Cole searched the crowd, his eyes locking on Olivia, drilling her with a passion beyond anything she’d ever experienced. Her stomach twisted in knots. How the hell did he do that?
“I didn’t know the first thing about being in a relationship. I thought I could control the world around me, and in my hubris, I lost sight of what was really important,” he explained, speaking directly to her now, the rest of the crowd forgotten as he delivered his heartfelt apology. The one she’d been doing her damndest to avoid. The one that had the potential to be lethal to her resolve. “While I wanted nothing more than to be your partner—your equal—my actions sent a different message. I know now that being in a relationship isn’t about having control, it’s about giving it up. I was stupid and thoughtless and I broke your trust, Olivia. The trust of an incredible, intelligent, driven woman—the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
She gripped the edge of her seat, her knuckles going white. It was all happening so fast. She couldn’t process. Ten minutes ago she’d been trying to figure out how to wrangle Chloe a pair of gold undies and now this?
“Love?” she whispered, knowing full well he couldn’t hear her, despite the eerie silence that had fallen over the crowd.
Cole jumped down from the runway, landing gracefully as though stage hopping were an everyday occurrence for him. He laid his microphone on the edge of the runway, next to the stiletto-clad foot of a teary-eyed model, and spun to face her. He grasped her hands, wrapping them in his warmth, and pulled her to her feet.
Olivia stood on wobbly knees, praying her legs would hold up. The last thing she needed was a face plant in front of an audience this large. Not exactly how she imaged her Vixen debut. Of course, she hadn’t quite imagined this scenario either, so she was in uncharted waters all around. Still, Cole loved her! And he’d just waxed poetical about her brains! Unable to stop the grin that spread across her face, she basked in the admission, letting the knowledge warm her from the inside out.
“I love you, Olivia. I was so scared to admit it, even to myself, that I drove you away. I don’t deserve a second chance,” he said, squeezing her hands and sending warm fuzzies straight to her heart, melting the frost she’d allowed to accumulate. “But if you give it to me, I’ll prove you made the right choice.”
Cole dropped to one knee, his eyes taking on a glassy sheen. Olivia was tearing up herself. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she fought a losing battle. She was drowning in quicksilver and sinking fast. It was inevitable, she supposed. The man she loved was on his knees begging for forgiveness. And she wanted to forgive him. She truly did. But, could she trust him? She couldn’t bear to be disappointed again. She couldn’t go through that hurt even one more time. She was maxed out on bending; she’d surely break next time.
“Cole, I—”
“Say yes!” someone yelled from deep within the crowd.
“Liv?” Chloe prompted. “I don’t want to rush you here, but if you don’t say yes soon, one of these other ladies is going to snatch that man right up.”
Olivia looked deep into Cole’s gray eyes, searching his soul for the future she so desperately wanted. Beyond the unshed tears she saw compassion, respect, and most importantly, love. Neither of them was perfect, but maybe together they could be. Cole had put himself out there, laying his soul bare in front of hundreds of strangers, finally admitting that he was wrong to interfere with her career, and declaring that he was in love with her. Her brains, as well as her body. Her. So what was she waiting for? Happily ever after was staring her in the eye. She just had to be brave enough to open her heart and take a chance.
“I love you, too,” she declared, her voice strong and sure despite the swell of emotion, “but get off that knee or people are going to get the wrong idea! You’ve got one more chance, Cole Bennett. Make it count.”
He leapt to his feet, sweeping Olivia up in his arms and spinning her around as she crushed her mouth to his. Their lips melded together as if they’d never been apart, reaffirming her decision to give their love a shot. They’d make it work this time. She knew it from her racing heart to her throbbing pelvis, right down to the tips of her curled toes. If she was going to open her heart and take a chance on love—the messy, screwed up, beautiful kind—it had to be with Cole. She couldn’t imagine a future that didn’t include his arms wrapped around her. His tongue slipped between her lips, charging her body like a live wire. She hardly noticed when the audience burst into raucous applause. She was too busy making up for lost time.
