Page 19 of Falling for Cocky Cole (Shared by the Carter Brothers #2)

ALISON

The tranquil, early summer morning embraces me as I stroll along the pristine beach of Northern California.

The velvety sand tickles my bare feet and the soothing rhythm of the waves lulls me into a peaceful state of mind.

Despite it being late May, the beach is pleasantly uncrowded, allowing me to fully immerse myself in nature’s beauty.

This moment marks a fresh start for me. After years of dedication and hard work, I have finally graduated from college with a degree in business administration.

As I prepare to begin my first job next week, I am relishing this much-needed break at my dad’s cozy cabin by the sea.

The salty sea breeze caresses my skin, carrying with it the faint scent of wildflowers and ocean spray.

The sound of seagulls overhead and distant laughter from other beachgoers fill the air, adding to the idyllic atmosphere.

This is exactly what I need to recharge and rejuvenate before starting this new chapter in my life.

It's my first time here since my parents’ divorce two years ago.

Mixed emotions swirl within me like a turbulent ocean.

I feel a pang of sadness as I recall the carefree days of my childhood, when my parents would walk hand-in-hand along the shore and I would happily trail behind them.

But now, it’s just me. Mom is off living her dream of herding goats on a farm in the Midwest, while Dad is probably immersed in a high-stakes board meeting back in Silicon Valley.

The beach feels both comforting and unfamiliar without their presence by my side.

Sitting atop a boulder, I stare out at the endless sea horizon, a familiar sight that brings back fond memories.

As a child, I would often wonder about the small island in the distance and what secrets it held.

I begged my dad to take me there, and he promised he would, but as life got busy, we never made the trip.

Eventually, I let go of this childhood dream, like so many others before it.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a dog barking.

I see a jogger with his beagle trotting at his side.

He’s tall and slender with light, silvery hair.

He’s the first person I’ve seen in the village since I arrived yesterday afternoon, and I give him a wave and greet him with a good morning.

His dog immediately darts towards me, jumping all over me and sniffing me curiously.

The man scolds his pup, calling him Nugget, as he approaches us.

“It’s fine,” I assure him, leaning down to pet the adorable dog.

My attention is solely on the furry creature until I catch sight of hairy and muscular legs standing before me, accompanied by a strong masculine scent that fills my nostrils.

I look up, meeting a pair of intense gray eyes, and gasp. “Edward!”

Edward’s mouth drops as he gazes at me intently. “No way, Alison? Richard’s little girl?”

“Yes, that’s me,” I say, laughing nervously. “Long time no see. I didn’t know you were here.”

“Holy sh— You’ve grown up,” he says, his eyes roaming over me appreciatively. “Taller, and... well. I can barely recognize you.”

I giggle, feeling a warm flush spread across my cheeks. There’s definitely more than friendly recognition in his gaze. There’s unmistakable appreciation for... me. My heart races, and I struggle to keep my composure.

“It’s been a while,” I say, tucking a stray blonde lock behind my ear. “How have you been?”

Edward grins, his confidence palpable. “Can’t complain. Life’s been good to me.” He gestures to the beagle. “As you can see, I’ve got a new companion.”

I nod, grateful for the distraction. “Right, about that. Since when have you liked dogs? I don’t remember you having one before.”

“I’ve always loved dogs,” Edward explains, his gray eyes twinkling with humor. “I just couldn’t keep one because I traveled so much. Remember all those business trips?”

“Oh, of course,” I reply, memories of past summers flooding back. “You were always jetting off somewhere exotic.”

Edward chuckles. “Well, now with the invention of Zoom, I stay home a lot more. It’s been a nice change of pace.”

“I bet. That explains why you’re here on a weekday,” I say, genuinely interested. “How long have you had him?”

“Three years now,” Edward replies, reaching down to ruffle Nugget’s ears.

“Nice,” I say, my mind racing. Is he here alone? With a girlfriend? I want to ask, but I’m not sure how to broach the subject without seeming too eager.

As we start walking back towards Seashore Village, I’m acutely aware of Edward’s presence beside me. The path winds through a mix of sandy dunes and fragrant pine trees, the salty sea air mingling with the woody scent of the forest.

“You should finish your jog,” I suggest, trying to be polite. “Don’t let me keep you.”

Edward shakes his head with a playful smile on his lips. “I’ve run enough for today. Besides, the company’s much better this way.”

My cheeks warm at his words. We stroll in companionable silence for a moment, the crunch of pine needles under our feet and Nugget’s occasional snuffles the only sounds.

“So,” Edward says, breaking the quiet, “how long are you staying?”

“About a week,” I reply. “Just a little vacation before starting my new job. You?”

