Part 11 (1/2)
”Did you want to come inside and meet my aunt?”
He clenches the steering wheel. ”Maybe another time. I'm going to hit the road so I can grab those steaks from the market. Let me know if you can't make it. We'll reschedule for another time.”
”I told you I'd be there.”
He peers out the window instead of looking at me. ”Yeah, okay. I'll see you later then.”
I take his phone out of the cup holder and leave my number. ”Here. Now you know how to reach me.”
His smile makes me want to stay in the car and follow him anywhere. ”I'll see you soon.”
”Yes, you will.”
The third degree. That's what I get from Addy the moment she learns I'm back on the ranch. She shows up and barges in my room, asking questions before the door can shut behind her. ”What the h.e.l.l was that last night, cuz? Did you know that guy?”
”I said I did.”
”Enough to go home with him, because I know for a fact you didn't come here.”
”We've been together before, if that's what you want to know. He's doing some work in town. When he saw me we reconnected. I spent the night at his house, and then he made me breakfast.”
She rubs her hands together. ”Breakfast? Is he a gentleman? Have you found your very own Wes?”
I toss a pillow at her. ”Shut up, b.i.t.c.h,” I say in a playful tone. ”Cob is nothing like Wes.” In my defense I don't know him well enough to determine that, though he is sort of displaying the same kind of qualities. ”Cob. What kind of name is that?”
”A nickname, obviously. Just so you know, I'm seeing him again tonight.”
”So we shouldn't wait up?” She snickers. ”I thought you came here because you wanted to start over.”
”I am.”
”With someone from your past?”
”Possibly. He's not really that far in the past.”
”I say go for it. He's a looker. I was impressed last night when I saw you with him. I don't think I would have come home either.”
I smack her lightly. ”You're terrible. You have Cole.”
”I was only stating the obvious. He's very attractive.” I don't know why this makes me feel threatened. If Addison Mitch.e.l.l is anything it's faithful to Cole.
”We're slowly getting to know each other.”
”Slowly. You must have different definitions of slow where you come from.” She nudges me as she says it.
”Whatever. It's complicated. I'm unsure if I like him. Okay, that's not true. I like him too much, but he has a reputation for bedding a lot of women. I need to be careful.”
”Some people just screw. s.e.x is s.e.x.”
”You're awful. Does Cole know you feel that way?”
”How do you think we first hooked up?” She giggles.
”Well how did you know you wanted more? When could you tell?”
She shrugs and plays with the fabric of a s.h.i.+rt I have hanging up. ”I don't know. It just happened. I missed him when we weren't together. I was happier being with him than anywhere else. I think for me personally, it was getting over the forbidden part, and his past, who he was, and the blood that runs through his veins. I had to forgive him for keeping the truth from me. After that happened it was easy to admit my feelings.”
”You make a great couple. It's obvious how much he loves you.”
”One day I'll be his wife. Dad gave him permission. I thought I was dreaming when it happened. The family has finally gotten over the haunting grudge they held for the Chase family. Cole won't be a burden because of the family he was born into. He didn't ask to have their blood, so he shouldn't be punished because of their actions. What happened to my mother years ago was tragic and horrifying. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, especially her. I lost a little brother or sister because of it. But Cole never knew them. He's innocent. If my mom can love him, than I think it's safe to say my father can forgive him for being a small part of the reminder.”
”You're getting really serious. I thought we were talking about my problems.”
She laughs. ”Sorry. Sometimes I just need to get it out. It's good to talk about our problems.”
”I haven't had a good conversation for a while. Cammie used to be the person I called, but it's different now. I can't talk to her about my feelings. She doesn't understand. Sometimes I can't begin to understand why I got so hung up on Wes. I guess he was a crush I a.s.sumed I finally had a chance with. When I see him with Cammie it makes me happy to know they have each other. Does that make sense?”
”I guess. You are obviously trying to move on with your life. That hottie you left with last night must have been some help.”
I snicker. ”He was. Trust me.”
”Good. You should bring him to dinner. I'm sure my dad and Noah would love to give him a hard time.”
”Maybe another night. We've already made plans for this evening.”
”Wow. You're seeing him again so soon. Is this something that could get serious? Are you considering hooking up with the womanizer?”
”I don't know if that's what he is. Maybe he's changed.”
”How many guys do you know have changed?”
”I don't know of any.”
”Because they don't. He either screws around, or he doesn't.”
”I guess I'll be certain to prepare for the worst.”
We sit and chat for nearly an hour before Addy leaves. By the time I charge my phone I notice I have an awaiting message from a number I don't recognize.
I'm sorry about this, but I have to cancel our dinner plans tonight. Something came up. I'll be in touch. Cob
Chapter 15.
Cob As soon as she began giving me directions I had a feeling where we were headed, though it wasn't until she verified the last name when I knew this whole ordeal just got a lot more complicated. I finally found a woman, who cannot only hold my interest, but makes me want something more than a fast f.u.c.k. It's unclear how this could play out in my favor, especially considering what my being here could mean for her family.
I'm used to communities coming together to try and stop roads from being developed in their small towns. It's normal for folks to not want huge changes, especially in places like this. They're set in their ways, conformed to a certain lifestyle that doesn't result in highways and interstates.