Arms circled her waist, and her body recognized him instantly. She could tell by his scent—the expensive soap he used, his clothes fresh from the dryer, and the potent masculinity that sent her pulse racing.
“You okay?”
“I’m happy. So, so happy.” He lowered his face into her neck—one of his favorite places to be. “Why do you always kiss my neck?”
“Because when I breathe you in, there’s nothing else in the world but you.”
She folded her arms over his, hugging him tightly against her. “Is this real?”
“Yes.”
She loved the firmness in his tone. “But you’re leaving.”
“I know.” He spun her around. “But that doesn’t mean we have to end.”
“I don’t even know if I’ll have a job a month from now, and you’re in Boston.”
“I live there for part of the year. And it doesn’t matter where you work. Long distance or short, my feelings for you won’t change.”
With an intensity that thrilled her, he caught her waist and hoisted her onto the counter. Stepping between her legs, he brushed the hair off her shoulder, never taking his eyes off her. “I’m not into you because we’re under the same roof, taking care of these kids. I’ve been with a lot of women, Hailey—” His gaze cut away, and he briefly shut his eyes. “Let me rephrase that. I’ve been around a lot of women, and I’ve never felt this way for anyone.”
“Me neither.”
“When I look at you, something clicks into place. I can’t explain it other than to say it’s a feeling of rightness. I know it hasn’t been that long, but you’re my person. I can’t see into the future. I can’t see past this minute right now, but I know you feel right to me. You always have. And I…” He pressed his lips together in a look of total determination. “That’s just not going to change.”
Affection surged through her. Scraping her fingernails across his scalp, she kissed him. She loved the silky softness of his mouth, the caress of his tongue, but mostly, she loved how he made her feel. It was his body’s response to her that broke down her defenses and set her free. She might’ve heard the words before, but only Cole’s touch told the truth.
She trusted him, and that was so hard for her. She kissed him deeply, passionately, letting herself go completely, wholly, and profoundly.
“Hailey.” Paisley’s voice tore them apart. “This doesn’t work. Can you fix it?” She held out a light saber.
“It just needs batteries.” Trevor came in after her, his gaze ping-ponging between the two adults, quickly sizing up the situation.
Cole stepped back, drawing a hand over his mouth. “Let me see what I’ve got.”
“No, no. Don’t worry about it. I brought batteries to go with everything I brought.” With an impish grin, Trevor took the little girl’s hand and led her out of the kitchen.
But Hailey didn’t care that they’d been caught kissing. She dropped her head onto Cole’s shoulder, feeling freer than she had in a very long time.
Maybe this can last.
* * *
Until now, it had been a great day.
Since the girls were too wired to nap, they’d built a blanket and pillow fort in the living room and read books. The adults had taken turns reading. His dad had used his Scottish accent, and Paisley had gone nuts over it, begging him to repeat certain words.
It had been a lot of fun until Evvie farted and cleared everyone out. They’d laughed until their bellies ached. Next, they’d gone down to the game room to play a game Trevor had brought. They’d all put on their Velcro hats and lobbed soft balls at each other. The person with the most balls stuck to his head got to choose the music for their dance party.
It was only then, with the music turned up loud and everyone rocking out under a disco ball, that he’d noticed Evvie had gone missing.
He set off to look for her, calling her name as he made his way through the house. Maybe she’d gone back to her new toys? She’d really liked the veterinary play set his dad had gotten her. She’d put on the stethoscope and listened to everyone’s hearts, including all her stuffed animals. But no, he found the presents abandoned in the living room and didn’t hear a peep. He turned off the stereo system and called out, using his loud and aggressive hockey voice.
Nothing.
Fuck.Now, he was getting nervous.Where is she?
Think.Where would she go for comfort?