Page 60 of Master Cole

“Yes.” Janie’s voice was husky. “We set a place for you.”

“Great.” Cole went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. He moved his chair closer to Janie’s before sitting down.

Janie shifted in her seat but didn’t move away from him. Progress? Maybe. He grabbed a piece of pizza and took a bite, enjoying the taste of melted cheese. “So how did the apartment hunting go?”

“I found a place.” Alicia practically bounced out of her seat. “I get the keys tomorrow. So Janie and I are going to be up early so we can go shopping.”

Cole turned his head to see Janie nodding. “Yes, since all she has is what she came here with, we’re going to have lots of fun.”

“Furnishing even an apartment can be expensive.” He paused. “If you don’t mind my butting in, do you need help with money, Alicia?” He knew she’d had a job in Mexico as a volunteer, but outside of that he didn’t know much about her job here or how much money Alicia had.

“Thanks for the offer, Cole, but I’m good. I have a very nice savings account that has been building up since I was ten.” Alicia pushed her plate away. “During most of my jobs I haven’t had to buy much beyond basics, so I’ve saved up a lot.”

He nodded. “Okay, the offer stays open if you need it.”

“Excuse me.” Janie pushed back from the table, slipped from her chair, and left the kitchen. She’d left a half-eaten piece of pizza on her plate.

“Janie,” Cole called as he stood up.

“Let her go, Cole,” Alicia said quietly.

He turned his head and stared at Alicia. “Do you know what’s going on?”

“No.” Alicia stood and carried her plate and Janie’s to the sink. “But I know she’s tired and edgy.”

“I only want to help her.” Cole rubbed the back of his neck.

“I know.” Alicia stood in front of him. “Give her a little bit of time, but you two need to work this out.”

“Tell me about it,” he muttered as Alicia left the room. Maybe he needed to let Janie go. He couldn’t give her the relationship she seemed to want. He wouldn't risk hurting her or losing her like he had lost his sister. Protecting her, even from himself, was the only thing he could do.

Janie helpedAlicia unload the bags from their shopping trip. They’d left the house early, and the first stop was for furniture. Thankfully, the bed could be delivered today and everything else tomorrow.

“You’ve been pretty quiet today, actually all week, want to talk about it?” Alicia folded the towels and put them into the small linen closet.

“I would, but,” Janie answered, waving her hand in the air, “it’s not like we have a place to sit down and have a girl talk.”

Alicia laughed. “True, but I think you need to talk.” A knock interrupted her.

“Delivery first, then we’ll talk.”

Luckily it was the bed. The deliverymen brought it in, put it together, and then placed the box spring and mattress on the frame. Janie and Alicia made short work of making the bed.

Alicia patted the mattress. “Come, talk to me.”

Janie lowered herself onto the bed. “I’m in love with Cole.”

“Well, that’s not news.” Alicia threw a pillow at her.

“True.” She caught the pillow and hugged it to her. “But Cole can’t love me.”

Alicia frowned at her. “That man worships the ground you walk on.”

“He’s good to me. I know we haven’t talked much this week with both of us being busy, but after the club last week ... I realize Cole can’t give me what I want.”

“And what is that?”

“The deep-seated love I saw couples sharing at the club. I want that true power exchange where we’re so attuned to each other it takes us to another level.” Her hand fluttered to her neck, but her necklace wasn’t there. She hadn’t put it on since last Saturday. Sadness filled her.

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