Lauren was saved from having to answer because they’d reached the dealership where Cole was friends with the owner. He parked and took her into the office and introduced her to the manager, “This is my friend Lauren. She needs a good car that will do well in the mountains, especially the snow.”
“I think we can handle that.” The manager said, “Leave her in my capable hands and we’ll have her on the road by the end of the day.”
“Great, I’ve got to go, my meeting is across town and I’m sure traffic is going to be the usual mess. Lauren, I’ll be back as soon as my meeting is over.” Cole said, kissing her on the cheek, then walking away before she could respond.
As she followed the manager out to the lot, she realized she was about to make the first big purchase of her life, which would probably involve picking up a car payment. She had a moment of panic before she realized that while she didn’t have a lot of money, her new job would provide her plenty of funds to pay any car payment she picked up today.
Obviously the manager and Cole had discussed what cars would be the best for her needs, she let him show her several models of cars that had four wheel drive and did great in the snow, but the more she looked at them the more she became certain what she really wanted was a truck or an SUV.
At first she was a little hesitant to tell the manager what she wanted but after looking at three cars she knew that she’d have to speak up. “These are all nice, but I really think I want something bigger. Something that can not only hold a lot of gear but get me into places that most vehicles won’t go.”
The manager looked at her for a second, then motioned for her to follow him across the lot. There he showed her several trucks he thought might be right for her, but she still wasn’t happy with her choices.
“These are nice, but I don’t think this is what I had in mind. Do you have anything that is older, I want something that I can scratch and dent and not feel bad.”
“You want a truck you can beat up?” The manager asked, looking at Lauren a little closer.
“Exactly, I want something that will get me up into the mountains with no problem but I don’t want to be constantly worried about scratching and denting it.”
The manager desperately wanted to ask her what she planned to do in the mountains, but Lauren saved him from having to ask. “I love to be outdoors and although I’m from this area I left when I was eighteen so I’ve never been able to explore the mountains and I definitely want to do that.”
“I think I know what we need to do.” The manager said, heading back to the showroom. “Come on, let’s see what we can find in an old truck or maybe even a Jeep. I’d suggest a Blazer but I don’t know if we’d find what you’re looking for. It might take longer to find what you need and don’t be surprised if it needs some work.”
“That sounds great. I’ve always loved old trucks, you wouldn’t believe some of the vehicles I’ve ridden in, especially in South America. Anything you might sell me would be better than most of those.” Lauren said, finally feeling better about this purchase.
The manager led her inside and over to an empty desk where he pulled up listings of used vehicles. After nearly an hour of searching they found a couple of good options, none of them were perfect but with a little work any would do.
“I know this dealer.” The manager said, pointing out a truck that was a faded red with a visible dent in the side panel. Or here’s a Jeep that you might like.”
“Let’s start with the truck, I like that one. Is the dealership far?”
“It’s not far but let me make a phone call, I can probably get them to bring it over to us.”
Lauren waited patiently while he called and was pleased that the dealership agreed to bring the truck to them. When it arrived Lauren was in love almost immediately, the truck was everything she’d imagined it would be.
After she drove it, even with the problems it had, she knew without a doubt that this was the truck for her. As they pulled back into the dealership parking lot she couldn’t contain her excitement, this was the truck for her. It would need some repairs but the engine and transmission was new so the repairs would be fairly simple to have done.
“This is the one I want. I feel bad that it’s not from your stock. What do we do now?” She asked, hardly able to contain her excitement.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll still get a commission for selling it. We’ll just drive it over there and get the paperwork done and then it’s all yours.”
“Can your mechanics do the work it needs?”
“Of course, after we get the paper work done I’ll have the shop take a look and make some recommendations on repairs.”
By the time Cole returned to pick her up, she’d purchased the truck and arranged for not only repairs but some upgrades that would give it some added power that would come in handy in the mountains. It would take a couple of days to get them done, but it would be well worth the wait.
When Cole pulled into the lot, she was sitting in the truck waiting for him. “Where did you get this?” He said, looking at the truck with what could only be described as distaste.
“The manager found it for me. Isn’t it great? I can’t wait to take it up into the mountains. Just think about all the places I’ll be able to reach in it.”
Cole was a little skeptical about how far she’d get in the old truck but kept silent as she jumped out and showed him all the features that would allow her to take it up any road she chose.
“Well, it’s not exactly what I expected you to get, but then again I shouldn’t be surprised. Is it safe?”
“It’s safer than most cars on the road today. Plus I’m going to leave it with them for a few days to have some repairs done on the brakes, suspension, and a set of new tires.”
“And hopefully a new paint job.”
“No don’t you see, that’s the best part, I won’t have to worry about damaging the paint.” Lauren said, getting out of the truck. “They’re going to put a clear coat on it to protect it from rust but other than that, what you see is what you get.”
