Page 9 of Falling for Cocky Cole
The thought of someone walking in—of her parents returning early—is what finally breaks through the haze of desire. That, and the memory that I'm here to change her mind about me, not confirm every bad thing she's heard. I'm here to show her I'm more than just the town playboy.
With every ounce of willpower I possess, I break the kiss. We're both breathing hard, her cheeks flushed pink, her blue eyes dark with wanting. I reach up and tuck a strand of golden hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering against the soft skin of her cheek.
"Are you okay?" I ask softly.
She shakes her head slightly. "No. I'm disoriented." Her voice is breathy, unfamiliar. "It's your fault."
"I'm sorry," I say, though we both know I'm not.
"What do you want from me, Cole?" The question holds no accusation, just genuine confusion.
I take a small step back, needing the distance to think clearly. "I want a chance to prove I'm not who everyone thinks I am. That I'm just as worthy as my brothers."
Her eyebrows draw together. "It's not the right time. I—" She hesitates, looking down. "I ended a serious relationship in Portland just a few months ago. I'm not ready for anything real yet."
The admission surprises me, though it probably shouldn't. "Is that why you're home? I thought you didn’t like your job over there."
She nods. "That too. And guess what? My ex was also my boss.” She lets out a bitter laugh.
I raise an eyebrow. "No wonder."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Her eyes narrow slightly.
"Nothing," I say quickly. "It just makes more sense now."
I keep to myself what I'm really thinking—that it explains the change in her. The Ivy Walker I knew growing up had fire in her eyes and a ready comeback for everything. This Ivy still has the fire, but it's banked, controlled. Like she's learned to hold back, to protect herself. I want to ask what this ex did to her, want to drive to Portland and find the guy who made her doubt herself, but I know it's not my place. Not yet, anyway.
"I'm not asking for anything serious," I tell her, though it's only half-true. "I just want to keep seeing you. We could be friends with benefits, if that's what you want."
The term feels wrong in my mouth, inadequate for what I'm actually feeling, but I'll take what I can get. If "friends with benefits" is the door that lets me into her life, I'll walk through it and worry about upgrading my status later.
She's considering my words, her teeth worrying at her bottom lip in a way that makes me want to kiss her again, when a voice breaks into our bubble.
"Excuse me? Are you still open?"
We jump apart like guilty teenagers. A middle-aged woman stands at the entrance to the tent, looking between us curiously. Behind her, a man who must be her husband peers at the apple display.
"Yes, of course," Ivy says, her professional demeanor sliding back into place with impressive speed. "How can I help you?"
As they discuss apple varieties, I step back, watching Ivy work. She's good at this—knowledgeable about the products, warm with customers, efficient in her movements. I can imagine her in her Portland design job, impressing clients with that same blend of competence and charm.
After they decide on Honeycrisps and two jars of cider, I help Ivy bag their purchases. Once they're gone, I know it's time for me to leave too. Her parents will be back soon, and I've pushed my luck far enough for one day.
"I should head back to Carter Ridge," I say, gathering the bags of groceries I bought earlier.
She nods, not quite meeting my eyes. "Probably a good idea."
I step close one more time, not touching her but near enough that she has to look up at me. "Ivy."
"Yes?"
"This wasn't a one-night stand." I hold her gaze, needing her to hear the truth in my voice. "And it's not over between us."
Something flickers in her eyes—fear, desire, hope? I can't tell. But she doesn't contradict me, and that's enough for now.
I head straight to my Jeep, tossing the bags onto the passenger seat. As I drive the familiar road back to Carter Ridge, my mindraces faster than the speedometer. I'm more determined than ever to win Ivy Walker's heart, to prove I'm not the man her mother warned her about.
I wasn't entirely honest with her back there. I don't just want to be "friends with benefits." I want to make her mine. I want to keep her from leaving Silvercreek again, from going back to Portland or anywhere else that's not within my reach.
