notice. I peer at him. He’s staring at me like I’m a circus animal.Yep, he definitely noticed.
“Oh! By the way, we’ve gotta go back to the youth center on Wednesday to drop off some more stuff before we leave!”
I gatherup the two large boxes full of donated makeup, skincare, and beauty products for the girls at the community youth center. I wasn't going to let the knife-in-the-letterbox situation stop me from doing this, no matter how many times Cole insisted that it was sensible to stay in right now.
The knife did seriously creep me out. After we found it, I looked through some old photos of Ryan and I, wondering if he could be behind all this. Sure, he was upset after we ended things, butwhy would he go to these lengths? For what? Just to scare me?It didn’t make sense.
Cole helps me haul the cumbersome boxes out to the car, his muscular arms making easy work of the weight. He's been my silent shadow the last couple of days, barely speaking beyond logistical discussions. I have tried to break the ice and talk with him, but he is in uber-focus mode. It seems the knife shook up more than one of us.
I'm looking forward to seeing the girls' reactions today; their wide-eyed wonder helps restore my faith in the good I'm hopefully bringing to the world.
As we arrive at the youth center, I balance the boxes carefully while Cole holds the door open for me. Lisa comes bustling out of her office to greet us.
“Everly, you are just the sweetest for thinking of our girls again!” she exclaims, enveloping me in a warm, lavender-scented hug.
As she pulls back, her gaze lands on my stoic companion, andshockinglyher smile grows impossibly wider.
“Cole! So wonderful to see you back here,” she coos, laying a hand on his forearm in a manor that seems overly familiar.
“The boys just light up now they know you'll be giving a regular class,” Carla continues to gush. “Having you teach jujitsu on Sundays has been so fun for them.”
I swivel my head to look between Lisa and Cole, thoroughly confused. Cole is volunteering here? I rack my brain trying to recall him ever mentioning this, coming up blank.
Noticing my befuddlement, Lisa laughs lightly, and it rubs me the wrong way.
“I guess I shouldn't be surprised he didn't tell you. Cole seems humble about the time he spends here.” Her fingers are still resting possessively on his arm, and she's standing closer than strictly necessary to him.
I raise my eyebrow at Cole, silently seeking an explanation. He scratches the back of his neck sheepishly.
“The other week, I noticed some of the boys looking bored and restless whenever I dropped you off,” he explains with a casual shrug of his massive shoulders. “I figured giving them an outlet for all that pent-up energy could be beneficial. Teach them some discipline too. The girls participate as well and seem to enjoy it.” He’s talking quickly, nearly stumbling over his words.Huh.
I'm surprised but also touched by this side of Cole.
“Cole, that's really amazing of you,” I tell him softly.
He ducks his head in that endearing, awkward way he has sometimes, uncomfortable with praise. Meanwhile, Lisa is still gazing up at him adoringly. I tamp down a flame of jealousy.Honestly, Everly, get a grip. You’re not even into him. Just because he does one nice thing that doesn’t mean he’s changed. I curtly remind myself that he has only shown evidence of being emotionally closed off and definitelynotthe kind of guy I want.
As we chat about the upcoming summer programs, I make a mental note to clear my schedule for the following Sunday when Cole gives his class. I'm suddenly eager to see this gentle mentor side of my enigmatic protector in action. Although I could definitely do without Lisa’s fawning presence when I do.
“Coach Silver, you're back!” a young boy crows excitedly. “You teaching this Sunday?” Cole's face softens into the hint of a smile.
“Sure am,” he confirms, clapping a hand on the eager boy's shoulder. “Keep practicing your holds, Con, and we'll advance to some submissions.” The boy lights up and thanks him, and they continue to chat about jujitsu.
I swear, my ovaries melt seeing him interact with the boy. He is so gentle and patient. Maybe he isn’t the kind of guy I pinned him as. Seeing him like this, empowering the next generation, forces me to see him in a new light. Maybe I shouldn’t be assuming just because he is a little quiet that he’d be just like my father.
My obvious, unavoidable crush on him hits me then, squarely in the chest, leaving me breathless. I can’t pretend it isn’t there any longer.
As he fist bumps Con and catches my eye, my heart falls to my stomach.
I have to painfully remind myself that he’s not here for me. He’s here out of duty. As soon as the assignment is over, he will leave.
I must be gaping dumbly, because Cole peers at me curiously.
“You good?” he questions, brows furrowed with concern. I plaster on a bright smile to cover my spinning revelations.