Cole just shook his head and got back in the car. He’d expected her to buy something different, something newer. But as they were driving away from the lot he realized he should have known she’d be more interested in the function of her vehicle than the way it looked. In fact he thought, as he listened to Lauren going on and on about where she was going to take it first, it was nice to find a woman who cared more about function than looks.
Lauren didn’t know it, but part of the reason he’d planned this trip was to test Lauren. She didn’t seem like the type to care about money, but he’d thought that before only to be disappointed in the end. He knew she was probably expecting to stay in a fancy hotel and that would be the next test.
“Let’s go check into our rooms, then we’ll hit the stores unless you don’t want company when you’re shopping. I could let you take the car, I have some work I could do.”
“Actually, I’d like you to come with me. I’m not really good at shopping and a second opinion always helps.” Lauren said, knowing she was perfectly capable of finding what she wanted, but liking the idea of spending the rest of the day with Cole.
She’d discovered in just a few days that she really liked Cole, they’d formed a bond she couldn’t explain and while it was scary, she was already addicted to having him in her life. In the past she might have run from the situation but she couldn’t bring herself to do that now. In fact she wanted to get to know him better, they’d only know each other for a short time, but what she’d learned about him she liked and the attraction that flared between them was hard to ignore.
Chapter 6
Cole had expected her to be disappointed in the motel where he’d gotten them rooms, but instead Lauren was thrilled with his choice. The motel was one of the last family owned businesses in the city. Not only did they have rooms, but they had several cabins nestled in the woods at the back of the prope
rty. Cole had rented one of these cabins, an adorable two bedroom complete with a small kitchen and a fireplace.
“This is wonderful, I honestly expected that we’d be staying in some high priced place down town.” Lauren said, jumping out of the car to look around the property.
“I always stay here when I’m in the city, those hotels downtown are just too much. They might give good service but they’re so impersonal, here I know the owners and it feels more like staying with family.”
As if to prove his point a young woman came out of the office door, keys in hand to welcome them. “Cole it’s great to see you. You haven’t been around in a while. I’ve got your cabin ready for you, including a few supplies in the kitchen.”
“Thanks Marlene. I’d like to introduce you to Lauren, she’s just moved back to Prospect and needs to get some shopping done.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Marlene said, holding out her hand.
Lauren shook her hand, liking the woman immediately. “It’s nice to meet you too. This is a wonderful place, you don’t find places like this that much anymore.”
“We’ve managed to keep it in the family, it hasn’t been easy but it’s worth all the work. Three generations of our family have run the motel and hopefully I’ll be able to pass it on to my children. Cole, you two are welcome to join us for dinner tonight there’s always plenty.”
“I’m not sure what our plans are, but I’ll let you know.” Cole said, giving Marlene a big hug.
Lauren was surprised to discover she was suddenly jealous, a silly emotion considering Cole was only her boss. He might have kissed her that night at the fireworks but he’d shown no sign of doing anything like that since then. Maybe she’d read too much into that one kiss, although it had been more than a kiss. Still, she’d be a fool to think anything might happen between them, friendship would have to be enough.
After they’d checked into the cabin, Cole suggested they get in a few hours of shopping before dinner. He didn’t mention the invitation to join Marlene and her family and she was secretly happy to have him all to herself. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t shake the crush she’d developed on him over the last few days.
They spent the afternoon going from one furniture store to the next, she finished buying what she needed for her bedroom, but couldn’t seem to find anything she liked for her living room. They’d started at the most expensive place in town where Lauren had taken one look at the price tags and quickly turned around without a word and left the showroom.
Cole was secretly pleased that she’d been turned off by the prices, but that pleasure quickly turned to dismay when she couldn’t find anything she liked. They were headed back to the cabin, both exhausted when she suddenly sat up in her seat and let out a little squeal. It scared Cole since he’d never heard her make a noise like that.
“Look at that furniture.” She said, pointing to a set of wicker furniture sitting in front of a thrift store.
“You mean that.” Cole said, seeing only a bunch of junk.
“Stop here please.” She said, jumping up and down in her seat like a little kid.
They pulled into the lot and she was out of the car before it even stopped. Cole followed her wondering what she wanted with some broken down furniture from a thrift store.
“These are perfect.” She said pointing to a rocking chair, chase lounge and couch. “They need some work, but with a little care they’ll be wonderful.”
Cole couldn’t see what she did, but knew that Lauren had just passed the final test of the day. Any woman who could see the value in old things wouldn’t be thinking about how to spend his money. He’d been holding himself back, waiting to see how Lauren handled spending money that wasn’t hers, but now that she’d passed his tests he was even more convinced she was the woman for him.
Now it was only a matter of convincing her of that. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, she still had her sights set on the Everest climb and moving on, but he was also sure she was feeling the same attraction he was. He hadn’t missed that look of jealousy that had crossed her face when Marlene had hugged him.
