“N-no, I stayed in my own bed all night. I didn’t even leave the room, I?—”
“Take a breath,” he teases.
“Sorry,” I whisper.
His brows lift, and I shake my head, a quiet laugh falling from my lips.
What is it about Cole Hansley that makes me feel so light?
We chat away easily as I make our breakfast, and before I know it, he’s heading out to the arena. I don’t say anything because I have no intention of using his car, but I’m surprised he doesn’t leave me his key and get a lift like he did yesterday. But there isn’t so much of a mention of it.
I might need to head to the store today, but I don’t need so much that I can’t walk.
It takes me longer than it should to clean up, and once I’m done, I write myself a list before finding my sneakers and grabbing my purse, ensuring I’ve got Cole’s credit card tucked safely inside.
I hate using it and spending his money, even if it is food for him. It still feels wrong.
It was the same when I was with Rowan. He was big at splashing the cash just to show everyone how much he had. If I put up an argument or dared to use my own money to buy something, he’d get incredibly mad, claiming that I was embarrassing him. I realize now that it was just about control. He didn’t like that I could take care of myself. He wanted me to be dependent on him.
I’m just about to head out when a buzzing by the front door starts up.
I frown and move closer.
I quickly discover it’s an intercom. Cole mentioned that I should get the app that connects to it, but that seemed like an invasion of privacy, even if I am the one who is here the most.
Lifting my hand, I press my finger to the button that I assume will connect me with whoever is on the other end.
“H-hello?”
“Good morning, Miss Price. How are you today?”
“Melvin, hi,” I say softly, unable to hold back my smile. “If you’re calling for more goodies, I’m afraid you’re going to have to wait until this afternoon. I need to head to the store before?—”
“Oh no, Miss Price. I’d never call for food, even if your brownies yesterday were the best I’ve ever eaten.”
Pride rushes through me. I know he’s probably just saying that to make me feel good about myself, but I can’t deny that it works.
“I’m so glad you enjoyed them. Did Cora like them as well?”
“Oh, yes. Her eyes lit up when I showed her. She’s kept some safe to share with the grandkids after school later.”
“I love that. I’ll be sure to keep the goodies coming.”
“Well, I’m the one with the goodies this morning.”
My brows pinch. “Oh?”
“I have a delivery for you, Miss Price.”
“O-okay,” I stutter. “I haven’t ordered anything, though.”
“Someone has most certainly ordered something.”
“Can you just send it up?”
“Sadly not. I’m afraid you’re going to need to come down for this one.”
“This is all very intriguing,” I muse, wracking my brain for what could be waiting for me.
