E: Yeah. Everything OK?
Enzo: I don’t know. It’s Cole. He slept with Rosalie last night. It’s looking official. I just think we should talk.
E: Damn. Well, good for him. I’ll be there in a few. I have to drop Laz off at Ann’s.
“Morning,” Cole called out cheerfully, still clinging to Rosalie.
“Morning,” I muttered, not bothering to stop as I went and sat on the couch. I sent E a text back that simply said“OK”before looking at Jade’s text.
We’d not been speaking much. It was mostly me avoiding her, even though she definitely still tried to talk to me. I’d given her paid time off and a nice check for her troubles with her broken arm. She’d accepted without batting an eyelash, so I knew she could be paid off easily enough.
Jade: If you’re not busy, I’d love to get coffee. We could catch up on work.
I sighed and rubbed my eyes before sending her a message. I tried to ignore Rosalie’s soft laugh from the kitchen as Cole fucked with her. I forced myself not to look. I didn’t need to be hurting my feelings even more.
Enzo: Work is fine. Lacey is working out as the stand-in assistant. If there are any issues, I will reach out, but I do not foresee it happening. Please rest.
Her response came immediately.
Jade: I honestly just want to talk. Can we please meet?
I stared at the message for a long time. I’d been short with her after I’d been told what she’d done to Rosalie. It pissed me off. I didn’t like that mean girl shit at all. On the other hand, I did want to know why the fuck she did it because I had no issues firing her ass.
Enzo: I’ll let you know. I have some things to take care of today, but if I have free time, I’ll text you to set up a time to meet.
Jade: Perfect. I can’t wait! :)
I left it at that, not bothering to respond, and looked back into the kitchen to see Anson had left the room, presumably to check on Ellis, and Cole was now slow dancing in matching pink aprons with Rosalie, a look of pure bliss on his face as they spoke in soft voices to one another.
The front door opened, and E came in. If Cole gave a shit, he definitely didn’t show it. He didn’t jerk away from Rosalie. Instead, he continued to dance and whisper to her, lost in his own little world.
“Wow,” E murmured, settling next to me on the couch. “That’s… really nice to see.”
“Does it hurt?” I asked softly.
“Like hell,” he answered back in a low voice. “But this is a good thing. He wanted this more than anything. He’s more than earned it.”
I nodded tightly before getting to my feet. E stood too.
“Cole?” I called out.
He continued to dance, this time twirling Rosalie before she laughed softly.
I cleared my throat. “Cole?”
He blinked and finally looked over at me.
“Oh, hey, E! I didn’t hear you come in!” he called out.
“Meeting. Office. Now,” I said, walking to my office. I caught Rosalie’s eye, though, and took note of the faint blush on her cheeks.
“Hey, E,” Rosalie said as I retreated.
“Hey,” he answered.
I didn’t hear what else he said to her because I went into my office, closed the door, and sat behind my desk, my heart in turmoil.
Finally, the door opened, and Cole and E came in.
