Page 127 of Read Me (Forget the Past 2)

“You can grab a towel from here.” Cole has a small closet open across the way from the bathroom, and he’s pulling out sheets and a pillow. He shows Jamie the spare bedroom next, dropping his armload on the bed, then heads to the kitchen. “Eat whatever you want.”

Jamie stands with his arms crossed over his chest. Not defensively. More like he’s trying to hold the edges of himself together.

I can’t even imagine the emotional turmoil swirling through him right now.

“Thank you,” he mutters. There’s a thick quality to his voice. I can bet that one of the last things he wants to do is cry in front of Cole. I can also bet he won’t have much choice in the matter if we hover here another minute.

“Pizza!” I announce, and both guys turn to look at me. Good. “I’m going to order pizza for us. Why don’t you hop in the shower Jamie, and Cole can lend you some pajamas?” When I lend a pleading gaze to Cole, he doesn’t even hesitate before nodding.

“Yeah. I’ve got plenty.”

“You don’t have to—” the teenager starts, but I’ve already grabbed Cole’s hand to pull him toward the front of the house.

“It’s no bother! Cole loves sharing.” When we’re in Cole’s bedroom, I shut the door, then press my ear to it. A minute passes, then I hear footsteps, the bathroom door shutting, and a moment later, the water turns on.

Thank the universe.

That’s when I turn to Cole, find him rooting through drawers while Smaug meows at him from the top of the dresser.

“Hope he likes black,” the man mutters, pulling out a black T-shirt and a pair of black basketball shorts.

Words fail me. All I can do is cross the room and wrap my arms around his waist. I try to pour all my gratefulness into the embrace.

Cole turns in my arms, then holds me close.

That’s when the tears come.

Maybe I was equally worried about Jamie seeing me sobbing.

A warm hand strokes my hair, calming me. When I have my unsteady breathing under control, I tilt my head up to meet his eyes.

“You’re kind of amazing, you know?”

Cole grimaces before cupping the back of my head, holding me still as he leans in for a kiss.

“Just trying to impress you.” He whispers the words against my mouth. I’m not sure how true they are, but I figure a guy who’s willing to help out a stranded teen to impress a girl is still amazing.

But I also pick up on his discomfort with the praise, and moving us back to safe territory, I ask, “What toppings do you want on the pizza?”

Cole shrugs then gives me a teasing smirk.

“Hawaiian.” His fingers lightly trace over a ticklish spot on my neck that has me shivering.

“Hah. Yeah right.” I curl my hands in his shirt, staring up at him with a fierce gaze. “I will murder any pineapple that tries to come near you, Cole Allemand. Nothing is allowed to hurt you, you wonderful man.”

Chapter Forty-Two

COLE

As I stand in front of my librarian’s door, I try to angle the plant in my arms so Summer sees its best side first. Normally, guys bring flowers to a date. I could’ve done that. But they’d be dead in a week. Why would I want to give Summer something that’s going to die?

The door flings open, revealing my beautiful, grinning girlfriend. She has on some high-waisted shorts and a top that looks frilly and white, reminding me of a cloud. Her maple hair sits on the top of her head in a tight bun, revealing a delicious amount of neck.

“Welcome to date night— Cole!” She squeals my name as I press a hot, open mouthed kiss against the skin right under her jaw.

But it’s her fault for tempting me.

Summer steps back, laughing and pulling me with her, one of her hands fisting in my short-sleeved button-up shirt.

---