by Layla Hagen
Cole: How are my girls doing?
I showed the message to Tess.
“What do you think? Should I fess up that we’d love if he picked us up?” I asked.
“Oh, yeah,” Tess agreed. Pressing the button, I stepped a little away from Isabelle and Tess. I was certain Cole would say something inappropriate on the phone. I gave him two minutes.
Cole answered right away.
“I was expecting pictures,” he said instead of hello.
“You asked for them; I never agreed to send any.”
“Laney...” Yum, his voice sounded a little growly, a lot delicious. “You can still send me some now.”
“Cole Winchester. The only way you’ll see me naked is in person. I’m not sending you nude pics.”
“I’d actually meant pictures of you trying on dresses, but I like how you’re thinking.”
I felt my cheeks heat up and then my ears.
“You can still send me pictures of the winner.”
“It’s already packed. I’m going to pay.”
“Okay. How are my girls?”
“We’re having fun. But we’d love if you picked us up. I’d love it, actually.”
“Where are you?”
“At a store in Soho. The name is Fashion After Dark.”
“I’ll google the address and pick you all up in about twenty minutes.”
“Wow... I think I like you even more than before,” I whispered.
“How much?” he asked.
“Hmm, I’ll show you when we’re alone.”
“I like that plan.” After a beat, he added, “Just looked up the store’s address. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Perfect. Thanks.”
After I paid, we waited for Cole outside the store. He arrived quickly, in a sleek black BMW with a driver. Getting out of the car, he surveyed the three of us slowly.
“You all look very happy.”
“We are. It’s been a very productive evening. And quite informative. I found out that your girl here is head over heels for you.”
I groaned. “Tess, I told you that in confidence.”
Tess covered her mouth, wincing. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
Cole looked between the two of us with warm eyes.
“Come on. Let’s get you all home.”
“Wow, you came in a company car. I feel so fancy and important,” Tess exclaimed as Cole helped the three of us into the back seat. He was in front, next to the driver.
“I didn’t know you have company cars,” I said.
“I don’t use them often, because of traffic. Hunter uses them sometimes. Mostly, we keep them for clients who require royal treatment when we have a meeting.”
“I totally get it. I feel like royalty,” I said, sliding lower on the leather seat.
“So, Tess..., you were saying earlier about my girl being head over heels for me?” Cole asked this so nonchalantly that I couldn’t help but laugh. But I did glance at Tess with a raised eyebrow so she didn’t accidentally spill the beans again.
“My lips are sealed,” Tess said confidently.
“So are mine,” Isabelle declared, as if suspecting Cole might focus on her next.
He chuckled, turning to look at the three of us briefly.
We dropped off Isabelle first and then Tess. Cole slid next to me on the back seat after that. I leaned my head on his shoulder. I drummed my fingers on his chest, undoing the top button of his shirt and sliding my hand in there.
“I love you,” I whispered in his ear. Okay, so this wasn’t the best time, but I just wanted to tell him, and I didn’t want to wait one minute longer. “I know the girls ratted me out, but I wanted for you to hear it from me too.”
“Baby....” He jerked his head back a little until we had eye contact before cupping the back of my head. “You mean it? Because I love you with all I have, and I didn’t know if telling you was a good idea.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m afraid of how much I love you, but I do.”
He pressed his lips against my forehead, and I felt them curl in a smile. “Fuck, baby. I can’t wait for us to be alone.”
We were both whispering, but even so... it was better to just wait. A few minutes later, the car pulled in front of Cole’s building, and we both practically ran to his door. Once inside, he cupped my face.
“Say it again.”
“I love you, Cole Winchester. I love you.”
“Babe, I love you too. What am I going to do with you?”
I had no idea how he was doing it, but I could swear some of my fears just kept melting at seeing the pure joy in his eyes, feeling his hands on my hips.
“I’m at your mercy, Mr. Winchester. Do your very best.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Laney
“This is incredible,” I murmured when we entered the ballroom, taking it all in. The high ceiling with sophisticated golden lighting devices was just exquisite, as were the small opera-style balconies full of tables. A dozen more tables were spread around the room, circling the dance floor.
“Thanks,” Cole said.
I’d only ever seen these types of events in movies or a TV series. Despite its grandeur and elegance, the room wasn’t intimidating at all. I felt welcome.
Tess waved at us from the family table next to the stage. She was alone for now. We headed toward them but stopped a few times on the way for Cole to greet guests and introduce me. I loved being on his arm and getting to know his world a little better, being part of it.
“How did you come up with the idea for these events? They’re so grand. You even have car service and valets, and your family is so down-to-earth. At least, from what I’ve seen.”
“Hunter and I rub elbows with a lot of the guests in our business, so we’ve learned what makes them tick. Or in this case, part with their money for charity. We start by donating a huge amount, and then they follow suit.”
“That’s smart,” I said as we reached the Winchester table.
“You look gorgeous, Laney,” Tess exclaimed.
I motioned for her to rise from the table. “I want to see your dress properly.”
She stood, twirling once, and I nodded appreciatively. Tess was absolutely radiant in a bright red gown with a heart-shaped cut. She seemed to have more blonde strands than before. Her hair was styled in elegant waves.
