Page 105 of Blush Crush

“Hey, baby,” he says to me like Wes isn’t standing two feet away.

“Hey,” I say carefully.

I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Talking with customers is part of my job. And still, my defenses start to rise anyway.

Cole’s eyes hold mine for a beat before he leans across the counter, takes my face in his hands, and kisses me.

It’s not a peck. It’s slow and possessive and warm and he takes his time with it, his tongue stroking mine, thumbs brushing the apples of my cheeks. By the time he pulls back I’m dizzy for a second.

“Brought you something.” He points to a paper bag on the counter that I didn’t notice him carrying in. “Didn’t know if you’d eaten.”

“I—” I stare at the bag, blinking. “Thank you.”

He finally looks at Wes, who hasn’t moved. “Sorry to interrupt, Les.”

“Wes,” he corrects with unmistakable annoyance.

“Just bringing my girlfriend some lunch.”

“Right.” Wes picks up his drink and his bag. “I’ll send you those dates, Ariana.”

He heads for the door and Cole doesn’t take his eyes off him until he’s across the street.

“What dates was he talking about? Did he ask you out again? Knowing you’re taken.” A muscle in Cole’s jaw pops as he waits for my answer.

“He didn’t ask me out.” I roll my eyes. “He wants to book the shop for a poetry thing like he did last time.”

“Is that all he wants to book because he’s not a good guy if he’s trying to swoop in and get between you and your boyfriend.”

“Pretty sure he got the message when you stuck your tongue down my throat right in front of him. A little too territorial, don’t you think? I doubt he’ll ever ask me out again. Even after our arrangement is over.”

Cole scrubs a hand down his face, his gaze looking a little wild. “Is that what you want? You still want to go out with him?”

The answer I’m supposed to say is yes. Because that’s the whole point, right? But the truth is I don’t want to go out with Wes. I’m not sure what I want anymore. And I kind of hate how much I like Cole’s jealousy right now. It’s toxic but it’s hot.

“I don’t know,” I say finally, which is the most honest answer I have.

Some of the irritation in his expression dissolves but not enough to get rid of the unsettled feeling sitting low in my gut.

“Make sure you eat your lunch, doll.” He leans over the counter again, placing a soft kiss to my lips. “I’ll see you later.”

CHAPTER 31

Cole

A PERFECT MATCH

“Chicken or fish?” my mom asks, eyes focused on her laptop.

“Huh?” I’m barely paying attention, so there’s no telling what she’s talking about.

When she called me to stop by the main house during lunch, she didn’t say why. Now I wish I had asked.

Removing her reading glasses, she shoots me a glare. “I’m putting in the RSVP for Whitney’s wedding on her website. Do you want chicken or fish? And what does Ariana want?”

The mention of Ariana pulls me back to yesterday when I acted like an ass. I hate that Wes fucker. He brings out my worst side anytime he’s around. I know he wants her. Wants to touch her. Wants to fuck her. He wants what’s mine and I can’t fucking stand it.

And even worse, she wants him back. I saw the way she was smiling at him. I’ve never once gotten that easy smile out of her.