Is he going to go in for a kiss?
Will she allow it if he does?
Will I?
My grip on the wheel tightens as she looks up at him, smiling.
Don’t do it.
Don’t—
I breathe a sigh of relief when she steps away and gives a little wave before rushing in my direction.
Is it wrong to be so relieved he didn’t even attempt to kiss her? Probably, but I’m finding it hard to care.
She pulls the passenger door open and drops into the seat with a flourish.
I don’t wait for her to be strapped in—I just take off, afraid he’ll follow her and demand that kiss.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked, I just didn’t?—”
“Stop apologizing,” I say lightly. “If I didn’t want to be here doing this right now, trust me, I wouldn’t be.”
She sighs and squirms in the seat.
“Are you warm enough?”
“Yeah, it’s perfect. Thank you. I was going to call an Uber, but the thought of spending thirty minutes with a stranger didn’t fill me with joy. I’ve done enough small talk tonight.”
“Quiet ride home, got it,” I tease.
“Oh no, that’s not what I meant. It’s…it’s different with you. I can just be myself.”
My shoulders loosen. It might be a simple statement, but I already know just what a big deal that is. I’m honored she’s allowing me to see the real her. I’m not sure there are many out there who get the privilege.
“Thank you,” I breathe, glancing over at her.
“What for?”
“For letting me see the real you. For not being angry with me for tonight.”
A soft, sweet laugh tumbles from her lips. “I could say the same for you.”
“Me? Why?”
“Cole, you may or may not have noticed, but you don’t exactly let people into your life. Your teammates haven’t even been to your apartment.”
My lips part to argue, but I can’t. She’s right.
They all teased me about a housewarming party when I moved in, but I put it off. And thankfully, after a while, everyone forgot about it.
I love hanging out with the guys, but I prefer to do it elsewhere. At one of their places, at a bar. Hell, anywhere else.
But I like Freya being there.
“It would be a different story if you couldn’t cook,” I deadpan, needing to keep the conversation light. This isn’t the time and place to dive into why I live my life as a recluse whenever possible.
She giggles. It’s lighter than normal. I assume it’s from the couple of glasses of wine she’s had tonight. It’s addictive as fuck. “I knew you only wanted me for one thing.”
