by J. L. Drake
“It’s June’s,” she replies, smoothing the fabric. It doesn’t surprise me. June is the younger sister and has a taste for fashion. She looks at me. “Thanks, dear. You look lovely too.”
I smile, looking down at my purple V-neck top and black leather leggings paired with heels.
“So, this weekend is the light festival in town. Are we all planning on going?” Mark asks as he comes into the room. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees Abigail’s outfit. “What are you wearing?” He turns to me. “What’s going on? Why are you three so dressed up?”
“Calm down, Mark,” June says. “Dr. Roberts is coming for dinner.”
“Oh, okay.” He heads to the fridge but stops again. “Wait.” He looks at Abigail. “But why are you so dressed up?”
“Oh, so close.” June laughs into her glass.
“Are you…? Is this…?” He shakes his head. “Are you dating the doc?”
“No,” she shoots back, “we’re just talking.” Poor Abigail can’t hide her smile.
“Am I the only one who doesn’t know?” He turns to me. “Does Cole know? Of course, he does.” He tosses his hands up. “I don’t know how I feel about this. I mean, I haven’t had time to think this through.” He sinks onto the stool, rubbing his head. “I mean, the doc’s a good man, but is he good enough?” He’s now talking to himself, and June rolls her eyes. The doorbell rings, and Mark quickly stands and fixes his shirt. “I’ll get it.”
“Be nice,” Abigail warns while June and I are holding onto the counter, laughing.
“That was quite possibly one of the funniest moments I’ve had yet,” I say, dropping my hands to my knees, trying to catch my breath.
“He’s so protective,” June says as she wipes the tears away. “It’s so sweet.”
“It is.” Abigail nods, downing her drink. “Okay.” She stands and runs her hands over the skirt of her dress. “Come on, ladies.”
“I need to finish up, so you go on. I’ll be there shortly,” I say, filling June’s glass before they head off toward the living room.
I set the timer and pop the potatoes in. When I stand back up, I feel a pair of hands wrap around my waist. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Cole says, resting his chin on my shoulder. “You look nice, and you smell like dessert.” I can tell he is stressed; he sounds tired.
“Are you okay?” I fold my arms over his, holding him closer to me.
“Not really,” he admits, “but we’ll get to all that later.” He kisses my shoulder. “I needed this.” He sighs and nuzzles my neck.
“Happy to help.” I lean back and give him a peck on the lips. “Doc’s here, and Mark is freaking out.” I laugh. “It was really funny when he found out why he’s here.”
“Ha, I bet.”
Cole grimaces when Derek’s voice booms through the house.
“What happened between you guys?”
He groans. “About five years ago, he was trying to be a hero and didn’t have my back when we were clearing a house. I nearly got my throat slashed by a Cartel member who had a knife tied to the end of his rifle.”
I gasp and cover my mouth.
“It wasn’t even what actually happened, it was how he was afterward—like we look out for ourselves instead of as a unit. That’s why he’ll never be in Blackstone. I don’t trust him.”
“I understand.”
Derek’s voice is getting closer, so I start to move, but Cole doesn’t let me go.
“Cole?”
“I’m not ready yet.”
I smile. “How about you hold me tonight?”
I feel his chest rise and fall heavily, then he kisses my shoulder again and steps back.
“Hey ya, Savi,” Derek says, entering the kitchen. “What’s for dinner?”
I turn to the fridge and pull out the chicken breasts. “Chicken stuffed with feta and roasted red peppers.”
“Mmm, sounds good.” He leans over to take a look.
“I should get these on the barbecue.” I reach for the dish, but Cole takes it and says he’ll do it.
“He’s in quite the mood,” Derek comments as he takes a seat at the island.
“Well, I can’t imagine you’d be happy having to deal with what he does in the course of a day.” I go to pour myself some wine, but his hand grabs the bottle before mine does.
“Allow me.” He smiles. “So, tell me something, Savi. Were you dating anyone before…” He pauses.
