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Cole Allemand is a masterful hugger.
He engulfs me, and I relax into his embrace.
“Karen is at the front desk.” He speaks quietly, the words brushing against my hair.
“What did you tell her?”
“You felt sick.”
Heartsick more like. But damn, I’m grateful to the man holding me. If the episode that just occurred in my office had played out in the front lobby, I may have been forced to change my name and shell out for plastic surgery to avoid the mortification of coming back to work and everyone knowing about my emotional breakdown.
I owe Cole.
And who knew bad boys were such good huggers?
“Thank you,” I mutter against his chest.
Step away from him. Stop relying on him. This is creeping beyond the realm of friendship.
But my body doesn’t want to listen to my mind today, so I remain in the circle of his arms.
“She said you should take the rest of the day off sick.”
“But I’m not sick.”
“So what? You don’t want to be here.”
“It seems dishonest.”
Even though I’m arguing with him, I can’t help pressing closer, soothed by the way his hand rubs circles on my back.
“You should go home.”
Stubborn man.
“I still have things to do today. Even after work.”
There’s a pressure on the top of my head, and I realize Cole is resting his chin on me. Like he has no immediate plans to end this embrace.
For the first time today, I feel…not happy, exactly.
But slightly less despondent.
“Do you want to be alone?”
“Rarely.” The word comes out before I truly think it through. But it’s true. I’m an extrovert. People make me happy. Even when I don’t want anyone to see how much of a mess I am, I can’t honestly say that I want to be alone.
“Let’s go. You and me. We’ll do your things together.”
“You’re putting your name down for a shit job. I appreciate the offer, but you should get out now while you still have some kind of respect for me. That is, if you even do.”
His arms loosen, and I stifle a whimper of regret.
But he doesn’t make an escape. Instead, Cole clasps the top of my arms to stare down at me.
“I respect you.”
My tender face burns hot. “Okay.”