“I think they approve,” he laughed breathlessly when the kiss finally ended. “Want to get out of here?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” she replied, a hot flush creeping up the back of her neck as she thought about the hundreds of eyes watching them play tonsil hockey. She turned to Chloe.
“Get out of here already,” she said, waving a hand nonchalantly. “I’ll get a cab.”
“Thanks, Chloe. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Cole flashed her one of his smiles and dropped his lips to Olivia’s ear. “I’ve got a car outside.”
“You know,” she whispered, snaking her arm around his waist. “I’ve always wanted to do it in a limo.”
…
When the driver closed the door, giving them total privacy, Cole pulled Olivia onto his lap. Now that he finally had her back in his arms, he wasn’t about to let her go. She straddled him, looking flushed and incredibly sexy, as she ground her hips against him. The friction of the act brought his cock to full attention as it sought release deep within the wet heat of the woman he loved.
“Please tell me it’s laundry day.” He slipped a hand under her flowing skirt. Damn. His fingers skimmed over a pair of barely-there lacy string bikinis. “How attached are you to these?” he asked, tugging on the restrictive undergarments.
“I work for a lingerie company now, remember?” she replied with a grin. “They’re easily replaced.”
“Glad to hear it, because they’ve got to go if I’m going to make that fantasy of yours come true.”
“And what fantasy is that?”
“The one where I make you come in less than twelve blocks.” He reached under her skirt and ripped the thin fabric with one firm tug. His thumb found its way to her center, gently massaging her clit as she pumped her hips against him, head thrown back, hair cascading over her shoulder in golden waves. Damn she was beautiful. And wet. He would never get tired of this, seeing her let go and give herself over to him, to the bond they shared.
“Aren’t you a little overdressed for a fashion show?” Olivia panted.
“I figured if I was going to crash and burn, I might as well look good doing it,” he explained, placing a kiss on her exposed collarbone and working his way up her neckline. Her skin was hot to the touch. She was burning up. They were burning up. All was right in the world.
“I’d say you succeeded,” she teased, unbuttoning his pants with swift fingers. She released his cock and stroked it, sending shockwaves through his body. “Baby, I need you inside me now.”
He groaned in ecstasy as she lowered herself onto his shaft in one quick motion, her body clenching him tightly and claiming him as her own. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I see that,” she purred, rocking her hips slowly and taking him deep. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was testing his endurance. Fortunately, it was a short ride back to his apartment and he meant to make good on his promise. They’d both come before this ride was over. They had the rest of their lives to take it slow.
“Don’t think this means you’re off the hook, Cole Bennett.” Olivia quickened the pace, her thrusts becoming more insistent. “You still have a lot of making up to do.”
“Sweetheart, I’m just getting started,” he promised, gripping her hips and lifting his pelvis to her, matching her feverish pace as she pushed them toward climax.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” She lowered her mouth to his, placing a gentle kiss on his lips before pulling back.
She was definitely teasing him now, challenging him. And he knew just how to respond. When she leaned in for another kiss, her nose brushing his, Cole twisted his fingers in her hair, tilting her head to the side and taking control. As expected, his aggression fueled her passion, her kisses becoming deeper and more desperate as her tongue sought refuge in his mouth, mating with his own.
He said a silent prayer for second chances. If Olivia had rejected his apology…well, he couldn’t even think about it. The prospect of going through the rest of his life without moments like this, without holding her close, was unfathomable. He would be true to his word, and when the time was right, he’d make her his wife, if she’d have him.
“Baby, you’ve only got a few more blocks to pull this fantasy off,” she chided, panting as she rode Cole to ecstasy, their bodies crashing together in harmony.
“That sounds like a challenge.” He smirked, slipping a hand between them to massage the bundle of nerves he knew would push her to oblivion. He rolled his thumb across her center as she rocked her hips furiously, clutching his shoulder and digging her nails into the soft fabric of his jacket. He leaned back, riding the ascent to his own orgasm as she drove him toward climax.
