“Let’s go to the dining room, it’s just right there, and draw Savannah a picture.” Doc Roberts leads the way, leaving the two of them in the kitchen. Savannah goes back to making the cookies.
“That was pretty impressive,” Cole says, coming to stand by the island where she’s working.
She rolls some dough into a ball, dropping it on the tray. “He’s a sweet little boy.”
“You got him to eat. He hasn’t eaten in two days.”
“I know that feeling,” she whispers, turning to stick the tray into the oven.
“How are things working out at Zack’s?” he asks, trying to feel her out.
Davie comes in and scoops some of the cookie dough out with a spoon. “Other than the threats, I’d say she’s doing pretty good,” he says. Savannah glares at him, but he’s too busy eating to notice.
Cole stiffens. “Threats?”
“It’s nothing,” she says over her shoulder.
“Nothing! That bitch has it out for you, Savi. I’d watch my back. You should have heard what her and her friends were say—”
“Davie,” Savannah interrupts, “could you tell Keith the first batch is in the oven?”
“Sure.” He takes another spoonful of cookie dough before he leaves.
“Who?” Cole’s voice is harsh. “Don’t lie, Savi.”
She drops her head and sighs. “Christina.” Fuck me. “I handled it, but if you could tell her not to threaten me at work, that would help. I don’t need to hear about you two hooking up with all the customers around.”
“Hooking up?” Cole moves off the stool and comes around to her side. “She said we were hooking up?”
“Yes, last night and a few other times. Whatever, just tell her to back off.” She won’t look at him.
“Savi, I wasn’t with her last night.”
“Okay,” she mutters, brushing him off.
Fuck… “I was watching you, on your date.” Her face snaps up. “I watched you at Bruno’s, and later when he kissed you outside your apartment.”
“You were spying on me?”
He shakes his head. “I was protecting what’s mine.”
“Oh my god!” She drops the wooden spoon she was using. “You broke up with me, remember, Cole. I wanted space, but I never wanted it from you.” She reaches for the oven as the timer goes off. He waits until she’s finished before pinning her in the corner of the counter.
“How did it feel when his lips touched yours?” He needs to know what she’s really feeling right now, in this moment. His thumb runs along her bottom lip, making her mouth part. “Did you like it? Did you like the way he tastes?” She barely shakes her head as he leans in and runs his tongue along her lower lip. She sags into him as he starts kissing her, reminding her who owns this mouth.
“Cole,” she says, pulling away as he kisses her jaw, “why didn’t you come to Washington? I needed you.” He stops and moves to look her in the eye.
“I had orders to get Ryder from Mexico City. I crossed the line falling for you, so when they tell me to do a job, I have to do it.” He cups her cheek. “I wanted to be with you so badly, I used the satellite phone to call you, and that’s a big no.” She closes her eyes and leans forward, resting her head against his chest. His hands rub small circles across her back. “I’ll be there when you testify against Lynn.”
She pulls away. “I don’t want to.”
“You have to, Savi.”
“I…”
“Ohh, so close,” Keith says to Mark behind them like they are watching a movie.
Mark scrunches his face. “Yeah, I thought Cole had her this time.” He laughs with Keith, then looks at Cole and Savannah. “What? We’re bored.” He shrugs, not caring at all that they’re intruding on a personal moment.
Savannah laughs unexpectedly, moving Cole aside and placing a plate of warm cookies on the island. “If you’re bored,” she glances back at Cole, “I have an idea.”
***
Savannah
I dive into a snow bank as three bullets whiz by my feet. Mark pulls me closer to the fallen tree trunk.
“Oh, great, you’ve got Logan’s attention. I thought we lost him back at the driveway.”
I check my paintballs and see I have ten left. Plenty.
“No worries, Mark. I have a plan.” He looks at me, waiting for me to explain. “Let’s just say it involves June and one of our flags.” His eyes light up, and his mouth spreads wide.
“You wanna join Blackstone? We could use a member like you.”