“That’s what the off-season is for. Getting outside sounds perfect. Give me ten minutes to change, and we can go. If that’s okay with you, of course. If you want to go alone, all you have to do is?—”
“No. I’d love it if you came.”
As Cole walks away from me, wearing his fitted suit pants and a shirt that wraps around his wide shoulders and muscular arms like a second skin, I curse myself.
I’m meant to be pushing thoughts of him from my head and focusing on my date tomorrow night. I’m not meant to be making plans for afternoon walking dates.
As promised, ten minutes later he’s back wearing a T-shirt, sweats, and a pair of hiking boots. He has a ball cap in his hand and a pair of sunglasses.
“Ready?” he asks as he approaches.
“You really don’t have to join if you’d rather just chill.”
“Anyone would think you don’t want to spend the afternoon with me.”
“What? No, I do. Of course I do. I just don’t want to ruin your plans.”
“Lucky for you, I didn’t have any,” he says, pocketing his cell and wallet. “Shall we?”
I follow him out of the apartment and into the elevator. The second we’re enclosed in the small space, the weight of my decision presses down on me.
My fondness for this man is growing too quickly. I need to put a pin in it before I ruin the opportunity he’s given me.
As we spill out into the parking garage, I scan the cars and cringe once again.
“I’ll drive,” I say, still feeling guilty for ruining his afternoon plans, even if he’s told me he didn’t have any.
“Okay,” he says before moving toward my rust bucket.
There’s no hesitation in pulling my passenger door open and climbing in. I’m pretty sure one of his Range Rover’s wheels costs more than my entire car, but he doesn’t seem to care.
It’s not until I join him that I realize what a colossal mistake this was.
My car isn’t small. Far from it. But with him sitting in my passenger seat, it suddenly feels like nothing more than a go-kart.
14
COLE
“Oh, he’s cute,” Freya breathes, and I can’t help but laugh.
I’ve learned a very important lesson this afternoon.
Freya is a dog person. And not just any dog person; she is borderline obsessed. I’m pretty sure the dogs know it, too.
The second the Golden Retriever looks up, he spots her and instantly picks up speed.
“Oh, hello there, handsome. Are you having a nice walk?” she greets, letting him sniff her hand before she gives him some fuss. “Oh, you’re soaked,” she teases. “Did you find some water to splash in?”
No sooner does Freya mention the word water does the big guy shake. To be fair, it could be a hell of a lot worse, but we still get sprayed.
“Oh my God, Dougie, don’t do that,” his owner says, rushing over.
“It’s okay,” Freya says with a wide smile as she continues to pet the wet pooch. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you, Dougie?” she coos before allowing him to go on his way with his owner.
“So, you’re a dog fan, then?” I deadpan as we continue on the trail we’ve chosen.
She laughs. “I guess you could say that.”
