“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I roll my eyes and walk to the fridge, grabbing us each another drink. “Don’t remind me.”
“Sorry, I know it’s a touchy subject with Kelly’s wedding coming up.” It’s innocuous, this conversation about my family, but it reminds of just who this man in front of me really is. He remembers everything I tell him about my family, and important things about our lives. He cares about me—about us.
“She’s been lining up single friends and family members of Logan’s to parade me in front of as possible matches at the wedding.” I roll my eyes.
“That’s a few months away. You might still be seeing Cole.” Dex pauses, then his brows lift. “Or if not, maybe I could go with you to help fend them off.”
He makes a mock-serious face and does the flexed biceps move he’s done ironically since we were just kids. Now, though, it loses most of its irony because the man is seriously built these days.
“Put those things away before you hurt someone.” I chuckle. “Seriously, though, that’s really sweet. If you’re dating Tabitha, though, that’ll be off the table, I’m afraid.”
“Why’s that?” He seems genuinely perplexed.
“Dex, you can’t go to Chicago with another woman if you have a girlfriend.”
“She’s not my girlfriend. Not yet, anyway. Besides, you and I are friends. We’ve known each other for years. Why is that weird?” He has the sweetest expression on his face.
The poor guy really is clueless.
“She’s not your girlfriend now, but if you keep going out, and I think you will, she will be by then. A girl wants your full attention, and a weekend getaway with your female bestie is not usually something a woman would be okay with.” I sigh. “I appreciate that you’re looking out for me, but who knows? By then, you’re right, I might have a boyfriend and it could be a non-issue.”
He screws his face up in apparent annoyance at my logic.
“Speaking of family…how’s your Mom? Have you talked to her lately?”
He closes his eyes and blows out a short breath.
“I haven’t heard from her in a couple of months. I think she’s at a yoga retreat in Montana with her latest whatever-he-is. This one’s about my age.” He shakes his head.
I reach across and rub the back of his hand with my palm and give him a soft smile.
“Your dad takes more interest in me than she does. It’s not her fault, though, I suppose. After Dad died, she never knew what to do with me, I don’t think.” I can see his eyes moisten as he lifts his gaze to mine, attempting a wry smile.
I furrow my brow. “Love you, for a start, is the right answer.”
He picks up my hand and brushes his lips to the back of my knuckles. I see emotion flash across his eyes and am instantly sad and nervous all at once. These are the types of times we spend together that I don’t want to lose—these are the times that matter.
I walk him to the door, and he pulls me in for a tight hug. “Have a good time tomorrow night.” His words are soft and low. “Cole’s a good guy, but…just make sure he really deserves you.”
“I love you so hard, bestie.”
“Love you back.” His arms tighten around my shoulders as we hug goodnight.
Then, just as he starts to release me, he does something he’s never done before. He moves his hands up, cradling my face so that his fingertips graze the back of my jaw, and his thumbs trace my cheeks. Then he tips my face up toward him, and plants the softest, sweetest kiss on my forehead before smiling softly, turning, and leaving.
.-- --- -. -.. . .-.
On Saturday afternoon, I get a text from Cole. When his name pops up, I worry, for a moment, that he’s cancelling our date. I’m weirdly glad that disappointment bubbles up, though, because it makes me realize that I do like this guy, or at least, maybe I’m starting to. When I read his message, I see my disappointment is unfounded.
COLE: Hi gorgeous. Looking forward to this evening.
ME: Me too
COLE: Wanted to let you know I’ll be in my Jeep tonight. I’ll park right by the front doors.
ME: Okay I’ll look for a Jeep. Is 5:30 still good?
COLE: Perfect. I’ll see you then. Can’t wait.
The text exchange is short, but it still gives me a little flutter of anticipation in my chest, which I take as a good sign.
Cole said to wear something comfortable, so I opt for skinny jeans, short boots, a long, loose top that shows just a hint of cleavage, and a short, fitted jacket over the top. I play up my eyes, and leave my lips pale, opting for some nude liner and a conditioning lip balm for a hint of color.
