Definitely! Although, you already gave me what I wanted. ;)
Well, I have more of that whenever you’d like! I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 11:00.
Perfect! Can’t wait! Goodnight, Cole.
Sweet dreams, Ambria.
Thoroughly exhausted, Bri drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with visions of Cole and his expert lips.
Chapter 18
Cole picked Bri up the next morning, and drove her to a local bagel shop.
“So,” he said around a bite of bagel. “What are your plans for Christmas? Are you going anywhere?”
“My family is, but I’m not.” Bri’s dad had let her in on the good news a couple of days ago.
“What do you mean? You’re not going with your family?” Cole was visibly perplexed.
“No. My dad and Summer are taking the boys up to Fresno to visit Summer’s parents. They’re leaving the day after Christmas and will be gone until Sunday.”
“And, you don’t want to go with them?”
“It’s more like I wasn’t invited.” Bri dropped her eyes.
“What?” Cole was outraged.
“Well, it’s not like I want to go anyway. Summer’s parents aren’t my family, and I certainly have no desire to spend time with them.” She wasn’t sure why Cole was so mad.
“Still, it’s the principle of the thing.” He reached over and held Bri’s hand. “I don’t understand your parents, especially your dad. You are a part of that family, and deserve to be treated as such. You’re not just some... live-in boarder or something. They shouldn’t be excluding you like this. It’s wrong. And your dad should know better,” he huffed.
Bri smiled, warmed by his concern.
“Well, it isn’t all bad. They are leaving me alone for five days. I’ll have the house all to myself.” She looked up at him through her lashes. “You could come keep me company.”
Cole grinned. “As much as I’d love that, I have a better idea. My dad and I go to Catalina every year for Christmas. My dad’s friend has a large boat, and we all go spend a week there for Christmas. Come with us!” His eyes lit up.
“What? Really?”
“Yes. Now, you should know that this is your birthday present. So to say no would be refusing my gift to you, and would therefore be a rejection of me, so consider carefully how you respond.”
Bri laughed. “Okay, I highly doubt my dad will go for this, but assuming he does, where is Catalina, and how would I even get there?”
“It’s an island off the coast just south of here. There is a ferry that you can take out on Wednesday, and I’ll meet you when you get there. Then, you can stay on the boat with us, and I’ll take the ferry back with you on Saturday. What do you think?”
“Um, shouldn’t you call your dad and his friend and make sure it’s okay, first?”
“Already taken care of. Scott and Sharon would love it if you could join us. They have two kids about our age, so you’ll have plenty of company. And my dad is really happy you might be coming. He even offered to call your dad and help convince him to let you come.” He looked at her pleadingly. “Please Bri, say you’ll come?”
She couldn’t stop the grin that spread across her face.
“Three days on a boat with you? How could I say no to that?”
“Yes!” Cole leaned across the table and kissed her. “I’ll have my dad call yours today and invite you. And don’t worry, Jimmy can talk anyone into anything!” he winked. “Scott and Sharon will be happy. They’ve heard a lot about you and are dying to meet you.”
“Great,” Bri replied. “You better be telling them good things.”
“Only the best! But now I’m going to make you wait until Catalina to get your Christmas present.”
“You got me a present?” Bri was surprised. She’d thought about getting Cole something, but wasn’t sure they were to that point in their relationship yet.
“Of course! What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t get my girl a present?” Cole scoffed.
Bri froze. “Boyfriend?” She felt a flutter of panic.
His eyes widened as he realized what he said.
“Is that okay?” he asked hesitantly.
“Um... I...” she stammered, not sure how to answer.
“Look Bri. I’ve already told you that there’s no one else for me but you. I don’t want to date anyone else. Is there anyone else you are dating right now?”
“Um, no,” Bri replied.
“Is there anyone else you want to date?” Cole looked a little worried.
“No,” she smiled, not even needing to think about her answer. She saw relief in Cole’s eyes.