Page 35 of Stalkers Anonymous

There’s a twinkle in Cole’s eyes. “Are you kidding? I love skydiving. My boss you met, Jack? He’s a pilot. Takes me up all the time. I’ve jumped so many times, I’m a tandem instructor. We could jump together if you want to.”

My jaw drops slightly and I’m stuck in a state of awe. Where has this man been all my life? I didn’t think he could get any better, but this? This? He’s just gotten ten times hotter.

There’s zero hesitation in my voice. “Yes. Let’s do it.”

Cole laughs, and slides his free hand over mine where it still rests on his arm. “Yes?”

I can’t hold back my giddy smile. “Yes. I’d love to jump out of an airplane with you.”

Is agreeing to this slightly unhinged? Yes. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime offer. Who else can say they’ve jumped out of an airplane in the Colorado mountains just to see the fall foliage? The thought of the future adrenaline rush sends a sympathetic burst of dopamine through my system. I feel my smile going goofy-big, and I school my expression into what I hope is more measured excitement.

“I’ll talk with Jack and see when he can take us up. You’re gonna love it.”

I know I will.

The dinner stretches on, neither of us in a hurry to leave. The restaurant crowd has thinned out—we’ve been here nearly two hours, and almost everyone else has left. Hours have flown by like minutes.

When the waiter brings the check, Cole reaches for it before I can.

“I’ve got it,” he says.

“We can split—”

“Hailey.” He gives me a look that’s half smile, half serious. “I asked you to dinner. Let me get this.”

“Okay,” I concede, taking one last sip of water. “But I’m getting the next one.”

“Next one?” His smile widens. “Skydiving and another date?”

“No. Skydiving, then another date. You’ll have to get me safely on the ground before we have dinner again.”

The flirtatious exchange sends butterflies through my stomach. He pays the bill, and we make our way toward the exit. Outside, the temperature has dropped, and I wrap my arms around myself.

“Where did you park?” Cole asks.

“Just down the street and around the corner,” I say as I point in the direction of my car. “You?”

“Same. Let me walk you.”

It’s not really a question, more a statement of intent. And while independent Hailey would normally protest that she can walk herself to her car, right-now Hailey appreciates the company. Especially given everything that’s been happening.

Cole offers me his arm, and I take it without hesitation. His body is warm against mine as we start walking. Thousands of warm white lights twinkle in the trees overhead. The city keeps the lights up all year long. It looks like something out of a cheesy romance movie, but maybe that’s why I love it so much. The world feels surreal and dreamlike as we walk.

“This was really fun,” I say, looking up at him as we round the corner. When he turns his gaze to meet mine, some of the chill on my skin is replaced with heat. “This is easily the best date I’ve ever been on.”

“Same,” Cole says, and the ease in his voice makes me smile. “I was nervous about it, actually.”

“You? But you seemed so confident.”

“I changed my shirt three times before I left my apartment.”

I can’t help the barking laugh that escapes at that image. “Well, you picked the right one.”

The street is mostly empty at this hour. The temptation to slow my steps as we approach my SUV—to draw out this night a few minutes longer—is almost overwhelming. I glance up to gauge how much longer I might have to feel the steady strength of Cole’s arm against mine when—

My steps falter.

Cole steadies me immediately, but there’s concern written all over his face. “What’s wrong?”