His expression is unreadable and his eyes shimmer under the moonlight. “Did you talk to your sitter?”
“I’m off Monday night and she’s able to watch Chloe then.”
It’s half a lie. Remi and I are both off Monday and since she practically forced me out here, I’m making the executive decision that she’s babysitting.
The corners of his eyes crinkle. “Then it’s not a date,” he says with a wink as he squeezes my hand again before releasing it. “I’ll pick you up at six.”
I watch him as he slowly backs away and turns around before walking down the dock towards Austin’s boat. My eyes follow him for a few seconds and then I begin to head back to the bar. A smile breaks out across my face and I don’t bother trying to hide it as my heart beats to a new melody.
A song I haven’t felt in my soul in far too long.
Hope.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
COLE
Sitting in my truck, I pull out my phone, my heart ticking faster in my chest as I type in Wyatt’s name. He’s probably working, so I send him a text, cutting straight to the chase.
Hey man. I hope all is well with you. I wanted to let you know that I’m takin’ your sister out to dinner tonight. It’s not a date or anything, but I didn’t want to piss you off.
I stare at the message after I send it, wishing I would have written something a little better worded. Wyatt and I were best friends growing up. We may not see each other often and only talk sporadically now, but that doesn’t change our friendship.
My phone vibrates and I look down, surprised to see Wyatt answered me almost immediately.
Wyatt
Cool. Thanks for letting me know.
Cole
That’s it? Cool?
Wyatt
Yep. El could use some fun and I trust you.
I stare at my phone, tilting my head to the side. In a way, this feels like it could be a trap, although I know it isn’t. That’s not Wyatt’s character at all. If he’s feeling a certain kind of way about a situation, he’ll be the first to tell you about it.
Thanks, man.
After he likes my message, I tuck my phone back into my pocket and climb out of my truck. My footsteps are light as I walk up to her front door. My heart pounds a little harder and I shift my weight on my feet, lifting my hand and curl it into a fist. I almost texted her after Wyatt, but then I decided against it. She doesn’t want this to seem like a date, which is fine. I will never push her to do something she doesn’t want to do. That doesn’t mean I can’t be a gentleman.
Ella has skeletons in her closet. She has a past that I know nothing about. With the way she responds to men, I think it's safe to assume that someone left her feeling jaded.
I push the thought away from my mind and knock on the door. From the corner of my eye, I see the curtains along the front window shift. Taking a step back, I tuck my hands in the front pockets of my jeans while I wait for her to come to the door.
Ella's face appears on the other side of the glass that takes up half of the door. I can't help but wish she had a more protective door. Someone could easily break in just by breaking through the glass.
A smile spreads across her perfect lips and she unlocks the deadbolt before pulling it open. “Hey,” she says a bit breathlessly as her eyes meet mine. “Sorry. I was trying to clean up thekitchen before you got here. It's easier to do when Chloe isn't here,” she adds with a soft laugh.
I smile at her, as I take the door in my hand and hold it open so she doesn't have to keep her arm stretched out. A soft yellow sundress falls right above her knees and I allow myself a moment to appreciate how goddamn good she looks in that color. Her blonde hair is pulled back, half of it up with the other half falling in big loose curls around her shoulders.
“I'm sure she's probably a great helper when she is around though,” I say with a wink.
Ella laughs again and shakes her head. “She's not here so we don't have to pretend for her sake.” She leans closer to me, her voice dropping to a whisper. “She has a habit of making a mess while trying to help.”
I match her, leaning close to her ear. “Why are you whispering if she isn't here?”
