Page 80 of The Truth of Loving You

“No. I give you a part of myself to help you with your need to shut your brain off, and in return, you give me a part of yourself, so I can feel in control. We have symbiotic needs. We’re lucky like that.” He squeezed me tighter. “It’s your heart I love. Your strength, sense of humor, and your big ole,” he paused, and I elbowed him, “brain. What did you think I’d say? Your cock? Don’t worry, Pretty Boy, it’s big, and I love it too.”

“I love you,” I blurted out in horror and relief. “I wanted to say it better than this.” I waved my arm at the cemetery. “But I’m so in love with you, it scares me into wanting to run and hide.”

I shouldn’t have doubted him. I was afraid my pain and issues might overwhelm him, and he’d have to walk away. I turned in Cole’s lap to straddle him. His face was lit with a thousand suns.

“Oh, Pretty Boy, I love you. I will follow you or chase you to the ends of the earth. Whichever you need.”

Our lips met in a frenzied passion.

I could kiss this man until the end of time. But I pulled back. “Are we going to be okay?”

“I’m taking you home now, so you can be in my bed tonight. You’re mine, Shane Reynolds, and I’m not letting you run or hide anymore—you’re stuck with me.”

I held his face in both my hands for one more kiss or five more or a hundred more kisses. For the first time in forever, hope didn’t hurt. I believed Cole.

Chapter forty-three

Cole

IstoodinShane’sdoorway and watched his fingers fly over his keyboard while I vowed to give him everything his family had not.

“Brought you dinner,” I said, holding up the bag as I crossed his office.

His wild-eyed terror was not the reaction I was expecting.

He’d been working like a fiend with vague promises that once his project was complete, it’d be over. He came home to me every night, but I was worried about him. He said for confidentiality reasons he couldn’t discuss it, which I understood. But my priority was him.

A barrier had been lifted after Shane told me about Shep. He started to trust my love for him. I hated his parents but also felt sorry for them. In their grief, they’d lost both sons. One in a tragic hit and run, and one they forced away. They missed out on being a part of Shane’s life. My pretty boy had just wanted his parents’ love and attention, not their pain and anger.

“Shit,” He cursed, fingers pausing. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” He resumed his frantic typing. “Cole,” he kept his voice low, “shit is about to go down. I never wanted you involved in this but you’re here. I need you to trust me.” His soulful brown eyes begged me for an instant, then focused on the computer screen. “No matter what I say, I love you. I need you to keep whoever comes into this office in here for a minimum of five minutes. They can’t leave or use their phone. Use your charm, pick a fight, or even bodily restrain them. Do you understand me?” His voice was commanding in a way he’d never used with me.

I wanted to ask more questions, but my father burst through the door. “Shane, my boy, what are you working on so late? Go home, enjoy the night with...” My father saw me, and his jovial facade collapsed. He’d tried to sound casual, but his perfectly pressed tie was askew. My father was...worried? Upset? Furious? “Cole, you are not allowed in the building. What are you doing here?” He turned to face Shane. “Did you let him in here?”

Shane never paused his typing. “You know my tattoo artist?”

This was not how I expected our night to go, but I trusted Shane completely.

“I’m calling security.” My father reached for his phone and Shane coughed.

I grabbed his phone, and his surprise allowed me to toss it behind Shane’s desk. “Why am I not allowed in this building? What do you think I’m going to do?”

“You ungrateful son of a bitch! You dare come here and question me as if you don’t break in and distract everyone.” My father straightened to his full height, and I hadn’t realized how much bigger I was than him.

“I’m not bothering anyone but you,” I countered.

I’d fight with my father forever if Shane needed it.

“Him, you’re disturbing him.”

“You just told him to go home.”

“Shane, stop what you’re doing. Right now,” my father bellowed, but Shane didn’t comply.

My impeccable father’s usual slicked-back hair stuck out on the sides. He looked unhinged.

“I’m surprised you aren’t trying to reward him for all his hard work. You love a company guy who puts in the extra hours like Pax,” I taunted him, afraid he’d try to physically stop Shane.

“What do you know?” my father demanded. “I know you sold Paxton’s stock a couple of weeks ago. Did he tell you to do it?” He pointed an accusatory finger at Shane.

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