“Hi Sharma, I’m looking for Cole. Is he there with you?”
“Is this Trent?”
“Yes, sorry. I had some questions about a deal we were discussing earlier but I haven’t been able to reach him since.”
So many question went through her mind. Like why would he be looking for Cole here? “How do you know him?”
“I just told you, we’re business acquaintances.”
“Somehow I seem to be the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on. Trent, I need a bit more information. What type of business does he actually do?” She felt foolish for even having to ask. Here she was crying over Cole, wishing they were lying on her bed holding each other, and she knew practically nothing about him.
“Real estate.”
“You mean like you do?”
“Sharma, he’s a good guy. Well, he has potential to be.”
Well that’s comforting. Not. “You mean you do business with him on a regular basis?”
“No. Usually we’re competing. This is different.”
Trent was one of the richest men in the US. For Cole to be able to compete, that meant he was . . . not a local from Quinton. “You mean like build casinos?”
“That’s one of his projects. Also luxury resorts. I would think he’d have told you that. Or at least you’d have figured that out by now.”
She felt so stupid. He’d played her, and she fell for it. He never said his last name for a reason. Because it was Wright. “I haven’t seen him, Trent, and I don’t expect to again.” She knew her voice gave away her anger, but she didn’t care one bit. If she never saw him again it would be too soon.
“That’s the not the impression I was left with.”
“It’s mine. But if I do see him, I’ll let him know you’re looking for him.”
“Should I have Rose call you?” Trent asked softly.
Sharma knew Trent didn’t want to deal with her female emotional state that was quickly coming to light. Sniffing, she replied, “I’m okay. Actually better than okay. I’m glad you called.” That was the truth. Everything was making sense now. Even Tina’s behavior earlier. They all knew Cole was Mr. Wright. The only person who seemed ignorant of it all was her. I trusted him, but his words meant nothing. His actions spoke the truth. Never again would she be blinded by her feelings. Her heart lied to her. At least I know now.
“Sharma, I don’t know what happened, but I think you need to hear him out.”
Oh, I think he’ll be the one hearing me out because I have a lot to say right now. “Don’t worry Trent. I’m not going to hurt your friend.”
“It’s not him I’m worried about. You’re family to Rose. That makes you family to me. Anything you need, even if it means kicking someone’s ass, just let me know.”
If her heart wasn’t in a million pieces already she’d appreciate him acting as though he was her big brother not just Rose’s. “Trent, Cole and I’ve only known each other a few days. It’s not like there’s anything to cry over.” Or at least I shouldn’t. That doesn’t mean I won’t.
“You can’t place time in the equation. If it’s real, somehow you know right away.”
Trent wasn’t the romantic type from what she knew, but his wife, Elaine, must think so. And here he was trying to give her advice on love. That was almost comical. “Trent, I really don’t want to talk about this. Not now at least.” Right now all she wanted to do was shut down her brain and her heart. Talking about Cole was going to prevent that from happening.
“I get it. Good night, Sharma. I’m here if you need me.”
“Good night, Trent.”
She tossed the phone onto her bed and headed back into the bathroom. She took one look in the mirror and the flood gates opened again. Was any of it real, Cole? Were you only with me because of the casino? It was a shame because she knew nothing about what had been going on in Quinton. And really she didn’t care. He’d chosen the wrong person if he’d wanted information. She was never a threat to what he wanted. And all she wanted from him was his love.
She slipped on her nightgown and crawled into bed. Sharma didn’t care that it was way too early to even consider sleeping. All she wanted was to hide from the world for a few days. But it was impossible to wind back the clock of time. And deep within her soul, she didn’t want to. There was no denying that the feelings she had for Cole were real and precious. Although her heart was aching, she yearned to see him again. There was so much she needed to ask, to know, but also things she needed to say.
She knew whatever was between them, real or not, wasn’t over. She wanted to hate him. To be angry but she couldn’t. All she felt was heartache, and she wished more than anything to see him one more time. I hate that I’m still hoping, but hope is all I have right now.
Cole wasn’t too happy with himself right now; how could he expect Sharma to be? He was on his way to tell her who he really was. He’d considered calling or texting her but neither seemed appropriate. This was something he needed to do in person.
He’d anticipated arriving back in Quinton earlier, but the pilot refused to fly through the strong turbulent weather. Cole wanted to see Sharma desperately, but he needed to be alive to do so. That meant being sent off course and delayed for hours.
Now he was standing outside her apartment building, looking up into darkness. The only positive part of this was she had no idea he was on his way back and probably was sleeping soundly. Ringing her phone now and waking her was a selfish thing to do. That didn’t mean he wasn’t going to do it.
“Sir, do you want me to wait?”
He’d made up his mind long before he even arrived in Quinton. Nothing was going to stop him from seeing Sharma tonight. Cole didn’t even turn to his limo driver. “No. I’ll call you when I need you.”
He opened the door and headed up the flight of stairs to her apartment. Knocking, he waited. Her car was parked outside so she was home, but since he was rudely waking her he needed to be patient. That wasn’t one of his strong points. Knocking again, a bit louder this time, he hoped to wake her. She might not be thrilled to see him, especially in the middle of the night, but something was digging at him. This couldn’t wait any longer.
