Cole's Mistake (Haven, Texas 8)

She nodded in agreement.

He gave her a gentle smile. That smile that was only ever for her. She melted like it was the first time she’d ever seen it. Then she looked over at Cole, he still stood in the doorway, looking uncertain.

“He looks lost, you should go to him,” she murmured to Julian.

Julian stared into her eyes. “You are my first priority. Always.”

“I know. I love you.”

He gave her a soft kiss, then pulled back to study her carefully. To make certain she really was all right. “Love you too, pumpkin.”

She rolled her eyes at this ridiculous name. But watched him with appreciation as he slid off the bed. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and a red T-shirt that looked amazing against his olive skin. He strode over to where Cole stood. She leaned up on one elbow, not wanting to miss a thing. As he drew within touching distance, Cole straightened.

As Julian moved closer, his wide shoulders blocked them from her sight. She climbed off the bed, ignoring her aching ass. No way was she missing out on this.

“So, are you ready to kiss me?” Julian asked.

5

Cole’s breath caught in his throat. His cock hardened, pressing against his pants. And that dominant part of him rose, wiping away any hesitation.

Julian stepped up close, until their chests touched. Julian caught his gaze. His dark eyes intent on Cole, he leaned in and pressed his lips to Cole’s. And sparks flew.

Fuck. Him.

Julian was the only man he’d ever kissed. It was definitely different from a woman. Jeez, of course it’s different, idiot. He moved his hand up Julian’s firm arm over his shoulder to wrap it around his thick neck. Fuck, so different. Cole was used to someone smaller. Someone delicate. Someone he could wrap up in his heat and strength. Instead, he was surrounded by huge, muscular maleness. The way he kissed was rougher. There was little gentleness. All heat. An inferno.

Julian drew back, studying his face intently as though expecting Cole to draw away or snap at him. Instead, Cole tightened his hold and tugged him back. He wouldn’t have been able to move him if Julian hadn’t wanted to do it. But the other man let out a quiet moan and allowed him to tug him back. This time, Cole took complete command of the kiss, brushing his tongue along the other man’s lips until they parted, then pressing it inside.

His cock, already hard, was pounding, demanding some respite.

He pulled back this time, his breath coming in sharp pants, his body on fire.

“Wow, that was sooo hot. Do it again.”

Both men turned to look at her.

“Excuse me, kitten?” Julian rumbled. “Do you get to make demands?”

She bit her lip, but her eyes were lit with excitement. Her face was flushed, and she was bouncing on her toes. A far cry from the pale, wan woman from earlier in the night.

Still, he didn’t want her overdoing it.

“Go lie back on the bed, little bit. We’ll be over to take care of you shortly.”

She pouted. “But I can’t see you guys making out from there.” She waved a hand in front of her face. “And I need more of that in my life.”

“Kitten, you were given an order,” Julian rumbled. “Unless you want another spanking, get your naughty bottom back to that bed.”

She scooted backward, landing awkwardly on the bed and letting out a pained hiss as her obviously sore ass hit the mattress. She rolled to her side quickly.

Worry filled him. Had Julian been too hard on her? She was a tiny thing. But a smile soon crossed her face again. She didn’t look bothered at all by the pain, in fact she appeared almost lighter. Happier. Had the spanking really relieved her of the guilt she’d felt?

He tucked that tidbit away to ponder later.

He stared around the tiny room. Cole hated that they lived like this. With secondhand furniture in a dangerous neighborhood. He didn’t understand it, either, considering what he paid both of them. They should be able to afford something much better than this.

As well as a bed that looked like it might actually fit both of them.