“Firstly, nobody talks like that.”
“Like what?”
“Zero six hundred. We’re not in the military here,” I reminded him.
With a shake of his head, Cole reached for me and dragged me into his lap. “Old habits die hard I guess,” Cole murmured. “And secondly?” he pushed.
I couldn’t help but smirk. “What time did you start today?”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“Oh, this is going to be good,” Zane chuckled, rubbing his hands together.
“I was … distracted,” he attempted.
“Distracted or dickstracted?” Zane teased.
“Someone kept me up all night and then insisted on a late start,” Cole attempted to shift the blame.
“Funny. I remember it a bit different.”
“You must be mistaken then.”
“No. I’m pretty sure I suggested you go off and do your farmer stuff and I go help my sisters, then next thing you know, I was thrown over your shoulder, ass in the air—” I didn’t get to finish before Cole’s hand clamped down over my mouth stifling my words.
“Farmer stuff?” Zane enquired, and Cole shot him a look that would’ve scared many. Zane didn’t even flinch.
“You distracted me, Grace Hamilton,” Cole accused. “And made me late for work.”
“And I didn’t hear you complaining,” I countered.
“Why the hell would I? I had you all to myself and …”
“And that’s my cue to call it a night. I’ll catch you in the morning,” Zane offered, rising from his chair and heading inside.
“See you in the morning,” Cole replied, like a good host. “If you need anything …”
“I’ll be fine.”
“There are extra blankets in the cupboard …”
“It’s all good, Cole. I’m sure I’ve slept in worse conditions than your spare room. Night, guys.” With one final wave, Zane disappeared inside leaving Cole and I curled together on the rocking chair.
His arms were banded around my waist, holding me to him, and I dropped my head against his shoulder, breathing in his scent. It was leather and sandalwood and something addictive. Maybe it was just Cole because this man was certainly addictive.
For a while we sat in silence, tangled together and caught up in our thoughts. I could feel the steady thump of Cole’s heart beneath his shirt as I burrowed in even closer. When he shifted his leg beneath me, I went to climb up.
“Where are you going?”
“Ah, home.”
“You’re not staying?” Cole was caught off-guard and his voice hitched.
“I didn’t think you’d want me to. With Zane here …”
“I want you to,” Cole declared, tightening his hold and placing soft kisses along my neck.
