“Cole, let’s go,” I call from thekitchen.
“Easy baby. Keaton’s text said they stillhave about ten minutes left of the show. It’s going to be at least 9:30 beforethey make it back to the hotel.”
“Even better. That cereal only went sofar; I can eat before they get here and then pretend not to eat when they’rehere.”
Cole blows out a breath—he looks likehe’d like to say something, but he doesn’t.
“Look, the only way they’ll ever stopgiving me a hard time is if I drop at least three sizes. They think I’moverweight. They’re never going to stop. I’m used to it.”
Cole’s forehead creases. “I’m not.”
I walk up, rubbing the wrinkles in hisforehead away with my fingers. “Stop fretting. Let’s just go so I can eatalready.”
He hefts me over his shoulder. “Anythingyou want, Cookie,” he says, patting my bum.
“Cole,” I whine.
“Whine all you want, babe, you’ll justget carried around this way longer.”
“Oh yeah.” I pinch his ass. It doesn’t domuch good; it’s as hard as a rock.
“All that does, Cookie, is turn me on andmake me want to throw you on the bed.” Cole opens the hotel door walking outpast two security guards, Dane and Morgan.
“Hey, guys,” I pant, since my lungs arebeing compressed by Cole’s shoulder. When we get to the elevator, Cole finallyputs me down. I get a bit dizzy from all the blood flowing to my head.
“Whoa, Kate, what’s wrong?” Cole wraps ahand around my waist, steadying me.
“Head rush is all, and I’m hungry.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m fine, really, lets go.” Theelevator opens and I drag Cole in. This is a first, I think. Me dragging Cole.
Cole pulls out his phone, looking at it.
“Hey, when did you get a new phone?”
“I had my assistant go pick it up for me.They delivered it to the suite.”
I cross my arms, I want my phone.
“Cookie, are you pouting?”
“No.”
“I think you are.” He nuzzles his nose inthe side of my neck. “Here, will this make you feel better?” He reaches intohis pocket, producing my white iPhone with a hot pink Hello Kitty cover.
“You got it back?”
His forehead furrows slightly. “No. Thisis new. Sorry baby, but everything should be the same.”
I guess it couldn’t be helped, it’sbetter not to dwell on it. “Thank you, you even got the same cover.” I smile.
“Baby, you are so easy to please.”
We walk into the private dining room andmy nose fills with the most wonderful scent of meat and bread. “I’m so hungry.”I eat three rolls and a helping of mashed potatoes before my family arrives.I’m filling my plate with fruit, meat, and salad when I hear Laura and Anniechattering.
“Hey chick.”Laura comesbounding up to me. “You missed the best show. Those actors are incredible theway they bend and twist. I was amazed.”