“No,” I answer truthfully. I know where this is going.
He shifts a little closer. “Well, I was thinking you should let me take you out. You know, like a date.”
And there it is…
“Oh, buddy, you’re so blind.” Keith laughs, stepping into the kitchen. Clearly, he heard my awkward moment.
Cole walks back in from outside and sets the dish on the counter. He looks at me, then Keith. I’m sure he’s wondering why the air in the room is so charged.
“So, what do you say? Friday, six o’clock?” Derek pushes on, not caring about our audience or the fact that it’s against house rules. Keith leans against the fridge and grins back and forth between me and Cole, loving every minute of the show.
“What’s going on?” Mark whispers as he joins Keith.
“Savi just got asked out on a date.”
I glare at both of them.
“Oh!” Mark’s face suddenly brightens. “Oh. Okay, continue.” He waves his hand like this is a live performance.
“There you are, Savi,” June says, coming to my side. “Come say hello to Dr. Roberts. You did, after all, invite him.”
“Sure,” I say, trying to smile. “Excuse me.” I want to throw my arms around June and thank her for getting me out of there when she did. She winks at me, and I guess she must have overheard too. I mouth ‘thank you’ and head for the doctor.
Cole keeps his word over dinner and doesn’t bring up work. He helps keep the topic light, even though I catch him and Mark exchanging looks. Dr. Roberts and Abigail are hitting it off nicely. June seems thrilled to see her older sister gushing over a man. Not that Abigail gushes, but she certainly is glowing.
“I can’t believe you did all this,” Dr. Roberts says, waving his hand around the room. “It’s stunning. You certainly have an eye for decorating.”
“Thank you.” I smile. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year.”
“I love that you love Christmas and it’s your favorite time of the year.” Keith laughs and picks up a cookie. “So good.”
“Is that cheesecake?” Mark asks, bloody well knowing it is. He leans to the side and takes it off the table behind him.
“I swear, you sit there just so you can be close to the desserts,” I say.
“I do.” Mark laughs and plops a huge piece of cheesecake on his plate.
The conversation picks up again, and we soon retire into the living room for drinks. Cole is speaking with Dr. Roberts and it looks serious, so I don’t go over.
“You never answered my question,” Derek says from behind me.
Shit. I turn and attempt to smile. “I’m actually seeing someone, but I’m flattered you asked me.”
“Sure.” He slips his hands in his pockets. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have asked if I knew.”
“It’s okay.”
“Can I have everyone’s attention? I have some information to share with all of you,” Cole calls out over the chatter. “Please gather around. I would like to get this over with.”
As we move toward Cole, Keith tugs on my arm so I sit next to him and June.
“Are we late?” Daniel asks, coming into the living room with Sue.
“No, you’re right on time.” Cole nods as they take a seat.
I notice he doesn’t give them his normal warm greeting. Sue seems a little off, but I pretend not to notice as we all gather, waiting for Cole to start.
“All right,” he says, as he put his hands on his hips. “At approximately seventeen hundred yesterday, Frank, along with Age
nt Bridges, left to transport York to Washington. Thirty minutes into the flight, York got hold of Agent Bridges’s gun, killing Bridges, and during the altercation, a stray bullet hit the pilot, wounding him.” He pauses as everyone starts whispering, then continues. “In the ensuing struggle, Frank shot York and killed him. I won’t share all the details, but the pilot was able to fly on to Washington. He’s okay, just going to have to use one wing for a while.” He seems to realize he almost made a joke and looks stricken.
“Poor Agent Bridges. Did he have a family?” Abigail asks quietly.
“A wife, but no children. She has been contacted,” Cole chokes out.
“Why?” I ask, unable to make sense of it all.
“York admitted to Frank that he had been selling certain information to the Cartel.” He looks directly down at me. “And to poisoning Savannah.”
I shake my head in disbelief.
