I hated when Jasper was right. It didn’t happen often but when it did we never heard the end of it. The truth was, me and Cole were getting closer, and it was only a matter of time before something happened. I didn’t even want to stop it anymore.
I got back into my bed, and this time I was tired. It was almost three in the morning, after all. My phone was on the futon beside my pillow. Would Cole be mad if I called him now? Before I could think myself out of it, I dialled his number. The worst that could happen was for him to tell me to call again in the morning.
“Hello,” Cole murmured on the third ring. His voice was thick with sleep and it made me smile.
“Hi,” I said as cheerfully as I could.
He groaned. “This better be good, Oakley. I was having a real nice dream.”
“Yeah, what about?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
I didn’t have to see him to know he was grinning.
“Let me guess, you were naked?”
“We both were.”
Whoa. That was kind of obvious, but I didn’t expect him to just come out with it like that. He’s probably joking. Say something, Oakley!
“Wanna know what we’re doing.” His voice was husky, and I didn’t know if it was because he was tired or turned on.
“If you’re touching yourself right now I’m going to–”
He laughed, cutting me off.
“Sorry, that was funny. Just so I know though, what would you have done if I was? Spanked me?”
I sighed. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea.”
Men!
“Fine. Okay, yeah, I would definitely spank you. Well, after I tied you to the bed and ripped your clothes off.”
The line was silent. Ha.
“Promise?”
“Oh my God, Cole!”
He laughed again. It had turned into a competition, and I wasn’t winning!
“You coming over? I don’t have any handcuffs, but I think there are some scarfs around here somewhere.”
I sighed in defeat. There was no way I was going to win.
“What are you really doing?”
He chuckled. “Lying in bed, talking to a beautiful girl.”
“Really? I should let you go then.”
“Yeah, you’re kinda disturbing us.”
“There’s not really another girl, Oakley.”
“I know! There’s no way anyone would put up with you.” I joked, trying to turn the attention away from my jealousy.
“You keep insulting yourself,” he responded.
“Oh very funny. Oakley loves Cole. Oakley insults herself!”
“Say that again,” he whispered.
Oh God! I had just told him I loved him.
“Oakley insults herself?” I repeated, knowing that wasn’t what he wanted me to say.
“No, the other bit.”
“Oh very funny?”
He chuckled. “Where are you gonna go now? There’s only one thing left you said.”
“I love you, Cole.” I whispered. “You know that.”
“Yeah, well it wouldn’t hurt you to say it once in a while.” I laughed, shaking my head.
“I love you too,” he said.
I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by emotion. Those words were worth coming back for.
“So you’re really not coming over to spank me? You’ve got me all hot.”
Aaaand, moment gone!
“Good night, Cole.” I hung up the phone and smiled to myself.
Chapter Ten
Cole
I didn’t see Oakley the day after that phone call. She spent the day shopping with her mum and then had dinner with her grandparents. We had spoken on the phone and texted, but it wasn’t the same as seeing her. I was very quickly getting used to being around her all the time.
The following day was dragging like a bitch. Every time I looked at the clock, only a few minutes had ticked by. I used to love my job but right now it was just a pain in the arse. It wasn’t like I could just take the day off either. I now had a house to pay for!
As soon as it turned one o’clock, I left the office and made my way to the diner, where Oakley had informed me we were meeting for lunch. Tomorrow, Max’s trial was starting. I was only working a half day so I could spend the rest of it with her, but I was running low on holiday.
I parked outside the diner, smiling like an idiot as I saw her already sitting at a table inside. I opened the car door but instead of getting out I sat for a moment, staring at her; enjoying seeing her, completely un-self-conscious, unaware I was looking. People walking past would probably think I was a stalker. Her long blonde hair fell down her back in big loose curls. She turned to the side and started talking to the waitress.
When it got to the point that my obsessiveness was even worrying me, I forced my eyes off her and got out of the car.
“You’re early,” I said and sat down.
She jumped, and spinned around to greet me.
“Sorry. I’ll go away for a bit shall I?”
“So dramatic,” she grinned and threw a menu at me.
“I already know what I’m having.”
“Burger and chips,” Oakley stated.
I smirked, “No, actually. I’m having the chicken salad.”
Her eyebrows rose quickly, but she quickly recovered a poker face.
“You’re going to have to go through with that now, or I’ll know you’re lying.”
Damn!