I can’t help but laugh as I follow her to the elevator for our third trip of the afternoon.
“This will be the last time, I promise,” she says as the doors close us in.
It’s okay. I’ll follow you anywhere.
Twenty minutes later, Freya is confident we have everything, and we’re on our way. She insisted we take her car so her dad isn’t suspicious when he comes home from work, but she made me drive. I don’t mind, but something tells me that she’s going to look hot as hell behind the wheel, and it’s something I really need to see for myself.
Amanda is already buzzing around the house, getting it clean and tidy, when we arrive. She looks a little frantic when she answers the front door; it’s a look I recognize from Freya.
“Come in, come in,” she says, moving aside to allow me into their home.
I’ve been to the house next door numerous times since I signed my contract with the Vipers, but I can honestly say I’ve never paid much attention to who lived on either side of Coach. Well, until his team BBQ at the beginning of the season. That was the first time I ever saw Freya. And well, she was hot.
I’ve since discovered that this house is a much more modest size than James Watson’s, and I’m barely over the threshold when Amanda nervously lets me know she’s aware of it too.
“Sorry, it’s a little small in here. I’m sure it’s nothing like what you’re used to.”
“It’s perfect, Amanda.” She preens when I use her first name. “You have a lovely home.”
I couldn’t give a shit about the size of anyone’s home. The only thing that matters is the people who live in it.
“I’ll make us all a coffee,” she says, rushing to what I assume is the kitchen. “How do you like it, Cole?”
“Black, please. I’m going to help Freya with everything.”
“Oh, goodness. I didn’t think?—”
“It’s okay, Mom. You make the coffee. We’ve got this.”
Amanda nods before rushing into the kitchen. There’s a crash before she curses under her breath.
“You know, you and your mom are a lot alike.” I laugh as I follow Freya back out of the house.
“I’m not sure if that’s meant to be a compliment or not.”
“Well, I like you a lot, so…”
She freezes as she leans into the trunk.
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” I add.
Freya stands, her hands still empty, and turns to me.
“I like you a lot too, Cole,” she says. “Thank you for coming today. Dad is going to lose his mind.”
“I’m glad I can help make his day special.” Although the truth is, the only person I’m here for is the one standing in front of me in a pretty summer dress that has been driving me wild since the moment she walked out of her bedroom.
37
FREYA
Istand side by side with Cole in my parents’ kitchen as he helps me prepare the Mexican cuisine I decided on for Dad’s birthday meal.
Cole may not be skilled in the kitchen, but he’s more than willing to be helpful. Right now, he’s mashing avocados for guacamole. And he’s doing a damn good job of it, too.
“Is this okay?” he asks, pausing his mashing.
“Yeah, it’s great. You’re killing it.”
