by Cassie Cross
“This is true, I just…she asked me to let her go, and I don’t want to make her angrier with me than she already is.”
“You’ve got to lay it all out on the line, Cole. Put yourself out there and let her know how you feel in a way that lets her know that you’re not trying to manipulate her into keeping her job. It has to be honest.”
“What, like a grand gesture?”
“A sincere grand gesture, yeah. What does she like to do?”
Cole thought back to the discussion that he and Abby had at the diner, when she’d told him her dream of owning a candy store. She mentioned that she sold her candies on Saturday at the Union Market on the weekends. There, he thought. I’ll do it there. She had just quit her job, so surely she’d set up a stand this weekend to earn some extra money.
Scott must have recognized the spark of an idea in Cole’s eyes, because he leaned forward, resting his head in his hands. “I think we have the beginnings of a plan.”
LATER THAT afternoon as Cole walked through the office, he stopped briefly at the empty desk outside of his door. He felt an ache every time he saw Abby’s empty chair, even though it had been four days since she quit. Four days since he’d seen her. Every once in a while he’d close his eyes and imagine her smile. It was then that he wished he had told her how beautiful she was more often.
He entered his office and closed the door behind him. On his desk was a small box, wrapped in plain brown paper. Puzzled, he unwrapped it, impatiently pulling at the paper. When he pulled back the flaps on the top of the box, he thought back to when he’d called Marley and asked her to help him find this.
And here it was, with no recipient.
In two days, Cole was going to change that.
CHAPTER THREE
BUSINESS WAS slow at Abby’s stand that Saturday, despite the fact that she and Becca spent most of the morning handing out samples. It was like this sometimes, so of course Abby expected it, but there could not have been a worse time for low crowds at the market. She’d been second-guessing herself all week; even though she needed to get away from Cole, it had been so foolish of her to quit her job before she had another one lined up. Luckily for her, Becca had pulled a few strings at her office and got Abby an interview with a director in another section of her company, but she was going to have to start at the bottom again.
She didn’t even want to think about the job that one of Cole’s colleagues called to offer her a few days ago, but it seemed that was all Becca could talk about. Abby willed some customers to walk over to offer her a distraction.
“You should’ve taken that job,” Becca said, popping one of the samples in her mouth. “Not that I don’t want you working with me, I mean. I’d love that, but this guy would’ve given you way more money and a much better position.”
“And then I’d be beholden to C-” Abby caught herself before she said Cole’s name, pretty sure that Becca didn’t notice her slip. She was too busy eating the chocolate. “I’d be beholden to my boss. I need to cut all those ties.”
“Who was the guy?”
“Someone he went to business school with. I Googled his name when I got off the phone, and I know that I’ve seen his picture in my boss’s office before. They’re golf buddies or something.”
“He still cares about you,” Becca said.
Deep inside of Abby, a small flicker of hope made itself felt.
TWO HOURS later, Abby and Becca were still at the market, refusing to give up. Business had picked up a little, but Abby’s had better Saturdays.
“I can’t believe how many people are here,” Becca said, peering out from under their booth’s canopy.
“If only all these people would buy my chocolate,” Abby lamented, looking at all the unsold goodies on the table in front of her. Quite a few people were still tasting samples, but few had actually purchased a piece for themselves. “Go out there and flash them or something, Beck. We need something interesting to drum up some attention.”
Becca swatted Abby with one of her flyers. “I never thought I’d say this, but I liked you more when you were depressed.”
“I wasn’t depressed,” Abby said, attempting to sound lighthearted. Sad, yes. Heartbroken, yes. But depressed? No. And as much as it hurt her to admit it, Abby missed Cole. Not just the sex, even though that was obviously great, but she missed him. The person she’d come to know during their trip together. Cole was in nearly every thought Abby had. But she knew she’d move on in time. She just wanted that time to pass as quickly as possible.
“You were borderline depressed, Abs.”
Becca was right. “But I’m better now.”
Becca twirled a strand of Abby’s hair around her finger, then smiled the smile of a friend who had been in a similar place one too many times before. “Yeah, you’re getting there.”
Abby allowed herself a moment to lean against Becca, taking comfort in the hug of a long-time friend. But she didn’t want Becca to feel like she had to walk on eggshells around her forever. “Let’s cut this emotional crap and sell some chocolate before I wind up having to give this stuff away for free.”
Then, Abby heard a voice that was so familiar it made her heart ache.
“Never give your product away for free, that’s not the way to run a business.”
Shocked, Abby looked up at Cole. Her heart wanted to explode. She wanted to kiss him and run away at the same time. He looked really bad. Good, as always, but bad. Like he hadn’t been sleeping, like he’d been just as messed up over what had happened between them as Abby had.
“What are you doing here?” Abby asked, sounding more defensive than she meant to.
Seemingly unfazed, Cole looked at Abby and simply said, “My favorite chocolate maker once told me that she liked to come here on Saturdays.”
Nerves made Abby’s heart sink into her stomach, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready or able to believe that Cole’s intentions were honorable, were real.
“Don’t do this, Cole.” Abby looked down at the table, afraid to meet his gaze, knowing that she was helpless when he was around.
