Part 6 (1/2)
”About ten minutes now. Usually Cole serves her right off, so I didn't know...”
His words dwindled off as Cole climbed over the bar instead of going around it, sending several customers jumping out of his way, awkwardly s.n.a.t.c.hing up their drinks so they wouldn't get spilled. Cole's stride was long and forceful, his gaze focused on his approach to Sophie's table. With each step he took, his pulse pounded in his ears until he almostcouldn't hear. When he reached her, she looked up and he saw her eyes were puffy. G.o.d, had she been crying? He searched her face; words, explanations, all jumbled in his mind so that hecouldn't get a single coherent thought out.Finally he just leaned down and kissed her.Hard.Possessively. He kept one hand on the table in front of her, one on the back of her seat, caging her in, keeping her from pulling away.
Butshe didn't try to pull away. Her small hands came up and grabbed his s.h.i.+rt, tugging him closer still.
He heard a roaring in his ears and realized it came from the bar. Lifting his mouth from Sophie's, he looked around and saw a majority of male faces laughing and cheering-led by his d.a.m.n, disreputable brothers, of course.
He grinned,then faced Sophie again. She started to speak, but he covered her mouth with a finger. ”I love you, Sophie.”
Her eyes widened.
He leaned closer still, speaking in a rough whisper. ”I've waited seven months to spend the night with you, and it was worth it.But I'll be d.a.m.ned if I'll wait anymore.I love you ,I want you . Now and forever, regardless of what name you go by, or how you dress.You're mine now. Get used to it.”
He waited, but her big smoky eyes never wavered from his. Shewas completely still except for the pulse racing in her throat. Cautiously, he lifted his finger. ”Well?”
She swallowed audibly.”All right.”
By small degrees, his frown lifted and his mouth quirked.She'd said yes. ”You want me, too?”
”I've wanted you since the very first time I saw you.”
He kissed her again,then asked, ”Why the h.e.l.l did you run from me today? Christ, I almost went nuts when I woke up and you were gone.”
”I'm sorry. I felt stupid-”
”d.a.m.n it, Sophie-”
It was her turn to shush him, and she used her entire hand. Their audience chuckled. No one could hear whatwas being said , but Sophie's actions were plain enough. Cole grinned behind her palm.
”I felt stupid for pretending to be someone else instead of just being brave enough to tell you how I feel. So I decided to stop being a coward. Aunt Maude always told me adults should own up to what they do, to be responsible for their actions and accept the results. She also told me I should never be afraid to go after what I want.”