“First of all, I can hold my liquor just fine. God only knows what you poured down my throat last night, but that was not your average moonshine.”
“Nobody forced you to chug half the bottle on your own,” I mutter, but he cuts me off by holding up another finger.
“Secondly, thank you for showing such tremendous restraint. I can only imagine how hard that must’ve been for you. You have no idea the sheer number of squats and lunges I had to suffer through to sculpt these glutes into perfection. Now that I think about it, I’m almost offended that you didn’t at least try to cop a feel.”
I bark out a laugh, and Cole is all too happy to join in, both of us relieved that our growing friendship is still intact. I may have only known him for a little over two weeks, and for the majority of that time, I’ve acted like his mere presence is an annoyance. But the truth is, he’s growing on me. I’m finding myself looking forward to his arrival each day, and I enjoy the easy camaraderie in which we work together. I like being around him, period. Even if he’s a sour son of a bitch most of the time. My broken pieces speak to his, and knowing he’s wrestling with something makes me want to be the one to help him win the battle with his demons.
“You know, if you ever want to talk about whatever has you all twisted up inside, I’m a pretty good listener. And the best thing is, in a few weeks, you never have to see me again.”
Cole sobers and gives me an appreciative nod before he brings his mug to his lips once more.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Charlie. For everything.”
With that, I drain my cup and jump to my feet. I figure it’s best to leave before things have a chance to turn awkward again. Also, the way he’s half-naked and looking like a goddamn snack reminds me just how long it’s been since I’ve had a decent release.
I think some quality time with my battery-powered friend is in order, so I can go back to looking at Cole without wanting to toss him on his back. I noticed how attractive he is from the moment I first saw him. But now that I have firsthand knowledge of what lies under all the form-fitting clothes, I have a hard time ignoring the growing need inside me. He’s made it perfectly clear that the thought of sleeping with me freaks him the hell out. So, I’m pretty sure asking him to be my fuck buddy for the remainder of his stay is not something he’d be open to.
“Well, I'd better get going. I still have a mountain of paperwork to get through.”
“Give me a minute to get dressed, and I’ll walk you back. I’m pretty sure I left my phone at your place.”
“Oh? I didn’t notice it, but I wasn’t really looking.”
Cole pushes to his feet and stretches his neck side to side, producing a satisfying popping sound, while I do my damnedest notto ogle the impressive bulge behind his tight boxers. If I was a cartoon character I’d be sitting here with hearts in my eyes, tongue falling out of my mouth before rolling itself out on the shag carpet. Cole disappears into the bedroom, and I wait on the porch to get some much-needed air.
“Afternoon, hon,” Dave calls out from his usual spot, his signature cooler beside him.
“Morning, big guy. Having a nice day?”
“How could you not, living in this beautiful place? I can’t for the life of me understand how people choose the city over this. You couldn’t pay me.”
“We’re pretty lucky, aren’t we?” I agree and jerk my gaze over my shoulder when the door behind me opens and Cole steps into the afternoon sun. He’s wearing worn jeans, a simple light gray cotton shirt that enhances his broad chest, and his signature unlaced combat boots. His hair sticks out in a million different directions, having just crawled out of bed, and even after a bout of puking, he somehow still manages to look glorious.
“Howdy, neighbor,” Dave calls out, cheery as ever. “Beer?”
Cole pales at the suggestion, a violent shudder traveling through his large frame before he politely declines. Dave shrugs as if to say,Your loss, and goes back to baking in the sun.
We walk shoulder to shoulder, not really saying much and simply enjoying the beautiful summer day when I spot a small lump lying in front of the main office.
“Ah, shit, Charlie,” Cole murmurs, once we get close enough to make out what we’re looking at. He drops to one knee and gives the dead animal a gentle nudge. “I’m so sorry,” he tells me, sympathy thick in his voice. “Did he have any health conditions, or was he just old. Looks like he had some type of seizure, judging by the foam around his mouth.”
“Tink?” he prompts when I don’t answer. His eyes flash with alarm, and he rises to his feet when he takes in my frozen state. “Are you alright? Shit, that’s a stupid question. Of course you’re not. You obviously loved the little guy.”
“That’s not my cat,” I whisper as my entire body buzzes with adrenaline. The old familiar fear creeps in as I let my gaze travel across the surrounding area. He’s probably watching right now and getting a sick satisfaction from seeing me squirm.
“A stray, then. It’s okay. No one likes the sight of a dead animal. I’ll get rid of it and bury it in the woods. Just go inside and have a glass of juice or something. You don’t look so good.”
“This isn’t a coincidence. That motherfucker left it here on purpose.”
Cole tilts his head and steps closer to me. His watchful eyes dart from my stricken expression to the tree line behind us, as he scans the woods for invisible threats. “What are you talking about? Who did?”
“Jason. My ex. Looks like he’s finally found me.”
fourteen
Cole
Looks like he’s finally found me.The fear in her voice as she muttered the words that sent a chill down my spine was as real as it gets. She looked absolutely terrified, and it was in that moment I realized why a single woman in her early thirties would choose to move to such a remote location. Why a vibrant, smart, and gorgeous girl like her would voluntarily condemn herself to a life in isolation.
