Page 10

Chapter Ten

C ole

I’m in the workshop, hands busy tightening a bolt on the engine in front of me, though it doesn’t need it. But I can’t seem to get Ivy out of my head, memories playing on repeat of fucking her in that festive classroom like my life depended on it. Hell, maybe it did. This woman grounds me and makes me feel alive all at the same time. It’s like she’s stamped into every corner of my mind—the way she laughs, filling up every space around her, her energy so damn big it’s contagious. I grunt, twisting the bolt just to have something to do, hoping it’ll pull my mind back to reality. But it’s no use. The image of her smile, that glint in her eyes when she’s up to something, sticks like glue.

Footsteps pull me from my thoughts, and I look up to see Knox and Pope standing in the doorway, arms crossed, watching me with a mix of amusement and…something else that makes me want to go right back to my tools and ignore them.

“What do you two want?” I ask, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice.

Knox smirks, crossing his arms. “We came to talk some sense into you.”

I scowl, turning back to the engine. “I don’t need any sense talked into me, thanks.”

Pope lets out a laugh, shaking his head. “Oh, I think you do. And I think it starts with a certain Christmas elf who’s been putting up with your grumpy ass for a little too long.”

My jaw tightens, hands freezing on the bolt. “Ivy’s…she’s just doing her thing. Bringing Christmas cheer to everyone.” I grip the wrench harder, forcing the words out. “I’m nothing special to her. If she knew what was good for her–”

Knox snorts, folding his arms. “You’re delusional if you believe that, Cole. That woman’s been bending over backward to get through to you, and all you’ve done is throw up walls like a man who’s never heard of holiday spirit.”

Pope nods, his tone softer. “Look, we know it’s not easy for you. But Ivy’s good for you, Cole. Since she came around, you’ve actually been, dare I say, happier. More… yourself.”

My fists tighten around the wrench, but I keep my eyes on the engine, refusing to look up. “And what happens when she gets tired of it? When she realizes I’m not worth the trouble?”

Knox steps forward, his tone gentler than usual. “Cole, it’s not about whether you’re ‘worth it’ or not. It’s about letting someone in. Trusting that she cares about you, even if it scares the hell out of you.”

Pope gives me a steady look. “If you let her slip away, you’re going to regret it. Maybe not now, but someday. She’s something special, Cole, and you know it.”

The words hit like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I just stand there, feeling my chest tighten with a mix of fear and longing. I don’t know if I can give Ivy what she deserves, but I know one thing: I don’t want to lose her. Not now. Not ever.

With a deep breath, I look up at Knox and Pope, my resolve hardening. “Alright,” I say quietly. “Maybe it’s time I stopped being an idiot.”

Knox grins, clapping me on the back. “About damn time.”