“In the closet?”
“Soundproof,” I say, giving him a slysmile.
He toes off his shoes and walks towardsme with the look of a predator, a devious smile on his face. Removing hisclothes as he walks.
“Oh.”
“Yeah baby, you’ll think oh.”
CHAPTERTWO
“Oh.” I cuddle against Cole on the floorof the closet.
“Oh is right,” Cole croons, kissing myforehead.
I sit up over Cole’s knees. “Why did yougive intoher?”
“Your mom?” Cole puts his hands behindhis head.
“No, the cookie monster. Yes, my mom.”
“I was trying to play nice.”
“Since when have you ever played nice?”
“Well, never. But things are a bit rockyat the moment. I’m not sure I can survive six women.”
“Yeah, me neither. But I need you withme, Cole. With things the way they are. With what happened.” I shudder thinkingabout it.
Cole sits up, hugging me to him. “I’msorry Kate, I didn’t even think about how this would affect you.”
I sigh into his chest. “It’s okay. You’renot going anywhere.”
“I have to admit, I’m surprised you stoodup to your mom. From everything you’ve told me, whatever she says seems to go.”
I shrug. “I don’t, usually. But this isdifferent. This is my life and I’m learning to take charge of it.”
“You mean our life.” Cole says, kissingme.
“Yes, our life. You may wear the pants,but I have two cents to give.”
“You can have more than two cents, baby.”
“Oh, I can? What amount are you willingto part with?”
Cole cocks an eyebrow, swatting meplayfully on the butt. “We are fifty, fifty, Cookie.”
Before I can come up with a comeback,Cole stands and then helps me up. “Come on, let’s get dressed.”
I dress in a pair of pink linen shortsand a white t-shirt. When I come out of the closet, Cole is adjusting his suitcoat; his tie slung around his neck.
“So, now what?” I ask, slipping on a pairof loafers.
Cole glances at me, scrunching hisforehead slightly, then turns to the mirror doing up his tie.
“What was that look for? What did I do?”
“It’s nothing. I’m disappointed you’renot putting that hot pink bra back on.”
