With my mug in hand, I dig my cell out of my purse and walk toward the door that will lead me to the balcony we sat on together last night.
The warmth of the sun hits me instantly, and I suck in a deep breath of spring air.
I love this time of year. Watching the colors explode and flowers bloom always gives me new hope. It’s only as I lower myself to the swing seat that I realize how long it’s been since I really saw it.
The last few years, everything has been gray and muted. It’s like the life had been drained out of me. Everything became so metronomic. Things that should have been incredibly exciting became so mundane and boring. The nights out, the award shows, the concerts. Everything. The world lost its color. But now, everything is back in full bloom.
And it’s because of Cole.
Gently, I swing back and forth, sipping my too-hot coffee as I watch a few wispy clouds float past in the bright blue sky.
I don’t know how much time passes as I repeat my interaction with Cole from the moment I saw him outside the store to him standing before me in the kitchen over and over. As much as I try to convince myself that I read his actions all wrong. I know I didn’t. I know what I felt, the crackle of chemistry between us. It was real. All too freaking real.
My heart lurches into my throat when my cell buzzes on my lap. Is it him?
My head spins with all the things he could have to say to me.
Would he apologize for acting unprofessionally? Tell me he’s regretting walking away? Will he totally ignore it and send me a funny dog video as if nothing happened?
I pick up my cell, desperate to see what it is. But my excitement falls flat when I find a message from Casey waiting for me.
Casey: You will not believe what I just saw…
I wait a few seconds, expecting her to begin typing and finish off what she’s started. But she doesn’t.
Freya: What have you seen?
Casey: I’m not really allowed to share.
Freya: And yet you’re teasing me with it anyway?
Casey: It’s so hot. I need to tell someone.
Freya: Do not send me a photo of your vibrator.
My lips twitch with a smile.
Casey: I’m at work!
Freya: No judgment here.
Casey: Why? What do you get up to at work? In Handsy’s home no less…
My cheeks burn despite the fact that I’m sitting here alone.
Freya: Nothing. I’m nothing but professional.
Casey: As if you haven’t thought about rolling around in that man’s bed. He’s a god.
Freya: Please don’t talk about my boss like that.
Casey: Okay, suuuuure. I see what you’re doing.
Casey: Anyway. Do you want to see what I’ve seen? You can’t show anyone, though or tell them you’ve seen. I’d like to keep my job.
Freya: You could just not show me.
Casey: Can’t. I have to share. It’s killing me.
