Page 25 of Purity

Goodness, I used to employ this same kind of romantic thinking with Cole. He couldn’t care for me so much, couldn’t be so protective and make me such a priority in his life if he didn’t have some kind of deep feelings for me. He couldn’t be everything I wanted in a husband—strong and commanding but also sweet and thoughtful—if God hadn’t designed him for me.

“I reject that kind of thinking,” I say, “and you should too.”

His brow knits. “What do you mean?”

“Not everything is black and white. All or nothing. I only had my first kiss recently because I thought even one sexual encounter would taint my purity.”

Travis cringes. “Yeah, I find all that stuff creepy now.”

“It’s really creepy, and so is thinking one awkward kiss means two people don’t have chemistry.”

He chuckles. “I’m not sure if that makes me feel better, but I’ll take it.”

I smile warmly. I didn’t expect him to be so vulnerable.

“Can we go inside now?” I ask. “I’m thinking maybe I’ll be less nervous after a drink.”

He squeezes my hand. “Sure. Let’s get you good and drunk.”

Though my stomach grows queasy at the thought, it doesn’t mean I’m not going to do just that. I’ll never get over this nervousness if I don’t try new things.

When I step out of the car, the damp ocean air hits my chest, sending a wave of tingling shame over my skin. When I look down at my boobs, a strip of nude tape is visible on my right side. I take a moment to adjust myself before looking up.

My stomach drops.

Cole is standing with his back against the concrete wall of the bar. His jaw is set, and his eyes are blazing. I don’t even need to ask if he saw Travis and I kiss in the car.

Cole

A raging heat pulses through my veins. Oh fuck, I can’t do this. I can’t stand by and watch her kiss other guys.

I’m going to lose my mind.

Those big brown eyes widen as she strides in my direction. Travis walks closely beside her. Too close, like he thinks he owns her.

She’s mine.

Why can’t I keep these territorial impulses in check? For years, I’ve prepared myself for the day she’d meet her perfect Christian guy. I knew I’d have to plant a smile on my face and force myself to get to know him, even as I wanted to punch his asshole face.

I would get over it eventually. There’s no way I could let possessiveness jeopardize the most perfect thing in my life, especially if she found someone who made her really happy.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

Oh God, what if I can’t? Watching someone else press his lips against hers was agony, and Travis isn’t even a real threat. He says he’s religious, but he’s nothing like her. She would never consider him for anything long term.

I have to get this under control. With effort, I smile as she approaches me. “I already know what I’m ordering for your first drink.”

She smiles back. “That sounds—”

“No, I called it already.”

I turn toward Travis. “You called what?”

“Her first drink.” His words are matter of fact. “I called it in the car.”

I frown. “Are you seven years old?”

A small smile tugs at his lips. “I’m getting her a Mai Tai. She loves fruity drinks.”

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