Page 108 of Ravage

“I am.”

“I can drive.”

“Blade said…”

Before I could finish my thought, Cole slipped his good arm around my waist and pulled me close. He lowered his mouth to my ear and whispered, “I’ll give you the week with no driving, but you’ve got another thing coming if you think I’m going to wait two weeks to be inside you again.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I gasped, “Cole.”

“Just making sure you were aware.” He winked, then tossed me the keys to his SUV. “Now, let’s go get some pizza.”

The kids darted past us, and without any prompting, they were out the door and loading up into the SUV. Cole smiled as he reached over and took my hand in his. His fingers slipped between mine as he said, “Gotta love Friday nights.”

“I’m beginning to.”

He squeezed my hand, then led me out of the house and out to the SUV. He climbed into the passenger side without a fuss, and I got behind the wheel like I’d done it a million times before. Only I hadn’t done this before. Any of it, and I found myself wondering if this could be my life. The thought had me smiling as I drove Cole and his kids to Malone’s for their Friday night pizza.

By the time we made it back home, we were all stuffed and ready to wind down. The kids slipped off to their rooms, and I used the chance to tidy the kitchen before helping Cole change his bandage. I was pleased to see that it looked better, but he still had a long way to go before the wound was completely healed.

Once I finished, I started gathering my things, and the second Cole saw what I was doing, he asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m getting ready to go home.”

“Why?”

“Because the kids are here.”

“So.”

“I shouldn’t be here.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

I gave him a look. “They don’t even know we’re seeing each other. It’s too much.”

“Emery.”

“It’s too soon.”

“Says who?” His expression softened, but he didn’t back down. “This is happening… The kids know you, and they like you. And they’re gonna have to get used to having you around.”

“But it’s all happening so fast.”

“Maybe, but that doesn’t change anything.” He reached for my hand as he said, “I want you to stay.”

“You don’t think it’s too soon?”

“Hell, no.” His lips curled into a sexy smile. “Besides, I’m still wounded. I might need you.”

“Still milking it, I see.”

“Maybe a little.” He leaned in and started trailing little kisses along my neck. “But I can’t help it… I have a smoking hot nurse.”

“You’re so full of it.”

“Does that mean you’ll stay?”

I looked toward the hallway, and I hadn’t heard a peep out of the kids since we got home. I hoped that meant they were asleep or getting close. I still wasn’t sure about staying, so I told him, “Yes, but I’m sleeping on the sofa.”