Page 13 of Wildfire
She shifts in her seat and starts pushing food around her plate.
"I'm guessing that's a no."
Her lips are set in a thin line, and she shakes her head. Her eyes are fixed on the plate.
"Hey, we don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"You haven't told me yet what I can do to repay you for giving me a place to stay. Your house is clean as a whistle, so is there something else?"
"Don't worry about it."
"Cole, I can't just stay here. Nobody does that. Nobody lets you stay with them for a few weeks without some kind of payment."
"Maybe I'm not nobody. Maybe I'm different."
Her eyes flicker toward mine, and when she looks at me, it's like the sun is rising on a new day.
I'm so screwed.
"I don't think people are that different. I think the basic current that runs through us all is that we want things from each other. Nobody does something for nothing."
"Okay, maybe it isn't for nothing. Maybe having you here is a good reminder of…"
"Of what?"
"You know what? I almost forgot I needed to make a phone call."
I shoot out of the seat with my glass and plate in hand and leave her outside while I place it in the sink and grab my phone. I don't need to call anyone, but I need to get away from her. From how my mind spins when I'm around her.
"I'll do the dishes while you make your call." She comes inside with everything I left out there, and I give her a quick smile, step out the door, and walk down to the dock.
I decide to call Seth to talk about work. I don't want to feel like a liar, but I also don't know what to do with what's being stirred up in my body.
Chapter Eight: Renée
I woke up this morning and saw that Cole had sent me a text asking me to let him know when I was out of bed. I shoot off a quick text back and then hop in the shower. When I get out, another text says breakfast awaits me.
I scramble downstairs and find him in his uniform. His shirt fits him as if tailored to wrap his muscled arms and chest. Looking away isn't easy, but I am famished. On the small dining table is a pot of brewed tea and the breakfast I ordered at the restaurant the day before. I dive into the food like I hadn't eaten a big steak the night before. I don't know if it's the stress of leaving my family or the car, but I had some bad dreams, and I feel like my body is running on fumes.
"How was your first night of sleep?"
"Not great."
His face screws up in concern.
"It's not because of the apartment. That was great. The bed is super comfortable."
He leans against the counter with his brow furrowed and his arms crossed. I can't help but notice the sinewy strength of his arms again as he stands there waiting for me to tell him what is wrong.
"I had nightmares. Just stress, I think."
"Anything I can do to help?"
"You've done more than enough."
"I packed you a lunch. It's in the truck cab."
I feel the apples of my cheeks heat as a broad smile spreads over my face. "Your mom told me not to bring lunch. Said she was going to make something for both of us."
