Page 17 of Chasin' Cole

"I did," he groans.

We watch as Georgia and Ryan exchange pleasantries. They're the town's biggest gossips. If anyone wants to know something, they just have to ask Georgia or Ryan.

"He'll spot us if he looks this way," I inform Cole. "Ryan's got eyes like a hawk."

"Like a hawk?" Cole chuckles.

"Is there something that can see better than a hawk?" I challenge.

"Actually," Cole grins, "there is. Mantis shrimp."

"What?" I ask in disbelief.

"Shrimp. Found in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. They're colorful little critters who have 11 or 12 color receptors. I can't remember exactly. Humans only have three," he explains.

I shake my head back and forth. "Did you learn this while filmin'?"

Cole smirks. "No. I read sometimes."

"Of course," I hitch a shoulder. "When you're not gallivantin' through the Rocky Mountains, you are reading."

"Someone has to, Rose," he winks at me. "How else would you know there's a creature who can see better than a hawk?"

"That's debatable," I retort. "I've never heard of mantis shrimp before. I will have to do my research. Make sure you're not tellin' stories."

"Should we bet?"

I thread my fingers with Cole's. "No. I don't bet."

"Only on horses?"

"Only on horses," I smirk.

The lights dim in the theatre as Cole's arm snakes around my shoulders. We watch the screen as I hold the popcorn in my lap and stare straight ahead.

Well, I stare straight ahead until movement catches my eye. A tall figure and his blond companion. I know them.

I nudge Cole with my elbow and point.Under his breath, I hear him curse.

"What do we do?" I whisper.

"Stay very still," he instructs quietly as Brock and Lacey climb the stairs in search of a seat.

"Why are they here? Don't they have a child they should be home takin' care of?" I frown.

"I'm sure Annabeth is with Della Ray," Cole assures me. "I knew Brock wanted to see this movie, but I didn't think he'd go to a midnight showing."

"Typical Brock," I cross my arms over my chest. "Ruinin' everythin'."

I suck in a harsh breath as Brock and Lacey get closer. My heart pounds in my ears when they sit right in front of us.

Right. In. Front. Of. Us.

Cole's lips find my ear. "Just breathe, Rose. We'll sneak out early so they don't see us."

"We have to stay?" I mouth to him.

He nods his head. "We're staying put. I've been dying go see this movie."

---