Chapter Eleven
Savannah
I change then begin to pace the room, suddenly feeling guilty for not telling Cole what happened with York. I just need one more day. God, I hope Mark keeps his word. I stop pacing when I hear footsteps outside my door, and I see a shadow on the floor. A soft knock makes me shiver. What if it’s Cole? Maybe he can’t sleep either. Am I ready for this? I slowly make my way over and open the door.
Two glossy eyes stare down at me. Shit! His gaze rakes over my nightgown.
“Evening,” he purrs as I try to slam the door, but he puts his foot in to stop it.
“Move your foot, York!” I hiss, swallowing down a lump of fear. Footsteps coming up the stairs draw his attention, and I shove him backward, slamming the door and locking it. Screw this! I grab a blanket off my chair and slip into the back hallway.
Cole
Cole wakes to banging on his door, then it bursts open.
Abigail is madly running around his room, and he squints as he tries to catch up.
“Where is she? Tell me she’s with you!” She’s talking a mile a minute, racing into his bathroom.
“Who?”
“Savannah! She didn’t sleep in her bed again last night, and I can’t find her anywhere!”
That wakes him up. He jumps to his dresser, pulling on jeans and a black t-shirt.
They both hurry to her room to confirm it is empty. Hearing voices coming from downstairs, Cole bolts out the door. Abigail on his heels, he flies down the stairs and into the kitchen.
“Wow, where’s the fire?” Paul holds up his coffee mug.
“Have you seen Savannah?” Abigail asks breathily.
“Yes, she’s out on the patio.” Dell points outside. “Everything okay?”
Cole doesn’t answer. He moves through the dining room, his stomach in knots. There she is, dressed in a white sweater and light pink tight-fitting pants, sipping a cup of coffee. Her hair hangs in big curls around her shoulders. Christ, she takes his breath away. She must have sensed him watching because she turns to look at him. Her eyes light up then drop quickly after looking over his shoulder.
“That girl is getting a goddamn tracking device in her neck this time!” Keith shouts, storming into the dining room. “Cole, this is the second time she’s done this,” he complains.
“Calm down, Keith,” Abigail says just as Savannah opens the door behind them. She is biting her lip, her eyes downcast.
“Why are we shouting?” Mark looks like he got two hours of sleep.
“Sweet boxers, man.” Cole points to his Ironman underwear. Mark flips him the finger.
“Savannah, I warned you.” Keith points a finger at her.
Her eyes shift to Mark’s. He catches the look and suddenly appears more alert.
“I’m so sorry. I fell asleep in the entertainment room. I couldn’t sleep.”
“Wrong answer, Savi. I watched the tape.”
She runs her hands through her hair as Mark mirrors the action. Keith glances between them, confusion evident on his face.
“Keith, I’m here. I’m okay.” She starts fidgeting again, her gaze turning nervously to the kitchen.
“That isn’t how this house works.”
“Keith,” Mark whispers, “give her a free pass just one more time, okay?”