Page 28 of Stealing Home

Cole grabs four bottles of water and a two liter bottle of soda. He’s crafty because I see him put a water bottle in each pocket of his sweats, so it’s easier to carry the soda.

“Ty, why don’t you lead the way since you’re closest to the door?” he suggests.

Ty nods before turning to open the door that is a few feet from him. Heather follows him and then I’m following her, with Cole behind me.It’s like a conga line.Well, now he’ll get to see the back of my shirt. Following Heather into the movie room where Ty has already put the lights on, which allows me to realize why Heather was grinning so big. Cole has a large sectional that spans the width of the room. The room isn’t huge, so neither is this couch. It has two seats that are in the middle and the chaise portion is wider than normal and can fit two people on both ends. Heather is sneaky. One of these days, I’m going to figure out how to get her back. I know she means well and I love her even more for that.

“What are we watching?” Heather asks.

“We have all the streaming platforms to choose from so pretty much whatever you want.” Cole says.

“Let’s watch the latestAvengersmovie. I haven’t seen it yet. Or is it too long for you guys?” Heather responds.

“It’s only 6:30. I think we’re good. Ty? I know with being a little older that your bedtime might be before ours?” Cole asks Ty.

“Fuck you, asshole. That’s fine.” Ty laughs.

“Sounds good.” Cole tells us.

With that, Cole switches between apps to find the movie. We all grab slices of pizza and, of course, Heather and Ty go to sit on one end with a chaise while Cole stretches out on the other. Deciding sit on the cushion that’s next to Cole because I don’t want to feel like a third wheel if I’m too close to the lovebirds.

About half an hour into the movie, Cole pauses it. I look over at him, asking what’s up with my facial expression, and he lifts his hand up and gives me the sign for one moment.

“Potty and trash break.” He answers my unspoken question.

Ah, that makes sense. He gets up and grabs my plate to place on his. This causes me to a breath because he’s even closer to me now and casts a shiver through my body as his scent hits me. His scent has notes of sandalwood, the ocean, spices, and the woods.

“Are you cold?” he asks me.

“A little.” I say, but it’s not the temperature. It’s the proximity of him.

“While I love finally seeing my number on you, I have to ask Sweatshirt or blanket?”

Shit, now I have to pick one.

“Sweatshirt please, if you don’t mind.” I choose.

A sweatshirt can’t cover us both or insinuate anything other than watching a movie with friends.

My thoughts are running wild thinking about how today felt in the pool. Anytime Cole touched me I felt this zing of energy run through my body. Cole affects me more that I’m willing to admit at the moment out loud.

Cole and Ty must have left to go upstairs because Heather comes to sit next to me.

“You think you are so slick, missy?” I say to Heather with a hint of attitude while pointing at her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, lady.” Heather denies.

“I’m sure you don’t.” I retort with sarcasm.

“I really just wanted to watch a movie on the movie screen.” She at least tries to convince me.

“It had nothing to do with the setup of what we had to sit on to watch the gigantic movie screen?” I ask with a pointed look.

“I honestly forgot about the couch. I’m sorry.” She says coyly.

“Mmmhhhmmm. It’s all good. Are you excited that Ty’s home for six days?”

“Yeah, it’ll be nice to have some time with him. I treasure the time we have when the season is here. Oh that reminds me. I’m thinking of flying out for the last game of their upcoming road trip. Any interest in coming with me? We can have a sleepover in a nice hotel room.” She says with her eyes full of hope.

“Where is it?”

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