Page 163 of Ten Day Affair

She stacks the signed documents into her folder. "We put the listing date for the end of next week, as requested. I'll have my photographer come Monday afternoon."

"That's perfect."

We shake hands, and I walk her to the door. The moment it clicks shut behind her, I slump against the wood and exhale.

"Coffee?"

I spin around to find Cole emerging from the hallway, shirtless and holding two steaming mugs like he's been brewing them all morning. His hair is damp from my shower, and he's got that satisfied, sleepy look that makes my stomach flip.

"Did you just make yourself at home in my kitchen while I was showing her out?"

He shrugs, offering me a mug. "You said not to come out unless the house was on fire. You didn't say anything about coffee."

"You're wearing pants."

"Seemed like the smart move after yesterday's door incident. Thank goodness Janet isn't a backdoor friend just yet."

He flexes his shoulders, testing the range of motion.

"Plus, your coffee maker is intimidating when I'm completely nude."

"It's just a Keurig." I accept the mug and breathe in the steam. "How'd you even know which pods I like?"

"I picked the one you had the most of, figured that was a favorite. I like how you have seventeen different flavors and they're all organized by roast level," he teases.

"I like order."

"I noticed." His mouth quirks up at one corner. "So, twice in two days. That's got to be some kind of record for getting caught naked together."

Heat crawls up my neck. "All I'm going to say is luckily her photographer didn't bust in there before we were up."

He sips his coffee, eyes dancing with mischief. "I bet it would have put your listing above the rest."

"That is a thought. Maybe I'll pitch it to 'ol Janet."

He gestures toward the sliding door. "Want to take this outside? It looks like a nice morning."

I follow him onto the deck. The ocean stretches out endlessly. It's surprisingly calm this morning. There's hardly any wind.

Cole settles into the lounge chair where this all started. I choose the one beside it, close enough to feel his presence but far enough to think clearly.

"So, you're really selling?" He says it gently, no judgment.

"Yeah, it looks like it. It's so crazy."

"You love your runs out here."

"I do." I tuck one leg under me, cradling the warm mug. "But it’s the right move. I found this mobile clinic in Atlanta—it serves under-resourced neighborhoods, and they’re trying to relaunch. They need funding, and this house has been my safety net for too long."

I know the words are true as I say them. Mom's inheritance continues to cradle me through each stage. Now I can use it for something she would've championed.

His face shifts, something careful and regretful crossing his features. "Sam, about the wing?—"

"We don't need to go there, Cole." I cut him off, but without heat.

"Sorry."

"Don't get me wrong. Everything happens in its time. This mobile clinic I'm planning to resurrect honors her, too. Her charity gets to live through something new."