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I take the badge and tell her I’ll see her next week. Pulling open the door leading from the lobby, I try to orient myself with the large expanse of the office as I step through.
Last time I was here, Cole brought me through a different set of doors. But I remember we walked past the break room, so once I find the decorative plants at the entrance of the mostly open concept area, I’m able to find my way to Cole.
His office door is open, but I knock all the same.
He’s writing something at his desk when he looks up and a slow grin spreads across his face.
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” He stands from his desk.
“Sweet-talker,” I reply. He meets me in the middle of the room. Leaning in, he kisses my cheek.
“Always. I’ve got a few things I need to wrap up. Then we can get out of here.” He walks past me to the door and closes it. I take a seat in the chair across from his desk and sit my bag and jacket in the one next to me.
I take this time to look around the room as I wasn’t focused on anything but Cole’s mouth and getting the hell out of his presence the last time I was here.
He clears his throat after several minutes. My gaze finds his and he’s got that cocky smirk on his face.
“What?” I ask.
“I didn’t realize how distracting you’d be.”
“Me? I’m not doing anything. Just sitting here, minding my own business.” I place my hand on my chest in fake offense.
“Exactly. You’re just sitting there.” He chuckles.
“I could have gone home. You’re the one who told me to come here. I didn’t realize you still had work to do.”
“I had an unexpected phone call and it put me a little bit behind schedule.” He leans back in his chair. And it’s hot as hell. The sleeves of his dress shirt are folded near his elbows so his strong forearms are on full display.
“Right. I get that, but this feels couplish, doesn’t it?”
He takes on a serious demeanor, but there is amusement in his eyes. “Couplish?” he questions.
“Yeah, like this is something a couple would do. Secret hookups would never stop by the office before heading home together.” I get a bit frustrated with the fact that I have to explain this. I should have never come here. I’m not his girlfriend.
“It’s something friends would do,” he offers, measuring his words. I inwardly cringe at the thought of just being his friend. But shit, that’s all I am, really. Which is why I start to spiral and like most headstrong, highly intelligent women, I know I’m spiraling and I’m choosing to continue. I need to allow this mentally, all right?
“Sure, friends hang out. We are just friends after all.” My voice takes on a slightly higher tone.
“Layla,” he says, his face still light, but his eyes take on a more stern stare.
“What else do friends do together? They go out to eat and to bars, yeah?” I cock my head as if I’m thinking. “We don’t do that. Maybe we aren’t friends. They also hang out with other friends, together. We don’t do that either.” My arms cross over my chest and I look at him, daring him to speak. But then I change my mind and continue.
“Friends also talk about their dating lives. So tell me, Cole. Been on any good dates recently?”
“Layla,” he repeats again, a warning.
“I’ve not been on an actual date in a while. It’s sad really. Just random hookups. Scratching that itch, ya know?” I carry on.
“Not random hookups,” he growls, but I keep going.
“See, not much to share on my end, but you’re holding out. What you’ve had to have been on like, two or three at least? Any of them doing it for you? Want to take any of them home after dinner? Any of them your soul mate? Come on, tell me all about them.”
“You don’t want to know about the dates I’ve been on.” His voice is low and level.
“But we are friends, pals, chums.” I wave my hand in front of me, urging him to dish.
“No, we aren’t.”
