Page 36
I wiped the counter clean of condensation with a bar rag in an attempt at a distraction, but Cole picked up on my emotions.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“A woman flashes you and you don’t text her?” I said, voice low.
“I’m… sorry. This is so complicated, I am not ready to date and—”
“Woah, cowboy,” I snickered. “Slow it down. What I proposed was no date. I am also not in a place to get into anything serious. I’m down with an FWB situation or—as I was planning—a one-night stand.”
“With that asshole?”
“Not anymore. His shitty classist comment put me off my feed.”
“Well, you’re way too good for him. What is an FWB situation?”
“Friends with benefits, Cole. Jesus! When was the last time you dated?”
“Twenty-odd years ago,” Cole sighed. “We didn’t even have texting back then, Chloe. I don’t know what I’m doing. Also, Piper’s mom never would have flashed me.”
I started to leave, overwhelmed with a feeling of judgement. Oh, my ex-wife wouldn’t dare flash me! Oh, Chloe, you’re just some big, dumb whore who is so desperate you felt the need to expose yourself!
“Hey, stop,” Cole pulled me back, hands settling on my wrists. “That’s not a neg, okay? It was a declarative statement I now realize could read judgmental.”
“You think?”
“I know,” Cole agreed. “I have never been with anyone so liberated. That’s all. The idea that Brynn would ever even sunbathe topless is ridiculous. You’re absolutely fucking gorgeous, Chloe. I didn’t know how to react because there is no way—”
And with that, I cut him off. I don’t know why I kissed Cole. I don’t know why I pressed him against the kitchen island and grabbed his well-worn, soft t-shirt in my hands. He smelled like cedar and leather, and his beard prickled my chin. He didn’t fight me. Instead, he held me closer.
I pulled back realizing that one of my other clients—and friends—was just in my walk-in pantry and could see us. I stared nervously at Cole as he assessed the situation. Was he terrified or intrigued—maybe both?
“I’m… I’m sorry,” I said. “I just… I wanted to stop you from saying something stupid that I don’t believe. You’re rugged and secure and fucking manly as hell. That is why the women at the barn lose it. You’re like a soft-spoken horse-whispering lumberjack.”
“Is that a good thing?” Cole squinted.
“It’s a great thing. And… if you wanted something NSA—”
“Which is?”
“No Strings Attached.”
“Ah.”
“Well, I’m your girl.”
Jen emerged, laughing with Vodka. “Oh, Bill you are a naughty boy!”
Vodka deserted me. Did Cole simply show up and run him off?
“You have… guests,” Cole said.
“Yeah,” I agreed. “But I could tell them I have an early morning and get them to fuck off?”
“If you… you know… wanted to, I wouldn’t stop you.” Cole said.
* * *
COLE
