Page 45 of Master Cole

Janie did have a point that the storm was out of the ordinary for them, but he still worried. It was his job to take care of her. His head snapped up. Yes, it was his job; not out of a promise or duty, but because he wanted to. However, he had backed down on the new car for now.

After stripping off his clothes, Cole slipped between the cool sheets, put his hands behind his head, and stared at the ceiling in the darkness. He was protecting Janie because he couldn’t do anything less. She was important to him.

But how important? He wasn’t ready to face his emotions about their relationship, because, damn it, they were having a relationship. Maybe once Alicia moved out, he could try to see how things would work with Janie.

His heart stuttered. Did he dare allow himself to do more than just teach Janie? He didn’t know, but maybe he needed to allow himself to find out. Could he do that? It was a struggle for him not to want to protect Janie from all harm.

There had to be a middle ground somewhere. There was a way they could have a relationship without his ultra protective side coming out and demanding her compliance. He only had to find it.

Janie satdown at the kitchen table and rubbed her forehead.

“Headache?” Alicia asked, sitting down with a mug of coffee.

“Yeah.” Janie sipped her own coffee. “So, what’s on your agenda today?” Janie had been dropping Alicia off at the work center every day for the past week.

“Well, I have a job interview tonight, so I won’t be coming home with you.”

“Really, with who? This is the first I’ve heard about this.”

“Only because I just got the call before I came down to breakfast.” Alicia stared at her. “What’s going on, Janie?”

“Nothing. Just a headache that won’t quit.” Janie wasn’t happy with herself for not telling her friend the truth, but there were some things she couldn’t share just yet. She missed being with Cole. Whether it was for play, to cuddle, or, hell, just being in the same room watching TV. But Cole had taken to leaving her and Alicia alone.

“Okay. So it’s an interview with one of the private schools. I don’t want to say which one until after I talk with them.”

“Are you sure you want to work in that environment?” Janie stood up and poured herself another cup of coffee. Hopefully the caffeine would help her headache. “You’re not big on rules.” Alicia held a degree for teaching elementary and middle school English and health. Her friend was well rounded.

“That’s the only reason I’m doing the interview, because I need to test the waters. I haven’t had very many nibbles since I got here.”

“It’s only been three weeks.”

“I feel like I’m cramping your ... umm ... life.”

“What?” Janie frowned at her friend as she sat down.

Alicia glanced over her shoulder at the kitchen door, then scooted closer to Janie. “You know.” Her voice was low. “You and Cole.”

“Seriously.” She waved her hand in the air. One evening, a couple days after Alicia had arrived, Janie had confronted Cole. She’d had her necklace on. Cole told her in no uncertain terms they would not play while Alicia was in the house. He was the one who made the decisions about their play time, and she’d agreed to it.

She’d rolled her eyes, then, on tiptoes, kissed him. Cole had remained passive while she kissed him, causing anger and frustration to well up in her. But, in a way, she understood his reluctance. For all her frustration she wasn’t sure she could relax enough to enjoy a play session with Alicia in the house. He was doing it out of respect and courtesy while Alicia was staying with them.

“No worries,” Janie told her friend.

“But—”

“Good morning, ladies,” Cole said, as he walked into the kitchen.

Janie almost spit out her coffee. Cole was dressed in a three-piece navy suit that fitted him to a T. Not that Cole didn’t dress well to go to work, but this was a little bit different.

“Hubba, hubba,” Alicia said with a grin on her face.

Cole smiled back. “I’m going straight to court this morning.” He poured coffee into his travel mug. “Janie, your turn to cook tonight. I’ll be home at six. You both have a good day.” And with that he strode out of the kitchen.

The front door closed with a heavy thud, finally releasing Janie from her stupor. “Oh, my God, how did I not jump his bones the second he walked through that door?”

Alicia burst out laughing. “Honey, I don’t know, but I believe he wanted to have his wicked way with you, too.”

Janie shook her head. “Dang, what am I going to cook?”

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