Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out and took the flowers. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.” The sweet smell of the autumn bouquet filled her senses. “Come in for a minute while I put these in water.”
Cole hesitated for a second but followed her. When he closed the door behind him he said, “You really need to learn to protect yourself.”
She spun around puzzled. “I lock my doors.”
He pulled off his glasses and looked her straight in the eyes. “Yet you let a stranger inside.”
Sharma dropped the vase she was holding and it crashed to the floor. Thankfully it wasn’t glass. It slid across the floor and stopped by his feet. There was no way she was going over to retrieve it. “Are you going to hurt me?” It was a stupid question and, if he was, he surely wasn’t going to answer truthfully.
Cole bent and picked up the vase. “Never.” He didn’t walk over to her. Instead he went to the sink, filled it with water, then placed the flowers inside. When he turned back he placed the vase on the kitchen table and said, “That doesn’t mean someone else wouldn’t.”
She knew it had been foolish. Seemed to be she’d been making those mistakes a lot around him. Funny because she normally was overly cautious. So what was it about him that make her throw all common sense out the window? Yes, she found him extremely attractive. His dark eyes bored into her and made her weak in the knees. And the suit he wore highlighted his broad shoulders. She was trying hard not to enjoy the sight of him, but she couldn’t help herself. He was gorgeous. Sharma could ignore all that—looks weren’t what drew her to a person. It was their heart and soul. That was the problem. His was calling to hers loud and clear. When he said he’d never hurt her, he was mistaken. He might not realize it, but if he was the real deal, he probably could hurt her more than anyone else could.
“I’ll remember to be more careful in the future.” She grabbed her purse as a cue she was ready to leave.
“Then I guess it’s off to dinner.”
When they got outside, she stopped abruptly. There was a limo parked directly in front of her apartment building. “Is that yours?” She hoped not because she wasn’t that type of person. She liked pizza and walks in the park. Limos and fancy food didn’t appeal to her. The man she spent time with the last two days was the one she wanted to be with. Not this.
“Is there a problem with it?”
She didn’t walk toward the limo. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather take mine.”
“Yours? Why?”
She turned to him and said, “All the best restaurants are within a few miles from here. If it weren’t for these heels, I’d even suggest we walk.”
Sharma watched as Cole walked over to the limo driver. He said something and the limo drove off. When he returned to her side he said, “Your car it is.”
She led him to the back of the building where she’d parked her car. Once inside she asked, “Where to?”
Cole laughed. “I had a plan, but somehow it doesn’t seem to work any longer. How about you suggest something.”
“Are you up for anything?” She regretted asking once it passed her lips.
He arched a brow, but like a gentleman he asked, “What do you have in mind?”
Blushing with embarrassment, she said, “I was thinking of this place at the mall. It’s in an arcade but the food is fantastic. Thought maybe we could make a night of it?” It sounded corny but it was going to give them something fun to do. Although she enjoyed hours of chatting with him, she didn’t want to put another waitress through that. Of course with the tip Cole left, maybe the waitress wished we’d return every night.
“Video games? You don’t strike me as someone who would play games.”
She drove out the driveway and said, “Shocking I’m sure, but killing zombies is a weakness of mine.”
Cole laughed. “Now this I have to see. Just so you know, I’m a competitive man. No matter how beautiful you look tonight, I plan on winning.”
Sharma loved driving a stick shift and normally did it well, but she popped the clutch and her car bucked. Beautiful? You think I’m beautiful. It wasn’t as though she hadn’t been told that before, but when he uttered the words, they touched her in a different way. She’d dressed special for him and the fact he noticed warmed her heart.
Within minutes they had arrived at their destination. Normally she’d use the parking garage and make her way inside. Instead she opted for valet. She had forgotten to wear a coat and when they left the temperature would’ve dropped significantly.
Cole took her hand in his. Walking inside, she almost regretted taking him to such a loud and active venue. Her intention was to have fun with him. Even though she didn’t know him much at all, she sensed he was in desperate need of it. And so am I.
He looked around, and she wasn’t sure she’d chosen correctly. Neither of them were in their twenties anymore, but she wanted to do something different. This was the best she could come up with on a whim.
“If you’d rather go . . .”
“No. This is great. I was just looking for that zombie game you mentioned.”
Sharma laughed. She couldn’t hurt a fly. She’d played the game before and when the zombies came close she closed her eyes. It was only a game, yet she couldn’t pull the trigger on the crossbow. “Maybe another game would be better.”
Cole lifted her hand to his lips and placed a delicate kiss on her fingers. “I accepted your challenge. No backing out now.”
If I knew that was case, I’d have challenged you to something much more pleasurable. “I believe someone promised me dinner first.”
Cole waived for the hostess and requested a table away from the crowd. She had a feeling he’d never been to this type of establishment. It didn’t matter where they seated you, the place was noisy and hopping. It made a fun date night, but not the place you wanted to be if you were looking to sit long and talk much.
Once they were seated Sharma asked, “If you don’t like this place, we can go someplace else.”
