We live in different states, but that’s a measly hindrance to me. There’s Coleson Ranch to consider. And Cove’s job with her round-the-clock travel schedule. So many questions left to be answered. And that’sifshe even sees me as worth trying with?
Am I enough for her?
It’s clear she’s been hurt more than I ever realized, and I bet we’ve only just scratched the surface of those wounds.
I long for her in a way that scares me. And for a guy like me, that’s heavy.
There’s no use in trying to get myself back to sleep. I’m wide awake, worrying about things I ultimately have no control over. I toss the blanket off me and stand from the bed, headed toward the door, exiting my room. I poke my head out, searching for signs of anyone awake, but quickly remind myself that this is my home.
I can do what I want.
The house is quiet, aside from the sound of the ice maker in the fridge refilling itself. I pass the guest room Aunt Marge sleeps in, careful not to wake her. Passing Cove’s door afterward is when I feel an anxious burning inmy chest. I want to swing the door open and demand she sleep with me. I pause against the cold wood, a glow from underneath shining into the dark hallway.
It’s quiet, which means they’re sleeping.
I know her and Austin aren’t real, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering if they sleep closely. Does he reach for her at night the way I long to? Does his hand slip up the softness of her thigh, desperate to touch her?
Cove wouldn’t allow it. I know that for a fact. But it doesn’t mean I have to like the possibility of it happening. I can’t protect her from out here. Not when she has a role to play. I now have a role to play.
But not for long.
However, I do find Austin harmless. He reminds me of someone who would do anything for attention, even if from the wrong people. My guess is that he himself is clueless about the proposition Nate is playing out with Cove. Which makes me slightly more ticked knowing the fucker legit thinks he’ll marry her.
Over my dead body.
With a heavy exhale and plans to get Cove alone in the morning, I head toward the kitchen with coffee on the brain. I’m not like most people. Buddies of mine who drink coffee regularly can’t drink it past a certain time, or it keeps them up all night. I’m the opposite. Coffee relaxes me. I’ve been drinking it black as coal since I was thirteen, my mother insistent upon waking me up with a cup on my bedside table every morning.
It’s a habit I haven’t kicked, and with no plans to.
I’m almost to the kitchen when a hushed voice catches my attention. I can’t place the sound, but it’s close by. Too close to be outside, which can only mean it’s coming from inside the house. I turn my head to search the widespread living room, grinning at the sight of Prater passed out likea corpse on the sectional. Looks like shotgunning those beers at the lake came back to bite him in the ass. He’s got one leg draped across the back frame, the other half of his body hanging off the bottom cushion, halfway onto the floor.
Lunatic.
My footsteps are brought to a halt at the sound of muffled crying. The same sound I heard before finding Prater, but more audible the closer I get. Cove is seated at the kitchen island with her back to me, likely not hearing my entrance since her attention seems to be focused on whoever is on the phone.
I don’t take pride in being nosy, but worry strikes me in the chest at the sound of her sniffling. Why is she crying? Did something happen?
I linger back just a bit, not wanting to feel like an intruder to her conversation, but alsoneedingto make sure she’s okay. I rest my head against the wall beside me.
Cove’s voice speaks quietly, “I miss you, Mom.”
Her mom.
She continues, and just when I thought I couldn’t fall for this woman more than I already have, she proves me wrong. “I admire you for working so hard, but I promise I’ll take care of everything. You won’t have to worry about a thing. It’s my turn to look out for you.”
She wipes at her eyes, drying tears I can’t see, but feel confident are streaming down her beautiful cheeks. “We’re having fun. I promise. Betsy’s behavior is as unhinged as always, but I wouldn’t expect anything less. I think she needed this trip just as much as I did. Kimber has talked business with every guru we come in contact with. Again, all is the same.”
My kind girl. Lying about where she is to save her hero.
“I know. I’m sorry for calling so early. I couldn’t sleep.Never realized how much I love my bed.” Cove chuckles slightly, reaching for her neck, and the hair on mine immediately stands, concern flooding my thoughts. “Three more days until I’m home, and we’ll come up with a plan, okay? Tom will meet with us, and everything will be good again.”
“Be safe, Ma. I love you beyond the stars. Text me when you get off work.”
Her heavy exhale tells me the call has ended, and I give her a moment to breathe before announcing my arrival. I hate how defeated she looks. Much different than the woman I’ve been fortunate enough to know. Confidence and strength are the only traits Cove allows anyone to see. It’s her prideful side shining through, and rightfully so, given her career.
But I want her to let those walls down with me.
To take comfort in my encouragement and shelter over her.
