would look as a dad.
“Allison is putting the boys to bed and this little one wanted her bottle.”
I rub Rose’s hair that’s grown long enough to put in the tiniest pigtails I’ve ever seen. “I think she likes you.” She has her small hand on his chest and her eyes are glued to his face.
“What can I say? I’m irresistible.”
“That’s definitely it.”
We sit down in the family room and he smiles at Rose. “Did you talk with your dad?”
“Yes. It was much needed.” I motion to my face, forcing a smile. “I’m sure I look fabulous now, but sometimes you have to cry it out.”
“You’re always beautiful.”
The way he looks at me, I know he means it, but I also feel it. I could look my absolute worst and all that man would have to do is look at me like that and I’d think I was the most beautiful woman in the world.
Allison’s feet sound on the stairs and she rounds into the family room looking a tad frazzled. “I’m so sorry about that,” she blurts, scooping the baby from his arms. “Time got away from me and she was fussy and—”
“It’s not a problem, really.”
She smiles gratefully at him. “Are you guys heading out?”
I stand. “Yeah, we should get going. I’m tired.”
“It was good to see you as always, Zoey. The boys are begging to go to another movie with you. And Cole, please come back any time.”
I give Allison a hug and she stiffens in surprise before hugging me back the best she can with Rose between us.
“I’d love to come again. If Zoey will have me.” Cole smiles in my direction.
“I haven’t gotten rid of you yet.” I roll my eyes playfully.
“Will you be spending Christmas with us?” Allison asks, taking me by surprise. “You’re welcome to spend the night here.”
“Oh.” My lips part with surprise. “I actually haven’t really thought about it. I’ve been so focused on finals, but yeah, of course I’ll be spending Christmas here.”
“Good and Cole if you don’t have plans with your family you’re welcome here too.”
“Thank you for the offer but I think my mom would whoop me if I missed Christmas.”
Allison laughs, rocking a sleepy Rose. “I understand. Drive safe you two.”
She heads for the stairs and Cole reaches for my hand. He looks down at our clasped palms for a moment, a reverent look on his face.
“What are you thinking?” Curiosity gets the best of me at his expression.
“Let’s go home.”
It doesn’t escape my notice that he avoids the question, but I reply with, “Okay,” anyway.
When we get back to the apartment I half-expect to find Teddy chilling on the couch but he’s not there.
“I’m tired.” I stifle a yawn, pressing a hand to my mouth.
“Me too.” He goes to the fridge and grabs two root beers and then a pack of my favorite Oreos. “Bed?”
“You’re speaking my language.” I waggle my brows.
Clasping the two bottles between his fingers on one hand, he holds the Oreos in the other and wraps that arm around my shoulders pulling me against his chest. Instead of saying anything he kisses me. It’s slow, sensual, and over too soon.
I mewl in protest and he chuckles as he releases me, walking down the hall to my room.
He flicks on the light and sets the drinks and cookies on the nightstand before taking off his clothes until he’s in nothing but his boxers. I do the same but change into a pair of sleep shorts and a loose tee.
We both climb into bed and I audibly sigh at how good it feels to be in my bed. I’m not one of those people who can sleep anywhere. I like my bed and my bed only. Especially when Cole is in it.
He passes me a root beer and I twist the cap off. He does the same, placing the Oreos between us in the bed where I peel back the wrapper.
I bite into a cookie, savoring the taste since I know my days with my favorite are limited. The carrot cake ones were nasty and since Cole and Teddy stocked me up, I haven’t bothered trying any other new flavors.
“I was engaged,” I blurt it out there, no take backs.
Cole’s head swings in my direction. “What?” A cookie is halfway to his mouth.
“My ex. We were engaged. Liza, the girl I was talking to in the coffee shop, she was my best friend. She’s who I caught him with.”
“Wow.” His full lips part. “That’s intense.”
“I