Cole looked around then reached up and undid his tie, pulled it off, and slipped it into his pocket. “This is a good change of pace.”
It wasn’t long before the waitress had come with their food. Last night pizza, tonight burgers and fries. She was going to gain weight if she dated him for any length of time. She usually was a soup and salad woman.
Cole must’ve enjoyed his food because he’d eaten so quickly. She wasn’t even half done when he asked, “Are you going to finish those fries?”
She almost burst out laughing. Yesterday she hardly got any pizza. “Help yourself.”
He reached over and snagged a few. “I don’t normally eat this stuff.”
“What do you eat?”
“Steak and salad. How about you?”
“I eat lite.” She hated to talk about food and what she ate. She was concerned about her weight and knew if she didn’t watch it, she’d gain it quickly. That wasn’t a dinner conversation to have with a man you were interested in.
“That’s interesting because you picked both places.”
“I picked this for the entertainment. Of course, the burger was great.”
“So what do you say we head over to those games and burn some of this off?”
She looked at him, not sure if he was teasing or not. “We’re at an arcade, not the gym.”
Cole laughed. “You obviously have never seen how intense those games can be. We’ll start with zombies, but I saw a fighter pilot flight simulator that has my name written all over it.”
She cocked her head. “Really? I thought zombie was pushing it, but a fighter pilot?”
“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”
Sharma followed him to the game room where they spent the next three hours deep in competition on a variety of games. Her sides were sore from laughing so hard at her pathetic attempts to beat him.
While they waited for her car to be retrieved by the valet parking attendant she said, “Som
ehow I don’t believe that was your first time playing these games.”
“Would you believe beginner’s luck?” Cole asked, then winked.
She chuckled. “Not for one second.”
Pulling her into his arms he looked down at her and said in a deep husky tone that sent a heat wave rushing through her, “I promise next time to let you win at least one game.”
The night wasn’t even over yet her heart raced thinking of being out with him again. It’d been a long time since she’d felt like this. Cole made her feel alive in a way that she’d thought would never come again. When he looked at her as he was now, she knew she didn’t want this night to end. They might’ve just met a few days ago, but the chemistry between them was undeniable. He had a way of making her laugh and even blush a little. She liked it a lot. This wasn’t just a sexual attraction. She found herself wanting to know more about him. Like his last name? I’m falling in love with you. I might even marry you. My name would be Sharma? It was ridiculous to even have these thoughts right now, but they crossed her mind anyway. At least he can’t read my thoughts.
Sharma wished he’d kiss her but out of the corner of her eye she could see the parking attendant holding the driver’s door open, waiting impatiently. He cleared his throat loudly to gain their attention. It was time to put an end to this perfect evening.
“I guess that’s our cue.” When she tried to pull away from Cole he only brought her closer to him.
“He can wait.” Cole’s dark eyes captured hers, leaving her defenseless to argue. A horn blared, and she felt Cole’s arm tense around her, but he didn’t release her.
“Cole, there is a line building. We really should . . . go so others can get their vehicles.” All his focus was on her. She had to admit, she found it sexy as hell that he didn’t pay attention to anyone around him.
“I have to leave in the morning on business.”
That’s not what she was hoping to hear. Crazy as it may be, she’d rather he told her he didn’t want the night to end. That he wanted, no needed, to hold her, touch her, taste her. Just because that’s my fantasy doesn’t mean it’s his.
“I wish you could come with me.”
It wasn’t a possibility even if he asked her. She had her job, and she wasn’t about to run off with him without knowing him a heck of a lot better. “Are you going to be gone long?” She couldn’t believe how pathetic her voice sounded as she asked. What did it matter? They were barely dating. It’s not like they were a couple in any sense at all.
“Why? Are you going to miss me?” Cole cocked a brow, watching for her response.
Her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t want to answer that question. The truth was, yes. The problem was it made no sense at all. How can I miss what I don’t know? Sharma knew if she closed her eyes and really thought about it, the answer would be crystal clear. But she hadn’t been looking for that. All she’d been searching for a few days ago was a place to quiet her mind. She’d never pictured her soulmate entering her life. She had her life planned for at least the next ten years. She’d never thought about sharing it with anyone. She’d felt those doors were closed forever. With him holding her, she knew she didn’t want him to go, yet leaving might be a good thing. Maybe with some distance she’d get her emotions under control. How do I answer him? He is leaving for some undetermined length of time and I’m torn about it. I want him to stay. I want him to go. I wish this had never started, but I don’t want it to ever end.
Burying her desire for him, she replied, “Of course. I had a nice time tonight.”
He cupped her face and asked, “Is that all?”
Her heart almost stopped. Couldn’t he see what he was doing to her? Was this a game he was playing or was he intentionally torturing her by making her want what she couldn’t have? “Should there be more?”
Cole’s lips claimed hers. His was playful and teasing all in one. First his tongue traced her lips gently then parted her lips. Once his tongue entered her mouth, twisting around hers, her legs trembled and threatened to give way. She reached up and clung to him for support. She knew she should pull away. People were probably staring, but she didn’t give a darn. He was leaving and this might be all the time they ever had together.
