"Perfect.I've got just the spot."She leads us through the bustling café to a tucked-away table with a view of the terrace garden.The morning sun streams through the windows, casting everything in a soft glow."Back in a few."She bounces away, leaving us alone.
I study the drink menu, but the words blur together."So...Tina seemed thrilled to see you.One of your hookup girlfriends?"The question comes out sharper than intended.
Silence stretches between us until I glance up.Cole's watching me with barely suppressed amusement, his lips twitching.
"What?"I snap.
"Did her greeting bother you, Alex?"
"No!"I lean back, crossing my arms.My eyes narrow at him."But you signed that contract, remember?Six months, no other women."
His grin widens, and I want to smack it off his face."Relax.Tina's not—and never was—a hookup.She and her husband needed an investor for this place.Nick handled the money, I handled the contracts.That's all."
Heat creeps up my neck.To save face, I change topics."Sam mentioned your mom's visiting."
He drags a hand down his face, tension returning to his shoulders."Yeah.Told her about Samantha, now she's determined to meet her.She's coming Sunday."
"And..."I tap my menu against the table."Did you tell her you're seeing someone?"
"I did.She's eager to meet you."His jaw tightens."Though she's skeptical I'm serious."
A laugh escapes me."You've played her before, haven't you?"His smug expression says it all."So, am I the kind of woman your mother wants for you?"
Immediately, his brows draw together in a scowl."My mother and I differ on what I need in my dating life.Her expectations..."He trails off, gaze drifting to the window, withdrawing into himself.
Hating the sudden distance between us, I slide my foot up the inside of his leg under the table.His attention snaps back to me, eyes darkening."Alex," he warns, voice rough.
"Yes, Mr.Walker?"Innocence drips from my words.
His stare pins me to my chair."You're playing with fire."
"Maybe I want to get burned."My heel travels higher up his thigh."I'm still soaking wet from this morning, Cole."
Something primitive flashes in his eyes."Up.Now."He stands, voice brooking no argument."We're leaving."
Heat pools between my legs as I follow him to the counter.He apologizes to Tina, something about an urgent matter needing attention.Her knowing look follows us out.
The moment we hit the sidewalk, Cole's hand connects with my ass in a sharp pinch.I yelp, the sound lost in the city noise.
His lips brush my ear, and desire pools low in my belly."When we get home, you'remine."
The promise in those words makes me weak in the knees.Part of me wants to run, to hide from the intensity of what's building between us.But a bigger part wants to surrender completely, to let Cole Walker tear down every wall I've ever built.
And that terrifies me more than any stalker ever could.
19
ALISHA
This is torture.Every red light is an eternity.Every glance Cole throws my way ignites another flame low in my belly.The leather seat creaks as I shift, trying to ease the ache between my thighs.His knuckles whiten on the steering wheel, and the muscle in his jaw ticks.At least I'm not suffering alone.
When his eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, the air crackles with possibility.With promise.My skin feels two sizes too small, and the wet heat between my legs makes me squirm again.
Finally.Relief floods me when we pull into the parking lot of our apartment building.Before I can reach for my door handle, Cole's already out and striding around the car.
"Wait here."His voice has that gravelly edge that makes my toes curl.
He opens my door, and the moment I step out, he captures my hand.The simple touch sends electricity racing up my arm.When he brings my wrist to his mouth, his beard tickles my sensitive skin.His tongue flicks against my pulse point, and my knees nearly buckle.Holy hell, who knew wrists could be this erogenous?
