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I shot him a pointed look, though any real edge to it had softened over the past day.
His lips curved up in a half-smile. “I know, and I deserved it. I should’ve told you about Aden sooner.”
“It’s…well, it’s water under the bridge now.” I sighed. “I get it, though. You were trying to look out for me. I just… I guess I don’t always know how to handle it.”
He nodded, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of my hand.
“I’m glad you understand. And I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like I didn’t trust you. That was never my intention,” Cole assured me.
I squeezed his hand, feeling my heart swell with something I hadn’t felt in a long time—trust.
“Thank you, Cole.”
Before I knew it, he was leaning closer, his face inches from mine.
I held my breath, my pulse quickening as I looked up at him.
His lips brushed mine, gentle and hesitant at first, as if he was savoring every second.
Then the kiss deepened, his hand cupping my cheek, and I felt myself melt into him, all my walls and worries fading away.
When we finally pulled back, I was breathless, my heart pounding as I looked into his eyes.
There was a warmth there, a quiet certainty that made me feel as though I was exactly where I was meant to be.
COLE
The rain began softly, a gentle patter on the leaves as we wrapped up our picnic, but within minutes it was coming down in earnest.
A thick, misty veil blurred the trees around us, soaking everything in sight and turning the path into a slippery mess.
I grabbed Tori’s hand as we started back down, pulling her close to keep her from sliding in the mud.
“This isn’t exactly the romantic stroll I promised,” I said with a laugh, squeezing her fingers as the rain poured down on us.
Tori gave me a wry smile, blinking water from her lashes. “It’s memorable, at least.”
Our laughter echoed through the woods, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise cold, wet descent.
Every step we took felt treacherous, the dirt and rocks beneath our feet slick with rainwater.
I kept my arm around her waist, determined to steady her through the worst of it.
Just as we reached a particularly steep slope, Tori’s foot slipped on a patch of mud, and she let out a yelp.
I tightened my grip, pulling her against me with enough force that she nearly stumbled right into my chest.
Her hands pressed against my shoulders as she caught her breath, her eyes wide with surprise and a little spark of thrill.
“That was close,” she said, laughing, her cheeks flushed despite the rain. “I almost ate it.”
“I’ve got you,” I murmured, still holding her close.
Her laughter softened as her gaze lingered on mine, her damp hair clinging to her face.
Raindrops slid down her cheeks, and without thinking, I brushed one away with my thumb.
She didn’t pull back, didn’t look away.