Kayla’s tone was sharp, short, and professional, and judging from Cole’s reaction, it was unusual.
“I…” He turned to me. “I’ve got Ella?—”
I put my hand on his, and he turned to me.
“Go. I can watch Ella, if you trust me.”
Cole opened his mouth and closed it, glanced at the speaker then nodded.
“Of course I do, but… are you sure?”
“Definitely,” I said. “He’ll be right in,” I added, raising my voice so Kayla knew I was talking to her.
“Confirmed,” Kayla replied and the call dropped.
“Th-thank you,” Cole whispered, and just as I was about to tell him once again that it was okay, he drew a deep breath and stepped on the gas.
He dropped us off at his home, handed me his house keys, and told me to text Enzo or Carson if I needed anything. Then he disappeared into the distance, leaving me with a young, sleepy girl to take care of.
I could do it. I knew I could do it. It was my chance to prove to both me and Cole that I was more than just a date. That he could rely on me for things.
That I could be a partner.
A part of their family.
23.Cole
Iwalked into the house almost three hours later, both physically and mentally drained and ready for a nap for the ages. Emergencies like that always took such a toll on me; trying to save a building from the ruthless grasp of fire. Especially when there were lives at stake. People’s history or their livelihoods. It could be devastating and so taxing knowing it was all up to me and my teammates to save it all.
The first one to notice my arrival was none other than Honeybee, who came rushing down the stairs to greet me and beg for head scratches. I had no choice but to oblige.
“Have you been a good girl, Honeybee? Have you been good to Samir—” I cooed and stopped as things clicked in my head despite the fuzziness from exhaustion. “Oh, shit. The guys left you home. And Samir is here.”
I took the steps two at a time, Honeybee chasing after me thinking it was a game, and I saw him when I reached the top.
My heart stopped, my stomach dropped, and terror washed over me.
He was laying still on the couch while Ella slept with her head on the cushion on the other side. I approached Samir and bit my lip as I shook him.
“Samir?” I whispered, and when he didn’t react, I raised my voice.
Nothing.
“Fuck!” I cursed, and Honeybee climbed on Samir’s lap before I could stop her. “Honeybee, no! Off.”
She obeyed and returned to the floor, laying down on the rug, and looked up with her huge eyes and a hint of a sniffle. The poor thing thought she’d done something bad.
For all I knew, she had.
Samir was allergic to dogs. And I’d sent him right into the hornet’s nest.
Something stirred beside me, and I jumped.
“Oh my God, you’re alive,” I gasped when I saw Samir sit up.
He yawned and rubbed his eyes before he looked at me.
“Is that surprising?” he asked.