He touched her hand, just a fleeting graze of his fingertips across her skin, and her heart beat double time.
“Just listen to me, Abby. Please, just hear me out.”
Chancing a look over at Becca, Abby found she was still standing right beside her, staring at Cole, her mouth agape in shock. Surely she recognized Cole. Abby nearly laughed. Seeing Becca’s face reminded Abby of Cole’s precious confidentiality agreement.
“There are people here,” she said, looking around at the crowd. “They might see us talking and get the wrong idea.”
Cole reached over and lifted Abby’s chin until she looked at him. “Or they might get the right idea. I don’t care, let them hear.”
“Then say what you need to say.”
He caressed Abby’s cheek, and the memory of his touch flooded Abby with warmth. “I’m sorry I hurt you. It’s no excuse, but you have to know that wasn’t my intent. I’m a businessman, Abby. I’ve spent my whole life caring about the bottom line, and I’ve never had any qualms about using someone for my own benefit-”
Abby looked at him sharply. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“Let me finish,” he said, smiling nervously. “I never had any qualms about using someone for my own benefit until I met you. Because I care about you more than I’ve ever cared about any other woman in my life.”
“Stop,” Abby said, feeling foolish. “Just stop with this, okay? You apologized, I accept. You can leave here with a clear conscience.”
Cole’s eyes softened. “I can’t leave here with a clear conscience.”
“Why can’t you?”
“Because I’ve fallen in love with you.”
Those were the words Abby most wanted to hear, but never thought she would. Not from Cole. She wasn’t sure whether she could trust them. But oh, how she wanted to.
Cole cupped her cheek, swiping away a tear that had
fallen.
“I need you, Abby. I need you to give me another chance. Please,” Cole pleaded. His eyes never left Abby’s.
There was a small crowd beginning to gather. Either they finally were ready to purchase her candy or they recognized Cole and wanted to eavesdrop on whatever he was doing. Either way, they had the worst timing.
“When you’ve upset the woman you love, you bring her chocolate, am I right?” Cole stared at Abby a moment longer, then turned to the small group of onlookers who had gathered around them, There was a smattering of approval from the crowd. “Am I right?” Cole repeated, raising his voice. The men laughed, the women cheered, laughing.
Turning to them, Cole said, “There’s no better chocolate in the city.” He reached out and took the sample tray from Becca, who was still standing there wide-eyed like she’d been smacked in the face. He grabbed the stack of Abby’s business cards and schmoozed the crowd, handing out samples and cards. Most of the people who took a sample from him bought a piece of chocolate. Abby and Becca couldn’t keep up with the demand. It seemed as if everyone wanted one. Cole really turned on the charm.
It didn’t take long for Abby to sell out. Abby had been longing for a steady flow of business, but she never anticipated such a rush. When they had sold the final piece, Cole set the tray down on the table and offered his hand to Becca.
“Hi, I’m Cole,” he said, flashing a winning smile.
“Kerrigan,” Becca said before she could catch herself. She shook her head, embarrassed, and Abby just had to smile. “I’m sorry, I’m Becca.”
Cole grinned. “You must be Abby’s roommate,” he said, laughing. Abby had spent so much time fretting about that damned non-disclosure agreement that she never took the time to wonder about what Cole would be like around her friends. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Likewise,” Becca said, blushing. She glared at Abby in an excited way, like she couldn’t believe what just happened.
Cole gently grasped Abby’s upper arm and walked to the edge of the tent where they had a bit more privacy.
“I meant what I said about wanting a second chance.”
Cole’s eyes were so intense that Abby could barely look at them.
“I’m considering it,” she said, although her words were soft. There was no consideration to be made; if he wanted a second chance, she would give it to him.
Cole crooked his fingers beneath Abby’s chin. “Let me see you tonight.”
Abby knew it was more than a request. She thought about spending the night with him, going to a fancy restaurant like she was sure he’d want to do. A place where she would feel out of her element. It was then that she began to think about what he had just told her. He had fallen in love with her. In love. With her. Their week together in Chicago had been a fantasy, but this…this love, this relationship, this…whatever it was, needed to be based in reality. And the reality of their situation was that he was a billionaire. She was not.
“Okay,” she said, feeling giddy at the sight of the relief in his eyes. “But I have one condition.”
“Anything.”
“I want you to come over to my apartment.”
Cole looked a little shocked. No doubt he had something more elaborate planned, but if he was reluctant to agree to her plan he didn’t show it. “What time should I be there?”
“Seven,” Abby replied.
“Okay. Should I bring anything?”
“No. I’m making dinner.” From the look on Cole’s face, Abby could tell that few women had ever made Cole dinner. “And dinner is all that we’ll be having.”
Cole smiled.
Abby knew they could not have sex tonight. Because if they did, she’d lose all her resolve, and resolve was the one thing she needed right now.
“I’ll see you at seven,” Cole said, leaning in toward her. Abby could tell that he wanted to kiss her, but he stopped himself. Part of her ached for the feeling of his lips on hers, but she wasn’t quite ready for that yet. The sting of his betrayal was still too fresh despite today’s events.