Just two more quick strokes and Olivia’s moans reached a crescendo the driver was sure to hear. Her body tightened around him, demanding he join her in a shattering release, the intensity of which he’d never experienced before. His body shuddered with pleasure as she withdrew everything he had to give.
When she finally collapsed on his chest in exhaustion, he held her tight, stroking her hair and planting a kiss on top of her head. What he wouldn’t give to extend the ride, even by a moment, so he wouldn’t have to let her go. This was what it was all about—the quiet moments with the one you loved. It had taken him a while, thirty-four years to be exact, but he finally understood.
“That. Was. Amazing,” she declared, sitting up and zipping his pants. Her eyes were bright and her smile was as wide as he’d ever seen. She truly was the most beautiful woman in the world. “We have to do this again.”
“Your wish is my command.”
Olivia threw her head back and laughed. “I’m going to hold you to that, you know.”
“I’d expect nothing less,” he admitted, grasping her hands in his once again. “I meant everything I said tonight. I am going to spend every day for the rest of my life doing whatever it takes to make you happy.”
“Whatever it takes?” she asked with a coy smile, her hair falling over one eye. “I like the sound of that.”
Epilogue
Olivia shivered and snuggled closer to Cole. He wrapped a well-muscled arm around her shoulder and pulled her in for a kiss, his peppermint-coated lips moving hungrily over hers. She sucked on his bottom lip, the tension between them reaching a maddening pitch. Yep. He’d definitely been sampling her Chap Stick again.
It was a brisk morning, giving her the perfect excuse to cuddle up to her man and indulge in a little PDA. Not that she needed an excuse. Besides, she was having too much fun to care who was watching. Five years in the city and she’d never even considered attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It had always seemed touristy, crowded, and freaking cold. But PBA had recently done some work for the retailer and Cole had scored passes to view the event from Harold Square. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and they were making the most of it, guzzling hot chocolate and reveling in the excitement with three million other happy parade goers.
“Having fun?” Cole asked, nipping at her frozen ear and warming it up with his steamy breath. Desire stirred deep within her, desperate to be unleashed. It was colder than a polar bear’s butt and yet, somehow, he still managed to light a fire in her belly. He always had the effect, and it seemed to be growing stronger each day.
“With you? Always.” And it was true. Over the last seven months she’d managed to find balance between work and life, opening herself to new experiences with Cole. With him, she was happier than she’d ever thought possible. “You know, I was thinking…”
“Oh?” he asked, lifting his mouth from her ear and looking her in the eye.
“Maybe we could duck out early and head back to your place to warm up before heading to White Plains.” She arched her brow, letting him know exactly how she wanted to warm him up before dinner at his sister’s house.
Lust flared in his eyes, softening the normally vibrant silver to a sensuous gray. He spun her around so that her backside was pressed to the hard ridge of his erection, masking it from the crowd. His breath was hot on her cheek, sending a ripple of anticipation straight to her core. “You know, I like the way your mind works.”
“Then you’ll be really happy to know I’m not wearing any panties.”
He groaned. “But we haven’t even seen the man in the big red suit yet.”
Kermit the Frog floated past with about fifty handlers dressed in green spandex. Smiling, she leaned into Cole and circled her ass over his length. She cursed the twenty-five blocks separating them from his apartment. It might as well be on the moon for all the good it was doing them now. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m pretty sure you’re on the naughty list this year.”
“Only one way to find out,” he replied with a cocky grin. He smacked her bottom. “Besides, one look at you in those jeans and Santa’s sure to understand.”
“I wouldn’t bet on it.”
He reached inside her jacket and ran his finger along the waistband of her jeans, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. “I’m not the one running around town with no panties.”
“Too bad.”
