Page 24

For a split second, I wondered if she would invite me in.
I would have loved nothing more than to spend just a little longer with her, to be alone with her in the warmth of her apartment.
But as quickly as the thought crossed my mind, I knew better.
She wasn’t ready—not yet. I wasn’t going to push her, not when she was still healing from everything Marcus had put her through.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said, her voice soft but genuine.
She glanced down at our hands, still linked together.
“It was my pleasure.” I took a step closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and I saw her inhale, her breath catching.
Her gaze held mine, vulnerable yet brave. She was letting me in, little by little, and I was grateful for every step she took toward me.
Leaning in, I pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, lingering just a bit longer than necessary.
She didn’t pull away, and I could feel her relax against me, her hand tightening around mine.
“I’ll text you tomorrow,” I whispered against her skin, pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes. “Goodnight, Tori.”
“Goodnight, Cole.” Her voice was barely more than a breath, her gaze holding a warmth that made my chest tighten.
I watched as she unlocked her door and slipped inside, her silhouette lingering for a brief moment before she closed the door.
Turning, I made my way back to the car. Tonight had felt like a turning point, and I knew there was no going back now.
I’d find a way to deal with Marcus, to make sure he stayed out of her life.
She deserved peace, and if I had any say in it, I would be the one to give it to her.
Returning to my apartment,the familiar silence wrapped around me, but tonight it felt emptier.
I tossed my keys onto the counter, loosening my tie as I glanced around.
The image of Tori flickered in my mind, filling the space in a way that wasn’t just physical.
I could see her standing by the kitchen, pulling one of those quirky mugs out of the cupboard, maybe leaving her jacket draped on the couch.
Small traces that would turn this place into something more. Into something warmer, lived-in.
But then reality settled in like a weight on my chest. Tori loved her life in Oakridge Bay.
She had her boutique, her friends, the life she’d fought to build.
I knew she wasn’t looking for an escape, for something new in the city with me.
No, she was rooted there, every bit as stubborn and unyielding as the old trees lining the mountain roads.
I raked a hand through my hair, feeling the ache that lingered after each trip back.
The city lights blinked from beyond the window, indifferent to whatever war waged in my head.
The truth was, there were nights when the drive, the back-and-forth, felt like an uphill climb.
The company headquarters were here.
I’d worked my way up from the ground floor, putting everything I had into building my life, my career, here.