Not five seconds after Cole walked away, Becca was by Abby’s side.
“I just cannot fucking believe that you…you…you know, you did whatever with Cole Kerrigan. Christ Abby, it’s like I don’t even know you!”
Abby grinned. “I told you, I signed a-”
“I know, I know. You signed a non-disclosure agreement. Ugh, you lucky bitch!”
Becca flipped her hair over her shoulder in faux outrage. “I am pissed! So pissed, in fact, that I probably won’t make it home tonight.” She winked at Abby then leaned in to give her a hug.
Becca really was the best friend she’d ever had.
CHAPTER FOUR
COLE WANTED to take Abby to his favorite restaurant and order her the most divine prime rib she would ever taste, then take her back to his place. He wanted to make love to her, of course, but he found that tonight he craved her company. He craved the knowledge that she was near him; that he could see her, touch her, talk to her whenever he wanted. Instead, she’d invited him to her tiny walkup in Brooklyn. Even though his plans were dashed, he couldn’t have been more pleased. He’d get to see her in her element. He couldn’t have asked for more than that.
Cole had been to her apartment building before, although Abby didn’t know that. He found himself standing on her front steps on the evening that she quit, right after she left his office. He had planned on going up to her door, falling on his hands and knees and begging her for forgiveness, for just a moment of her time so that he could explain. But he knew, deep down inside of him, that for once he had to give up his selfish desire to have what he wanted when he wanted it. Part of loving her was giving her space when she asked for it, so that was exactly what he did. He gave her time.
And time was what brought him to her this evening.
He thought about bringing the gift he bought her along with him, but it was too meaningful and would’ve seemed trite on an evening like this. It would’ve seemed like a bribe, like he’d only given it to her to get back in her good graces. He wanted to wait before he gave her this gift. So the brightly wrapped package waited in his apartment, ready for another night that Cole was sure to come.
Cole wore a steel grey button-down shirt with black slacks, and his heart pounded against his ribcage as he knocked on Abby’s front door. He could smell the delicious dinner she was cooking even here in the hallway, and his stomach growled at the thought of a home-cooked meal. It would taste even better because Abby was the one who made it.
Abby opened the door and gave him a shy smile, her cheeks a perfect blush. She was so fucking beautiful it made him ache for her. Just to stand next to her, to smell her, to be near her.
“Hi,” Abby said, standing aside so that Cole could walk in.
“Hi.” Cole held out the bouquet of roses he brought for her and she smiled as she thanked him. He followed her into her apartment and stood in the small living room as Abby pulled out a vase from below the sink.
“I’m making Coq Au Vin,” she said as she filled the vase with water. “I hope you like it.”
“I like it very much.” He would like whatever she made him.
After Abby placed the vase on the small table just outside her kitchen, she placed her hands on her hips as she smiled at Cole.
“This is the place,” she said, outstretching her arms. “I’d show you around, but this is pretty much it.”
“It’s very you,” Cole said, taking in the colorful fabric of the curtains and pillows, and the numerous photos on the mantle and the wall.
“What, small?”
“No, welcoming. Warm.”
The corner of Abby’s mouth curved up into a smile as she turned and walked back into the kitchen. “Dinner will be ready in about five minutes. Would you like a glass of wine?”
“I’d love one.”
As Abby popped open the bottle, Cole motioned toward the photographs on the wall. “Do you mind if I look?”
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“No,” she replied, smiling.
Cole’s eyes were immediately drawn to a small, somewhat blurry photo in a bright blue frame, of a woman who had Abby’s eyes holding a toddler who was most definitely Abby. “Is this your mother?” he asked.
Abby nodded. “And me. It’s one of the very few photos I have of her.”
“She was beautiful,” he said, sliding his finger along the edge of the frame.
“She was,” Abby replied sadly.
Cole looked around at the pictures of Abby and Becca, and pictures of other friends whose names Cole didn’t know but hoped to learn.
“So, can I ask the obvious?” Abby said as she pulled two plates out of a cupboard. “How are things in the office?”
Cole had anticipated this question. “It’s awful without you. And I mean that in every sense of the word.” He hated going into work and not seeing her face. He hated not talking to her whenever he wanted, not seeing her at her desk when he walked out of his office.
“I’m sorry I quit the way that I did. Regardless of the situation, I should’ve been more professional.”
“I deserved it.”
“Maybe, but that doesn’t make it okay. It’s probably for the best.”
If this night and the ones that followed it went the way Cole hoped they would, Abby was right. “Probably.”
THE DINNER spread was perhaps the most delicious thing Cole had ever smelled, and after he tasted a piece of of the tender chicken, he decided it was perhaps the most delicious thing he had ever tasted.
“This is phenomenal,” he told Abby as he cut himself another piece.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Like isn’t a strong enough word,” he said before taking a bite.
“If you’re nice to me, I might cook for you more often.”
Cole put down his knife and fork and leaned in close to her, a fierce look in his eyes. “I plan on being more than nice to you, Abby.”
“I like that,” she said, smiling.
“Like what?” Whatever she liked, Cole planned on doing as often as possible.