Cole was just about to make a fist and pound on the door when he heard the lock being adjusted and the doorknob turning. There wasn’t any peephole so he hoped she wasn’t going to open the door without knowing who was on the other side.
Of course that’s exactly what happened. He wanted to tell her how dangerous that was but once his eyes met hers, everything else was lost.
“What are you doing here?”
She wasn’t smiling, but then again she wasn’t throwing anything at him either. Not a bad place to start. “I need to talk to you. May I come in?”
Sharma glared at him for a moment, and he really thought she was going to send him on his merry way. Instead he heard her frustration as she said one simple word, “Fine.”
He followed her to the living room where she stood, arms crossed and her right foot tapping. At no point did she seem to take into consideration her attire. She was dressing in what appeared to be a cute pink baby-doll nightie. With her arms folded it only accented her lovely breasts even more. Although he loved the view, this wasn’t going to assist him in the discussion that needed to take place.
Struggling he finely got the words out. “Maybe you could put on a robe or something.”
She didn’t budge. Instead she met his gaze and said, “I don’t expect you to be here that long.”
“I have a lot to tell you, but none of it will come out the way I want it to if you stand there dressed like that.”
She was angry and probably was going to be even more so when they spoke, but he could’ve sworn he saw her lips curl ever so slightly as she huffed and left him alone. When she returned she had done as he asked and was wearing a long fuzzy robe covering all the lusciousness she had to offer. He preferred her dressed the other way, but ignoring why he was there at this time of night
wasn’t going to make it go away. If he did what he wanted, which was pull her in his arms and make sweet love to her, she would hate him after. There was no other way but to tell who he was and see where it was going to go from there.
“Can we at least sit?”
Sharma sat on the far end of the couch. He wasn’t going to follow her lead. Instead he sat right next to her.
“Really?” she asked, looking at him.
“I want to be near you. And lie if you feel the need to, but you want me here too. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to talk first.”
“My hearing is just fine, and I’d appreciate it if you moved over slightly.” Sharma didn’t look at him as she made her request. He understood why. Because you can’t hide your feelings any more than I can. He slid over a few inches, but that was all. “Now what is it that is so important it couldn’t wait till morning?”
His entire flight was spent trying to figure out what to say, how to start. He’d had it down pat, but once he was by her side it sounded more like a sales pitch he would’ve used on a property he wanted to acquire. “First, I’m sorry. I’ve made some mistakes I need to rectify.”
“Yes, you have.” Sharma still wasn’t looking at him.
Reaching out, he took her hand in his. She tried to pull away, but her resistance seemed only obligatory. If it had been a serious effort, he would’ve let go. “Let me start by telling you that I missed you too.”
She snapped her head around and said gruffly, “That’s what you came here to say? Because I believe you could’ve texted me that.”
“But I don’t think you would’ve believed me,” Cole said arching a brow, watching for her reaction. From the look in her eyes, he was correct. “Do you believe me now?”
“Cole, I don’t know what to believe.”
“I should’ve been honest from the start, but the time never seemed right. I was enjoying being with you, and you seemed to enjoy being with me. The truth would’ve been a wedge. One I wasn’t prepared to deal with at that time.”
“So you lied?”
“No. If you would’ve asked me, I would’ve told you.”
“Do you mean who you really are?” Sharma asked, meeting his gaze. It was too late. She already knew.
Nodding, he replied, “Yes. That and more. When did you find out?”
Sharma shrugged. “Earlier this evening when Trent called for you.”
“That bastard.”
“Don’t you dare blame him. He’s not the one who kept your identity a secret.”
That was a mistake. He’d forgotten how close Sharma was to the Davis family. “Sharma, I not blaming him. I just wanted to tell you myself.”
“Then why didn’t you before now? I’m sure when you knew I was a nurse it must have dawned on you that I worked with people who might—”
“Wish I was dead?”
“That’s a bit overdramatic, don’t you think?”
Cole shook his head. “Not if you saw the hate mail I’ve received.”
She looked at him for a long moment then said, “You’re serious.”
“I am. When I came upon you in the park, and you were in your uniform, trust me, I was shocked how nice you were to me.”
“Why wouldn’t I be nice?”
“Have you attended any of the protests?”
Sharma shook her head. “This isn’t my fight. I’m not from here. I should’ve figured out you weren’t either when you didn’t know any places around to eat or have fun.”
“Fun. Until I met you, I don’t think I can remember the last time I had any fun. It’s all been about work, the next deal, never enjoyment.”
“So why now? Were you hoping I’d divulge some secrets about what they planned on doing next to stop the demolition of their old hospital?”
He hated that she could think he’d do such a thing. Then again, his reputation wasn’t a nice one. He’d done much worse over the years. If she researched him at all, she probably would’ve kicked his sorry ass out of here. Hell, she’d never have let me in.
“The time I spent with you was strictly pleasure. I would never do anything to hurt you.”
