Reaching for his hand and giving it a light kiss, she allows herself to fall asleep.
Savannah
I wake to Cole’s arms wrapped around me tightly. I want to stay like this forever, but my bladder has a mind of its own. I wiggle out of his warm hold and move quickly to do my business but return to find him getting dressed. I try not to show my disappointment. Now that the sun has risen, I know we’re going to have to talk, so I slip on a robe and head to the kitchen, turning on the coffee maker and pulling out the cream. I turn to see Cole coming out of my room. I realize that although it feels weird seeing him here at my place, I like it. It’s a step forward.
“I’m sorry, I have to get going. I have a meeting with Frank.” He moves in front of me and kisses my lips gently, then pulls away with his eyes squeezed shut like he’s got something to say. “Come home with me, Savi. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”
My head snaps back, and I see red instantly. “Prove anything? Cole, this isn’t about anyone else. This is about me.”
“If you were home, I could protect you better.”
“I don’t need you to protect me. I—”
“Oh, really?” His hands fly in the air. “What was that last night?”
My mouth drops open. I can’t believe he’s throwing that in my face. “I didn’t call you, Cole. Jake did!”
“Thank Christ he did! You were huddled in a ball in the middle of a freezing parking lot, and you wouldn’t get in the car. I had to come all the way from the house to get there!” He’s almost shouting. “Just come home and make it easier on everybody. You’re not ready.”
My blood is boiling. Why can’t he see the progress I’m making? “So sorry, Cole, that I interrupted your evening. I didn’t know Jake called you until he handed me the phone.” I reach for my bag and get out my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I find Sue’s number and scribble it on a Post-it.
“What are you doing?” His voice is a low rumble.
I walk to the door and hold it open. “You should go.” He grabs his jacket and steps out in the hallway. “Please thank your mother for the phone, but I will not be needing Shadows to care for me anymore.” His face drops as I shove the cell in his hand. “I apologize for the inconvenience I caused you yesterday. Rest assured, it won’t happen again.” I don’t wait for his response as I close the door in his face. He says something I can’t make out, but I wait until I hear footsteps before I sneak a peek through the peephole. I watch as he leaves through the stairwell. My heart hurts, but I push aside the pain. I will not let my emotions run me, even if I did just let the love of my life walk out the door.No, Savi, you kicked your love in the ass out the damn door. Fuck.
I toss the rag I was using aside and jump up on the bar top. My feet are killing me. My bed is screaming—no, my couch is screaming my name. It’s been nine days since I’ve heard from Cole. I won’t lie, it hurts like hell, but I won’t back down on living my life. It’s painful, but I know I need this time for me. I need to be whole. Keith has even backed off. With my new phone, I texted Sue my number. I couldn’t possibly freeze everyone out, especially Sue. She was there for me when I lost our baby, and I love her like my own mother. She was concerned about me, but she didn’t pry.
“Can I ask you a huge favor?” Jake breaks into my thoughts, giving me the sweetest look and batting his lashes like a pro.
Oh, no…
“Depends,” I counter, taking the glass of wine he poured for me. Zack lets us drink on the house, most likely because he knows we aren’t big drinkers.
“This guy I’m seeing is coming to town. It’s been two months since I’ve seen him, and we want to go out…but his buddy is traveling with him, and he doesn’t want to ditch him. Problem is—”
“He’s straight, I’m straight, and I’m the only one who knows we have a—”
“Secret for a secret.” He grins, knowing he’s got me.
I roll my eyes and wish the internet didn’t exist. Then my past wouldn’t have come back to bite me in the ass. “When and where?”
“Yay!” He claps then looks around quickly as he realizes we are still at work.
“Okay, Jake, as long as he knows he’s not getting laid and there’s zero chance of a second date.”
“Of course.” He jumps off the counter. “Thursday, drinks at Chaps.”
“What the hell is Chaps?” I call out.
He turns and gives me a devilish grin. “We live in Montana, sweetheart.”
I close my eyes, thinking a shopping trip may be in order…cowgirl boots are something I don’t own.
Cole
Cole: Where?
Keith: Still at work, having a drink with Jake.