“I’m not really in the mood for being out and about. But I don’t feel like going home either.”
He nodded, pulling back, taking my hand and putting it on his chest. “I have a solution. Let’s go to my place.”
“Okay.”
Cole lived in a gorgeous loft in Manhattan. I twirled around, taking it all in. White was the predominant color, with shades of blue and black.
“It’s beautiful. Did you hire a professional designer?”
“I did, actually, but the end result felt like a hotel: elegant, but cold and impersonal. I mentioned it to my family, and at the housewarming party, they all showed up with trinkets and decorative objects that instantly transformed it into a home.”
“I can actually see that happening. It’s so fancy. You have a concierge. And marble floors. And huge windows with so much light. Wow. Nothing like my tiny shoebox.”
“Why don’t you move?”
“I plan to once I finish my residency and earn more. Besides, I don’t have time to look for another place. A fellow resident had just vacated my apartment when I signed the contract at the hospital, and I took it because it was convenient.”
“You’re welcome here anytime you want.”
“Wow. Really?”
“You lit up just now. You should live in a place that makes you happy.” He touched my face, resting his thumb at a corner of my mouth.
“Wow. Every time I think you can’t be even more of a charmer, you prove me wrong.”
His smile changed from playful to seductive, revealing a dimple. “And I’m not done yet.”
I shuddered as he moved his thumb up the bow of my lip slowly. His gaze was locked on my mouth. When he pulled back, guiding me further inside the living room, I immediately missed his presence and his touch—I liked having him close.
“You know, I’d planned to go home, watch a movie, and eat things that are bad for me. But this is so much better.”
Cole laughed. “It’s about to get even better.”
“Oh? What’s the plan?”
“Don’t have one. We’re spontaneous today.”
I sat on the couch, wiggling my toes.
“Well, I’m ready for anything.” I sighed, moving my fingers in random patterns on the soft couch.
“That’s a dangerous statement.”
“Uhh... you’re devious.”
“You haven’t seen devious yet, Laney.” He said the words almost in my ear. My whole body hummed. Cupping my face, he skimmed his lips over mine, licking my lower lip once. I was on fire. When he pulled back, I pouted. “All in due time.”
“When exactly is that?”
“We’ll see.” He grinned, straightening up. I looked around, sighing. “I’m so happy I didn’t go home alone. Your loft is just so much warmer and welcoming. I already feel more relaxed.”
“My loft...? So I’m not a contributing factor?”
I shrugged one shoulder playfully. “The jury is still out about that.”
Cole sat on the armrest, looking at me.
“Do you want to talk about today? Does