Page 44 of Heartbeats and Hashtags
I turn down the volume. “If you ignore the insane reason that we're here, this is actually pretty nice. It feels like we're just normal friends hanging out.” I smile at him.
Cole pauses for a moment, examining me before giving me a smile back.
“Yeah, I guess so, Little Rose. It's nice.”
It's funny seeing Cole like this, even though he's still “on duty,” so he has his usual stiff mannerisms.
I scrunch my nose. “You have to stop calling me that.” I groan.
“Why?” he teased. “It fits you so perfectly.” He cocks his head. “I call you Little Rose because when I first met you, I saw that even though you appear soft and delicate, you’re not afraid to show your fiery side.Justlike a rose with its thorns.”
My breath hitches.
“Plus, you have red hair, and, you know, roses are red,” he winks and pulls lightly on my ponytail.
I laugh and shake his hand off my hair.
“Seriously though, you should stop. It makes me think we’re friends and that you’ll be sticking around,” I admit, leaving out the part about it making heat spread from my core.
Coles sharp jaw clenches.
“I’m not sure we can be friends, Everly.” My throat dries. I know what he means without him having to say it. We can’t bejustfriends.
We finish the pizza and settle back onto the sofa to watch the movie. I don't know who edges closer to the other. It’s like we’re pulled by an invisible force, but before long I can feel his leg brushing up against mine. I stay perfectly still.
His gaze is focused on the film, but my eyes are set on him. After everything we'd been through today… life is short, right?It can’t hurt to try his lips one more time.I have to know. I have to know if that kiss was real or not. I've been replaying it in my mind on repeat since, torturing myself with the memory. Remembering the feel of his strong hands, his soft lips, and his demanding tongue.
I place a hand gently on his leg. His eyes instantly shoot down to my hand, and I feel his strong thigh muscles tense beneath his trousers. I watch his green eyes, now blazing with a fire, shoot back up toward the TV, ignoring my less than subtle move. I make a small noise of frustration, which he ignores.
Pouting, I make a move he can’t ignore.
With a smirk playing on my lips, I quickly shift from my position, push Cole back against the couch, and straddle him, feeling his arousal through his pants.Oh wow.
He raises his eyebrows at me, showing only a hint of surprise. He places his hands on my waist, steadying me, and I my skin immediately heats where he touches.
“Everly,” he warns.
“Cole,” I mock back, coking my head.
I lean in, kissing his neck slowly, feeling his muscles tense as he gently pushes me back.
“It…it was a mistake, before in the hotel,” he breathes huskily, his voice hoarse.
“And the kitchen?” I question.
“That…that was fun.” He gives me a side grin before it vanishes.
“But it’s a mistake. You said so yourself. We should forget it, and soon we will be out of each other’s lives.” But his words don’t match his movements. He starts tracing circles on the small of my back where my shirt has shifted upward.
I groan.
“Cole, I want you, OK?”
His eyes burn brighter.
“I want you,” I whisper, putting my forehead on his.
“Do you want me?” I ask. Today has made me riskier. It could all be overanymoment. Why waste a second?
