Keith shakes his head. “Last time, Savi, so help me God.” He holds up his hands then turns and leaves, muttering into his radio.
“T-minus fourteen hours, pretty eyes,” Mark mutters to Savannah.
“Anyone care to fill me in?” Cole asks, crossing his arms and sitting on the edge of the table. Both of them stare at the ground but say nothing. “Well, here’s the problem. Mark, you don’t make eye contact with me when you’re hiding something. You’ve been doing that since you were a kid, and Savi—” She looks up at him, running her fingers through her hair. “You do that,” he points to her hand, “when you’re not being honest or you’re scared.” He sighs when they look at one another. “What happens in fourteen hours?”
“Cole,” Savannah steps closer, holding up her hands, “you asked me a little while ago to have trust in you, and I do. Could you have a little in me when I ask you to just give me today? Please?” Her eyes hold his for a moment. God, he’s falling hard for this woman, but this secret feels like it is going to end badly.
“This isn’t going to be good, is it?” Her face flushes as she looks at Mark. “Do I need to be worried about anyone’s safety?” Savannah’s face flinches.
“I’ve got this for now,” Mark says. “Savannah has her reasons for keeping quiet, and though I don’t quite agree, I respect her wish to wait until tonight to share it with you, or I will.”
Okay, this sounds big. “Mark, can you give us a minute?” Cole waits until they are alone then angles his back to block the security camera, as she nervously plays with the candle on the table. “Baby,” he whispers, “I won’t push this issue. I feel like Mark’s got it handled for right now, but you have to tell me where you go at night.” She sets the candle down, turning it between her fingers. “What if something happens and I need to get to you? You almost killed Abigail with worry this morning.”
She nods. “Your mother’s library,” she says quietly. “I feel safe there.”
He lets out a sigh, a little surprised he was unsure for an instant. He didn’t know what she was going to tell him. For just a moment, he thought it was another man’s room, and immediately felt guilty for even going there in his head.
“I’m sorry for using that back passage, but I really feel safe in there,” she repeats. “It’s been a rough few days, and I overslept. I was hoping to slip in and out without anyone noticing. I really am sorry, Cole.”
He reaches for her hand, settling his on top. “Don’t be sorry. I’m just relieved it wasn’t someone’s room you were seeking out. It makes me happy you feel safe in there. Use it anytime.”
“Truthfully,” she moves a little closer, “I wanted to go to your room.” He inhales sharply, and her eyes lock with his. “Lie in your bed, smell you all around me,” she whispers as a corner of her mouth goes up, looking damn sexy.
As she stands in front of him, smiling, he shifts and feels his temperature rise. His fingers curl around the edge of the table. She is making him painfully hard.
Straddling one of his knees and leaning to the side, she reaches for her coffee cup and continues. “Sleep in nothing but one of your t-shirts.”
Her breath against his neck has his hands in a death grip on the table.
She pulls away, chuckling into her mug. Oh, she is good; she knows he is about to burst.
“Savi,” he growls, “left top drawer—my t-shirts.”
She laughs as she heads into the kitchen. “Two can play this game, baby.” She smirks over her shoulder with a sway in her step.
God damn, that ass.
He hears a scream from the entryway and hops to his feet and hurries out to the dining room.
“Ahh! I can’t believe you’re finally here!” Abigail shouts into her sister’s shoulder.
Cole shakes his head, rubbing his chest. What is it with women and shouting when they greet each other?
“Coley!” Aunt June grabs his face and smacks a kiss right on his lips. “How’s my handsome young man doing?”
He grimaces at her nickname for him. “Fine, thanks.”
“So I’ve heard.” She winks at him. “Oh, my!” She looks over his shoulder. “And you must be Savannah.”
“I am. Nice to meet you.”
June pulls Savannah in for a hug, making her twitch. She quickly recovers, but Cole still catches it.
June steps back to get a good look at her. “I bet you’re a nice change of scenery for the guys, huh?” Savannah’s face reddens.
“Oh, June, leave the poor girl alone. Come on, Savi. Let’s find you something to wear tonight.” Abigail links arms with Savannah and pulls her toward the stairs.
“Must be some girl to put a look on your face like that.” June elbows him in the ribs.