“He swore he didn’t give up the location of the house, but he knew it was only a matter of time before they forced his hand, and he wanted out. Seems he got in over his head, thought he could be selective as to what he would tell them. He was wrong.”
“Frank is all right?” Mike asks from behind me.
“Yes.” Cole looks around the assembled group. “I’ve known York for ten years. I truly believe he didn’t give up the location of Shadows. He got greedy, but even his moral compass wouldn’t allow him to go that far.”
A few people start to get up, but Cole clears his throat. “One more thing.” He looks at me. “This morning, Blackstone got word that we are on standby.”
My heartrate drops. I know this means when they get word, they will have to leave almost immediately.
“Frank has confirmation of The American’s location. We have the green light to take him out, dead or alive.” Holy shit.
“Did Frank give you any indication of when you might leave?” his mother asks, holding onto his father’s arm.
Cole takes a drink. “It could be any time. We’re waiting to get a visual before we leave.” His eyes flicker over to mine again, but I break our connection. I feel too raw.
“For now, we keep on doing what we’re doing. I don’t believe the house is in any immediate danger. That’s all for now. I’ll keep you updated as we know more.”
It takes everyone a few moments to move. I, on the other hand, fly off the couch, needing some space. I make it to the kitchen before I hear him.
“Hey, hey, hey,” Cole reaches for my arm, “don’t run.”
“I’m not.” I close my eyes, hating that I just lied. “Okay, yeah, I was.”
He moves closer and slides his hand down my arm to lace our fingers together. He brings our hands up to his mouth, giving mine a kiss.
“Everything is going to work out.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because fate would not have brought you to me only to take you away.” He smiles and kisses my lips. “And now that I have someone to come back to, I’ll have to be extra careful.” He kisses me again.
I try to clear my head, remembering he could be leaving at any point. “Can you promise me something?”
His jaw twitches, but he nods.
“Promise me that whenever you get the call, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you’ll see me before you leave.” A tear slips down my cheek; he catches it with his finger.
He runs his hand along the back of my neck and kisses me with such passion I forget to breathe. He backs away. “Oh, God, baby, I promise.”
I nod as he reaches for a tissue for me. I dry my cheeks and take a deep breath.
“There you are,” Derek says. “I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine.” Please go away.
“You know what fine stands for, right?” he says with a grin.
“Freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional,” I reply. “I’m an Edward Norton fan.”
Derek throws his head back and laughs. “I heard you were funny, but you’re quick too. I like you.”
Cole, who is leaning against the island across from me, rubs his face with both hands. I know Derek is getting on his nerves with the flirting.
“So, who are you dating, anyway?” he asks boldly.
“Me,” Cole says, lowering his hands. My jaw drops, but I quickly recover.
“You?” Derek’s eyes widen. “You’re dating Savannah?”
“Yes.”
“Isn’t there some house policy?”
Cole glares at him. “My house, my rules, remember?”
“How convenient for you.” He snickers. “Nice that the boss is sticking his hand in the honey pot.”
“Weren’t you just trying to do the same, Derek?” I ask.
“Remember your rank, Agent Rent.” Cole stands and points at him. “We might live together under one roof, but you will still treat me as your superior.”
Derek shakes his head but clenches his jaw. “Yes, sir,” he says smartly as he turns and leaves the room.
“Cole,” I step close to him and grab his shirt, “take me to bed?”
He smiles down at me. “Sure, baby.”
Cole still seems annoyed when we get to his room.
I sit in the chair in front of his window and watch the snow fall, hit the window, and slowly melt, trickling down the glass in a hundred different paths.
Crash into Me by Dave Matthews Band flows through the room as the light dims. Cole moves in front of me, and my gaze drags lazily up his body. His dress shirt is open, tie removed, sleeves rolled up, hands tucked in his pockets. I feel my lips turn upward; this man is pure perfection.
He squats in front of me and grips the back of my calf, sliding his hand downward until he hits my ankle, where he gently removes my shoe. He repeats this for the other one.
