chose to come here. So don’t give me the whole I’m-not-here-to-please-her-or-you attitude. You’d better respect my mother, or you’re not going to know what hit you.” I glare at him.
The smile that forms on Cole’s face would normally make my heart leap. Not tonight, though.
I shove his hard chest. “Don’t. That grin won’t get you out of treating me or my family like shit.”
“Stop your whispering, you pair. Come and have a drink,” Mom calls around the corner. I give Cole one last pointed glare and make my way to Mom.
Cole takes his time, and when I round the corner, Mom is standing there with her hand on her hip and tapping her foot. “Dylan, why didn’t you tell me about him?”
“Because I know how you are. Next you’ll be pushing him into marrying me.”
Mom points a finger accusingly at me. “I’m only looking out for you.”
“I know, but sometimes you can be a bit too much.” I sigh. “I love you, Mom, and I appreciate what you do for me, but my love life is something I need to work on. Not something you need to meddle in.”
She opens her mouth to respond when a voice filters through the house and then falls silent. “Uh,
Mom, there’s a biker dude sitting in our living room. Does he belong to you, or do I need to call the police?” Jasmine asks.
Ariel screams, and I race out. She’s pointing excitedly to Cole. “Oh, my— That’s Cole Carter. Supercross champion.”
My mouth drops open. “How did you know?” I ask.
Cole sits casually on the couch, and he doesn’t seem fazed by the events unfolding around him.
“Um…I’ve been to a few of his races with friends.” Ariel shrugs casually. Her cheeks are bright pink, yet she’s trying to act casual.
“This is Dylan’s boyfriend,” Mom says.
“No way,” Ariel screams, and I die a little inside. She’s not known for her tactfulness—more like loud and blunt. I suppose we’re all a little like that. We get it from our mom.
“Nice to meet you both.” Cole rises and stretches out his hand, and they each take it. My sisters’ eyes rake over him, and a stab of jealousy jolts through me.
Casually, I stroll over to stand beside him. “This is Ariel, and that’s Jasmine.” I point to each one even though my mother has done the introductions. Mom leaves the room, and the girls quickly follow after her once they get over their initial gawking.
“Jealous much?” he teases, facing me.
Our bodies are so close. If anyone looked at us, they would assume we’re a couple with how near we’re standing and especially the way his stare eats me up.
“You wish,” I retort.
“I swear I saw that green-eyed monster jump onto your shoulder the moment you saw your sisters taking this in.” He gestures to his body.
I raise an eyebrow. “Hmm… I wouldn’t be too worried if I was you. I don’t get jealous… I get even. Just you wait and see what I have in store for you. You laugh at me, and you pay.” I take a small step forward and rise on my tiptoes. His breath hits my lips as his teeth rake over his bottom lip.
It’s suddenly become scorching in this tiny room.
I hover there for a moment, and he moves in to close the gap, but I pull back.
“Told you,” I say seductively then turn and leave.
8
Cole
I am in trouble.
Dylan struts away as if she’s performing on the catwalk. I was ready to swoop in and finish the distance between that kiss. She played me, and now I can’t get it out of my head. The desire to caress those lips is firmly at the forefront of my mind. I have no doubt they’d be soft, and she’ll probably taste sweet. I need to taste her. Devour her mouth. Claim it as my own.
“Come on, Cole. Dinner’s ready,” Dylan’s sister—Ariel, I think her name is—states. The one who recognized me pokes her head around the corner from the kitchen.
I did notice Dylan’s reaction, though. It was pure gold to watch her turn into a protective hound dog. Nothing is allowed to touch what’s hers, especially if it’s her sister. The other sister didn’t seem too interested, which is fine with me since I won’t be hanging around for long after dinner. I already know I’ll be made out to be the bad guy in this situation—story of my life.
I make my way to the dining table and take an empty seat beside Dylan. Her