Cool hands caress my hot cheeks and Iblink. Cole is kneeling in front of me. “Is everything all right?” I give him asmall smile and nod. “Kate, that wasn’t very convincing.”
“I know, sorry. Still trying to beat thishangover.”
Cole sits down next to me, taking myhands. “Is that all?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.”
I sigh. “Do you regret how we gotmarried?”
“Baby, no.” Cole pulls me closer. “Comehere.” And I climb on his lap. “Why would you think that?”
“From what you said in the bathroomearlier. A real wedding.”
“I see. No, the way I remember it, it wasme pushing to marry you. It was my surprise.”
“I know and I loved it, every moment,even being interrupted. It was romantic, exciting and spontaneous. But what Imean…” I look into Cole’s eyes, hoping I can convey what I truly mean. “I loveyou and I love the way we got married—it’s just, well—why? We could have stayedengaged and had a traditional wedding.”
“Yes, we could have. When I knowsomething is right, I also know the importance of seizing that moment. Icouldn’t imagine not having you in my life for one second. I knew the only wayto make that happen was to marry you right then and there. Especially with somany things against us. I thought it was better to face them as husband andwife, not as boyfriend and girlfriend or even an engaged couple. Our weddingwas real, and it was perfect, but there is a part of me that feels guilty fornot giving you a traditional wedding with your friends and family. That’s all Imeant by the statement in the bathroom. Because Katherine Cook-Holt, I want togive you everything in my power.” I stop him, crushing my lips to his. Hereciprocates, and our tongues twirl together in a passionate kiss.
“You already have.” I whisper over hislips. “You have given me the one thing I never thought I’d have in this life,and that is love, and loving you in return. You gave me you, and words don’tadequately express how I feel about you.”
“Oh god, Kate I love you so much.” Colelifts me so I’m straddling him. His soft, warm lips touch mine. I’ve neverbelieved in fate, but I know I was supposed to meet Cole. He has rocked myworld and I’m so much better off for it. “As much as I want to take off allyour clothes, lay you on the bed and pleasure you, we have a flight to catch.”His words send pulses of pleasure through my body.
“I love when you talk dirty to me, but Iknow. If we’re not in Crystal Falls by noon, my mother will kill us.” I givehim a swift peck on the lips and stand up. Cole stands but yanks me back tohim.
“I love talking dirty to you.” He brusheshis thumb along my collarbone. “You get this little heat rash that starts onyour neck and climbs up to your cheeks.” He kisses my cheek. “Now tell me whatneeds to be done around here before we leave.”
“Just help me finish packing. Is Lauraup?”
Cole laughs. “Yes, she was trying to holdher head up and drink coffee about twenty minutes ago, but she wasn’tsucceeding very well. I gave her some aspirin to drink with her coffee.”
“Oh gosh, I better check on her. Put oursuitcases on the bed, and I’ll be right back.” I find Laura upstairs, brushingher teeth. “You’re alive.”
She holds up a finger, telling me to waita minute. “Barely, my teeth still hurt.”
I laugh. “Yeah, my teeth hurt, too. Istill have a bit of a headache. Are you about ready to go?”
“I’m ready. What time is our flight?”
“Um-well, the company jet is scheduledfor take-off at eleven.”
“Huh?” Laura just looks at me, confused.
“Again, welcome to my world. We aretaking Cole’s corporate jet to Crystal Falls.”
“Wow.”
“Should be great fun.” I twist my face upin a silly grin.
“The lobby called. They said the dressesand tuxedos are downstairs and waiting.”
“Oh gosh, I almost forgot about them.Thanks for letting me know. My mother would kill me if I didn’t show up withthe bridesmaid dresses or my wedding dress.”
“Oh yeah, did you get it altered intime?”
“Yes, apparently anything is doable for aprice.” I laugh. “Okay, see you in ten.” Cole helps me finish packing our bagsand we are standing in the lobby at ten-thirty. Cooper has on a baseball capand is hunched over in a chair. I give Cole a worried look. “Is he okay?”
