"Which emotions?"Her voice is softer now, less defensive.
"Frustration."
Alisha pivots her body towards me, and the movement sends a wave of her perfume my way—something floral and warm that makes my head spin."Is the fact you said yes to me living in the apartment frustrating you?If that's the case..."
"No!"The word explodes out of me."I'm fine with that.I know you need a safe place.It was a cheap shot to threaten to take it away."I force myself to meet her eyes, to own my mistake.
"Thank you," she mumbles while staring at my chest.This is the first time we're talking without shouting or throwing nicknames, and I have to admit, it's a pleasant change.The air between us feels different—charged but not hostile.
"What frustrates you, Cole?"
The way she pronounces my name makes me gaze at her lips.I quickly focus on something else, anything else, and knowing honesty works, I answer."I suck at being a parent.Samantha is miserable with me.I haven't been able to make her crack a smile since she moved here.And you..."I swallow hard."When I arrived at your door after I called her, you two were laughing, and that just got to me."I let out a huff and clench my jaw while returning to observing the world outside.
"Cole, you're too hard on yourself."There's that softness in her voice again, the one that makes my defenses crack.
"You said it yourself.She has difficulties living with me.What if she hates me?"
The words hang in the air between us, raw and honest in a way I didn't mean to be.But there they are—my biggest fear laid bare before this woman who drives me crazy in more ways than one.
The silence stretches, filled only by the sound of our breathing and the distant hum of the city below.I wait for her response, for her judgment, for whatever's coming next.
Because that's the thing about honesty—once it's out there, you can't take it back.You just have to stand there and weather whatever storm follows.
* * *
Alisha
My breath hitches.Oh, I never expected this.As I glance up at Cole, I see the tension in his posture, and a sense of guilt washes over me.I blamed him for being insensitive, but to be honest, I've been compassionless myself to him and his feelings.It touches me knowing his key goal is to make his daughter smile.
Thinking back to today, I understand his reaction.He's been walking on eggshells for the last fourteen days, trying his best, with no results at all.I place my hand on his arm as I give him my opinion."She doesn't hate you, Cole.Samantha is a teenager who's adjusting to having a father instead of a mother.And don't forget she's mourning and adapting to living in Boston, too."
He clenches his teeth harder, the muscle in his jaw jumping.
"Did she mention her mom these two weeks?"I ask, keeping my voice gentle.
He lowers and shakes his head."We've had no proper conversation since she got here."He rubs the back of his neck, a gesture I'm starting to recognize as his tell when he's vulnerable."Every time I try, she leaves for her room."
He turns and paces through his kitchen like a caged lion.I haven't seen this honest, more sensitive side of him before, but I have to admit, it appeals.He's not the grumpy, arrogant man I thought he was.There is more to him.Yes, he's serious, but it's just one part of his personality.
Now I ponder the question, how can I help them?After Nick and Cole had left the apartment earlier, I poured my heart out to Emma.I told her everything, and she came up with a surprising idea.If he agrees to this, it means I'll be spending more time with them.I bite the inside of my lip.Am I ready for that?Yes, I'm willing to try it.This sweet girl deserves to have a home.So I turn my attention back to the imposing man and speak.
"Do you still want my help with Samantha?"His eyes scan my face, and I force myself not to squirm under that intense blue gaze.
"Yes."The word comes out rough, like he had to fight to say it.
"Okay.Next question.Can you cook?"He squints."Why is that important?"
"Just answer the question.Can you cook?"
He places his hands in his pockets before taking a step towards me and answering, "Yeah, I can cook."
My lips curl."Perfect."
"Why is that perfect?"
His confused face only enhances my enthusiasm.Without thinking, I step closer to him and pat my palms on his chest."As of tomorrow, we will start cooking our meals together with Samantha.It will help make her feel more at home with you."
The solid warmth of his chest under my hands sends a jolt through my system.Focus, Alisha.This is about helping them, not about how good he feels under your hands.
