Dad's eyes narrow to slits."And how does this Cole expect you to pay for staying there?"
Heat crawls up my neck."Dad, don't worry about that."
"Don't worry?How can you say that to me after what you just told us?"
"Jim, enough."Mom's voice carries that rare steel edge."We need to trust our girl."
He grinds his teeth while maintaining his interrogation stare."You better be telling us the truth, baby girl."
I step forward and place my hand on his arm."Dad, I promise I'm telling the truth."
After a few moments of the dad stare-down, he lets out a massive huff."Fine.But I'm telling you once more, Alisha.Never withhold this kind of information from us ever again.Is that clear?"
His stern gaze makes me cringe.
"I just didn't want to ruin your vacation.You two taught me to be strong when things get tough, and I did."
"Good lord, Alisha," Dad's voice cracks."That doesn't count if you're hurt and lying in the hospital.We are your parents.Knowing that we weren't there when you needed us the most is breaking my heart."
My breath catches—I've never seen him this emotional.He pulls me into a bear hug and murmurs, "You are our miracle, Alisha."
The sizable lump in my throat hinders me from speaking, so I nod and return the gesture.I glance at Mom, who's wiping away tears.They are the most amazing parents one could have.I've never felt so special to call myself a miracle, but I understand why they say I am.During a check-up, the doctors told my parents Dad's swimmers weren't potent enough, and the chance of them conceiving naturally would be slim to none.A year later, they were shocked when Mom found out she was pregnant.After I was born, they tried for a second child, but it never happened.
"I love you, Dad."
"Oh, I love you too, sweetheart."
Mom joins our hug."We love you, Alisha.And we're here for you if you need us, honey."
"Thanks, Mom."
* * *
Sunlight hitsmy retinas as my eyelids flutter open.Oh, god.Is it morning already?I brush my hands over my face and grunt.I'd been tossing and turning the entire night, waking up because I thought I smelled Cole's cologne or heard him say my name in that profound sexy way that makes my toes curl.Even without him being physically close, he haunts me in my dreams.
I push myself up and grab my phone.11:00 a.m.I slide my legs over the edge of my childhood bed and smile as I walk to the sizable picture frame with photos of myself at different ages.Each image shows a different stylish outfit—I've always loved fashion.
I slip into the navy blue halter jumpsuit with lace in the front that I brought with me and pull my hair into a low ponytail.After applying some soft matte red lipstick, I slip my feet into comfortable leather shoes with two-inch heels.The familiar routine grounds me, helps push thoughts of Cole aside.
Downstairs, I find Mom in the kitchen, washing apples from the garden.
"Good morning, sweetheart.Did you sleep okay?"
I drop into a chair at the table, fighting a yawn.
Mom chuckles as she sees my face."You're still not a morning person."After finishing her chore, she places a cup of coffee in front of me and takes the seat next to mine.
"Where's Dad?"
"He's gone for a run.You know how he needs his workout in the morning."
"Yeah."I squeeze my legs together when my mind fills with images of Cole working out.I lick my lips, remembering him with low-hanging sweatpants that I wish would drop even lower.My panties dampen thinking about his ripped muscles and broad chest covered in a sheen of delicious sweat.Fuck, stop thinking about him.
"Are you okay, honey?"Mom asks."You look a bit flustered."
I clear my throat."I'm fine."
"So tell me, sweetheart," she starts, flashing me the type of grin that says she's about to ask something she already knows the answer to."Are you seeing someone?"
