Page 22 of Heartbeats and Hashtags
COLE
Forty-five minutes into training, Everly is flushed,. A few stray wisps of red hair cling to her neck. But determined fire still blazes in those sky-blue eyes. She's putting her all into today's crash course self-defense lesson. Her stubborn fierceness is working overtime to prove herself despite clear fatigue. And goddamn if that dedication doesn’t fill me with admiration. Back in Navy training, I’d seen grown men falter quicker.
“Seriously,when will I ever need to escape a wrist hold in real life?” she huffs, wiping sweat from her brow after the latest takedown drill. Her earlier grumbling about missing filming opportunities has faded into reluctant engrossment. But some sass is obligatory from Ms. Independent.
“More scenarios than you'd think if someone tries manhandling you,” I assure. In demonstration, I secure her slim wrist once more in my grip. “It buys you critical time if you’re cornered until backup intervenes.”
Everly makes a theatrical show of trying to pull away unsuccessfully, with a false helplessness that doesn’t convince either of us. I have to bite back a grin at her antics combined with very real skill. She's a quick study. My instincts were right: get Everly committed to training and toughness emerges.Her thorns are showing again.She’s got a fiery spirit.
With a “ya!” shout, she uses the heel-stomp distraction technique I showed her then wrenches free when my clasp reflexively loosens. Whirling to face me triumphantly, Everly plants her hands on her supple hips.
Sheboopsmy nose with her index finger, and I flinch backward, blinking rapidly.
“But no one would dare grab me with you looming, oh, overprotective one,” Everly taunts, flushed skin glowing.
Her tank top gapes sideways, exposing the elegant line of her collarbone and shoulder, making my mouth go dry and my fists clench involuntarily.Focus, Cole. She is an assignment.I need to curb any distraction when she's dependent on my protection. But that doesn't negate that Everly catches my attention whether I want her to or not.
I clear my throat gruffly. “I can't monitor you every moment,” I remind her — and myself. “It's a liability to rely solely on guards. I’m teaching you to prep for self-reliance.”
She considers then nods, conceding the point with a twist of her lips. I force my eyes not to follow the motion or linger on her lips.
I continue the lesson, carefully avoiding hands-on positions as much as possible. Then, when demonstration requires entering her space, a hint of sweet floral perfume mixing with her fresh sweat invades me senses. It's a dangerously alluring scent for reasons I refuse to dwell on right now.Necessary maneuvers only then,I decide, stepping quickly back.
After demonstrating another move, I turn to grab water. I sense Everly tensing to ambush me while my back is turned and my guard is down.Clever.I smirk. But it’s not quite good enough to outsmart me.
I whirl suddenly, deftly sweeping her legs out. She lands on the mats with an “oof!” Before she can react, I have her immobilized beneath me, her wrists pinned gently but firmly on either side of her head.
Everly’s chest heaves, eyes wide with surprise, and something else more simmering beneath the surface...excitement? She moistens her lips unconsciously, and I track the quick dart of her tongue.
“Not bad, using distraction to get the drop on your opponent.” My voice is low. I am all too aware of her generous curves pressed along my body.“But still not enough to catch me off guard, Little Rose.”
I have got to stop calling her that. I can't help it though; it's too amusing to me watching her nostrils flare a little each time and her nose scrunch up.
Her breathing is low, and her lips are parted. I catch her eyes flick to my lips, and my brain short circuits.Fuck.
Is this attraction…mutual?
I clear my throat and release her smoothly, needing space between us. As her mentor first, personal feelings cannot complicate this protective duty. But oh how that electricity calls even as I force walls back up.
I stand abruptly, raking a hand through my hair.
“I think that's enough demonstrations for today,” I rasp, my voice still rough with suppressed need.
Everly sits up slowly, her face endearingly flushed and shoulders slumped a little.
Her phone alarm trills loudly, breaking the hypnotic tension blanketing us.Thank God. Everly jumps slightly then exhales a nervous laugh. “Oh, uh, that's my reminder about a client call...” She avoids my eyes as she silences the alarm.
Disappointment wars with relief in Everly's expression as she stands on somewhat unsteady legs. “So, yeah, I should probably clean up...” Gesturing vaguely toward the stairs, she adds, “But thanks again for the lesson today!” Sh flees upstairs without waiting for a reply.
I let out a slow breath once I'm alone again. I think some intense solo training drills are in order while she takes that call. I can feel the testosterone still flooding through me, so I need to burn this energy offbeforeI do something entirely stupid.BeforeI run after her and show her how she makes me feelfucking aliveagain. How she lights my skinon fireevery time she brushes past me.BeforeI try to make her mine.
EVERLY
“So, you’ve got the sexy one, right?” Tanya wiggles her eyebrows.
I smack her arm playfully and snort. “Yeah, if you’re into the whole tall, dark, and intense mystique.” I lower my voice dramatically.
In truth, it feels like something has shifted recently during Cole’s self-defense training sessions. I certainly respect his combat skills now seeing them full force. And I can’t deny our...intense chemistrywhen grappling. Except, he’s kept more of a distance since our first session a few days ago.
