“I believe the tour is over now,” I told Laney.
“Oh? I hadn’t noticed.” Her tone was playful.
“I believe we had a deal.”
I leaned in closer until the tip of my nose nearly touched hers.
“Hmm... I remember. So what’s the plan, mister?”
I stroked her cheek with the back of my fingers. “First things first. Do you have a jacket in your backpack? You’re shivering.”
“No, I didn’t bring one, and it is pretty chilly.”
“Then let’s go to your place to get a jacket. You said it’s nearby, right? I’d give you my jacket if I had it with me.”
She smiled, rubbing her hands more vigorously. “Just saying, but that is a gentlemanly thing to do. And yes, it is just a few blocks away. We’ll need about ten minutes.”
“Then let’s go.”
She was all mine... for about an hour, and then I was leaving for the airport.
***
Laney
Cole was hands down the biggest flirt I’d ever met. Before we left the Colosseum, he loaded up on extra gifts from a souvenir boutique, insisting that he needed backup in case his previous purchases sucked. Cole Winchester might be the world’s best charmer, but he was also a genuinely thoughtful person who I’d love to get to know better.
By the time we reached my building and I was searching for my key in my backpack, I started shivering in earnest. A bit silly of me, not bringing any jacket. Cole put an arm around my shoulders, practically pressing my side into his.
“Just keeping you warm,” he said playfully.
“Aha, that’s what you call it.”
He brought his mouth to my ear. “Laney, when I want something, I don’t mince words.”
His tone of voice was low and raw, just delicious. Suddenly, the air between us grew thick and heavy with tension. I finally found the key and put it in the hole, hoping it wouldn’t jam this time, but of course that was exactly what happened.
“Want to try your hand at it?” I asked Cole. “Gets stuck half the time.”
“Sure.” Cole pushed himself against the door, then lifted it a bit, and jammed it some more. Finally, he pushed himself harder.
“Ah,” he exclaimed, wringing his right hand.
“Did you cut yourself?” I asked, taking his hand immediately and inspecting it. There were dents in his forefinger, but it was just a scratch.
“It’s very superficial. But I can disinfect it. I have everything I need upstairs.”
“You’re joking.”
“No, really. It’ll just take a few seconds.”
“Sure, doc.”
Cole looked around curiously once we were inside. It was a huge place, and since it had one bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen, each room was big.
“Come on, the first aid kit is in the bathroom.”
That was the only space that was actually tiny. We both squeezed between the sink and a wall as I applied antiseptic.