Mended(22)

“Cole.” I stop him as he goes to grab my clothes from the truck. “I didn’t go on a date with him. I was doing it as a favor for a friend.”

He looks confused. “Friend?” I nod. “Who?”

I sit up, but my bones are like jelly. “I can’t say, but I promise you I made it clear that nothing was going to happen. I didn’t know he was going to kiss me, and when he did, I felt wrong. Not just because you didn’t know, but because it wasn’t you.”

“It hurt seeing it,” he mumbles.

“And it hurt that you broke up with me without hearing me out,” I counter, raising my chin. “Makes me think that if the going gets rough, you’ll leave me without hesitation.”

He steps closer and lowers his face to mine. “I’m sorry for what I said and the way I acted. It just scares me that you’re there in that apartment by yourself, working at that bar with all those men wanting a piece of you. I know I panicked, and in turn it pushed you further away. I want a future with you, Savannah, but not until you’re ready. I’m going to back off…” he raises a brow, “to a degree, and let you come to me when you decide you’re ready for us.” His stare is overpowering. “But, Savannah, when you tell me you are ready, be prepared for what’s to come.” I nod because I can’t find my voice. His captures my lips and shows me how true his words are.

The walk back to the house is quiet, with just the sound of our boots. I start to grin, remembering that just an hour ago I pulled one over on him.

“What’s with the grin?” he asks, peering down at me.

“I was just wondering how long it will take until the green will wash off your back.” I beam up at him. “You know...when I tricked you and won the game.” He goes to grab me, but I jump out of the way, laughing. “You know, the game you forbid me to ever play again.” His smile changes into a devilish one. “Oh, yes, Colonel, I went there.” I walk backward, keeping a distance between us.

“You’re in such trouble,” he says with an evil laugh. “You’re in for it now.”

I walk up the stairs with a little extra swing in my hips, turning to see him staring at me from the ground. “That’s the plan.”

Frank and Ryder step out as I reach for the handle.

“Good, Logan, his aunt just arrived at Zack’s,” Frank calls down to him.

Poor little Ryder looks so scared. “I hope to see you again soon, Ryder,” I say, bending down to his eye level. “Don’t be nervous of Frank. He just looks scary, but he’s a close friend of mine, so you’re in good hands.” I notice Frank gives Cole a small smile. “Have a fun trip with your aunt.” He leans in and wraps his tiny arms around my neck. I can’t help but give him a kiss on the side of his head when he pulls away with watery eyes. “Bye, Ryder.”

Frank takes Ryder’s hand and walks him to the truck, with Cole trailing behind. I wipe away a few stray tears, feeling that maternal need to protect the little fella. I know he’ll be fine. I just know he’ll be scared from all this, and that’s something you can never shake.

“I hate when we get kids,” Abigail says from behind me. I nod. She puts her hand on mine. “I know, dear, it sucks.”

“It does.” I laugh at her choice of words. “I’ve known this little boy all of six hours, but it still hurts seeing him leave.”

Dinner is great and just what I needed, an Abigail-cooked meal. Keith stuffs his mouth with my cookies while everyone else eats cheesecake. Soon we retire into the living while John and Paul set up the poker table downstairs. I take my favorite spot in front of the fire, where Scoot finds me, meowing dramatically and making sure I see how put out he has been since I’ve been gone. I work hard to make it up to him as his eyes roll back and his legs flop open. He really has no shame.



***



Cole



Cole watches as Savannah gives Scoot a good rubdown, and smiles at how he basks in her presence. Everyone is in good spirits, and in no time most are downstairs playing poker while Abigail and June head to bed.

“Savi,” Cole whispers. He flicks his head toward the stairs. “Come take a walk with me.”

“Where?” she asks, rising to her feet.

“Just downstairs.”

He sits her down at the piano, a place where she’s comfortable, and moves to stand by the window to watch the snow fall. It always seems to be snowing. He lets out a puff of air, reluctant to have this conversation with her. They were having a good day.

“Ryder seemed to like you.”