I watch his stomach muscles flex as he moves about.
His dark eyes lock with mine and blaze as he hooks his arms under my legs and behind my back.
I wrap my arms around his neck as I am lifted into the air.
As he looks down at me with hooded eyes, his expression unreadable, he hesitates.
“Cole?”
His grip tightens right before he lays me gently on his bed. Peeling his shirt off and tossing it on the floor, he climbs over me. His lips find mine, and he slowly and softly swipes his tongue along the inside of my mouth.
“Let me love you the way you deserve.” He brushes my hair back from my face and tilts his head. “You are the most beautiful woman.” He kisses along my jaw, up to my ear, then stops as a long moan escapes him. “It’s like someone got inside my head, found my deepest desire, and created you.”
“Cole,” I whisper, feeling pure emotion take over, “no one has ever made me—”
His lips capture mine before I can finish. His hand travels down my side to unbuckle my pants. He pushes them down and chucks them over his shoulder.
I lean up and remove my sweater, desperate for his mouth back on me.
He whips his pants off in a flash, kissing my stomach. His hands travel up to my breasts, gently massaging them through my lace bra.
“You’re so soft,” he breathes between kisses, “so perfect.” His hot fingers release the clasp to expose my breasts to his hungry lips.
I drop my head back into the pillow as a shot of lust bursts through me.
Spreading my legs and settling in between them, he lines up and nudges forward. He flattens his chest to mine, his hand cupping my face, and stares down at me with such adoration. “It scares me how much I need you, Savannah.”
I hold my breath as his words hit me.
“I physically hurt when you’re not around to touch.”
I run my fingers along his jaw as he leans into me, closing his eyes.
“I’m right here, yours to touch whenever you want,” I reassure him.
He lets out a sweet breath as he slides his thick length into me, deliciously, painfully slowly. His eyes lock with mine, holding me captive until he’s fully in.
<
br /> I tune in to the sad voice of Sam Smith singing Not in That Way. My eyes close as my emotions play tug of war. My heart is incredibly invested in this man, tangled in a web of love that almost makes it difficult to breathe.
He is pouring out his feelings, opening his heart, and exposing his soul to me. All that is running through my mind is he’ll be leaving soon.
“Don’t, baby,” he murmurs over my cheek as he moves at a gentle pace. “Don’t go there now. I’ll come home.”
I press my lips together, letting a few tears leak out.
He kisses them away. “Stay with me, my sweet Savannah.”
My eyes flutter open.
“Fall with me. I promise I won’t let you go.”
All I can do is nod as he kisses me breathlessly.
The slow pace is making my head spin. A ball of fire grows quickly in my stomach. My legs are restless, so I wrap them around his waist, feeling his back muscles twitch, and my hands grip the sheets as he whispers my name.
“Cole!” I beg, knowing I’m so close.
He starts kissing along my collarbone.
The mix between his hard breaths and his hot lips tips me over the edge. I freefall into fireworks, losing my ability to think. I can only feel. I’m tumbling, spinning, twisting inside. I’m vaguely aware that I’m screaming something incoherent. Cole’s shaking and gripping my legs, driving deeper. It’s all too much, but I don’t want it to stop. Sweat bursts out along my skin, my hands hanging on for dear life as we reach the peak together, his body convulsing along with mine. I feel myself floating back to earth, like a feather taking its sweet time to land.
Sinking back into the mattress, I feel like I’ll never move again. Cole wipes the hair out of my face as he smiles down at me. At the same time, he slides out, and I flinch at the loss of him.
He gets a warm facecloth to clean me, then after chucking the cloth in the general direction of the bathroom, he crawls back in, making the bed dip. He tugs my limp body into his chest and runs his fingers up and down my spine.
I close my eyes and give in to the utopia rushing through my veins. Being in Cole’s arms has never felt more right. He owns every part of me. Just as I’m walking the thin line to blissful sleep, I feel Cole’s chest vibrate against my cheek.