Page 76 of Ride or Die

Gaze flitting side-to-side, I shove Cole backwards through the archway that enters the corridor to the bathrooms. Cornering him, I reach up and press my lips to his. And I fully intend on keeping the kiss chaste, brief, but when his big palm lands on my ass, squeezing me and pulling me flush against him, when his tongue slides into my mouth, causing my stomach to bottom out, I’m suddenly ravenous.

A loud throat clearing sounds behind me, and I pull away, turning to find Bruce walking past and stopping, his steely gaze glaring as it lands on us.

“Shit,” I mutter, smoothing back my hair.

But Cole just grins, lifting his chin at my boss with a cocky smirk, his hand remaining firmly fixed on my ass the entire time. “How you doin’, Brucey?”

Bruce mutters something unintelligible, walking off and I release a breath, gaping up at Cole. “He’s so going to fire me.”

“Not if he values his fuckin’ teeth,” Cole says with the kind of smile that totally contradicts his threatening words.

I narrow one eye, unable to fight my own laughter. “You’re so bad.”

“Only for you, baby,” he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

I shudder, gripping the front of his shirt to keep myself upright.

“So,” I breathe out once I collect my wits, ignoring Cole’s knowing grin. “How’d you do tonight.”

“First place.” He says it like it’s no big deal, but I can see the pride in his eyes.

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks, darlin’.” He sniffs a modest laugh, his gaze flitting about over my shoulder. “What time you finishin’?”

“Not ’til two, tonight.” I frown. “One of the girls called in sick so I’m covering.”

“I’ll stay.”

“No, I’m fine,” I say, smoothing my hands down over his hard chest. “Go home and get some sleep. You look exhausted.” And he really does. Not only did we not get home until late last night, but I’m sure he was up before dawn this morning for work. His eyes are glassy and a little bloodshot. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

He heaves a resigned sigh. “Okay. But you text me when you leave, and you text me?—”

“As soon as I get home,” I finish his sentence with a knowing smirk. “I know.”

Cole’s tired eyes flit between mine then, something flashing in his gaze. And when he leans forward, pressing his forehead to mine, he closes his eyes and releases a soft breath, whispering, “I like you, Clara.”

I close my eyes then, basking in his words and the meaning hidden in them. “I like you too.”

Cole kisses me again, stealing almost the last of my breath and I walk him out of the club, stopping by the entrance, a few feet away from tonight’s doorman, Buddy.

“Can I ask you something?”

Cole looks down at me, his gaze roving my face, brow furrowing a touch. “You can ask me anythin’, whatever and whenever you want, baby.”

My gaze slides down to his mouth and, stalling, I consider my words for a long moment, rubbing my lips together.

“Clara?” Cole presses, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. “You’re scarin’ me, baby.”

I swallow around the lump of nerves in my throat, rolling my eyes at myself. “Maci and Kendra…”

“Oh god,” he mutters, scoffing. “This oughtta be good.”

I look down, dragging my teeth over my bottom lip. “They said you?—”

Cole tucks his finger under my chin, forcing my eyes back up. “They said Iwhat?”

“They said you’re… bedazzled.” I roll my eyes again, feeling utterly ridiculous.