Page 110 of Last Chance Christmas

His feet pounded against the snow, and Cole focused on taking the next step, trying to ward off the pain pulsing through his body. The cold air made his nose drip. He used his sleeve to wipe, and it came away clean. At least his nose had stopped bleeding.

Mackey turned to Cole, who was closing in. He shoved the flash drive in his pocket and scrambled to his feet.

Cole tackled Mackey to the ground and gripped the man’s arms, twisting them behind his back.

Mackey thrust his body, but Cole used his knee to pin the man, refusing to let him get away again.

“It’s over, Mack. You’re headed back to prison.”

“You little?—”

“Nice save.” Thomas stepped up next to him, then bent down and clasped the handcuffs around Mackey’s wrists, ignoring the expletives the guy spewed.

Cole stood up, but the sudden change made his head spin. He blew out a breath and unzipped his jacket. Titan ran over to Cole and barked, his tail wagging.

“How did you get here, Tite? I thought Brett was still keeping his eye on you.” Cole rubbed the spot behind the dog’s ear. “Nice work out there.”

Titan snarled and bared his teeth at Mackey, who was being led away by Ramble.

“He needs to get to the hospital stat.” Kianna’s voice came from behind.

She hurried over to Cole with Nathan, who pushed the gurney. She set the medic bag on the ground and stared at Cole. Her eyes searched his, then took inventory of his whole body.

“Sit down.” She pointed to the gurney and took hold of his arm.

“K, I’m fine.” His breath came out in short pants.

“Nuh-uh. That’s the shock talking.” Her chin trembled ever so slightly. “Your nose is already black and blue. And Victoria hit you point blank.” Cole sat down on the cot while Nathan pulled a BP cuff out.

“I’m really okay.” He squeezed her hand, then guided it and placed it over his chest. “She hit my vest.”

Kianna pulled her hand away and frowned. “You’re sure?” She peered up at him. “I don’t believe it. Take off your jacket.” Creases etched into her forehead.

Cole smirked and raised his eyebrows. “That’s quite the request.”

Kianna’s cheeks turned bright red, but he liked seeing her nervous around him. Liked the idea that just maybe there was a reciprocated interest.

“That’s not funny,” she whispered.

“Hey.” Cole shrugged out of his coat and clasped Kianna’s hand in his.

“You’re really okay.” Tears pooled in Kianna’s eyes.

Cole went to brush a tear that trailed down her cheek, but before he could, she leaned up on her tiptoes and sealed her lips to his.

He stilled for a moment before returning the gesture. He’d wasted too much time afraid of what might happen. He’d almost lost Kianna. And Cole was tired of missing out on life. No, he wasn’t going to let another moment slip out of his grasp.

Kianna’s nose pressed into his face, but the tenderness of her touch overrode any pain from his injury.

For so long, everything seemed to have been lost in Cole’s life. All the moments of joy whisked away.

Until now.

Kianna reminded him why he should fight.

He wrapped his arm around her neck and wove his fingers through her hair.

They were alive—creating a new moment, one that electrified Cole with excitement and curiosity at what was to come.