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I don’t think I could tell him any louder, even if I tried.
“How’d you move on from the pain?” Pausing, he sounds gutted.
I hadn’t expected this question.
“Acceptit?” Misery colors, coating his every reflex. He’s not only talking about what he’s done but everyone else who’s hurt me too. Wronged me.
“…I counted to five.”
“What?” he questions, perplexed.
“I count to five, hold it. Count again, release it, and”—I shrug— “that’s it.”
“That’s it?” His mouth pinches at the center. I’ve flabbergasted him. “That’s the secret?”
“It works for me.”
“Huh?” Cole says, leaning into me with a laugh. The sound the most relaxed noise he’s made since we’ve been here.
I arch a skeptical brow. “Don’t believe me?”
“No, no, I do.” Battling with his amusement still. “I just never thought it could be that simple.”
“Anything is, if you’re willing to win.” Hugging him, I press my cheek to his chest. “You and me, remember?”
Cole’s chest heaves, squeezing me back. “Silas earlier…when we were on the phone… he wants to meet up.” He hesitates, the weighted tension he’s been carrying coming back in full force. “With both of us. Both his…sons.”
“And did you? Tell him you would?”
I can hear the surprised hitch in my own voice so there’s no way Iceman can’t even if he doesn’t address it. I hadn’t been expecting that, that was the reason for the call. It makes more sense now as to why he was more on edge.
“Not yet.”
My head snaps up. “Why not?”
“I’m still counting to five.”
I shove at his chest, burying my face back to where it was before. Amusedandoffended at his attempt at humor.
His heartbeat sounds like home, the same as it does every other time.
We will get through this. We had to.
My grip strengthens, better understanding dawning on why Cole refused to look at his phone earlier. My ironclad hold around his waist the only thing keeping me from shaking violently. All three of them are about to meet, facing each other head-on.
This could go one of two ways.
Bad or worse.
twelve
Rory
Therestofourbreak after that first night was more upbeat and less exposing. The only thing being disclosed was our literal clothes. Agreeing, we both ignored our phones the rest of the time and focused on enjoying each other.
It’s called spring break but the only break I got was when Cole had to run out and grab more condoms.
Most of our time was spent inside the house. Under the sheets, on the kitchen island, in the shower, couch. You name it and Cole and I most likely did some sort of sexual activity on it.