When he tried to pull back, she bit his bottom lip, gently drawing him back to her. Public displays of affections normally made her self-conscious. With Cole, she didn’t care who was watching. As his kisses deepened and his tongue filled her mouth, she melted and plastered herself fully against him. She wanted to run her hands under his suit jacket and feel his tight muscles, rake her fingernails over his pecs.
A cold breeze blew and a chill ran through her. This was sweeter than honey. It felt so good to be in his arms. It’s what we both want, but he’s leaving. What if he doesn’t come back? Can I do this? Am I capable of having one night and no more?
Her every cell screamed out for more. But she knew she couldn’t handle a one-night stand. She envied those who could. It would’ve been better than all those nights alone.
Even with this brief moment of intimacy they shared, she realized one night would never be enough. Although it was a beautiful thing, it was painfully unreal.
Prying her lips from his, she gripped his lapels and rested her head on his chest.
“Are you okay?” Cole asked gently.
She needed a minute to gain her composure. There was no point in denying she wanted him, but she didn’t need it to be so darn visible to everyone else nearby. “You really have to leave in the morning?” That question came out of nowhere. It must’ve been buried in her subconscious.
Cole stroked her back slowly and said, “I won’t be gone long.” He reached a hand around and gently tipped her head up to meet his gaze. The reflection of her desire shone brightly in his eyes. “We can pick this up again when I return.”
“I’d like that.”
“Should I go park the vehicle again?” the attendant asked snarkily.
Cole reached out and took her hand, walking her to the driver’s side. Sharma heard the attendant mutter something under his breath. The look on Cole’s face said he was about to snap. She didn’t want some smart-mouthed kid ruining what was for the most part a perfect night. “Would you like to drive?” It was all she could think of to diffuse the situation.
It worked as Cole walked her over to the passenger side, opened the door, and waited until Sharma was safely buckled in. She hoped he was going to just get inside the car so they could drive away. The attendant must’ve realized the mistake he’d made as he walked away without waiting for any gratuity.
Only when they pulled away from the building did she actually exhale. There was a look in Cole’s eyes that said he wasn’t a person to be messed with. Thankfully he also was a man who had self-control.
“Thank you.”
He turned to her, looking puzzled. “For what?”
“For not saying anything to that young man.”
“Trust me, I wanted to.”
“What prevented you?”
He reached and took her hand in his. “The look in your eyes.”
Sharma added that to a fast growing list of characteristics she found so darn appealing. At this point she hadn’t seen anything about him that turned her off. Was it possible he was as perfect as he appeared?
She entwined her fingers in his and smiled. A perfect night after all.
Chapter Four
Sharma needed someone to talk to about what was going on with Cole. She’d offered to give him a ride home but he’d refused. Instead he had called a cab, and they’d sat in her car until it had arrived. She’d invited him to wait in her apartment, but he’d said it was best they waited outside. Sharma had tried everything she could to lure him inside. Nothing seemed to work. He kissed her and held her hand but wasn’t stepping foot inside her apartment again. She lay awake most of the night tossing and turning. She was filled with sexual frustration. She needed someone who’d tell her she wasn’t making a foo
l of herself by throwing herself at a man. And one that left without taking me up on my offer.
There was only one person she could call and talk about such things. She’d been there for Rose when she was confused about Doug a few years back. The advice she’d given seemed to work. Don’t let go today what you can’t live without tomorrow. Since they married and had a baby boy, it seemed Rose heeded her words. But now it was Sharma’s turn. Her path had been crystal clear. Not so much right now.
Getting in her car, she headed toward the coffee shop. She was going to need a shot of espresso just to get through the morning. The line of cars waiting to place their order was extra-long, so she could talk to Rose on her Bluetooth while waiting.
“Call Rose Attwood.”
The sound of her phone dialing came through the car radio. She knew the time difference on Marpe-Agape, but one never knew where Rose and Doug were going to be.
“Hello Sharma. Rose is just putting the baby down. Can you wait a minute?” Doug’s deep voice boomed through the line.
“Of course. How are you, Doug?”
“I’m good. We all are. How about you?”
She didn’t want to spend much time talking to him. Not because she wasn’t fond of Doug, but his profession was to read people’s emotions. There was no doubt he’d start questioning her before too long. “Good, just on my way to work and wanted to see how everyone was doing.”
“Not that we don’t appreciate that, Sharma, because we do, but somehow I have a feeling there is more to it than that.”
Well, that’s even faster than I thought. “Just hoping for some girl talk, that’s all.”
“Ah. Man trouble. Got it.” Doug chuckled lightly. “But don’t forget, I’m here any time you need to talk. Believe it or not, I have a good understanding of relationships.”
Sharma rolled her eyes and was glad she hadn’t facetimed them. That’s what every man thinks. “Will do. You know, I’ll try Rose later on.”
The Billionaires Treat: Betting On You Series Novella: Book 7 Page 4
