I part my lips, giving myself a chance—a chance to be free with Cole, if only this once.
His tongue swipes against mine, sending my blood soaring through my body in a way that’s entirely unfamiliar. This unexplored territory is equal parts hot and chilling. I’m unsure of where I’m headed or what’s to come, but with him, I’m not afraid.
Cole kisses me over and over again, testing and savoring.
I tug myself even closer, matching his move, and a soft groan erupts from his chest.
I smile, and as if he feels it, he dives back in, kissing it away.
His mouth takes control, and I let him, but his hands don’t roam. His body is a barricade, shielding me from all that threatens to attack. I want to get lost in him, never to return to what will be waiting. What will always be waiting.
I hold onto him, letting him kiss me until I can’t breathe. I don’t just let him. I kiss him back. . .because I want to.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
There’s a light knock on the door, and someone clears their throat.
Cole pulls away slowly, but his arms stay locked around me. He presses his forehead to mine, our chests rising and falling together. His eyes don’t leave me, assuring me again that everything is all right.
“Umm. . .pizza will be here any minute, and this kitchen is about to get lit up.”
I let my head fall to his chest at Maggie’s amused tone.
“Two minutes tops. Soooo, wrap it up in there.”
Cole’s head lowers to mine, kissing my temple as I burrow into him further. I run my fingers over my puffy lips.
I don’t know what just happened or what I’m supposed to do now. He’s my assignment. My job. The man I’m to protect, and I will. I’m not who he thinks I am, and I will never be anything remotely close to the kind of woman he deserves or who he should be with.
I’m used up, washed up, and only the ragged, damaged leftovers remain.
His hands move to my face again, forcing me to look at him. His eyes are earnest and calm. “Everything is ok. You’re ok. It’s just me.”
I blink, trying to figure out if I believe him.
Am I ok?Because I’m not sure.
His lips press against my forehead as his hand slips into mine.
I hold on tight, wanting, no, needing to believe him—that this is really ok. ThatI’llbe ok.
I follow him out of the pantry, and his hand maintains a tight grip around mine like he’s afraid I might bolt. I just freaking might.
Teddy enters the room, holding a bandana tied to a stick high in the air. “You owe me, bro. A trip to the beach and all the jet ski time I want.”
Cole’s thumb runs over my knuckles, trying to reassure me. “If I hadn’t tripped, we would’ve had you. Don’t forget that. Next year, you’ll be paying up, you little punk.” He glances at me, but I can’t look at him.
I can only think about the feel of his lips, the taste of his mouth, him holding me close, and how I want to do all of it again.
______
TRACKER: We’ve got something. Sit tight.
Chapter 34
COLE
I hear a soft moan and roll onto my back. Then another, followed by a whimper.
