AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Something like that would have made anyone hesitant to jump into another relationship—especially one that was as unique as ours. Now his reluctance and insistence that we take things slowly was finally starting to make more sense.
“It was tough,” he said. “Really tough. And the worst part was that after the truth came out, I didn’t have any legal grounds to see Timmy again. I wanted to—still want to see him so bad—but she took him away from me. That poor kid never did anything wrong. He had no way of knowing why I was there one day and gone the next. I never got a chance to say goodbye.”
His voice cracked on the last word, and that was it for me. I was out of my chair and had my arms wrapped around him before I had time to think.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered again, holding him to me as he took several shuddering breaths. I didn’t know if he was crying and I didn’t dare look. Just the thought of him in tears was making my own eyes well up. But I knew he needed me now just as much as I’d needed him over the past several days. “That’s awful. She sounds awful. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
I kept hugging him until I could feel his breathing return to normal, then stepped back and eased myself down onto my own chair again. He looked away and dashed at his cheeks quickly before turning back to me.
“Falling in love is easy,” he said. “But falling out of love? I hated it. Yeah, she did some awful things, but I’m not proud of some of the things I said and did during our divorce, either. It’s why I guess…” He paused, then shrugged. “I guess I was sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop when I met you. You seemed… well,perfect. Too good to be true. I kept telling myself nobody is that good—or if they are, they wouldn’t want anything to do with a guy like me.”
“And now?”
His lips curled up into a genuine smile this time. “I still think you’re perfect. And I still think you’re crazy for wanting to be with me and my boneheaded buddy.” He quirked an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. “Is that it? Are you crazy? Is that the fatal flaw?”
I laughed. “Maybe I am. I’m definitely not perfect. But I think we make a good team—you, me, and Cole. I want to keep going. I want to be with both of you. I want that more than anything.”
“Well, you beautiful, amazing, crazy woman.” He winked. “You’ve got us. We’re yours.”
I moved over and hugged him again. This time, though, he stood up and hugged me right back, picking me up off the ground and planting a quick, sweet kiss on my lips.
Neither of us was perfect, that was for sure. And maybe we were both a little crazy. But we fit together really well. That part was undeniable.
And when Cole was with us?
It was as close to perfect as I could get.
* * *
I jumped out of my seat when the knock at Prescott’s door finally came that evening.
“Should I get it?” I asked, belatedly looking over as Prescott laughed. “Sorry, I was just…”
“Excited to see someone?” He winked. “I couldn’t tell. But yeah, you’d better let him in before he busts the door down. I’m sure he’s just as ready to see you.”
We’d spent a really nice afternoon and evening together. Prescott had cooked for me—not barbecue this time, but some deliciously tender steaks instead. I had initially insisted on waiting until Cole got off work so we could all three eat together, but Cole had called to say he was running a little late and that we should definitely eat without him.
And since Prescott had already been badgering me about keeping my strength up and not overdoing things, I went along with it.
Plus, if I was being totally honest, those steaks smelled too good to leave sitting for very long.
I crossed the living room and opened the door. I didn’t have time to get a word out before I was swept up in Cole’s arms. He looked as sexy as always in his uniform, and after our subdued, emotional goodbye earlier that morning, all I wanted to do was kiss him.
So I did.
Our lips met and he seemed a little surprised at first. The initial shock didn’t last more than a second, though. His tongue entwined with mine as his hands skimmed down my back and cupped my butt. My whole body melted against him andGod, it felt good.
“Wow,” he said, grinning from ear to ear when I finally took a step back and reluctantly ended the kiss. “I don’t know what I did to deserve that, but I hope I do it again real soon.”
I laughed. “I’ve missed you. That’s all. I think Prescott even missed you a little.”
“Don’t believe her,” Prescott said, smirking as he watched us from a distance. “I was just saying how peaceful it’s been around here with you at work all day.”
Cole snorted. “I’ll bet.” He looked at me and winked. “You’ve probably been bored to tears, huh?”
I laughed again and shook my head as I motioned for Prescott to come closer. “You guys are too much. And no, I wasn’t bored at all, for the record. We had a really nice time today.”
“Oh?” Cole quirked an eyebrow and then stole another quick kiss. “Should I be jealous? I was wondering what you two might get up to while I was at work.”