“I arrived last night, actually. Heading back to the city in a couple of days.” He pauses, then adds, “Since you’re here alone, why don’t you come over for dinner tonight?”

My heart skips a beat. “I’d love to,” I say, perhaps a bit too quickly. “What did you have in mind?”

“How about a BBQ?” Edward suggests, his confident demeanor making even a simple dinner invitation seem exciting. “Beef or chicken?”

I hesitate, not wanting to impose. “Anything is fine, really.”

“Beef it is,” he decides with a laugh. “I’ll pick some up at the town center later.”

We say goodbye in front of my cabin. Edward glances at the gate to my backyard and looks concerned.

“Why isn’t it closed?” He looks worried.

I shrug casually. “I think the wood expanded because of all the recent rain. Don’t worry. It’s a safe place, isn’t it?”

“It is, but lately, there have been coyotes and bears.”

“Oh no,” I say. “I’d better have it fixed then. I’ll call the property manager.”

“Yes, sweetheart. You do that. Do you have the number?” he asks.

“I have it somewhere.” I say confidently.

“Let me know if you can’t find it or they can’t fix it right away,” he offers, pulling out his phone and giving me his number just in case.

“Thanks, I will,” I smile at him, grateful for his concern. “Okay then. I’ll see you at dinner later,” he says, his eyes flickering with excitement.

“See you!” As he leans in for a hug goodbye, my legs suddenly feel weak. Damn it. Why do I have these feelings for Edward? He’s my dad’s best friend, for God’s sake. What has gotten into me?

I wait until Edward and Nugget disappear around the bend before slipping into the cabin. The familiar high-ceilinged interior greets me, the panoramic windows offering a breathtaking view of the sea. But for once, I barely notice the vista.

My mind is consumed with thoughts of Edward. I stumble to the kitchen, yanking open the fridge door with trembling hands. The cool air hits my flushed face as I grab a bottle of water.

“Get it together, Alison,” I mutter, pressing the cold bottle to my forehead. But even as the chill seeps into my skin, it does little to quell the heat rising within me.

I collapse onto the plush leather couch, my thoughts a whirlwind. The last time I saw Edward flashes through my mind – right before I left for college. He’d had a girlfriend then, some forgettable face in a string of women. He’d been just... Edward. Dad’s witty, successful friend.

But today? Today he was something else entirely.

“God, what is wrong with me?” I groan, burying my face in my hands. “He’s Dad’s age, for crying out loud!”

Yet I can’t shake the image of his tall, lean frame. That salt-and-pepper hair. Those intense gray eyes that seemed to see right through me.

“This is insane,” I mutter. “I’ve never even looked twice at older guys before.”

It’s true. My dating history is a parade of college boys, none particularly memorable. None that I’d trusted enough to give my cherry to...

I feel my face grow hot at the thought. “Stop it, Alison,” I scold myself. “Edward’s not some conquest. He’s... he’s...”

But the truth hits me like a wave: Edward is exactly the kind of man I’ve always wanted. Confident. Successful. Knows exactly what he wants.

I close my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts, but it only makes things worse. “Where did these feelings even come from?” I wonder aloud.

Memories of previous summers flood my thoughts.

Edward, always surrounded by stunning women.

The way they gazed at him with adoration and.

.. something more. Desire, perhaps. I can still recall how effortlessly he would take charge, making decisions for them without a second thought: ordering meals, planning extravagant vacations, his confidence drawing everyone in like a magnet.

“Just like how he chose beef for dinner,” I mutter, a warmth spreading through me at the memory.

I recall my father, always deferring to Edward’s judgment. “What do you think, Ed?” he’d ask, whether it was about stocks or real estate or even which car to buy.

A bitter laugh escapes me. Mom always said she wished Dad was more decisive. More like Edward.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. Oh God, I’ve had these feelings for him for a while, haven’t I?

Hell. I’ve always admired Edward, looked up to him. But this... this is different. New. Overwhelming.

His scent lingers in my memory, that intoxicating mix of cedar and something uniquely... him. I can almost feel the warmth of his body from our brief hug goodbye.

“This has to stop,” I murmur, but my hand is already sliding down my shorts. “Fuck.”

I’m soaked, my body betraying me completely. I don’t need the usual help today. I’m already swollen and aching at the mere thought of him.

Edward’s piercing gaze fills my mind. Those thin lips quirk into that confident smirk of his. In my fantasy, he leans in, his lips sucking mine hungrily, and his tongue...

“Oh God, Edward!” I cry out, waves of pleasure crashing over me.

As the high fades, reality crashes back. I stare in horror at the wet stain on the expensive leather beneath me.

Fuck. I can’t believe it. I must’ve been starved.