19. Buster

NINETEEN

Buster

I pull back slightly from our passionate embrace, my heart racing. Cole's eyes meet mine, filled with a mix of desire and tenderness.

The world is spinning around me. I'm trying to be measured, to step back and make thoughtful decisions. But, for someone who is an expert at keeping emotion out of work and performing without a second guess, this shit is hard.

How does someone back off when a hot woman is all up on his jock? All I can think about is her, and all I want to do is feel her on me, smell her next to me, taste her inside of me.

"Will you come back to my place?" she asks softly. "I'd love to stay here, but I can't be that far from Maddie."

I nod, understanding completely. "Of course," I reply, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'd love to."

We make our way across the hall, Cole's hand in mine. The warmth of her touch sends tingles up my arm. As we enter her apartment, the familiar scent of her home envelops me—a mix of lavender and something uniquely Cole.

She leads me to the couch, and we sit close together, our thighs touching. I drape my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. She nestles into my side, her head resting on my chest.

"This is nice," I murmur, planting a soft kiss on the top of her head.

Cole hums in agreement, her fingers tracing patterns on my knee. We sit in comfortable silence for a few moments, enjoying each other's presence.

I can't help but marvel at how natural this feels, how right. It's been a long time since I've felt this kind of connection with someone. With Cole, everything seems to fall into place.

She shifts slightly, looking up at me with those mesmerizing baby-blue eyes. "Thank you for coming over," she says. "I know it's not as exciting as your place, with Maddie here and all."

I shake my head, cupping her face gently. "Are you kidding? This is perfect. I love spending time with you and Maddie."

A smile lights up her face, and I can't resist leaning in for another kiss. It's softer this time, slower, but no less intense. When we break apart, we're both a little breathless.

I follow Cole as she leads me to her bedroom, her hand warm in mine. My heart races with anticipation. As we cross the threshold, she turns to face me, her blue eyes sparkling in the dim light.

We embrace, and I'm overwhelmed by her scent, an intoxicating mix of vanilla and something uniquely Cole. Her body fits perfectly against mine like we're two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together.

"I was hoping for dessert," Cole whispers, her breath hot against my ear. "It is, after all, the most important part of the meal."

A shiver runs down my spine at her words. I pull back slightly, cupping her face in my hands. "I wouldn't dream of depriving you," I murmur, my voice husky with desire.

Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, and suddenly, everything else fades away. There's only Cole, her soft lips moving against mine, her hands tangling in my hair. I run my hands down her sides, savoring the feel of her curves beneath my palms.

Cole breaks the kiss, gasping for air. Her cheeks are flushed, her lips swollen, and I've never seen anything more beautiful. She takes a step back, her eyes never leaving mine as she reaches for the hem of her shirt.

I am mesmerized as she slowly pulls it over her head, revealing smooth, tan skin. My breath catches in my throat. "God, you're gorgeous," I breathe.

She smiles, a mix of shyness and confidence that's utterly captivating. "Your turn," she says, her fingers playing with the buttons of my shirt.

I don't need to be told twice. I quickly unbutton my shirt, shrugging it off my shoulders. Cole's hands are immediately on my chest, her touch leaving fire trails on my skin.

Then I lift Cole into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist as I carry her to the bed. Her fingers trace the contours of my face, her touch gentle and exploring. I lay her down on the soft sheets, her hair fanning around her like a halo.

Her eyes meet mine, and in their depths, I see a vulnerability that wasn't there before. It's as if we've both shed our armor, allowing ourselves to be fully present in this moment.

I lower myself onto the bed beside her, propping myself on one elbow. My free hand starts a slow journey down the curve of her neck, over the swell of her breasts, and down to the gentle flare of her hips. Her skin is silky smooth, and I can't help but marvel at the beauty of her body.

Cole's hands find their way under my shirt, her fingers dancing across my back, pulling me closer. I oblige, covering her mouth with mine in a slow, deep kiss full of unspoken promises and silent yearnings.

We undress each other with a tenderness that borders on reverence. Each piece of clothing removed is a revelation, a discovery of something new and precious.

I kiss my way down her body, taking my time to explore every inch of her. I trace the outline of her navel with my tongue, eliciting a soft gasp from her lips. Her stomach quivers under my touch, and I feel a sense of pride, knowing I can affect her so profoundly.

As I settle between her thighs, I look up to see her watching me, her eyes dark with desire. I enter her slowly, savoring the warmth of her body enveloping me. We move together in a rhythm that's both familiar and new. Each thrust is a testament to the connection we share.

This isn't just sex; it's a communion of souls. With every touch, every kiss, every whispered endearment, we're weaving a tapestry of emotion and sensation that binds us together in ways I never thought possible.

Cole's breath hitches as she reaches her climax, her body arching off the bed. I follow her over the edge, my release crashing like a wave.

