Page 100 of Cole

At his apartment, even though it was late, Cole went through the motions of his post-travel routine mechanically. Unpacking his bag, sorting laundry, checking mail. But his mind remained fixed on the upcoming conversation with Annie.

He picked up his phone several times, tempted to call her despite the late hour. Each time, he set it down again. This wasn’t a conversation to have when he was exhausted.

Instead, he opened his laptop and continued his research. By the time exhaustion finally overtook him around 3 AM, Cole had compiled a comprehensive security proposal and drafted an email to his agent about potential legal options if Duncan Burke tried to interfere with his career.

Morning came too quickly, sunlight streaming through the blinds Cole had forgotten to close. He blinked awake, disoriented for a moment before remembering—Annie. Their conversation. The possibility of a future together.

He reached for his phone, checking the time: 10:37 AM. Later than he usually slept, but understandable given how late he’d been up. There was a text from Annie sent an hour ago.

Annie:Good morning. Let me know when you’re free to talk.

Cole sat up, running a hand through his hair. Despite his exhaustion, energy thrummed through him. He typed back:Just woke up. Give me an hour to get myself together?

Annie:Perfect. Video call at 11?

Yes. Looking forward to seeing you.

Cole showered quickly, the warm water washing away some of the fatigue still clinging to him. As he dressed, he found himself choosing his clothes with unusual care—a navy button-down shirt that Annie had once said brought out his eyes. He caught himself and laughed softly. Since when did Cole Halverson primp for a video call?

Since Annie, a voice in his head answered.

He made coffee and toast, scrolling through his notes from the night before. The security proposal looked solid in the light of day, but would it be enough to convince Duncan Burke? And more importantly, would Annie agree to it?

At exactly 11 AM, his phone lit up with Annie’s call. Cole’s pulse jumped as he answered, suddenly nervous.

“Hi,” she said, her face filling his screen. She looked beautiful, if tired—slight shadows under her eyes, her blonde hair pulled back in a simple ponytail.

“Hi,” he replied, drinking in the sight of her. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too.” Her smile was tentative, cautious. “How was the flight home?”

“Long. I couldn’t sleep.” Cole shifted on his couch, angling the phone so the light from the window didn’t wash him out. “Annie, I neverwantedto end things. You have to know that.”

“I do know.” Her voice was steady, but he could see the hurt in her eyes. “I know my dad had you over a barrel. I felt like he had me over one too.”

He stared at her for a long moment, not even realizing what he was doing until she said, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing now,” he said, giving her a smile. “I’ve just missed you.”

Annie smiled back at him. “I’ve missed you too. So much.”

Seeing her again and being able to talk to her, something settled inside him. He would have loved to be able to take her into his arms and just hold her tight. But they had other things to deal with first, and being physically close would just be a distraction from what they needed to discuss.

They may be on the same page of wanting to work things out, but Duncan Burke cast a dark shadow over everything. Hopefully, they’d find a way to be together without angering Annie’s powerful father.

He took a deep breath and let it out. This was for love. This was for his future. This was for them.

“I have a plan,” he said, lifting the notebook he’d been making notes in.

Annie’s eyes widened, then her smile grew, lighting up her face. “I like a man with a plan.”

Cole’s heart warmed. “Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

“So tell me, what’s in this plan of yours?”

“It’s not perfect,” Cole warned, setting the notebook on his lap. “But I’ve been thinking about what your father’s primary concern is—your safety—and how we might address it directly.”

Annie leaned closer to the screen, her expression serious but hopeful. “I’m listening.”

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