“What does Frank want, anyway?” I ask, heading to the door with him.
He doesn’t answer as he opens the door and lets Frank inside.
“He’s close,” Frank says, then stops when he sees me. “Hello, Savannah.”
“He? Who’s close?” This may not be my business, but the look on Cole’s face is telling me it is.
Frank glances at Cole for help. “Let me talk to Frank, and once I know all the details, we’ll let you know what’s going on.” He steps forward and kisses me on the head. “Please, baby.” I nod, reluctant to step over anyone just because of who I’m dating. I know Cole is walking a thin line with having me in his life the way I am. But something doesn’t feel right.
I watch them walk off before I hear his voice from the living room. “Chocolate with a strawberry glaze.” Mark grins and tosses an apron at me. “And I’ll know if you made it with love or not.”
I roll my eyes and head to the kitchen.
Keith emerges just as the cheesecake is put in the fridge. He pinches the bridge of his nose. I’m guessing he’s tired from his late night of playing poker.
“Is Frank still here?” I ask, hoping he’s gone by now.
“Yes, still in the office.”
“Any idea what’s going on?”
“No.”
“And if you did?”
“Then I would know.” He smirks down at me, trying to be intimidating, but it doesn’t really work anymore. “You work tonight?”
“I do. May I borrow a car to get back to my apartment?”
He laughs. “I’ll drive you home.”
I pull out my cell phone. “You know I’m perfectly capable of driving myself back to town.” I send a quick text, and moments later Cole comes into the kitchen.
“You leaving?” he asks, nodding to Keith.
Keith leans against the counter with a devious grin “She wants to borrow a car to drive herself home.”
Cole puffs out a breath. “Sorry, baby, that wasn’t in the agreement.” I start to argue but see him rub the back of his neck roughly, and I decide it’s best not to.
“Fine,” I sigh, stepping up on my toes to give him a kiss goodbye. “Anything you wish to share?”
“Not yet,” he says, resting his chin on my head and holding me close. “I’ll call you later. I’ll stop by if I can.”
“I love you.” I’m teary-eyed.Sweet Jesus, Savi, grow a pair.
“Hey,” he says, pulling back to stare down at me, “what is going on with you?”
Keith leaves the kitchen, saying he’s going to get the car ready.
Frank walks into the kitchen with a phone to his ear. “Logan, round up Blackstone. José’s trying to get into Guatemala. Be ready in thirty.”
José! Everything around me starts to look funny. I step backward, feeling like I’m falling. Sounds are mixing together. I can’t separate them. I don’t feel Cole pull me to him, I just know he has me around the wrists, trying to get me to look at him. Mark appears, but his voice is funny, and black spots mar my vision. Then, suddenly, everything comes rushing at me. I start to panic, my breathing erratic. This is my biggest fear. Cole going to fight. That’s why I got in the way with his plans to get recaptured last time. I wasn’t prepared for José to reappear.
“Savannah! Look at me.” Cole’s voice cuts through my panic. “It’s an easy trip, I promise. He’s alone, and we’re just going to pick him up and drop him off in Washington. It’s—”
“No.” I grip his sweater like he’s trying to get away from me. “Please, Cole, send someone else! Don’t leave me!” I’m crying now, and he goes blurry as my tears spill over. His eyes pop open with the fact I went from zero to ten in a matter of seconds. “If it’s such an easy trip, send someone else.”
“Baby, it’s going to be fine.” He lowers his voice to calm me, but it doesn’t work. I wiggle free, holding on to the counter. “Mark, please!” I turn to him for help. He looks so sad but doesn’t say anything.