Alisha stops me in the kitchen, placing her palm on my chest.When she crooks her finger in a "come here" gesture, I grin and obey.Her bright eyes shine with mischief as she wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me.Core-melting doesn't begin to describe it.I need her closer.
"Cole, what are you doing?"She laughs against my lips as I lift her onto the kitchen table.She leans back on her hands, raising an eyebrow as I step between her legs.
"I'm..."
Our phones blast simultaneously."For fuck's sake!"I mutter.
Alisha checks hers, chuckling."It's Emma."
I show her my screen."And I've got her husband."
"We should answer.They won't stop."
I roll my eyes but grab her phone before she can answer."A moment, Emma.I need to say something to your friend."
Covering the microphone, I lean close."Keep Saturday free.Cancel anything you have planned.We're going on a date.Just you and me.No phones, no interruptions.Clear?"
She licks her lips, grinning."Bring it on, Cole Walker.I'm ready."
31
ALISHA
"No peeking, Samantha.Keep your eyes closed."
I chuckle at the dramatic huff leaving the teenager's lips as Cole guides her through the hallway.His eyes meet mine over her head, sharing a secret smile that makes my heart flutter.When he positions her just right, we step back.
"Okay, open."
Samantha's lashes part, confusion crossing her face as she glances between us."Why are we in front of Alisha's apartment?"
"Open up and find out," Cole says, that sexy smirk playing on his lips.
The moment the door swings open, a high-pitched shriek pierces the air.Samantha launches herself at rocket-speed toward the girl standing in my living room.My heart swells watching the best friends reunite, hugging and jumping like connected bouncing balls on my colorful rug.
"Oh my god, what are you doing here?How did you get here?"Samantha demands when they finally separate.
Rachel grins."Your father called my mom, asked if I could visit Boston.He paid for my flight, and Alisha picked me up."
The look of pure joy on Samantha's face as she throws herself at Cole makes my chest tight."Thank you so much, Dad."
When she releases him, she crashes into me next, happy tears streaming down her cheeks.I squeeze her hands in mine."You deserve it, honey.And there's more - you two can stay here until Sunday while I'm with Cole."
Her mouth drops open."Are you serious?"
"Absolutely.You need quality time together."I gesture around the apartment."The fridge is stocked, cabinets are full of snacks, and my Netflix account is all yours.Just no wild parties."
Both girls beam, but Cole raises a finger, his voice taking on that serious tone that commands attention."Two conditions.One, if anything's wrong, you call us immediately.Two, you tell us before going anywhere."
"Don't worry, we're not leaving," Rachel assures him, and I hide my smile at the puppy dog eyes she gives Cole.Some things never change.
"We're having a Vampire Diaries marathon anyway," Samantha adds, already pulling Rachel toward the couch.
As we slip out, I catch Rachel's blush when Samantha teases her about staring at Cole.In the hallway, I brush my hand along his arm."So, what about us?What's our plan?"
The next instant, my back hits the wall, Cole's mouth claiming mine in a kiss that makes me forget everything but him.When he pulls back, his lips hover above mine, electricity crackling in the space between us.
"I have a surprise for you."