They watched a few more musical acts before Santa finally made an appearance. Led by his eight reindeer, and riding in the trademark gold and emerald green sleigh, he arrived to the tune of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” He waved cheerfully, shaking his belly and delighting the children, and apparently Cole, who grabbed her hand and pulled her from the edge of the crowd. Santa’s float passed the landing zone in front of Macy’s, a sure sign the three hour parade was drawing to a close. The crowd clapped and cheered as the jolly old elf did something completely unexpected and descended from his float.
He scanned the crowd, his gaze landing on Olivia.
When he started walking toward her, she had a moment of panic. Surely Cole wouldn’t ask Santa about the naughty list, would he? Or about how good her ass looked in Banana Republic jeans? She was pretty sure he wouldn’t mention the fact that she wasn’t wearing underwear. Then again, she’d learned long ago not to underestimate him. Oh, God. She was going to die of embarrassment. Stealing a look at him, she saw he looked as surprised as she felt.
“Ho, ho, ho,” Santa chortled, spreading his arms wide as if he meant to hug her. If she didn’t know any better, she’d have thought he was the real deal with his rich velvet suit and snowy white beard. She tucked her hands in her pockets, resisting the urge to give his beard a tug Miracle on 34th Street style. “Merry Christmas, Olivia!”
How the hell did he know her name?
“Um. Hi, Santa.” Because, yeah, what else could she say? She glanced around, seeing a number of envious children staring at her. Shouldn’t he be talking to the kids? Getting their wish lists or handing out candy canes? It had been a while since she’d sat on Santa’s lap, but she was pretty sure things hadn’t changed that much in the last twenty years.
“And what would you like for Christmas this year?” he asked, hooking his thumbs in the brown leather belt that wrapped around his massive mid-section. The bells on it tinkled, creating a melody that only Santa could pull off.
What did he expect her to ask for? Everything she needed was right next to her. She glanced at Cole. He shrugged, a mischievous grin lighting his face. No help there.
“Think you can manage world peace?” she asked, drawing on her pageant days. You could never go wrong with world peace.
“I’ll see what I can do.” He winked at her conspiratorially and reached into his pocket. “It’s a
bit early, but I have a very special gift for you today.”
He pulled a small box out of his jacket. A robin’s egg blue box. Tiffany blue, with a white satin bow, to be exact.
Olivia froze.
With gloved fingers, he pressed the tiny box into her hand. “Go ahead, dear. Open it.”
Her eyes drifted to Cole, finding his gaze riveted on her. Was this what she thought it was? Hope blossomed in her chest, her heart slamming against her rib cage double-time. There was every possibility she was going to have a heart attack.
Surely not. It couldn’t be. Could it? With shaking hands, she pulled the bow loose, letting it drop to the ground and forgetting all about New York’s strict littering laws. She flipped the box open, revealing the most stunning diamond ring she’d ever seen. Cushion cut, it was surrounded by a row of tiny diamonds that stretched down the band. It was totally classic and totally her.
Cole dropped to his knee, bringing tears to her eyes. This was really happening. She couldn’t believe it, hadn’t dared let herself imagine this day.
“Olivia, I love you more than life itself, and if you do me the honor of becoming my wife, I will spend every day for the rest of my life proving it to you. Will you marry me?”
Unable to suppress her emotions, she felt tears of happiness leaking down her cheeks. “Yes!” she cried, laughing through her tears and trying to commit the feeling to memory. Words couldn’t describe the joy that was pouring from her heart. She was overwhelmed by it, knowing that she’d found her soul mate in Cole, knowing he’d be there with her each day for the rest of her life. Her equal, her partner. “Yes, yes, yes.”
He leapt to his feet, swept her up in his arms, and pressed her to his solid chest. As he spun her around, the floats and the crowd dissolved into nothing more than a distant blur. Then and there, he claimed her as his own for all the world to see. And secure in the knowledge Cole Bennett would be the last man she’d ever kiss, she crushed her lips to his, claiming him right back.
Once Upon a Dare Page 18
