Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,312

it open then stands to the side, allowing me to enter. Stepping through, I’m welcomed into an open living and kitchen area. Colorful artwork hangs on the walls.

“Nice place.”

“Thanks.” She stands beside me, now stripped of her coat and bag. “Would you like a drink?”

I shake my head. “No, thanks. I don’t like to drink while I’m riding. I’d hate to get caught doing it or end up having an accident.”

“Water?” she counteroffers.

“That would be good. Thanks.”

Dylan’s silent footsteps tell me she’s stripped off her shoes.

The view of the city captures my attention, and I move closer to the large window that runs from wall to wall, ceiling to floor. There’s a door leading out onto a balcony. Unlocking it, I slide it open and step out into the cool night air.

Sounds filter up from the busy streets below. This place is awesome. I rest my arms on the rail and take in the lights.

“Here you go.”

Spinning around, Dylan is holding out a bottled water, so I take it and crack the lid, downing the contents.

She clasps a wine glass in her hand and stands beside me but doesn’t lean on the rail.

“I love this view. Makes me want to buy one of these apartments. Hey, we could be floor buddies,” I joke.

She laughs and takes another sip of her wine. “Good luck. The building’s owner probably wouldn’t let you in—guessing you’re a playboy type. They wouldn’t let you bring your parade of women through here.”

“Who says I’m into women?”

Her eyebrows raise. “Well, then I’d say I read you totally wrong tonight. Especially after that kiss.”

I chuckle. “I’m just teasing. I like my women. I have to admit, tonight has taken me by surprise.”

“How’s that?”

“Surprisingly, I’ve enjoyed myself. Your family is great. Where’s your dad?”

She shrugs. “Who knows? He left a while ago, and we’ve never heard from him since. He and Mom always seemed happy, and then one day, he never came home from work. We received a letter to say he wasn’t coming home and that he was happier with someone else.”

“Ouch, that’s harsh. Is that the reason why you and Jasmine are so guarded when it comes to men?”

Her lips touch the glass as she takes another sip. This one seems more like a large mouthful, though. I’ve hit a subject she’s not too keen on discussing, obviously.

“It’s part of it, but we’ve both had experiences where we’ve been hurt, and the hurt has been so bad that being single is more appealing than trying to please another man.”

I nod and stare back out at the lights which remind me of colored stars. “But why is your mother pushing you to get married, or at least find a man?”

She laughs. “Because she doesn’t want us to end up alone, and I also think it’s because she wants to organize a wedding for her girls. She always tells us that when she was with Dad, things were good. They were happy. She doesn’t understand why he left, and she was utterly heartbroken. I guess I don’t ever want to go through what she did. If you had seen her…” Her voice trails off.

Glancing at Dylan, she blinks away the tears that rest in her eyes.

Lifting myself away from the rail, I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her closer. Even knowing this woman for only a couple of hours, it almost feels second nature to hold her, to touch her. My body aches for her closeness, and it’s such a weird feeling for me. I’ve wanted closeness in my life, but nothing like what Dylan makes me want.

How can she change my mind about the kinds of things I want in such a short amount of time?

I know I want her.

12

Cole

Dylan clears her throat and brushes away a tear that trickles down her flushed cheek.

“I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked.” My grip on her tightens.

“No, it’s okay. Trust me, I’ve never spoken about it with anyone. Not even my mom. I’m not one to dig up the past.”

“But haven’t you ever wanted to find your father?”

“Not really. I guess it’s easier to let him go because that’s what he wanted. He hasn’t sought out my sisters or me, so why should I do the work for him? He’s our father, and he left, which tells me he’s not interested in what we do or what he left behind.”

“I get it.”

We fall silent. I keep my arm around Dylan, not wanting to