Does she really have no one in her life who puts forth effort? I find that hard to believe. “I hate to hear that. Everyone deserves someone to show up for them a time or two. Hopefully more, if you’re lucky.”
She shakes her head. “My life has been, let’s just say, the farthest thing from easy. My mom, Betsy, and Kimber are all I’ve got. My horrid sperm donor was never around.”
“Sperm donor,” I choke, attempting not to laugh at the shocking use of the name. “I apologize, I’m not making fun. That just threw me off.”
She laughs. “Well, it fits him perfectly. He’s not my father, never was. Seems to be the only name suitable.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Cove. It’s his loss.”
How fortunate am I to have a father and mother who both loved me well? Despite now loving them in passing, they were here. Present up until their deaths. Cove can’t say the same, and I fucking hate that for her.
“I’m better off.” She smiles. “His absence has only shown me how strong I am without him, ya know? And my mom…God, she’s the most resilient and beautiful woman I’ve ever met. We’re lucky. That’s more than most people can say, and I recognize that.”
That’s quite a mature outlook to have.
“I think if you live your entire life with that mindset, nothing can stop you from having the life you want. Imay be an old fucker, but I’ve learned a thing or two.” I smirk.
“Almost fifty, huh? That’s pushing elderly. Please don’t tell me you’ve got Depends on under these old Wranglers.” She pinches the fabric of my jeans, causing a stirring sensation to rush through me.
Goddamn it. I want her touch everywhere.
I pop the side of her tush playfully. “I may be old, but I’m not dead. Fuck around and find out.” I lean into her further.
“Maybe I will.” Her sexy smile lifts slowly.
“That a promise, my love?” At this point, it’s just the two of us amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy hotel lobby. Customers have headed off to dinner, exactly where we’re headed, but not yet. Not when I have Cove’s full attention for the first time.
“I don’t make promises to men,” she claims confidently before softening again. “But I know that I want you, Stetson. I’ve given up on questioning how or why. I just don’t know what I can give you right now. Things just got a bit more…complicated than I thought.”
The vague reservation in her voice has me oddly worried. I worry about the people I care about. It’s something I can’t escape. It can be extreme at times, but I can confidently say, everyone I love has been protected because of it.
However, the way Cove mentions this complication makes it seem recent.
And I can’t fight the concerns I now have for her.
“Are you okay? Safe?” I ask, knowing I don’t have much of a right, but I’m gonna do it anyway. I’d hate myself if she weren’t and I never asked.
“I’m safe. Of course.” She nods. “I just…there are some things I need to do soon, and I’m not sure what that will look like for my schedule for a while. I can’t really say too much right now.”
“I hear you…” I draw out, not wanting to push her. “You just let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. I mean that. And as far as us…let’s just see what happens, okay? No pressure. Like I said, you have my number, and I have yours. We’ll see each other when we can.”
Cove nods. “I’d like that a lot.”
Something is off, and although she won’t tell me what, the side of me that wants to take care of her is determined to find out. To make sure she’s okay. I don’t know how to protect halfway. Not that she needs my protection, but fuck if she thinks I won’t shower her in it anyway.
It’s the communication part I have to work twice as hard at.
“I have something for you,” I tell her, reaching into my back pocket. The moment I secure the folded notebook paper and sparkle pen, her effortless giggle breaks free.
“Didn’t exactly peg you for a sparkles guy, but it’s a nice touch. Really goes with the whole cowboy aesthetic.”
“Smart-ass.” I pinch her thigh through the pleat of her flight skirt. “The pen is a gift from my niece.”
“And you have it right now, why?” She smiles.
“Because Stella is my main girl. And Uncle Stetson is her favorite person ever. Gotta keep a piece of my little sass queen with me wherever I go. That’s why.”
The brightest beam I’ve ever witnessed sprouts from this enigma of a woman, and I want to fall at her feet and ask her to do it again. “Are you a big softie for the feminine kind, Stetson Cole?”
