“Can’t sleep?” he whispered as she snuggled beside him.
“No,” she confessed, as he kissed her forehead. In all the time they slept under the stars, Cole never touched her other than to pull the blanket around her or lend his shoulder.
“Can I ask you something?” she murmured.
“You can ask me anything,” he assured her quietly.
She turned on her side and he did the same, facing her. “We’ve slept together almost every night. Yet, you’ve never touched me other than kissing. Does what happened to me bother you?”
His thumb stroked her cheek. “Not at all. You said you don’t recall what happened, but it doesn’t mean your body doesn’t. I’m not sure what will trigger you. We’re not in any rush because I don’t want a one-night stand, and I care about you. If it takes us a while to get there, then I’ll wait.”
“It’s confusing,” she admitted. “Sometimes, I’m terrified for no reason. I know Leo’s teaching Sparky and me self-defense because of my background. Victoria plans to show me a few things after the holidays. But when I’m with you, I feel safe.”
“I imagine it’s difficult to separate all those feelings. Know I’m not going anywhere. Your physical and mental health matters to me. We can’t have a healthy relationship if either of us hasn’t healed. I want this with you, but on our timeline and no one else’s.”
Hannah kissed him softly and snuggled into his shoulder. Within minutes, she yawned and her eyes drooped. Her last thought before she drifted into slumber was Cole Martin seemed like an extraordinary man. One she could see sharing her life with.
CHAPTER 33
“All right,people, we’re a week out from Christmas. Taco and Shadow closed our last case yesterday and we’re officially on vacation until Team Hawk ships out on the K-9 operation. The rest of this week, we’ll help the hospital and community center. Cole will continue with his routine. The rest of you will help pick up supplies for the Christmas party. It’ll take us four trips to get everything. Kassie already has a list of items she wants in each senior’s baskets. Put some of those socks into them, too. Saint, Whiskey, and I will help put up the Christmas tree in front of the town hall,” Leo said, glancing at his notes.
Hannah raised her hand.
“You don’t need to hold your hand up, Stormy. When we have meetings, feel free to speak up,” he informed her.
“I’ve already arranged for us to take the bus into Seattle to pick up all the supplies. Cole will drive. This will allow the rest of us to head over to the hospital and start wrapping presents for the veterans and teens. By the time he returns, we’ll be ready to start the senior baskets,” Hannah explained.
Leo stared at her for a minute. “Good job, Stormy. Take notes, people, this is what happens when we think ahead. Patchand Knight go with Cole and help pack up the bus. The rest of you report to Kassie.”
“Can I head to the hospital instead?” Patch asked.
“What’s up?” Leo asked.
“Claire has severe morning sickness and Dr. Greene wants to start her on IV fluids,” he announced.
“Ragu, you go with Cole. Patch, get the hell out of here and take care of Claire,” he ordered.
Scarlett leaned over to Hannah. “Why don’t we stock Patch and Claire’s fridge with some stuff she can eat and do the same with Gabby. The other women do this for each other. Since we’re on Team Hawk, it’s up to us to start the tradition.”
“I agree. Can it wait until tonight? I came in last night and set everything up so I can spend some time with Mom today. I’m taking her to Samantha’s. Cole’s letting me borrow his truck since I got my license yesterday,” Hannah whispered.
“Yeah. Do we have everything we need for Operation Twinkle Toes on Saturday?” Scarlett whispered.
“You bet,” she replied as Leo went down the line, ordering cleaning duties for each member of the team.
“Sparky and Stormy, since you want to chatter, tomorrow I want you to find a place for the socks and reorganize the stock room in the mornings this week, and spend the afternoon making up the baskets,” Leo interrupted them.
“It’s already done, sir. I sent a box over to Kassie, saved enough for the baskets, replenished each of your supplies, and restocked the room. The rest will be donated to the homeless shelter in Seattle. I’ve already given you the amounts listed for tax purposes. I’m waiting on some sturdier shelving, arriving this afternoon, to finish organizing the supply room,” Hannah said, glancing at her computer.
Leo swiped his jaw. “You impress the shit outta me, Stormy. I know you have an appointment at the spa today. It’s on me for getting rid of all those socks.”
“You’ve never paid for my pedicures,” Taco complained. “How many times have I saved the extra breakfast burrito for you?”
Leo sighed. “I’m feeling generous today. I’ll pay for your pedicure as soon as you clean out the mess in your locker. It smells like a perfume truck and an essential oils vehicle crashed into one another.”
“It’s winter, boss,” Taco explained. “It’s important to keep up a good skincare routine during this season.”
Leo arched an eyebrow at him. “Then pay for your own pedicure. You can’t possibly use all those products at one time.”
