Page 58 of Best Laid Plans
I rub my lips together, then turn to face her.
“Kara.”
“I think we both know this is a little awkward.”
“Why is it awkward?”
“Cole and I have a history.”
“I know. He told me.” I don’t mention that it was only twenty minutes ago. Those are details she doesn’t get to be privy to.
“Does Cole know about your surrogacy plans?” she asks. But, when I don’t respond, I think she already knows the answer. She nods thoughtfully.
My defenses are up. I’m anticipating a cat fight, whatever that may be. Honestly, I’ve never been in one before because I’ve never cared enough about a guy to be jealous about ex-girlfriends or scorned lovers. While I’m contemplating challenging her to a duel, something changes in her expression.
“I’m sorry for how I acted before. I think I was just surprised to see him with someone. And,” she pauses, “when I saw the way he looks at you, I realized, I can’t compete with that.” Kara breaks eye contact for a moment, turning in the direction of the sound of the door opening, and a woman in a black gown going into a vacant stall, before she turns back to me. “He never looked at me like that.”
With Kara’s admission, all of the witty, snarky comebacks I was preparing die on my tongue. This is not what I was expecting. I’ve got nothing now.
“Cole is a great guy. An amazing doctor, he’s kind and honest and sweet and attentive,” she clears her throat, “as I’m sure you know. But, he’s married to his career, so enjoy it while it lasts.”
She gives me a tight smile, then moves toward a stall.
Our interaction leaves me flustered and confused. While the part of me that was jealous about their past relationship and current working one has calmed, there’s a part of me that wonders if Cole and I are the same thing that Kara and him were. Just fucking. Friends with benefits. I know exactly what that looks like, it’s what I’ve done with every guy. Just sex. No feelings and emotions. That’s what I wanted with Cole, right? But now it terrifies me that I’ve taken it too far with him. What if I’m having feelings and Cole just wants it to be casual?
32
Brooke
When I hear a phone ringing, I groan and roll over. The bed shifts and I hear Cole talking in a low voice. My eyes pop open to see the bedside clock, it’s barely seven. Too early for a Sunday morning.
“Good morning, gorgeous,” Cole says as he returns to bed and pulls me close. My brain is awake, but my eyes are slow to open.
“Mmm.” I stretch long in his arms, then press my lips to his neck. “Good morning. Did you get a call?”
“Yeah. That was my mom. My sister had the baby early this morning.”
His news perks me up. I haven’t met his family, but he’s told me so much about them, and I knew his sister would be having her baby any day now. Obviously, today was the day.
“Oh, wow. That’s exciting. How are they doing?”
Cole’s hand slides under my tank top, his fingers start to lightly trace circles on my back.
“Everyone is doing well. His name is Jack.”
“Cute.” I smile.
“I thought I’d visit them later this morning.” He searches my face. “Do you want to come with me? We can get brunch after.”
The prospect of meeting Cole’s family is not new. He’s asked me to join him for their family dinner twice already. I’ve conveniently had my own dinners at Ellie and Josh’s to attend. He seems so casual about it, maybe I’m making it into a bigger deal than it is. I immediately wonder if he ever introduced Kara to his family. Did they like her? Do they miss her? Is she on their Christmas card list?
“Your sister just had a baby; I doubt she wants to meet new people right now.”
“You don’t know Carrie.” He laughs. “She’s dying to meet you.”
“You’ve told her about me?”
“My entire family knows about you. If I don’t produce you soon, they’re going to think I’m making you up to avoid their setups.”