Happy with my look, I head over to Dex’s office to meet Cole.
I pull up to the massive glass office building and park right next to a black Jeep. I barely get my seatbelt off and Cole is standing beside the car, opening the door for me.
He looks good. Damn good, as a matter of fact. He’s wearing jeans and a sweater that’s gray across the shoulders and navy across the torso, with the two colors meeting in a line across his pecs. The style makes his already pronounced chest and shoulders look even bigger. He’s clean shaven, and his dark blonde hair is freshly cut.
“Hi, Sinclair.” He opens the door and offers me his hand as I step out of my car. “You look beautiful tonight.” He hands me a single rose.
“Aren’t you thoughtful?” I take the rose and inhale a deep breath of its sweet scent, then slide my arms around his neck for a hug.
We haven’t really kissed yet, after all, but this is our second date, so a hug feels right. With my arms around his neck, he deposits a soft kiss in the side of my hair near my temple. It’s affectionate and sweet, and I can already tell this date is going to be different than our last.
I carefully put the flower in the elastic on the back of my Jetta’s visor, and grab my bag. When he walks me over to his car and opens the passenger side door for me, I notice he has a bandage on his left cheek, near his ear. My fingers instinctively stroke his jaw and he winces away slightly.
“Are you okay? That’s a pretty big bandage. Did you get hurt?”
“You’re so sweet.” He takes my hand away from his face and deposits a soft kiss across the back of it. “There was something I was a little worried about, so a doctor friend of mine helped me out with it.” He runs his fingers through his hair above the bandage. “It’s nothing to be concerned about.”
A few minutes later, we’re driving off toward whatever surprise destination he has in store for us.
We chat as we drive and before I know it, we’re pulling up to our destination. When I look up and see the sign for the university planetarium, surprise doesn’t begin to cover what I feel. I don’t know what I expected, but it definitely wasn’t something like this. My smile grows wide.
“Really? The planetarium?” I look from the sign to Cole.
“Yeah, I hope this is okay? If you’re not into it, we can do something else.” He pauses as he unbuckles his seatbelt.
“Are you kidding? This is amazing!” I can’t even pretend to hide my excitement.
“Okay, then, let’s do this.”
CHAPTER 12
Sinclair
COLE PLANNED AHEAD, BUYING tickets and securing us seats near the center of the dome. After everyone is seated, the lights go down, and soft orchestral music begins to play. The seats all tip back so we’re looking up at the rear-projection dome ceiling. A voice comes on to introduce the program, and soon we’re listening to noted astrophysicist Dr. James Choate Siebert as he guides us on a tour of the Cosmos.
Siebert’s commentary is riveting. I know it’s a little unorthodox to fangirl over a scientist, but I’ve always been drawn to people with compelling intellects. Besides, the idea that we could communicate with other living beings in the universe is fascinating to me.
I reach over and find Cole’s hand and lock my fingers in his. When I turn to look at him he gives me the biggest smile. Toward the end of the program, Cole taps my arm, le
ans over, and whispers, “Glasses.” I pull mine from my purse, and he pulls a pair from his pocket and we put them on. As the video pulls back, showing the sky as an array of stars in a sea of inky darkness, each one sparkles through the lenses. Cole takes my hand and lifts it to his lips, glancing a sweet kiss across the back of my fingers that sends goosebumps across my flesh.
After the show ends, we stand, and I turn to him. “That was incredible. I really loved it.”
“I’m glad.” Cole takes my shoulders in his hands. “But I’ve got one more surprise up my sleeve. Come on.” He takes my hand again, guiding me toward the back of the auditorium. We walk toward a man in a tweed jacket, and I look from him to Cole and back.
“Dr. Siebert, hi.” Cole puts his hand out. “I’m Cole. We spoke earlier this week.”
“Cole, so nice to see you.” The distinguished older gentleman says in the same heavy British accent we’ve been listening to for the past hour. “This must be the friend you told me about.”
