Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“I bet. I can’t wait to meet her.” Love was in the air.

Cole appeared with two bottled waters. “Here you go, darlin’.” He handed me a cold water. “Hey, Lance. Good time last night.”

“Sure was.” They exchanged a knowing look.

I imagined there was some element of male bonding that happened during bachelor parties, similar to what I experienced with the girls. I twisted the cap off my water. As much fun as I was having, I was ready to go. My feet were sore from my new shoes, and I had an entire day ahead of me in heels. I leaned toward Cole’s ear.

“Do you think we could go in a few minutes?” I asked.

He nodded, sweeping a hand around my waist.

“See you tomorrow, man. Good luck at the altar.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow. Goodnight, Kaitlyn.”

“Goodnight.”

We left Lance standing at the railing alone.

“Was that rude?” I looked at Cole. I hadn’t meant for him to whisk me away that quickly.

“No, I was ready to leave the second we got here. We’ll say good-bye to all the parents, and then we’re out of here. Deal?”

I laughed. “Deal.”

I assured Sasha’s parents I would be at the house on time and I’d be ready to help with anything they needed. They had had a few glasses of wine and were giving hugs that lasted for minutes at a time. Cole managed to peel us both out of their grip before steering me toward the door.

Cole slid behind the wheel of his truck after making sure I was in my side of the car. The way he always opened doors for me hadn’t gotten old. I wasn’t sure it ever could.

“Did you have a good time?” I asked as he cranked the engine.

“Yeah. It was a good party.” His eyes were on the rearview mirror while the truck lurched backward.

“You sure we didn’t leave too early?”

“Darlin’, it’s fine. I’m worried about you and the baby. No one else in there matters.”

I wanted to bring up the conversation we had started during cocktail hour. What exactly was he implying by asking me about my wedding expectations? As the hotels and restaurants rolled past us, I lost my courage. I’d have to wait until he mentioned it again.

Cole pulled into the driveway and parked under the cottage next to my car. It was quiet in the cab. He turned to me. “You looked beautiful tonight.”

I blushed. “Thank you. And you look pretty hot yourself. No brace. No crutches.”

“I could list twenty reasons I’m glad to be rid of those damn things.” He opened the door and walked to my side. He held my hand to help me down. It wasn’t as easy as it looked in high heels.

“I have an idea.” His eyes fired.

“And what’s that?”

“Something we haven’t done in a while.” He clasped my hand behind his back and led me up the stairs to the kitchen.

Cole disappeared in the hallway, emerging with a blanket. He tugged on my hand, and kept walking until we were on the seaside deck and headed down the steps. It took me a minute to figure out his plan. I smiled. The alcove.

I ditched my shoes on the deck, thankful to have them off my feet, and followed him down the steps.

My eyes adjusted to the darkness of the beach. Cole tucked the corners of the blanket into the sand and handed me a water. I curled up under his arm and nestled against his chest. I could still smell hints of his cologne.

“This is perfect.” I sighed.