Page 49 of Master Cole

“I thought I’d hurt you.” His voice was soft. “I would never hurt you, Janie.”

“I know that.” She hated the fear in his voice. “I would have said my safeword if I needed it. I promise you that, Cole.”

They sat in silence for a few more minutes. “So, Sir, what is next?”

His blue eyes lit up.

“Hey, Janie, I’m home,” Alicia called.

Cole stiffened. Damn, Alicia had the worst timing.

“Go run upstairs and get dressed, I’ll distract Alicia.”

“But ... ”

“No, Janie.” He placed his fingers over her lips. “I won’t risk someone looking down on you because of what we do together.”

“Alicia knows and she doesn’t judge us.”

“Go.” He stood and set her on her feet.

Janie opened her mouth to argue, but Cole had already gathered up his shirt and was slipping it on. His entire body was tense as he walked out the door.

She sighed as she shut off the lights and closed the door behind her. Maybe one day she’d get Cole to open up about why he seemed so intent on protecting her. Why he was overcautious.

“This is heaven,”Alicia said on Saturday.

“It is.” Janie stared at the clear blue sky as she lay on the lounger by the pool. Lord, she was tired. The week had been a killer at work, and then after her interrupted play session with Cole her need for him had grown.

“Okay, ladies. Here’s some ice tea, along with chips and dip. Lunch will be ready in an hour, so don’t fill up on the chips.”

“You’re the best.” Janie smiled at Cole. While she wanted to be angry with him, she wasn’t. But she did detail in her journal how frustrated she was he wouldn’t play with her and how she needed it.

“Just be careful in the sun.” He dropped a tube of sunscreen on the table. “Use it,” he said before sauntering back inside.

“Damn, that man is fine,” Alicia said, her gaze following Cole.

“Don’t I know it.” She loved his tight ass in those swim trunks.

“So, since we haven’t had a chance to talk, did you and Cole have a chance to play when I was out the other night?”

Janie looked at her friend. Her eyes were alight with mischief. “Alicia, you did have a job interview, right?”

“Yeah, but I was hoping to give you and Cole more time alone since he seems to be a little inhibited when I’m around.”

“Yep.” Janie glanced over her shoulder. The patio door was closed. “Cole is afraid you’ll think there is something wrong with us.”

“Oh, my goodness.” Alicia started to laugh. “Hell, I’m the one who taught you most of what you know.”

“I know, but Cole is super protective.” Janie took a sip of her ice tea.

“No kidding. But seriously, that man is totally devoted to you.”

“You’re reading him wrong.”

“Open your eyes, Janie.” Alicia sat up. “If he’s up before you, he makes sure to cook breakfast for you. At the very least he makes sure you eat before you leave in the mornings. Most nights he makes sure dinner is ready when you get home. He’s had someone check your car out bumper to bumper.”

Janie closed her eyes; what Alicia said was true, but she’d thought about this a lot over the last few days. “I think Cole believes he needs to protect me—even from himself.”

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