“Yes, this is Sinclair Baker. Sinclair, this is Dr. James Choate-Siebert.” Cole gestures to the man who is putting his hand out to shake mine.
“Very lovely to meet you, Sinclair, and please,” he looks from me to Cole and back, “Do call me James.”
“I’m so excited to meet you,” I reply. “I loved your article on using interstellar telescopes, and I’ve followed your work on interplanetary communications. It’s fascinating.”
“Do you work in the sciences as well, then, Sinclair?”
“Not really. I work in pharmaceuticals. Communication and linguistics has always been an interest of mine, though.” I manage to make conversation, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m talking to a man who has been interviewed on countless science programs, and has written at least a dozen books.
“So, James, you got the package we sent over?”
“I did, Cole. Thanks so much. My sons were thrilled. They were born here, you know, and grew up on baseball, although honestly, I’m more of a World Cup man, myself.” Siebert chuckles.
We chat a few moments more, then thank him and say our goodbyes.
“Oh, and do tell Dr. Flynn I said hello.” James adds as we turn to walk away.
“I will, thanks again.” Cole shakes his hand as we make our exit.
A little while later, we are pulling up to the restaurant, Victor Hugo, and once again, I’m surprised and thrilled with Cole’s choice for our evening.
“I’ve been wanting to check this place out. I mean, any restaurant named after an amazing writer is off to a great beginning in my book,” I wriggle my eyebrows at my pun.
Cole just looks at me, then chuckles after a long pause. “Exactly!” He adds. “I haven’t been here either, but I hear it’s good.”
His behavior is a little weird, almost like he’s slow on the uptake tonight, but everything else seems so well thought-out, that I put it down to nerves.
Inside, the hostess shows us to a small, empty room in the back.
“Just as you requested, Mr. Bright.” She shows us to a table by the fireplace in the back. “Your server will be right in.”
I take off my jacket, and Cole pushes in my chair.
“Why are we in a private room?” I’m perplexed as to why we wouldn’t be in the main dining room.
Cole smiles. “I thought it would be too presumptuous to ask you over to my place for dinner, and I wanted to be able to have a conversation without being interrupted.”
He leans forward a little and flashes an easy smile. “Look, I love my job. It’s amazing to get paid, and paid well, to do something you love. I’m truly blessed that I get to play ball for a living. Sometimes, though…well, when you’re a public figure, the public feels like you belong to them.”
He takes my hands in his across the table. “We’re just getting to know each other. I really wanted you all to myself tonight. I hope that’s not wrong of me.”
He gives me a sexy smirk, and I can’t help but melt a little.
“No, of course not. That’s something I hadn’t really thought about, though. That you’re a public figure, I mean.” I smile. “I have the luxury of forgetting that, though. You don’t.”
“I’m afraid not.”
He leans back in his chair and blowing out a quick sigh.
“It’s great, especially when kids recognize me. That’s the best, ya know? But sometimes, it can be tough when you just want some privacy. I didn’t want to have to keep interrupting our conversation to sign an autograph, or explain to some armchair coach why I threw the slider instead of the fastball in game three last year.” He shrugs.
“Speaking of,” I suddenly remember the conversation with my dad. “I hope I’m not imposing, but my dad would love you to sign a ball he caught in a game last year…and his favorite hat.” I shake my head, my cheeks burning with pink.
“You told your dad we were going out?” He crooks up one eyebrow.
“I did.” Embarrassment paints my face. “It sort of slipped out in conversation.”
He pumps his fist in the air. “Yes! She told her parents about me!” He smiles. “I mean, ahem, sure, I’d be happy to sign your dad’s stuff.” He winks and it’s freaking adorable to see this gorgeous guy not taking himself too seriously.
