Cole. I’d texted Cole the whole complicated story, with my unvarnished feelings bursting out of it.
My feelings. For Beau.
My head renewed its pounding.
“I’m sorry.” I spoke quietly, struggling to swallow past the shame clogging my esophagus. “I thought you’d…”
“Forget you?” Cole finished for me, hands on his hips. “Give up on you?”
I pursed my lips, nodding slowly at him. I shouldn't have been surprised by his ability to pluck the thoughts right out of my brain. He knew me too well.
The look in his eyes—which had been sharp, biting—softened. “Girlfriend, you have had a lifetime of people giving up on you, making you believe you’re not worthy, so I’ll give you a little pass for believing that bullshit.” He held his pointer finger and thumb a few millimeters apart. “A little break. But you are also smart as fuck. Your grades reflect that, even if your marital status does not.”
“I can’t believe you’re here,” I exclaimed, instead of addressing what he just said. The last thing I needed to do was burst into tears.
“Yeah, you expected me to give up on you.” Cole shook his head.
I shook my own head. “It’s not that, I?—”
“Banana? The brownies are ready. Hi!”
A warm presence pressed into my side.
Cole’s eyes traveled down to the small person in a pink tutu who had greeted him. They immediately lit up.
“Well, hello, gorgeous creature,” Cole replied.
“I’m Clara.” She introduced herself without an inch of shyness, holding out her hand.
Cole shook it dutifully. “I’m delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Clara looked at me. “Is he your friend?”
I nodded. “My oldest one.” I didn’t add that he was my only friend, not counting her.
Cole glared at me. “Excuse me, but I get Botox to ensure that no one calls meold,” he hissed.
“You don’t look old,” Clara told him, happily and truthfully. “Do you want some brownies?”
I opened my mouth to protest, not quite knowing how I was going to do that. Despite the complication of Cole’s presence, I was genuinely happy to see him. He was my oldest and best friend. He’d stood at my side at my wedding, even though he disagreed with my decision to get married. He celebrated every one of my wins, and he was there for me through the many lows of my life.
I’d felt alone in Jupiter, despite Clara’s presence, despite the women trying to welcome me. I was playing a part, hiding all the broken pieces of myself. Cole knew those parts and loved me anyway.
I desperately wanted Cole here. Even with his pissed-off gaze, I felt more comfortable. I wanted to eat brownies with him and Clara. I wanted him to know Clara, be in her presence. Wanted another person in my life to share in the memory of her when I was no longer her nanny.
There was just the small problem of Beau. I didn’t know how he’d react to having a man he didn’t know in his house.
No, I knewexactlyhow Beau would react.
He’d be furious.
Beau would be furious.
I did not want to be on the receiving end of his fury right then. Especially not with the moments we’d shared this morning and last night still lingering.
I had to stop this.
The problem was that Clara was already dragging Cole inside.
