Amazing, Cole thought. He tightened his arm around her waist, anchoring her to him, his big body covering hers. They couldn’t have a future, but they had this.
And this was pretty astounding.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
ONSUNDAY,JUSTOVERa week after they’d arrived at Rossdale, the weather cleared and they could make their way down the mountain, this time with Cole behind the wheel. Snow still covered the hills but the road was finally navigable. Lex kept her eyes on her side mirror until the ski-lodge disappeared from sight. For as long as she lived, she’d always remember these magical days she spent snowbound with Cole. The ski resort would always hold a magical place in her heart.
She’d never return to this place but she would always remember making love in front of the fire, spending the afternoon wrapped up in a cashmere blanket in Cole’s arms and drinking red wine as she watched the snow drift to the ground. Sharing his shower, waking up to him nuzzling her breast with his stubbled cheek and his hand between her legs would be X-rated memories she’d savour.
Returning to her sister-focused life was going to be a lot tougher than she’d bargained for.
Despite knowing their affair had an expiration date, despite constantly reminding herself this was a brief fling and that he wasn’t interested in any type of commitment, she couldn’t stop herself from wanting more. She might, because she was a complete moron, just want everything.
Him. For ever.
Lex looked out of the window, feeling the burn of tears in the back of her throat. She didn’t know if she was emotional because time was running out or because she was angry at not being able to control her emotions and expectations, to keep her heart in check.
Both, probably.
Cole steered the SUV around the last steep corner and they moved from a dirt road to one covered in tarmac. There were clumps of snow on the grass and a number of trees were buckled and bent from the wind and the weight of the snow. The storm had been unexpected and impressive.
Words that perfectly described Cole.
Cole reached across the console and slid his hand over hers, lifting her knuckles to his mouth and kissing her skin. He darted her a quick look. ‘I had the best time with you, Lex. It was a marvellous break.’
For her too. And, despite trying not to let her imagination run riot, she could see them doing it again. And again. Sneaking away for a week here, a few days there to be on their own—him running away from his work, her from her studies and the girls. Without any effort at all, she could see them taking family holidays, with Cole teaching her sisters, and later their own kids, to ski and snowboard.
Instead of being blurry, that mental snapshot was crystal-clear. A dark-haired son and a red-headed daughter, or any combination of sex and colouring. He was the only person she could imagine having a child with, being with, committing to.
The only man she would, could, fall in love with. No, that was wrong. She already loved him. And, damn, how inconvenient and insane wasthat?
She couldn’t handle the implications of her rogue thought and pushed it away, hoping that the feeling would fade. She needed to think of something else,anythingelse.
‘Did you get an email back from your brother explaining about Charlie?’ Lex asked, thinking about the constant references to Charlie at the lodge.
Cole shook his head. ‘No. I don’t really expect to. My brother has never been good at giving me what I need.’
After their argument, they’d both avoided the subject of her family and his, choosing instead to get to know each other better, talking about the things new lovers did—art, music, travels and politics. Cole had done some work. She’d found a book to read in the library. He’d skied and she’d tried to. They’d made love.
A lot.
‘In some ways, I’m angrier with Sam than I am with my father. Sam could’ve defied Grenville, he could’ve chosen to have a relationship with me, but he didn’t,’ Cole explained, and Lex heard the bitterness in his voice.
‘You’re assuming that Sam is as strong as you, Cole.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I don’t think you realise how strong you are. It took enormous guts, determination and self-belief to achieve what you have with no help or emotional support from your family. Maybe Sam simply wasn’t good at conflict, or too weak to buck your father’s wishes. Maybe he feels intense guilt that he wasn’t there for you more.’
‘Doubt that,’ Cole muttered.
Lex felt a wave of gratitude for having her sisters in her life, particularly Addi. She’d had Addi to steady her, to give her love and support, but Cole lived his life solo.
‘Have you decided whether you are coming to France with me or not?’ Cole asked, placing her hand on his thigh and holding it down.
Lex looked away and bit her lip. She’d thought that agreeing to accompany him to Rhodes was brave but flying to Europe would be way out of her comfort zone. He was giving her the opportunity to explore another country, and one of the greatest cities in the world. When would she have that chance again? She should say yes on that basis alone.
Honestly, there wasn’t a decent reason for her to say no. The girls were still away and Addi would be the first to tell her to take the opportunity, and that she deserved to take some time for herself.