Page 25 of Love Me Again

"I had an amazing time tonight, thank you," I tell him sincerely as we walk toward our separate bedrooms.

Cole nods and looks at me with a smile, "Me too. Thank you for coming out with me." I smile and step closer to him, push myself up on my tiptoes before I drop a lingering kiss on his cheek.

"Good night Cole Hoult," Isayonce I pull back, and Cole nods, smiling, and leans down, taking my face into his hands and presses his lips to my cheek.

"Good night, Shayla Hoult," Cole whispers, pulling his head back a little, but not completely. My heart flutters wildly in my chest whenever he's close to me. I had every urge to pull him to our bedroom and beg for him to make love to me, but I couldn't. Not until I know he feels something for me. I don't want to be a meaningless hook-up to him. I won't.

I pull away from him before he kisses me, and I smile as I slip into my bedroom. "Go to sleep. We have to be up for work in like three hours."

Cole chuckles. "But I'm not tired." He leans against the door frame with a devilish smile. I fix him with a sultry gaze, and he leans in close again.

"We will be in the morning when we can't focus on our work," I answer, deliberately softening my tone as he stares at my lips avidly.

"Then we'll stay home." He whispers back, huskily, "I do own the company."

"You do, but you have work to catch up on and projects that need your attention. And I have meetings all afternoon with our investors." I remind him, and he sighs, closing his eyes.

"Fine, can I at leasthaveone last kiss?" He murmurs, brushing his nose over mine, and I shake my head.

"You've filled your quota of kisses for the day." I smile, pulling away, and he groans.

"Does that mean I get a fresh quota to fill daily?" He tries with a hopeful smile, and I laugh.

"You're incorrigible. Go to bed." Cole chuckles,charmed and presses a kiss to my forehead before he straightens.

"Okay fine, I'm going, but don't be surprised if you wake up and find me in your bed." He grins sexily as he walks off toward his room. "I have a habit of sleepwalking."

"You do not, and I'm locking my door." I quip, watching him as he strolls to his room and stops just before he walks in and looks over at me.

"I'm not." Cole drawls with a wink. "Feel free to slip in if yougetlonely." When I goredand roll my eyes mockingly, he chuckles.

"Good night Cole!" Isigh, exasperated, and close my door. I can hear him cackling to himself through the wall as I lean against the door with the biggest smile on my face—one I couldn't get rid of however hard I tried. I place my hand over my heart and bite my lip. That connection is still there.

* * *

As I had suspected,the following morning, we were both exhausted after only having three hours of sleep. I think I dozed off at my desk twice, unable to keep my eyes open.

Cole wasn't much better. Of course, he could drink coffee--so he was at least getting some aid to stay up, whereas I didn't have anything but some caffeine-free tea, which makes my stomach turn at the mere thought of it.

I don't know how we managed to get through the day, but we did.

On Friday night, we had Josh and Aimee over for dinner. I hadn't seen the girls in over a week, and I missed them terribly, but Jo was away with Sam meeting her parents.

"So, how are things between the two of you?" Aimeeasksas we prepare the table for dinner. I smile and glance over at Cole, who was in the living room, watching a football match with Josh.

"We're getting there, I think. Our date was incredible...we felt like us again. Albeit, it's very hit-and-miss with him at the moment. One day he's all flirty and can't keep his hands to himself, then he goes all cold turkey and doesn't even talk or acknowledge me." I explain with a shrug as I mix the salad. "It's emotionally draining, you know?"

Aimee nods, picking up wine glasses off the glass rack. "I know, but I'm sure he's feeling the same. I can't even imagine the pressure he's under at the moment. It can't be easy for him, Shay."

I sigh and look over at Cole—texting someone on his phone. He's been on that phone all day.

Who the hell could he be texting all bloody day? I look over at Aimee when something on her hand catches my attention.

No way! I walk over to her, take her hand, and look at the diamond engagement ring on her finger, and she looks at me, her blue eyes startled before her lips curl into a smile. "Bish?" I whisper, looking at her, stunned. "Are you...?" Aimee grins with a nod. I scream and hug her.

"Oh, my God!" I squeal excitedly. Josh and Cole come running into the kitchen when they hear my screams.

"What? What?!" The boys shout, watching us hug and sob. I pull back and look at Josh, who was watching us, concerned. "You're engaged?!" I scream, and he presses his hand to his chest and smiles.

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