She looked down and her voice softened. “But you did.”
“And I’m sorry.”
“I wish I could believe you.”
Cole reached out and touched her cheek. “I won’t lie to you, Sharma. I’m an ass, and I’ve done many things in my life I’m not proud of. Not telling you who I was from the start is one of them. But I never thought it would matter.”
She turned back toward him. “Why?”
That was going to be more difficult to answer. But he promised never to lie. “Because I never let a woman get close enough to me that the details of my life, of who I am as a person, mattered. But you’re different.”
“Yet you didn’t tell me either.”
“Not my last name, but you know more about me than anyone. When we spent five hours talking over pizza, I was the being real me, not the businessman.”
“I didn’t know there was a difference.”
“You wouldn’t like the Cole Wright that others see. I’m exactly what they say I am, an ass. But when I’m alone with you, I’m different.”
“You still seem to be an ass to me.”
“I deserve that. I just don’t want you thinking that the time we shared was about anything other than wanting to know you.”
“Now you know me, so you can leave.”
“I’ll never know enough about you.”
When she looked at him, he saw her eyes glistening. The thought that he was hurting her was like a knife in his gut. He should get up and leave, but if he did, he knew they would never have another chance.
“Cole, I really can’t do this.”
“Talk to me? Care about me? What can’t you do?” The tears started to flow and he felt like shit.
“I’m afraid.”
“Of me?”
“No. Of myself. I’ve been alone for so long and the feelings I have for you are . . . well, more than I expected.” She wiped her cheeks then continued, “If you can’t tell, I’m having a hard time figuring out what exactly I want.”
“And you think it’d be easier if I weren’t here?” As far as he was concerned, if he left, she’d never open the door to him again.
“I’m not sure.”
“Tell me what you want, Sharma.”
“I want to be angry but—”
“You’re not.” She nodded. Cole could feel the battle within her. “You have the right to be. But I’m glad you’re not. It just shows again what an amazing woman you are. You’re absolutely stunning to look at, but it’s your heart that stands out above all else.”
“Cole, do you know what you’re doing to me?”
“Tell me.”
Another tear rolled down her cheek. “You’re making me want what I can’t have.”
This time he wiped away her tears. “What makes you think you can’t?”
“Because I’m not a dreamer, Cole. I have a plan in my life, and—”
“It doesn’t include me?”
“No, it didn’t.”
“Things change, Sharma.”
“And that’s what scares me. I’m not sure my heart can take more. I’ve been through a lot, Cole. More heartbreak is the last thing I need.”
He pulled her closer to him. “Sweetheart, I can’t promise I’ll never make you sad, because that’s impossible. I’m far from perfect. But I will do everything in my power to show you what you mean to me and not to break your heart.”
Cole feared she’d pull away, but instead her arms came up and wrapped around his neck. No words were exchanged as they clung to each other. When she did speak her voice was so soft it was barely a whisper. “Cole, please don’t let me go.”
“Never.”
Cole could tell what she wanted by the way her hand came up and touched his neck. Her fingers stroked him gently, asking him to do the same in return. There was nothing more he wanted
than to claim her lips, touch and taste every inch of her. But she was right; he’d hurt her. The last thing he wanted was to bring her more pain.
“Sharma, you have no idea how much you mean to me.”
“Then show me,” she said in a seductive tone.
God, woman. You’re killing me. I’m trying to be good. Be what you need me to be. He couldn’t deny her request. Cupping her face in his hands, his lips claimed hers. They were as he remembered, warm and welcoming. He wasn’t going to go any further, but her tongue coaxed him to open his mouth. His tongue met hers, and they danced, exploring each other. There was passion and tenderness in each movement. When she moaned into his mouth he thought he’d lose what little control he had. Instead he tried to concentrate on the sweet taste of her.
When he pulled away slightly, she gripped his shoulders to draw him closer to her. “Sweetheart, we should stop,” Cole murmured against her lips.
“I don’t want to.” Her tongue flicked and played with his as she began to do her own exploring. He was powerless to refuse her. Hell, he didn’t want to. Since the moment he’d met her, he wanted to touch her. This wasn’t about sex, it was about the need to make love to her. Cole might not be able to say the words she deserved to hear, but damn it, he was going to show her.
“I want you,” he growled into her mouth, his hands tangled in her hair, “but I don’t want you to regret this. We can wait.” Even as he said it, his body was aching for her. Yet what he felt for her surpassed any physical need.
“Cole, I want this.” She nipped his bottom lip. “I want you,” Sharma said breathlessly.
Without another thought he claimed her lips again. This time he felt her body quiver as he pulled her tighter into his arms. While deepening his kisses, Cole slid his hands around her back and drew her closer. Her firm breasts pressed against him, bringing his hunger to the next level. The battle raged within him, but he knew he needed to take it slow. His pleasure meant nothing to him. Tonight it was all about showing his heart to her the only way he knew how.
With one strong move, he lifted her into his arms and stood up. His voice gravelly with need, he asked, “Where?”
The Billionaires Treat: Betting On You Series Novella: Book 7 Page 6
