Page 52 of Double Booked

If it were Patrick, he would have accused her of teasing him. “Don’t touch me and leave me high and dry,” he’d have said. Get out of my head! She must have scowled, because Cole looked at her with concern.

She shook her head, but it was at herself, not him. It was too late though, because he put his hands on her hips and gently moved her off his lap. He put on his shirt before she had a chance to protest.

“Cole.”

“It’s too soon. I get it.” He leaned in and gave her a brief kiss.

She stared at him with confusion, still in a lusty fog. Had she really initiated this? Was she ready to have sex with him?

“Turn around,” he said.

“Huh?”

“I’ll clasp your bra.”

“Oh. Right.” She turned and presented her back to him, lifting her hair for easier access. He moved closer and lifted her sweater. He quickly clasped the bra and pulled her sweater back in place.

“So, how about dinner?” He abruptly stood, his pelvis directly in her line of vision. He was still hard. Cole followed her gaze and chuckled. “Don’t worry about him. He’ll calm down in a few minutes.”

But will I? Her body was still tingling where he’d kissed, sucked, and touched her. She’d been so caught up in the moment that she might have gone all the way if he hadn’t stopped them. That begged the question, why had he? Clearly, he’d been as heated as she was, yet he’d turned it off like a light switch.

“What sounds good? Spaghetti, tacos, burgers…”

“Steak.”

“We don’t have that here.”

“I know.” She stood and looked him in the eyes. “Let’s go out for dinner.”

“Okay. We’ll use a gift card.”

“I’ll go get changed.”

He looked confused. “What’s wrong with what you’re wearing?”

“I just feel like wearing something different.”

“Should I change too?” He looked down at his rumpled T-shirt and jeans.

“No, you’re good. Be right back.” She hurried into her bedroom and shut the door. Then she leaned against it, trying to catch her breath. She didn’t want to run away from this, from him. She wanted him and he wanted her too, she was sure of it. Then she recalled what Hope had said. Cole must be holding back because of Patrick. Dammit. If only she hadn’t gone on about him. If only he hadn’t called, and Cole hadn’t spoken to him. Even from across the country, Patrick was infiltrating her life. She pushed herself away from the door. “Not anymore,” she declared.

Ten minutes later, she returned to the living room, where Cole was sitting on the couch, perusing his phone. He immediately looked up, his gaze roaming over her appreciatively.

“You’re wearing a dress,” he said, sounding surprised.

She nodded. “Is that okay?”

“Hell, yeah. You look great.”

“Thank you.” She’d packed the sweater dress at the last minute, thinking she might need it for something. Now she was glad she did. It was covering, yet figure flattering, skimming over her curves and hitting just above the knee. She’d paired it with tall boots, so her legs wouldn’t feel so bare. Overall, she felt fashionable and sexy, and his reaction affirmed it.

“I feel under-dressed,” he said, standing.

“It’s not like we’re going to the prom.” Yet, it felt like a date.

He chuckled. “I have the gift card. Ready to go?”

“I’m ready.” In more ways than one.