Love Redone in Hidden Harbor (Island County Book 2) (24 page)

I straddled him far easier than I expected. I trailed my fingers down his chest as his eyes stayed focused on mine.

“I missed this, Cole. I missed every single thing about you,” I whispered, feeling him in between me.

“You weren’t the only one hurting, Natty,” his voice low.

I nodded, sitting naked and exposed on top of Cole. My mind unable to focus on his words as he slowly began to press his hips into me, bringing our worlds together. But I couldn’t take my gaze away from his. As I looked into Cole’s hooded eyes, I felt unmasked, raw, as he watched me succumb to the pleasure he cast into me.

My breath quivered as Cole’s hands ran up my spine, stopping on the nape of my neck as he slowly sat up, bringing his mouth to mine. Looping my arms around his neck, my body fell into his as I gave myself to him in a way I never had before.

 

We never made it out of bed yesterday except to eat the leftover Chinese food he’d brought over the night before. I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend a Sunday, but reality came in the form of Monday so here I was at the shop readying for the busy week ahead.

Cole had a full week in front of him as well. Some of his clients had an exciting weekend too, and it was Cole’s turn to smooth everything over with the tabloids. It sounded interesting, but he didn’t seem as intrigued when the phone dragged him out of my bed this morning.

It was bittersweet to watch him roll out of my bed and take his calls in the kitchen. It was hard to keep my hands to myself as he stood in my kitchen rehashing the events of a coked-out actress and a singer who’d lit her boyfriend’s car on fire.

All in a day’s work.

So while I sat here in the middle of my little flower shop, Cole was at his brother’s place putting out fires. I sliced a tip of the stem off a rose and placed it in a vase. I’d probably enjoy getting to hear Hollywood dirt now and then as long as I didn’t have to live like that. Island life for me all the way, but my mind kept circling back to Cole. Everything about this weekend was perfect.

Everything.

But I knew that was because I didn’t think about anything beyond the present. I purely enjoyed what we had in the moment. Whether it was the way his kisses fluttered along my side or the way he looked at me like I was the most exotic woman in the world, I didn’t let my mind wander off to places it shouldn’t.

The moment my mind tried to worry about real-life issues, my heart started to race and I got lost in how this would all end.

Because it would.

He lived in LA and I lived on Fireweed Island.

I grabbed a few greens and shoved them in the vase. Feeling my heart rate begin to pound incessantly as I thought about the endless possibilities—none of them good—as to how this would end. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath.

Just enjoy the moment.

It wasn’t like I was falling in love with Cole again. I only slept with him, every ounce of him.

Focus.

Focus on the breathing.

The air came in through my nose, and I held it before releasing.

What in the world was I doing? I didn’t need oxygen to center myself. I needed to be realistic. Cole had been the love of my life a very long time ago, but now he was my ticket to a good time.

A very good time.

And I should focus on purely enjoying Cole as much as I could before he left Fireweed.

In a sense, this entire thing would set me free. A spring fling that would help me dip my toes back in the unwelcoming waters of dating.

The door chimed, and I glanced up to see Nick wandering in with a quizzical look in his eyes.

“Do you ever work?” I teased.

“Around five o’clock to midnight.” He flashed a dazzling grin, and I set my knife down.

“What’s up?”

“Not much. Was in the neighborhood. Wanted to see if that champagne found a home over the weekend.”

I blushed and dropped my eyes to the floor, remembering Cole slowly trickling the cold, bubbling liquid along my belly before licking it off.

“Yeah, we enjoyed it tremendously. Thanks for bringing it over.”

“I thought it was the least I could do since I apparently screwed up your love life for the last eight years.”

I laughed. “I haven’t had a love life to screw up.”

“Exactly my point.”

“Well, I wouldn’t really call this a love life either. It’s just a fling, really.”

“How do figure?” Nick wandered over to the espresso bar. “Did he say something?”

“No, but let’s see, for starters he lives over a thousand miles away.” I walked behind the bar and reached for a mug. “You want your usual?”

“Make it a triple.” Nick smiled. “Why would you let a little distance get in the way?”

“Oh, I’m definitely not going to let it stop my fun, but I’m not looking at this as anything
more
than fun. It’s not realistic.”

As I pulled the espresso shots, I silently congratulated myself on this huge breakthrough. I could look at Cole as a good time. I no longer needed to attach all these complications to unrealistic fantasies that would only disappoint.

I finished Nick’s drink and slid it to him.

He didn’t take it so I glanced over to see what his boggle was. He looked annoyed.

“What?” I asked, making myself a tea.

“So you had absolutely no feelings for Cole?”

I groaned and took a sip of my tea and looked at him over the rim of my cup.

“I didn’t say that. I’ve merely figured out how to control the feelings that have no business ruining my fun.”

Nick shook his head and took a sip. “It’s a good thing you’re good at making coffee.”

“Why’s that?”

“I should kick your butt into next week, but I need my morning fix.”

“Whatever. Like you’re one to talk. You’ve been on hookup sites for cryin’ out loud.”

“That’s nothing I’m proud of,” Nick laughed. “But I can tell you that you’re not wired like I am.”

“How so?” I slammed my hands on my hips, indignant he was implying I wasn’t built for flings. How hard could it be?

Eight years worth of hard. I shoved that thought out of my head and glared at Nick.

“You know those pesky little emotions you had over the weekend for Cole while you were sipping champagne and doing God knows what else? I don’t get those when I’m hooking up. I enjoy the sex for what it is. Sex. Purely physical.”

“You didn’t feel anything for Andrea?” I asked. “Not even a little something?”

“No somethings at all.”

“Have you ever?”

