Paint until your heart is full and your soul is content.
I’m still waitin’ for you to tell me when I get to take you out again.
Don’t worry—I promise it won’t be a date ;)
Your Cowboy
My lips part, a shallow breath slipping from me, the corners of my mouth lifting on their own accord. Blush creeps across my cheeks and I glance around to see if he may be lingering somewhere, watching.
He’s nowhere to be found, but that doesn’t put a damper on my mood. It doesn’t take away from the excitement that’s running through my veins. A giddiness settles inside as my stomach does its own acrobatic routine.
He continues to surprise me and threatens to obliterate any belief I’ve had about other people. I know who I can trust in my life. My circle may be small, but I can count on the few people I have for anything Chloe and I could possibly need.
Cole Wild has been the most unexpected thing in my life. His kindness and generosity continues to supersede any expectation I could ever have of someone who’s simply a friend. There’s no ulterior motive to the things he’s doing.
With Jacob, I was young and dumb. I craved an escape and love from someone so desperately, I was willing to take whateverI could get. I looked past the red flags that were blatantly waving directly in front of my face. With him, I was powerless. It felt like I had no control over my life. Like I had no say in what was happening.
Cole is the greenest flag I’ve ever met and it terrifies me. I’m skeptical of everyone I meet—constantly questioning who they truly are. How can I possibly question someone who hasn’t shown me one inkling of a darkness inside of him?
He’s tearing down my walls, one paintbrush and pink toy truck at a time.
He remembers everything I say to him. About the paints, about not wanting to go on a date. He never fails to forget the most minor details, as if he’s hanging onto every word I say to him.
How can I continue to fight against someone who is the actual definition of good?
I watch Chloe for a moment, my smile widening as she tries to whistle at a bird perched on the small dogwood tree in the yard. In her hand is the small pink truck Cole gave to her.
She deserves the best things in life… and perhaps I do too.
Grabbing the bag, I bring it with me to the steps and sit down on the top one with it sitting next to me. Chloe runs past, chasing a butterfly with a string of giggles drifting through the air. I lift my coffee and take a sip as I reach into the front pocket of my robe for my phone.
I open my messages and start a new one, typing his name.
Ella
You’re sneaky.
He responds in less than a minute.
Cole
I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.
My mistake. It must have been the other Cole I know who decided to leave a bag of paint supplies on my front porch.
Cole
You know another Cole?
I stifle a laugh. I don’t actually know anyone personally with his name, but his reaction is amusing.
Cole
It wasn’t him.
So it was you then.
Cole
