look down again.
He shifts again to step in front of me, stopping me from getting to the sink. Cole takes the plate from my tight grip and places it on the counter. My fingers curl into tight fists as his fingers come to my chin, and he lifts my face to meet his. “There’s only one way to fix this.”
Before I can respond, his warm, soft lips are pressed to mine.
The knot in my stomach loosens and becomes a wave of pleasure washing over me like a wave crashing against the shores of the sandy beach. Cole is the wave, and I am the sand.
He’s tender yet rough and needy all at the same time, and I don’t want it to end. His hand wraps around my waist, tugging me against his hard-as-stone body. I can feel the outline of muscle against my stomach as my hands reach up and dive through his dark locks. They’re already tousled, so what I do won’t make a difference.
Our breaths are heavy, and with each one, the kiss deepens. His hands clutch my ass and squeeze.
Someone clears their throat.
We spring apart—caught in the act!
My hands move to my freshly assaulted lips.
“How about you save that for when there’s no one else around? That kiss almost looked like a porn show.” Jasmine is standing in the entryway with a smug grin on her face.
“Uh…sorry. I’m just going to finish my meal,” Cole says, giving me a sheepish look and quickly exiting the room.
Jasmine raises her eyebrows. “He’s a looker, Dylan. Not sure how I feel about him, though. He’s one of those guys that takes any girl to bed. Just look at the type of career he’s got. I’m sure he has a bevy of women who follow him everywhere he goes.”
Damn, her words sting.
She’s right, though.
Jasmine washes her plate off and rests a hip against the counter. My lips are still tingling from that scorching kiss.
I sigh. “I know. I guess that’s why I didn’t want to bring him around to meet everyone. For all I know, he could leave tomorrow,” I lie. It doesn’t feel good lying to Jasmine, but it’s done now.
“Just don’t get attached. We’ve all had our fair share of heartbreak.”
“So, are you saying that every man is like Dad and those other men we’ve all dated? If we put every guy in the same basket, we’re going to end up lonely. I’ve been alone for a long time. It’s fun, but lonely…very, very lonely, Jas.”
“I guess I’ve never had the opportunity to fall in love. Perhaps my levels of attainability are set too high for what’s around,” she jokes.
“You never know who’s going to walk around the corner or show up when you least expect it. And if they accept and love you for who you are, then that’s what you want. Cole didn’t go running when he showed up at my office.” However, I’m sure he probably wanted to.
We share a sisterly moment, which come few and far between lately.
Mom rushes into the kitchen. Damn, it’s like Grand Central Station tonight. “Oh my, Dylan. He’s such a sweet young man.” Out of nowhere, she smacks my arm, and it stings.
“Ow,” I cry out. “What was that for?”
“That’s for not pre-warning me about bringing someone. You’re lucky, though. He seems a keeper.”
Yeah, yeah, everyone’s a keeper to her.
An ache forms in my chest—if only she knew it isn’t permanent. Her glistening brown eyes stare at me, filled with hope.
Ariel rushes in next. “I can’t believe you’re with Cole Carter. Like O…M…G.” As the baby of the family, she’s still at the stage of figuring out who she is. “I can’t believe it,” she gushes.
“Put your tongue away, Ariel.” Jas laughs.
The kitchen is filled with love, laughter, and happy memories.
“I’m not sure I can. Those tats are like a piece of art all their own. I can’t stop staring at them.”
Mom smacks her arm. Ariel flinches, but she’s still grinning like a goofball.
“If you come home with one, I’ll disown you. They look good on him, though.” My mom’s cheeks pink a little, and I can’t help the laughter that erupts from me.
“Mom’s a cougar,” Jasmine teases.
Mom’s face turns to one of horror with wide eyes and her mouth hanging open.
Someone clears their throat. “Perhaps I should get in on this conversation since it’s about me?” Cole’s dreamy voice causes me to face him.
We’ve all been busted.
10
Dylan
My cheeks heat, and I sense their change in color. “Sorry,” I mutter