He shrugged. “No. I’ve done the lust at first sight thing, and things tend to stall at the physical.”

“Lucky.”

“Not lucky, cursed.”

“Cursed or not, I’m building up that skill. When Cole walks off the island for the last time, I won’t even shed a tear.”

Nick shook his head. “Don’t turn yourself into that, Natty.”

“Into what?”

“Someone who doesn’t care.”

“Whatever. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do to protect myself.”

“Have you talked to him about what his plans are?”

I shook my head. “No. I knew I’d rather not know. I didn’t want any interference.”

“Well, you were perfect before Cole showed up to town so just make sure you’re as perfect when he leaves.”

“You know, some girl is going to be very lucky someday once you can tap into those pesky little emotions.”

“I think that ship has sailed.” He dismissed my observation as quickly as it left my lips. “But don’t waste time lying to yourself.”

“How so?”

“Cole isn’t just a hookup.”

“We’ll see.”

Nick finished the last sip.

“Did you hear Sophie got a promotion?”

“I did. Who do you think helped her celebrate on Saturday?”

“I should have known.”

“I’ve got to go take care of some banking stuff. Who knew how many signatures they needed to get a loan?” Nick grumbled.

“Signs of growth. Soon you’ll be furnishing all of Washington.” I walked over to him and gave him a hug.

“I hope not,” Nick mumbled, walking to the door.

“And thanks, Nick, for the advice.”

“I doubt you’ll take it. But my pleasure.”

My phone rang and I gave a quick wave to Nick as he strolled onto the sidewalk.

“Hey, it’s me.”

“Who is me?” I asked, coolly.

“Do you have that many men calling on a Monday morning?” Hearing Cole’s voice made my day better.

“Enough,” I giggled.

He groaned into the phone. “I’ll have to fix that.”

Nick was right. I was a lost cause.

Emotions and sex were a package deal with me.

“Listen, I’ve got some news. Do you have a few minutes for me to stop by?”

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Everything’s fine.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Okay, see you in twenty or so.”

What couldn’t he tell me over the phone? The next twenty minutes were the slowest in the history of the universe.

When his car finally pulled next to the sidewalk out front, I dashed to the door, but backed off not wanting to look too eager.

After all, it was nothing more than sex with an attractive man.

Who was I kidding? It was the most incredible weekend of my life with Cole Hill.

I flung open the door to see Cole motioning me into his arms.

“Did you miss me?” he whispered, kissing my hair.

“You’ll never know.” I took in a deep breath, smelling the clean soap from this morning’s shower and everything else about Cole that I wanted to commit to memory.

“Let’s get inside. It’s cold out here.”

“Nothing like spring in Washington. I bet it makes LA look like paradise.”

“About that…” he said, ushering me into my shop.

My heart dropped the way his tone changed.

“About what? LA?”

He nodded and looped his hand into mine, leading me to the wedding table. I refused to see the irony in what was about to happen.

“Some of my clients haven’t been on their best behavior while I was gone. Truthfully, I came here to keep a watch on my brother, but he seems to have settled down. I need to get back to my office.”

I felt sick. Why did I sleep with him? I wasn’t ready for him to leave.

He touched my chin gently to bring my eyes back to his. “It will only be for a couple weeks, at the most.”

I wasn’t sure I believed him.

“No, totally. You work for a living. I get it.” I smiled and he saw right through it.

“I don’t want any miscommunications this time.” He slid his chair closer to mine. “I’m coming back.”

I nodded. “When are you leaving?”

His expression fell, and he took in a deep breath.

Too soon.

“My admin booked a flight for me this afternoon. Unfortunately, two of my clients in two separate incidents are facing charges. I’ve got to get back before the charges are filed tomorrow.”

I tried so hard not to be disappointed, but we were adults with jobs. It wasn’t like I could leave my shop unattended for weeks at a time. I should be happy that Cole had been able to work remotely for so long.

“Where are you staying?”

“Cynthia found a house to rent so I’ll be at my place.”

Right. Cynthia. Cynthia was in LA.

Cole pulled out his phone and began typing. “I’m sending you all my contact info. My home address, work address, phone numbers for everywhere and then some.”

My phone began beeping across the room as his texts delivered.

“This weekend told me everything I need is right here.” His eyes stayed on mine. “And it kills me this happened when it did. Why not two weekends ago? I don’t know.”

“Just our luck.” I smiled, letting his words crash around my mind.

“I’ll be back before you know it. If you need anything, Anthony will still be here.”

I hid my disappointment.

“Easter is next Sunday so the time will fly by.”

“I don’t want anything to screw up what we’ve started. Hear me?” He brushed his fingers along my jaw, sending an amazing flurry of need through me. “Call me if anything comes up.”

I nodded as he brought his mouth to mine. His kisses filled with a gentleness I remembered from when we were young.

His phone buzzed, and he pulled his lips away from mine.

“I’m pushing it,” he laughed. “Flight leaves in three hours.”

“Go. I’ll be here when you return.”

“Is that a promise?”

“Promise.”

He brought his lips back down to mine, and my body responded with a flood of emotions I didn’t want to control, but I slid my hands along his sides and gently pushed him away.

“You don’t want to miss your flight,” I mumbled as our lips stayed touching.

He nodded slowly and let out a sigh.

“Things will be different this time,” he vowed.

“Of course, because we’re different.”

He debated my statement for a second before letting himself out.

Against my better judgment, I watched him pull away and wandered back to Pickles. I picked her up against much protest and held her tightly.

“I’m lucky I have you, Pickles, and you’re sure as hell lucky to have me.” I placed her on the desk with her twitching tail and went back to work on my orders, amazed at how the buzz of this morning had been filled with apprehension and dread for what was to come.