“You’re stunning,” I said.
“What did you do to your hair? I love it.”
“A blowout with a brush.”
“You’re real good at it. I look like an electrocuted cat whenever I try that.”
“It’s a simple tutorial on YouTube. I’ll send you the link.”
“Thanks.”
Thankfully, I’d been blessed with naturally thick, shiny hair that somehow resisted the daily abuse of being tied up and sometimes covered in a plastic cap. For tonight, I’d used one of those huge round brushes to straighten it and give it volume at the same time. I loved tutorials in all forms. I could of course have gone to a hairdresser, but it was faster to just do it myself. After Cole and I sat down, Josie and Hunter joined us. Ryker and his wife, Heather, and daughter, Avery, arrived soon after.
“Heather, I know we just met, but you need to tell me where you got your dress,” I exclaimed. It was dark blue, princess style with a silver thread at the waist.
“Thanks. I’ll show you their website later in the evening. That energetic kid who just ran to the children’s corner is Avery.”
“Nice to meet her too.”
“Let’s all sit,” Ryker said.
A while later, Isabelle, Ian, and Dylan joined us. The guys each hugged me, and Dylan whispered in my ear, “Thanks for looking out for Isabelle.”
I squeezed his shoulder lightly, smiling when I pulled back.
“Okay, everyone. Since we’re all here, let’s go through the plan tonight.” Tess touched the iPad in front of her, lighting up the screen. “So, I’m going to participate in the raffle. W
ho else is up for it?”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“If one participates in the raffle, each of their dances is being bid on,” Cole explained. “Typically all of us from the family participate.”
Wait a second... Did this mean Cole was going to be dancing with other women the whole evening? Hell, no. I pressed my lips together, looking around the table. Okay. I didn’t want to be selfish, especially since this was for a good cause, but still... Hell, no.
I was debating the best way to bring this up when Hunter burst out laughing.
“Your girl here is being territorial,” he exclaimed. Peering sideways, I realized Cole had been watching me. The tips of my ears felt hot, then my cheeks too. Damn, I probably looked like a tomato.
Ryker grinned. “Welcome to the club, Laney. Don’t worry, one of the signs in this group that someone is serious about their better half is being territorial. Own it. Live it.”
Hunter chuckled. “That’s right. It’s why out of all of us, Tess is the only one who still participates in the raffle. Lucky Isabelle, Ian, and Dylan have agreed to step in for us.”
Isabelle wiggled her eyebrows. “Even brought dancing shoes. I foresee having lots of fun.”
Ian and Dylan exchanged a glance.
“Was more fun when we had more competition, though,” Ian said, looking at his brother. “Now we know we’re going to rake in the most tickets.”
“You can still compete among yourselves,” I pointed out.
Dylan nodded. “True. But the more, the merrier.”
I laughed but leaned sideways into Cole, following Ryker’s advice. Yup, I was territorial, and not one bit afraid to own up to it. Cole chuckled, sliding an arm around my waist.
“I’m only dancing with you tonight, Laney. I was going to tell Tess to take me out of the raffle and to not even think about asking you to participate.”
Tess gave Cole thumbs-up. “Damn, Hunter. You’re right. Being territorial over dances is a thing. I feel like it’s almost a rite of passage. Transforming from self-proclaimed bachelor to... hmm, I don’t know the right word.”
“Hey,” Dylan protested. “Don’t mock us bachelors.”
Tess clutched at her chest, mouth open in mock shock. “I wouldn’t dream of it. And wait a second. Since when are you a bachelor?”
“Since my girlfriend decided she didn’t want me anymore.”
Oh, man. Poor guy.
“I’m so sorry,” Tess said. “But, welcome to the bachelor group. We lose one, we win one.” She winked at Cole. “Never thought I’d say this, but I do detect some husband material in you.”
Everyone at the table chuckled. An icy shiver slithered down my back. My hands clenched at each other in my lap. My throat wasn’t working properly. I had to fight for the next breath. Wincing, I tried to compose myself. I hoped Cole hadn’t noticed my completely inexplicable reaction to a joke. I chanced a glance at him, and my stomach bottomed out. He did notice it. Hell, my whole body went rigid, so he probably felt it too.
The playful glint in his eyes had dimmed. I covered the hand he had on my waist with mine, squeezing it lightly. Oh, no. I didn’t want him to be hurt by my reaction—not even to feel bad about it. But I had no idea what to do or say, especially since we were surrounded by his family and guests. His gaze was hard and intense, as if he wanted to read my thoughts. I squeezed his hand even more, smiling at him. I didn’t get a chance to say anything, because the evening’s MC asked everyone to be quiet. Hunter went up on the stage to give the opening speech. I was honestly only half listening. I was too lost in my own thoughts, trying to make sense of my reaction. How was I supposed to explain to Cole something I didn’t even understand myself? The room erupted in cheers and clapping, snapping me out of my thoughts. Hunter had finished the speech.
“Fair lady, how about a dance?” Cole whispered in my ear.
“My pleasure. I have to warn you though, I’m not much of a dancer.”
“Leave it to me.”