Over the course of the meal, we talk about the show at the planetarium, and our favorite books and movies. We expand on the conversation from our first date about my love of language. He asks which Hugo novel is my favorite, and I reply, then tell him how, of the romanticists, I love Dumas the most. With each question he asks he seems to pause briefly, as if carefully considering my answers before giving his own. I’ve never been out with anyone quite so attentive before.
After dinner, Cole drives me back to my car. We sit in his Jeep and talk a while longer, neither of us quite ready for the night to end, let alone sure how it should. After a while, Cole walks me back to my car. He sweetly reminds me and signs the items for my dad.
I’m standing with my back to my car door as we say goodnight. This definitely feels different than the last time we went out.
“Listen, I could try to play it cool, but I don’t think you’re the kind of woman to play games, so I’m just going to lay it out there.” He steps forward and grazes my jaw with his palm. “I like you, Sinclair. I like you a lot.”
I have to admit, I feel something I didn’t on our first date. He’s more complex than I thought he was. He’s funny and clever as well as good-looking and pretty damn sexy.
“This is the part where you tell me you like me too, and you had an amazing time tonight, and can’t wait to see me again.” He tips his face back and forth, gazing up, before meeting my eyes with a smirk.
I chuckle and smile. “Yeah, okay, you got me. I like you too. Tonight wasn’t what I expected at all. I loved the show, and meeting Dr. Siebert was incredible. The restaurant was great, and having the chance to really talk…I didn’t realize how much we have in common.”
“So you’ll let me take you out again?” He puts one hand on top of my car as he steps closer. In this moment, he doesn’t look like famous ball player from the magazine ads and sports shows. He looks just like any other guy asking a girl for a date.
My reply is soft as I look into emerald eyes that shimmer with mischief and lust. “I’d love to go out with you again, Cole.”
My eyes scan him as my fingers alight on his broad bicep. I look up into his eyes, to his lips, and back, willing him to kiss me.
“Alright, then.” He slowly dips his head forward. “It’s a date.”
With that, he tips my jaw up with his fingertip. When his lips meet mine, they’re soft and strong. He tugs at my lips and I melt into him. He knows what he wants, and he doesn’t hesitate to take whatever I’m willing to give.
Soon, my free hand is at his side, and he has his arms wrapped around me. He pulls me close, and my lips part, granting him access. With his arms around me, I feel my body respond, pressing against his as a
growl forms low in my belly.
When our lips finally part, I’m breathless.
“Are you…sure this date is over already?” Cole’s face is still close to mine, one brow cocked up in question.
I smile. “Cool your jets.” I playfully pat his chest with my palm. “Let’s not get too carried away. Like you said earlier, we’re just getting to know each other.”
“Okay, okay. Next weekend then? Or sooner?”
“Next weekend, for sure.” I push back just a little, not wanting to get carried away and take things too fast.
We kiss once more, and I get in my car to leave. Looking in my rearview mirror as I pull out, Cole is still standing beside his Jeep. I swear I see Dex’s Tesla at the far end of the parking lot. I suppose he could’ve left it parked here for the evening. He might even be out on another date with Tabitha.
Thoughts of Dex make me wonder about guys I’ve been out with in the past few years. I have to wonder how many I didn’t give a fair shake to because I thought they weren’t as smart as him, or as interesting.
I definitely did that with Cole on our first date. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but looking back, I know deep down, I compared the two men.
Tonight, though, I saw a different side of Cole. I like that he can be thoughtful and intellectual one minute, fun and playful the next. Maybe it’s optimism, or maybe it’s just that, after having finally moved back home, everything feels new and charged with possibilities. In either case, I feel like tonight was the start of something, and I’m starting to think I kind of like how that feels.
CHAPTER 13
Dexter
“ANY RESTAURANT NAMED AFTER an amazing writer is off to a great beginning in my book.” I laugh at Clair’s joke and realize I don’t hear Cole laughing. He doesn’t get it.
“Author/book…it’s a joke.” I’m pacing in the lab as I say the words into the Bluetooth headset attached to my phone. Cole laughs and I can’t help but wonder if Clair picks up on how forced it is.
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