My heart jumped at his words. “Maybe come tonight after Ellis goes to sleep. I-I could meet you downstairs.”
“Sounds good,” he said, his voice doing something to me. I shook my head, trying to push away the sudden surge of feelings. Truth be told, I’d had these feelings for a long time with Ryder, but I always pushed them away. I didn’t think he was interested, plus, I wasn’t sure how Anson would take it. Not that Anson ever denied me a thing, but Ryder and Anson were best friends. I didn’t want to ruin that.
“OK. Um, I’ll text you when she’s out.”
“Perfect. Talk soon,” he said before we disconnected.
I finished helping Ellis and winced as I tried to hop over to the oven with the cookie sheet.
“Let me.” Cole swooped in, took the cookie sheet from me, slid it into the oven, and set the timer.
“Thanks,” I said.
He reached for me, taking me gently into his arms and helping me to sit down on my stool again.
“There you go,” he murmured. “How are you feeling?”
“Good.” I swallowed.
“You’ll be back to running through my dreams before you know it,” he continued, his voice soft in my ear.
My heart skipped at his words, and I looked up at him.
“I know. I’m out of line. I’m sorry.” He backed away from me and went to Ellis.
“I got you something,” he said, grabbing a gift off the counter, which he must have brought out with him.
Ellis’s eyes lit up as he handed the package to her.
She tore into the wrapping paper and then stared at the ballerina doll in her hands, her eyes wide. She looked from the doll to him.
“It-It comes with a matching outfit for you and a tiara to wear. Do you like it?”
“It’s so pretty! Can you open it for me?”
“Of course,” he said, his voice gruff. He took the package from her and tore it apart. He placed the little plastic tiara on her head and helped her put the costume over her clothes.
“Thank you, Daddy!” she squealed, turning in a circle in front of us, her new doll clutched to her chest. “I have to show Mr. Rufus! Mommy! Can we call other daddies and show them?”
“Sure, sweetie,” I said, smiling at her excitement.
She ran from the room, presumably to get her bear from the bedroom we were staying in.
That left Cole and me alone.
“I-I wanted to get her something,” he said, looking at me. “I’m used to getting stuff for Riot. He’s big into Ninja Turtles. Race cars. Loves motocross.” His voice trailed off. “I-I didn’t know if it was the right gift. I was scared to give it to her.”
“It’s perfect,” I murmured. “She loves it.”
He smiled. “Good. I’m-I’m shit at this stuff. I’m trying…” his voice trailed off. “Rosalie?”
“Yeah?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” his voice cracked. “About her? I… I mean, five years? What the fuck? I-I missedeverything…”
I stared back at him, my bottom lip trembling. “I was scared.”
“Of what? Me?” He came around the island and cradled my face. “Rosebud. Tell me.”
