Amanda's jaw drops as she glances at Cole."Holy Christ, I picked the wrong friend."
"Too late."I bump her shoulder."He's my man now."
"Your man, huh?"Her smile grows as my cheeks burn at the slip.
She leans close."Girl, you two are perfect together.I've known Cole forever, love him like a brother.But he's been living on his private island for years, not letting anyone in.Then you and Samantha burst into his life and turned everything upside down - exactly what he needed.He's more open now, happier than I've ever seen him."
I hug her tight, then ask softly, "What about you and Brian?"
She swallows hard, raw emotion flashing in her eyes as she looks at him."I don't know anymore.I'm tired of waiting.One minute he acts like he wants me, the next he pushes me away and shuts down."
My heart aches seeing her pain.I squeeze her hand."Then stop waiting.Show him you're done with his back and forth.Plenty of men would kill to date you."
Her smile doesn't reach her eyes."Yeah, you're right."
"Hey, Brownie!"Brian calls."Ready to go?"
I hide my grin at his nickname for her.Amanda rolls her eyes as we join them.
"Stop calling me that," she snaps.
Brian's eyes sparkle with amusement.
"Wipe that smirk off your face and let's go.You still need to fix my car."She turns to Cole."Thank you for showing me true gentlemen still exist.Now I just need to find my own."
Cole kisses her hand gallantly, making Amanda giggle and Brian's eyes narrow.After they leave, I watch Brian sprint to catch up with her at his blue Maserati.
"He needs to wake up before he loses the perfect woman."
Cole wraps his arms around my waist from behind."Speaking of waking up...how about we go home for dessert?"
I turn in his embrace."Depends what kind of dessert."
"Boston cream pie."
Rising on tiptoes, I kiss him."Perfect.I have some creative ideas for eating it.Clothing optional."
I sway my hips as I walk ahead, not caring about the stares we're getting."Hurry up, Walker!"
Feeling naughty, I lift my skirt slightly.Cole's smirk turns to horror as his head snaps sideways.He starts running toward me, shouting something I can't hear.
A roaring engine makes me turn.My eyes widen as I freeze, seeing a motorcycle speeding straight at me.
"Alex!Watch out!"
33
ALISHA
I shift my legs over the edge of the bed and let my feet dangle above the ground as I sit up.I'verestedlongenough.The painkillers the nurse gave me done their job, so it’s time for me to get out of here.I've stared at the colorless walls for two hours, and the predominant scent of disinfectants keeps penetrating my nostrils—it's disgusting.
A long huff leaves my lips as I glimpse at the door in hopes of Cole marching into the room.He's furious and convinced it was the stalker who attacked me.The officers we talked to, promised they will go over the surveillance cameras to see if they can discover who the driver of the motorcycle was.I close my eyes and stretch my neck muscles by tilting my head from side to side.I was lucky to have jumped away in time.The only thing I have is a painful right hand and a few marks on my legs caused by crashing onto the concrete.My eyes fly to the door when a familiar voice states my name.
"Hey, Queenie.If you wish to go on a date, a phone call is enough," Steven jokes as he steps into the examining room of the ER.
I grin."Hey, I did this to keep you employed."
Steven stops in front of me, and as he plants his palm on my shoulder, he sends me a wink and his bright smile."Sorry you had to wait so long, but it's been a hectic day."
