I lift my head, thinking looking at his face might help.Big mistake.Now I'm staring at his lips, remembering how they felt in my dream.They're moving as he explains something, but all I can think about is how they would taste in reality.
Cole stops talking, and when I drag my gaze up to his eyes, the intensity I find there steals my breath.There's tenderness there, yes, but also something darker, hungrier.Something that makes heat pool low in my belly.
"Alisha?"
"Hmm..."It's all I can manage.
"What are you doing?Stop biting your bottom lip, will you?You're so—"
With his face inches from mine, desire whispers through me.Kiss him.One kiss, it hints,and we'll know if reality is better than the dream.My body begs for it, but before I can move, he pushes himself away like I've burned him.
He strides to his water bottle, taking several long drinks.His knuckles are white where they grip the plastic.
"Cole, I—"
"Sorry," he cuts in, his voice tight."I have to go.I forgot I've got an important meeting this morning, and since you're not focused, I'm going to shower.We'll continue tomorrow."
With a quick side glance that carries too many emotions to name, he grabs his wet shirt and walks out, leaving me alone with my racing heart and tingling skin.
I slide down the wall until I'm sitting on the floor, pressing my fingers to my temples."Shit."
After ten minutes of trying to get my body under control, I grab my phone.I need help.I type our girl code "OSP" (Opposite Sex Problem) into our group chat.My fingers are still trembling as I hit send.
Because how do you tell your friends you're falling for the man who's supposed to be teaching you self-defense?The man who's seen you at your most vulnerable?The man who makes you feel safer and more dangerous all at once?The man who, for the first time sincethatnight, makes me want to trust again—and that terrifies me more than any nightmare ever could.
10
ALISHA
The moment I told the girls I needed their advice, they materialized at my door like genies summoned from a wine bottle.Now, surrounded by my chosen family in my living room, I unwrap the present they brought - their excitement more intoxicating than any alcohol.
"Oh, girls.I love it," I exclaim when a bright new workout clothing set comes into view.
Amanda points to the outfit."What are you waiting for?Try it on.We want to see you in it."
"Yeah," the others say simultaneously, their eyes sparkling with mischief.
"We'll pour in the wine, and when you return, you can tell us why the mighty Alisha McQueen asked for our help."Bella flashes me a grin that says she already knows exactly why.
I roll my eyes as they scrutinize me with utter curiosity while I walk to my room.The sound of their mumbling and giggling makes me smile.They are my family.Even Amanda, who joined our group later, fits in perfectly.Next to being my boss, she's an amazing friend with whom I share the love for fashion.
A moment of guilt washes over me, knowing I haven't told them about the second letter.But I'm not going to.I don't want their concern and worry.When I reenter the living room, Emma and Amanda are sitting on the couch, and Bella is relaxing on my purple lounge chair while Amanda opens the first bottle of wine.
"Tada," I sing while making a pirouette.These black workout pants feel amazing.The stretchy material hugs my figure like a second skin, and the criss-cross straps of my sports bra give off a sexy vibe.
Amanda claps her hands in enthusiasm."Oh, wow, you look hot.You'll let the men in the gym drool."
"I hope I get your body once this baby is out," Emma says, rubbing her seven-month enormous belly.She takes a sip of her water and leans back on the couch.
"Oh, girl, you got your own martial arts man, so you'll get your shape back in no time."Bella giggles, waggling her eyebrows.
"So, why did you send us the S.O.S.message?"
"Uh...yes."I grab the glass of red wine Bella is holding in her hand, and I take two generous sips.The rich warmth of it spreads through my chest, giving me courage I definitely shouldn't have.
"Oh, boy.This is interesting."Amanda leans forward, wine sloshing dangerously in her glass."I can sense it.Did something happen between Cole and you?"She wiggles her brows."Let me guess, you've seen him work out, and now you want a piece of him?If that's it, don't worry.The sight of his muscles impresses every woman with a pulse."She waves her hand dismissively, nearly baptizing my carpet with pinot noir.
I gulp the rest of my wine back, letting the warmth spread through my chest and loosen my tongue.The first glass always makes me braver.The second makes me honest.And the third?Well, that's when trouble starts.