After they’d purchased the furniture and arranged to pick it up on their way out of town, Lauren couldn’t stop talking about her plans for restoring it. They both agreed they’d had enough shopping for one day and it was time for some dinner. Cole had no intention of sharing his time alone with Lauren with anyone else so they ended up at a local pizza place, Lauren’s idea of a good meal.
He’d been planning on taking her to one of the most popular restaurants in town, but after everything he’d learned about her today it didn’t surprise him that she wanted pizza for dinner. He decided to go with it, there’d be plenty of time to wine and dine her later.
It was still early when they got back to the cabin, but they were both exhausted from the long day.
Lauren was a little nervous when they finally got back to the cabin, suddenly it was just the two of them and as the day had progressed she’d detected a change in Cole. He’d been distant as they’d made their way through one furniture store after another, then shocked when she’d chosen the wicker furniture that right now just looked like a pile of junk.
But when she’d suggested pizza for dinner, she hadn’t missed the look of pleasure that crossed his face. She also hadn’t missed the attraction that was flowing between them every time their eyes met or they accidentally touched one another at dinner. When he took her hand as they walked to the car she felt like she’d passed some kind of test, what kind of test she wasn’t sure.
Now they were both sitting on a bench outside their cabin, Cole had put his arm around her as they watched the sun set. “Not as great a view as the roof of the shop, but it’s still nice.”
“I’ve always loved this time of night, especially in the summer.” She said, closing her eyes, tipping her head back and taking a deep breath of the night air.
When she lowered her head and opened her eyes she found that Cole was staring at her. The look in his eyes started a flame burning deep in her core, a feeling she was familiar with but hadn’t felt in a long time. Although that wasn’t quite true, she’d felt it the night they’d been on the roof watching the fireworks.
Her eyes must have told him what she was thinking because just as she thought about that kiss, he tipped her head up and kissed her. It was the same gentle kiss she remembered but this time she felt a new urgency and responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. Her brain told her that it was the wrong thing to do, but her body overruled that warning and responded to Cole’s exploring tongue.
Unlike the last time he’d kissed her, this time she was prepared for the onslaught of feelings that raced through her body. As the kiss continued, Lauren found that she had no desire to stop it, it didn’t matter that they’d only known each other for a matter of days her body was responding as if they’d known each other forever.
Cole’s hands had begun to roam over her back, his strong hands gently stroking her, making her want to feel them other places. But the sound of their neighbor’s returning to their cabin, broke the spell and they both pulled back. When their eyes met this time Lauren was lost in the green depths of his, the desire so clear that it took her breath away.
Without a word, he took her hand and pulled her into the cabin then immediately pulled her into his arms and kissed her. This time there was no softness to the kiss, only urgency, which she responded to with an urgency of her own. Although it had been a while since she’d been kissed, she knew deep in her soul that no one had ever kissed her like this before.
The sense of urgency only increased when his hand found its way up her shirt to cup one of her breasts with his hand. Lauren sucked in a deep breath as waves of pleasure rushed through her, making her knees go weak. Cole continued to kiss her, driving her desire higher and higher with each thrust of his tongue. She was almost beyond reason when he broke the kiss and looked down at her.
“I know we’ve
only known each other for a short time, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. I don’t want this to stop but I also don’t want to do something that we’re going to regret later.”
Lauren looked into his green eyes, and knew that no matter what happened she’d never regret spending the night with this wonderful man. He’d shown himself to be more than just the billionaire software developer she’d expected. He had a depth that appealed to her and she wanted more than anything else to get to know him better. She also wanted to finish what they’d just started.
“It’s okay Cole, I don’t want you to stop.” She finally said, running her hands over his muscular chest and loving the way his heart was beating hard in his chest.
Without a word he led her to the back of the cabin and the big bedroom they’d decided would be hers. Once inside he slammed the door and pushed her up against it. With one hand braced on either side of her head, he looked deeply into her eyes once more before lowering his head to kiss her.
This time there was no stopping him, he pulled her away from the door, then pulled her shirt off over her head and let it fall to the floor. He then reached around her and unfastened her bra, her nipples were stiff with longing and when his hands found them she gasped with the pleasure of his touch. He rubbed his thumb across each sensitive bud, catching her in his arms when her legs wouldn’t hold her any longer.
Growling deep in his throat he scooped her up in his arms and laid her on the bed, then pulled her pants and underwear off in one motion. She should have been embarrassed laying there completely exposed to him, but the intense look in his eyes only made her more daring. Reaching out with one hand, she found the button on his pants and unhooked it.
Cole was happy to finish the process for her, stripping off his clothes and sinking down on the bed next to her. Lauren was intensely aware of his bare skin on hers, the heat from his body almost scorching hers. He pushed her onto her back and covered her with his body, then trailed his hand down her side across her hip to the junction of her thighs.
An Unconditional Love (BWWM Romance Book 1) Page 6