Page 42 of Purity

“I know. I promise I won’t be an asshole anymore.”

“You’re not an asshole.” I wipe under my eyes with the pads of my fingers, “just a little bratty sometimes.”

When my phone buzzes, my gaze darts to the counter, and Cole’s name flashes on the screen. My stomach both sinks and flutters at the same time. When I swipe the screen, my breath catches.

Cole: I know I said we should take time to think, but I need to see you. I did a lot of thinking during the night, and I have an answer for you. Let’s go on a hike and talk.

“What?” Vanessa asks, and the sharpness in her tone tells me my shock must be all over my face.

Warmth washes through me, sending tingles everywhere. “I think Cole is going to say yes.”

TWELVE

Cole

My heart starts to pound when I catch sight of Livvy’s gray Camry in my rearview mirror. I take a deep breath as she parallel parks a few cars behind me. She hops out of the car, and her curvy form in those tight workout clothes makes my stomach clench.

I’ll have my hands all over that body in a few hours.

I had every intention of saying no to her two days ago. I had every intention of putting our friendship above my own desires.

Sometimes defeat is blissful.

When she gets close to my car, I step outside. She smiles at me—a sweet smile that makes something twinge in my chest, but somehow, I can’t stop my gaze from grazing down her body. My God, those thick thighs and hips… That soft belly and those huge tits nearly bursting out of her shirt. She has the body of a goddess.

I can’t believe I’ll actually be able to touch her.

“Are you okay?” she asks, her brow furrowing.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“What’s going on? I can tell just by looking at you that you have a lot on your mind.”

God, how does she do that? How does she always know when I’m upset? I wasn’t even thinking about the incident with my dad, but somehow, she always knows.

“It’s a long story, but basically, my parents are finally getting a divorce.”

“Oh, Cole,” she says, just like I knew she would. Just like I craved. “Do you want a hug, or do you need space?”

Space. As if I would ever really want that from her, even when I’d specifically asked for it.

I smile faintly. “A hug would be nice.”

She doesn’t waste a moment. Her footsteps patter over the gravel, and she wraps her arms around me and presses her soft body against mine. If she knew the direction of my thoughts, or how many times I’ve accepted her affection while fantasizing about pinning her against a wall and sinking into her warmth, she’d be terrified.

Or maybe she wouldn’t be. She surprised me last night.

“I’m so sorry.” Her words are muffled against my chest. “That’s so awful.”

“No, it’s not. It’s been a long time coming. I’m not going to let a divorce devastate me.”

“We usually don’t have a choice about what devastates us.”

My throat constricts. “Yeah, but I don’t want to be selfish. Having to start a new life is going to be so hard on my mom. I need to be there for her.”

“Cole.” Her voice is both gentle and scolding. “Your pain has nothing to do with your mom’s. If you want to be able to take care of her, you need to take care of yourself first.”

My fingers brush down her back. “You’re an angel.”

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