The way he froze when our lips touched told me everything I needed to know. Another wave of shame twists my face into a wounded frown. Just as I plot to stay in bed the rest of the day, my bladder hates on my plan. I grumble as I make my way to the bathroom. I know myself well enough to know I’m not going to lie back down. Begrudgingly, I start to get ready for my day. I must face Cole eventually so I may as well rip off the bandaid.
I put more time into my appearance since it’s hard to navigate the cute and unbothered but didn’t try too hard. I opt for a soft beat since it’s still early, a middle part low ponytail, and a sundress.
Admiring the look, I perform a slow turn, loving how the one-shoulder style displays my toned arms, the soft blue and white stripes of the fabric makes me look more like I’m on vacation than stress leave. I secure the thick strap that cinchesmy waist, opting to let it hang straight at my side instead of making it into a bow.
After my open-toe sandals are in place, I’m technically ready to go but it’s still that layer of apprehension holding me inside. I’m once again betrayed by my body when my stomach growls. Okay, breakfast it is.
I’m both relieved and worried that he’s not at breakfast. I work through my omelet while creating a bunch of worse case scenarios that eventually causes me to lose my appetite all together.
We must talk before I start packing and sneak off. I’m usually an upfront kind of girl, blowing a budding friendship with a great guy will send me in a spiral. Plus, I can’t even begin to think of the implications if my error gets out. It will really sell those desperate allegations. I’ve never considered myself desperate a day in my life and I don’t want to earn the title now.
Just when I think he’s hiding from me, I hear a splashing in the pool area. As I walk up, the blue water is disrupted by his sudden exit. The reason why movies, music videos, and commercials have attractive people emerging from a pool in slow motion is extremely clear as Cole walks towards his towel with his body drenched and glistening.
Although his suit and every casual item he has worn so far this week alluded to him being in shape, I would have never guessed that his torso would rival fitness models. My sex drought seems that much longer than it had a week ago when I wasn’t in the presence of his pheromones.
Cole’s calm yet steady presence was already doing such a number on my libido that I’d gotten myself into trouble last night. I didn’t need his body to make it harder to ignore my attraction to him. Yet the sight of him drying off with his towel as each movement makes a new muscle flex is not only enough to make me forget my embarrassment, it’s motivation to try again.
His light brown waves look much darker while saturated which reminds me of the night before when I noticed how the wet look makes his eyes stand out more. Eyes that I somehow missed are focused on me.
“Um,” I start stupidly because I have no idea how long I’ve been staring. I’m doing a great job at not looking desperate.
His amused smirk tells me it was much longer than I would have guessed. The embarrassment heats my skin and the Texas warmth feels like a betrayal since it’s November for fucks sake.
It’s now or never, I must put the boundaries back up between us.
My eyes lock with his collarbone because this is hard enough without looking him in the eyes. Unlike when I rehearsed, my words come out in short, clipped phrases.
“I didn’t mean to bother you.”
“You didn’t.”
“I just came to apologize about last night.”
“No need.”
“It shouldn’t have happened.”
“I disagree.”
“I promise to keep my hands and lips to myself.”
“Please don’t.”
“Thank you for…” I was so busy trying to be an adult and own up to my actions that I didn’t catch his responses. “What?”
My head snaps up to look at him, now realizing that he’s standing closer to me.
“Jess, we’ve run into each other twice in about a year and you’ve been in distress both times.” I immediately frown but wait to see if we’re about to argue. “It’s not a judgement, just an explanation. I needed time to gauge the situation.”
“What situation?”
“Yours. The first time I saw you, my immediate thought was that you were stunning. Even though you were visibly upset, you were flawless. It’s not the reason I helped you but you definitely made a lasting impression.” He laughs to himself. “And now you’re here because you needed a break from everything and the sponsorship deal.”
“Okay…” I say because I have nothing else to say nor am I sure where he’s going with all of this. I am flattered by his compliment but I remain cautious.
“I was surprised when you kissed me. I didn't think you were there yet.” He tucks his finger under my chin, making me look him in his eyes. “But your kiss told me everything I needed to know.”
My mouth falls open in surprise. “What’s that?”
