When no response comes, I force myself up.Three glasses of water and two painkillers later, I lean against my kitchen counter, remembering how his fingers dug into my hips, how our lips fit together like puzzle pieces, how my core pooled with want.God, I hoped the kiss would solve my problem, but it only created a new one.Now I want more.Need more.
Two hours, one hot shower, and another round of painkillers later, I admire my reflection.The deep scarlet jumpsuit with its rounded neckline and keyhole opening gives me the courage I need after a night of wine-fueled confessions.I check my phone one last time before forcing myself to put it away.Stop obsessing.He's at work.
I grab my car keys and head to the elevator.As I wait, I touch up my red lipstick, but the ping of arriving doors cuts the ritual short.My heart stutters when they open to reveal Samantha's smiling face—and the towering figure beside her.Cole.So much for being in a meeting.
The elevator's subtle movement makes my stomach roll, but Cole's presence next to me causes an entirely different kind of queasiness.Even angry, he radiates a heat that makes my skin prickle with awareness.
"Hey, sweetheart."I force warmth into my voice despite my hangover.
"I'm so glad you're here!"Samantha beams."I wanted to ask you something, but Dad wouldn't give me your number."Her pout makes Cole shift uncomfortably beside her.
"Is that so?"With a smirk, I toss my loose hair over my shoulder."No worries.You can have my number, sweetheart."I add her to my contacts as she recites her number, then send two texts—one to confirm, and another that reads:Work, Grumpy?Lying doesn't suit you.
"The sound of incoming messages fills the air.Both Samantha and Cole check their phones.His low growl makes my skin prickle with awareness, and though I can't see his face, I feel his penetrating stare like a physical touch."
My fingers drum against my thigh as we ride in silence, the air thick with unspoken words.Cole's jaw clenches with each floor we pass, and I catch Samantha's concerned glances bouncing between us.
"Red looks amazing on you," Samantha says.The crimson fabric catches the elevator's harsh lighting, and I notice Cole's fingers flex against his thigh in my peripheral vision.
"I want to create my own style.Could you help me with that?"
"Sure, sweetheart.We'll find your unique style."I wink."Soon the boys at school won't know what hit them."
Cole's growl is immediate and visceral.My phone buzzes with his text:She's fifteen.She doesn't need attention from boys.
Why are you so grumpy, Bulldozer?I reply, crossing my arms.
His jaw muscles clench ferociously as he reads, but instead of responding, he slides the phone back into his pocket and straightens his back, continuing his stare at nothing.My inner fire lights up like a candle drenched in lighter fluid.
"Alisha, I'm baking pancakes tonight.Can you join us and try them?"Samantha asks.
Cole's sharp intake of breath tells me he's hoping I'll say no.But since he's being an ass...
"I'd love to," I reply with a bright smile."I have a weak spot for pancakes."
The second the doors open, Cole strides out."Come on, Samantha, school is waiting," he mumbles.
She rolls her eyes at me."He's been cranky all morning."Her lip catches between her teeth."Do you think I did something wrong?"
Goddammit, Cole.His sour attitude is affecting this sweet girl, and she doesn't deserve it.
I touch her arm."Trust me, his mood has nothing to do with you.Give me a moment.I'll talk to him."
Samantha nods as we exit the elevators.She waits while I stride over to Cole, who's texting on his phone near the entrance to the parking garage.
"Can we talk?"His eyes meet mine, a muscle twitching in his jaw.
"Can't it wait?I'm busy."
I grind my teeth when he continues typing."What the hell is your problem?If what happened last night is bugging you, then say it!For God's sake, it was one stupid kiss.You better stop your immature and grumpy attitude because it makes your daughter think she did something wrong.If I knew just kissing had this effect on you, I would have never done it.Lying in a text is childish."
His nostrils flare as his eyes pierce mine."Are you done, firecracker?"
When I don't answer, he turns to Samantha and gestures her over.His voice shifts to something gentler when he addresses her.
"Alisha told me my lousy mood affected you.I apologize if it made you uncomfortable.It has nothing to do with you.My mind is just full of things.So, please, next time, tell me to stop it, okay?"He touches her arm with care, and they share a moment that makes my heart squeeze.
"Now, could you wait for me in the car?"He hands her his keys."I'll be there in a minute.I need to talk to Alisha."
