Page 29 of Tinsel & Tools
I took a slow drink, buying myself a second. “Caught my wife with her boss.”
His brows lifted slightly, though he didn’t look away. “Oh shit.”
“Boston wasn’t for me anymore, and it made more sense to come back.”
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
“Don’t be. It’s done.”
“You know, I don’t remember the last time I sat like this, with a fire going and snow falling outside. Kind of feels like something out of a book.”
I arched a brow. “One of yours?”
“Yeah, I’ve written a scene like this before,” he said, grinning.
“Guess I’ll take the credit in the next one. Hot water, cold beer, and a little inspiration.”
“Inspiration, huh?” His eyes lingered on mine a beat longer than before. “Careful, Cole. You’re starting to sound like you want to end up in my story.”
I smirked and tipped my bottle toward him. “Only if you make me look good.”
He laughed, then set his empty bottle on the table and glanced toward the kitchen. “Think I could get another one of those?”
“Yeah.” I pushed up from the couch. “Come on.”
He followed, carrying his empty bottle. I opened the fridge, leaned in, and grabbed two more. When I turned, we almost collided.
“Sorry,” he murmured, stepping aside.
“You’re fine.” I handed him the bottle, my fingers brushing his as he took it.
The space between us closed before I realized it, his shoulder brushing mine and lingering there, a simple touch that shouldn’t have meant anything but sent a jolt through me I couldn’t explain.
I told myself I should step back, laugh it off, give him space. I didn’t. Heat climbed my neck as I met his eyes and my pulse jumped.
When he leaned in, my thoughts scattered. I’d never once pictured myself kissing a man, not until that very moment. But it had been a long time since I’d kissed anyone, and even longer since I’d gotten off with someone instead of by myself. Maybe that was why I didn’t turn away.
His mouth found mine, sure and warm and real, and shock held me still. My first thought should’ve been to pull back, to tell him he’d gotten it wrong, but instead I let myself sink into it, kissing him back before I could think twice.
12
Gavin
I hadn’t expected Cole to kiss me back. Hell, I hadn’t expected him to let me get that close to him. But the second our mouths touched, I allowed myself to fully experience the moment and not stop unless he pulled away.
When we finally broke apart, his breath was ragged. “Shit.” He raked a hand through his light brown hair. “I don’t know why I did that.”
My lips tingled, but I tried to play it cool even though my pulse was thumping. “Maybe because you wanted to?”
“I’ve never kissed a guy before.”
I smirked. “Lucky for you, I’ve only kissed guys.”
He shook his head. “It’s been a long time since I’ve kissed anyone.”
That caught my attention. “How long has it been?”
He closed his eyes and let out a breath. “Since before the divorce. Almost two years ago.”
