Cole’s features pinch. “I won’t. I just… I wish you’d think about it.”
“I can’t, Cole. After what I did, I can’t.” The band that’s permanently wrapped around my chest starts tightening. “It’s too late. I can’t. Please don’t—”
“Okay.” Placating now, Cole backpedals. “I won’t bring it up again. I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry.” I give him an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to jump down your throat.”
Then, before I can stop myself, I whisper, “Is he okay? Do you know?”
“He’s okay. We’re friends on social media, so I know he’s alright.”
“Okay.” My heart unclenches a bit. “Okay.”
Changing topics, Cole says brightly. “So. Moving on. My idea.”
“Yes.” Interest sizzles through me. “Some kind of company? And you want to quit your job in Texas?”
“Yeah.” His lips lift. “I’ve been trying to work things out. Trying to figure out if I can swing it financially. But now… I think I can make it work. If…”
“If what? What idea?”
Cole turns on the bench to face me. “You know I had that domestic violence case a few months ago…”
And from there, he tells me everything.
About wanting to protect the people who slip through the cracks. People who can’t afford private protection, or don’t have enough evidence for the police to do anything. People in desperate need of something else.
Cole explains his idea for the business—half paid security work, half pro-bono. He tells me about the office building in Sleepy Hollow, and how he thinks it’s the perfect place to start this business.
“My offer has been accepted,” he said with a pleased smile. “But I have a clause in the contract, I can back out before closing if I need to.”
“Why would you need to?” Interest has me leaning forward.
After a long pause, Cole says slowly, “Because… I want all of you guys to do this with me. For us to be a real team again. I don’t want to go ahead with this without everyone.”
“Who’s in so far?”
“Leo and Zane, and I’m going to talk to Finn and Rylan next. After you, of course.”
Instinct is shouting at me to say yes right away. To be a part of this amazing opportunity. To work with the people I miss so much it hurts. To protect people again instead feeling like a failure.
“They’ll say yes,” I reply through a narrowing throat. Emotion wells up. My nose prickles. “But me… Why? I wouldn’t be…”
Crap. Now tears are threatening. Ducking my eyes, I mutter, “I’m not sure I’m the person you want for this. Protecting people? Dealing with stressful situations? I’m just…”
“What, Nor?”
Dragging my gaze up to meet his, moisture blurring my vision, I whisper, “Why would you want someone who fell apart? I couldn’t handle… you saw what I let myself become.”
“Nora.” Sincerity strengthens his voice. “I have always believed in you. Everyone goes through bad times. But it can make us stronger. It’s madeyoustronger. I have no doubts about you being on the team.”
He stops and swallows hard. “I don’t want to do this without you. Not without one of my best friends. Not without”—emotion washes over his features—“my sister. I need you, Nor. Will you take this chance with me? With us?”
Oh.
My heart aches, but it’s the best kind of pain.
And the bubble of optimism expands so quickly I’m breathless.
