Page 142 of Shelter
“You haven’t sent any pictures.”
At my startled laugh, Alberta pushed herself up. “I’m gonna go,” she whispered. And then I was alone in my room with Cole’s voice in my ear. That anchor of unease fell away.
“You’re right. I haven’t. I just got out of the tub.”
Coletsked.“Missed opportunity,” he purred wickedly.
My cheeks flamed, and my grin felt like it might never fade. “How’s Ava?”
“Fine, and don’t think I didn’t notice what you did there,” he said, his voice edged with cunning.
I blinked. “What are you talking about?”
“You. Changing the subject because you’re shy about your body.”
I gulped, glad he couldn’t see my pink turn to scarlet. I didn’t know what to say. He was absolutely right, and even dressed and alone in my room, I felt naked and exposed.
“I’m going to tell you this now, and I’ll tell you every day for the rest of my life if I have to,” Cole said, his voice low and honeyed. “You are the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. I’m jealous of every pair of eyes that’s ever had the privilege of running over your body. I could look at nothing but you from now until I die, and it still wouldn’t be enough.”
My breath stalled. Every cell on my skin was burning with the blush of a lifetime. I thought I might turn to ash. “Cole,” I managed, and that was all I could manage. Because even as I blushed from head to toe, my muscles loosened to the consistency of soup, and I crawled back onto my bed before I could collapse.
“Yes, my love?”
I shut my eyes. There it was again. The claim. The sign that what he felt for me might approach what I felt for him.My love.
I swallowed, trying to take it all in. “I’ll probably always be shy this way.” About my body, I meant. But saying that — even saying the words,my body— was hard.
Cole’s low chuckle curled into my ear. “Baby, I want you to fucking love your body, but your shyness is adorable. Your blushes are the sexiest damn things I’ve ever seen.”
Okay, we needed to stop talking about me. Spontaneous combustion was a real threat. I cleared my throat. “So, Ava’s okay? How’s her back?”
I heard him snicker, and I just knew he was laughing again at my change of subject.
“After Flora’s, I went to the office for a bit, and Ava was in her room when I got home. I told her Flora had made her a plate, and she said she might feel like eating later,” he said. “It’s nothing serious. She’s just uncomfortable, I guess.”
“Well, that’s good. I’m sorry she missed lunch, but there’s always next Sunday.”
Cole’s smile was clear in his voice. “Yeah, I have a feeling Sunday dinner at Flora’s just became a permanent entry on my calendar.”
Permanent.The word made my heart hammer with unwieldy thumps. I wanted permanent. I wanted it too much.
“I-I’d like that,” I admitted softly.
“Good,” Cole teased. “Because you’re not getting rid of me.”
* * *
“There you go again.”Ed stood just inside the front door of the store, holding the white paper bag from Twins containing our lunches.
I blinked at him, emerging from a daydream that heavily featured me, Cole, and a shortage of clothing.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, pushing away from the counter where I was supposed to be itemizing a bill for a custom-made wedding set.
Ed narrowed his eyes. “I can’t believe you’re holding out on me. Even after I gave you the afternoon off on Friday.”
I rolled my eyes at my boss. “Like I told you, I had a lovely time. We’re going to see each other again.” I was careful to saytimeinstead ofweekendandagaininstead oftonight.If Ed knew any more, he’d pepper me with questions.
I grabbed the white bag from him. “Did you remember fries?”