“So cocky,” I teased. He let go of my waist, pulling back a little.
“Always. It’s just my nature.” He wiggled his eyebrows. I grinned, happy that flirty, cocky Cole was back. I was determined to keep him in a good mood, because I didn’t like that worried expression from before one bit.
“Hypothetically, if I told you that I like your cocky side, would that go to your head?”
“Hypothetically? Yes. Realistically? Hell, yes.”
I chuckled as we rose from the table, heading to the dance floor.
“You can tell me what other sides you like.” He spoke directly in my ear in that sexy voice I could never resist.
“Mr. Winchester. You can’t use your bedroom voice in public.”
He blinked several times before chuckling. “My what voice?”
“You know what I mean.” The tips of my ears felt hot again.
“No, I don’t. Please explain.”
“It’s the voice you have when—” One glance at him revealed that he was grinning from ear to ear. I punched his shoulder playfully.
“You were just making fun of me.”
“I like making you blush, Laney. You’re so fucking gorgeous.”
I was blushing even more furiously when he pulled me close and we started dancing. Okay, this wasn’t so bad. As long as I let him lead, I wouldn’t trip over my own feet.
“I’ve never actually wanted a gala to be over, but now I can’t fucking wait for it.”
“Why?”
“To take you home. Make you blush some more, then make you pant and scream my name.”
Holy shit! He’d gone from making me blush to dirty talking in less than a minute.
“I wanted to take this dress off you the second I saw it,” he went on.
“I suspected that by the way you kissed me when I opened the door but didn’t want to assume anything.”
“When in doubt, always assume dirty intentions,” he whispered. I chuckled, pressing my cheek against his as we swayed to the music.
“I’m glad we’re here though, sharing this evening with my family. Thanks for putting up with their banter.”
Here was my opening. I wanted to address the elephant in the room, but I had no idea how or what to say.
“I love their dynamic. Especially how Tess isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind.”
“Ah, that’s true for everyone. Tess just seemed to have more on her mind than the rest of us tonight.”
“I’m so happy we met in Rome. I love you so much,” I said, fiddling with his tie. He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. I could tell he was waiting for me to add something more, but I really didn’t know what to say. He tensed as the dance ended. I moved my palms from his shoulders up to his neck, just feeling his pulse point and his warmth. I wanted to soak it all up. I kissed his chin and even managed to sneak a kiss on the pulse point on his neck before he pulled back a few inches.
“Easy there, not the neck.”
I narrowed my eyes, fully knowing that this particular place was a sweet spot for him. “This is coming from the guy who spoke dirty to me just a few minutes ago?”
“That was different. We were still dancing. Now I have to mingle. I can’t walk around with a hard-on, Laney.”
I pouted, secretly bursting with pride that I affected him so much. “So that means no more dancing?”
“I’ll find you later.” He kissed my cheek, sneaking up to my ear again. “Just a few more hours, and then I’ll have you all to myself. Mine to make blush... and other things.”
Taking a step back, I pushed his shoulder playfully, again. He flashed me one of those smiles that made me weak in the knees before taking off. This man, I swear. I had to clear the air between us when we were alone later this evening, but I still didn’t know how.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Cole
This particular gala had many firsts. It was the first one in which I didn’t participate in the raffle since we decided
that men’s dances should also be raffled.
It was the first time our guests asked if we were in trouble. They’d heard about the problem with Gabriel. We have a face-to-face hearing in one week, and the guy had actually had the audacity to spread the word about it. It was also the very first one at which I got inebriated. I wasn’t fully drunk yet, but I’d realized my reaction time was weird when I reached for a glass earlier and nearly tipped it over. That was why I was sitting at a table behind a partition next to the stage. It was where we went when we needed some time to recharge, away from the guests. Before coming here, I’d searched for Laney around the room and found her in the kids’ corner with Avery and Heather. Avery was sitting in Heather’s lap, while Laney was pulling up her hair in a ponytail. The recognition that I wanted to have it all with this woman hit me square in the chest. Another first. She spurred instincts inside me that I’d never experienced before.
Tess joined me at the table, sitting three chairs away. “Are you drunk, brother?”
“A little.”
“How many glasses of wine is a little?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Oh, crap. Okay.” She tilted her head, inspecting me with a mix of worry and curiosity. “This is unlike you,” she murmured as Hunter and Ryker also sat down.
“What’s going on?” Ryker asked, looking from me to Tess.
“I’m trying to understand why our brother’s breaking host code. He’s a bit tipsy.”
Ryker and Hunter stared at me.
“He wouldn’t do that without a reason,” Hunter said.
“That’s right,” Ryker added. I’d never appreciated more that we knew each other so well that I didn’t even have to explain myself.
“I’m just trying to determine said reason,” Tess said carefully. Right. They might not expect me to explain myself, but sharing was practically a family policy. I just wasn’t sure where to begin.
“Does it have to do with my stupid husband joke?” Tess asked quietly.
I twirled my empty glass in my hand, not meeting my sister’s eyes.
“Not the joke itself... just Laney’s reaction.”
“Yeah, it was clear I made her uncomfortable. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it. I just... skipped right over it. I thought it was better than making a big deal out of it.”
