Cole snaps my laptop closed and puts it on his nightstand before he pulls me into his arms and cradles me tightly. I hide my head in the crook of his neck and breathe him. I wish I could say something, but no words would take the pain away. I lift my face to his and kiss him softly before he deepens the kiss and devours my mouth in his. He begins to stroke small circles with his thumbs over my hips before making his way up to cup my bare breasts. His lips only leave mine when he shifts his body and pushes mine down, covering it with his. Urgent wet kisses down my neck make me throw my head back with a moan. I feel him groan against my chest as he continues to caress me, covering every inch of my entire body at once. The heat of his gaze when he looks into my eyes lets me know that every ounce of anguish has been forgotten—even if it’s just for now.
He trails kisses up my calves, making me squirm from the five o’clock shadow that traces his face. He pins my thighs with his arms so I don’t move away as he buries his face in between my legs, while he continues to tease my breasts and brings me to ecstasy. I’m still shivering when he kneels above me and thrusts into me, stretching every inch of me to welcome him as he growls out my name and he circles his hips, making me raise my hips in response. I wrap my arms around his neck as he lifts me up by the waist and sits me up on top of him as he continues his sweet torture. He moves me until I convulse around him and fall limp against his chest.
“Thank you, baby,” he says as he kisses my face gently before placing me back down on the bed and pulling my back against his chest. “I love you so so much.”
We hold each other tightly for a long time, neither of us saying a word. Despite the ways we’ve been wronged, we’re thankful that we have one another.
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Blake. I’m never letting you go,” he whispers hoarsely.
I smile and reply by kissing the hand he has resting on my arm. My smile is sad, yet hopeful when I go to sleep.
Chapter 18
Past
I didn’t know how I was going to survive law school—if I ever got in. I hated reading and writing long papers. I looked at the time; it was only 8:00. I didn’t know why I thought procrastinating homework was a good idea. My bed looked so warm and cozy. I glared at Zack, who looked too comfortable sleeping on my pillow. If he wasn’t Aubry’s swimming mate and my boyfriend, I’d totally kick him out right now. I thought I heard someone knocking on my front door, so I got up and unlocked my bedroom door. I looked around at our tiny living room and across to Aubry’s bedroom. His door was closed and the light was on, so he must have been there. Maybe he was expecting Megan. I rolled my eyes at the thought of his annoying girlfriend. I felt the blood drain from my face when I looked through the peephole. The last person on earth that I expected or wanted to see was looking back at me.
I opened the door slowly.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as I played with the hem of my shirt.
“Visiting,” he said abruptly. “Aubry home?”
“Yes,” I replied as I moved out of the way to let him in.
He stepped in and looked around. I wondered how his place looked. I’d never been, I’d stayed away like I said I would. The amount of times I’d seen him could be counted on one hand. I saw him for Christmas every year at Maggie’s, and that was about it. He still looked weird to me with his short hair. He strode over to Aubry’s room and knocked on the door, making it obvious that he’d been here before. That was news to me. I turned on my heels to go back to my own room.
“You look different,” he said, making me halt mid step.
I turned back around and found him examining me—or undressing me. The look he was giving me made me run my hands up and down my crossed arms, even though the heater was on.
“Thanks, I guess,” I replied with a shrug. “I liked your hair long.”
He gave me a smile, and even though it was a sad smile, it melted my heart. That was the first real smile he’d given me since...well, in a long time. His smile fell suddenly as he looked over my shoulder. Zack threw his arm around me and looked at Cole.