As our breathing slowly returns to normal, I roll onto my back, pulling Cole close. She rests her head on my chest, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my skin.

I'm struck by the realization that this—this tenderness, this connection—is what I've been searching for my entire life. And now that I've found it, I'm never letting go.

We lay there in silence, the only sound the steady beating of our hearts in sync. I press a kiss to the top of her head, knowing that no matter what the future holds, this moment—this perfect, beautiful moment—is ours forever.

I lay in bed with Cole, our limbs intertwined. Her head rests on my chest, her breath slowing, warm and steady, against my skin. Something feels different tonight.

Our previous encounters were passionate but primarily physical. Now, there's an intimacy that wasn't there before.

I run my fingers through her hair, marveling at its silky texture. "That was crazy today when Patty Harrison mentioned your name," I say softly, breaking the comfortable silence. "At the moment, I was just thinking about how small the world is. I haven't seen you for almost five years, and now it feels like I can't escape you."

"Easy. You're the one stalking me."

We fake wrestle a bit. She tickles me on my ribs, my weakness. I squirm and hold her hand, placing it back on my chest.

"Seriously, though. You could imagine my surprise when James mentioned your name, or maybe it was Patty. I had just left your bed a few hours before. Of course, I left that detail out."

She shifts slightly, propping herself on her hand to look at me. Her blue eyes are soft in the dim light of her bedroom. "James," she says, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's funny how life works sometimes."

I wait patiently as she gathers her thoughts. "I met him at the cafe, actually. He'd come in every morning for his coffee, always ordered the same thing—a large Americano with an extra shot."

Cole's fingers trace lazy patterns on the tattoo on my chest as she continues. "We started chatting, just small talk at first. But over time, we got to know each other better. He'd tell me about his daughters and his work. I'd share stories about Maddie and the cafe."

She pauses, her expression thoughtful. "One day, after I'd found this cool, old copper roaster on eBay, knowing that he did restoration work, I asked his opinion. Most of what he does is for the historic preservation of homes, but he got excited about it. Turns out he's done a few roasters. He is the one that told me to buy it, and he would help bring it back to life."

"That is so neat. So what happened then?"

"I ordered it, and he took it to his house. It took him about three months, but he would come in almost daily and update me on the progress. Patty started tagging along, raving about it. The next thing I knew, the six of us regularly got together for dinner. His girls have hung out a few times for Maddie when I needed to do something."

"I love it. Amazing how things like that work out without even trying."

We lie in Cole's bed, the room quiet except for the soft hum of the fan. Her fingers trace the lines of the tattoo on my left pectoral. The Celtic cross feels warm under her touch, with its clean lines and serif ends standing out against my skin. The tribal patterns in each quadrant create a sense of balance and power.

Her fingertip glides over the design, sending a shiver down my spine. "This is beautiful," she murmurs, her voice soft and curious. "What's the story behind it?"

I take a deep breath, feeling the familiar mix of pride and sorrow welling up inside me. "I got this after my father died. He had an abdominal aortic aneurysm, like I mentioned the other night when I was eighteen. It was sudden and... devastating. He was my hero."

Her eyes meet mine, filled with empathy. I continue, "The Celtic cross symbolizes his heritage, strength, and the impact he had on my life. The tribal patterns represent different aspects of him—his protectiveness, his unwavering support, and his strength. After he passed, I was determined to become a surgeon. I didn't want anyone else to go through what we did."

She traces the lines once more, her touch gentle and soothing. "It's a beautiful tribute," she says softly. She leans down and kisses it softly.

I nod, feeling a slight weight lift. "This tattoo is a reminder of why I chose this path and the man who inspired me to keep going, even when it's tough."

Her fingers linger on my skin, and for a moment, the pain of the past feels a little more bearable, shared in the quiet intimacy of this moment.

I feel Cole's hand resting on my chest, her warmth seeping into my skin. My fingers trace lazy patterns on her back, savoring this moment of quiet intimacy. We've been talking for hours, peeling back layers, learning more about each other than we ever did before.

Her breathing becomes slower, becoming deep and rhythmic. I'm certain she's fallen asleep, but I don't mind. There's something profoundly comforting about her presence, about holding her close like this.

In the room's stillness, I reflect on how different this feels from our previous encounters. It's not just physical attraction any more. A deep connection here is both exhilarating and a little terrifying.

I wonder if she feels it, too. This realness, this sense that we're on the cusp of something more significant than either of us anticipated. It certainly feels different than before, but...

Well, I catch myself before I can finish that thought. I've been burned before, realizing I acted too quickly without considering the consequences.

But this, with Cole, it feels right in a way I can't quite explain.

I listen to her soft breathing, feeling the rise and fall of her chest against mine. There's a vulnerability in this moment that I haven't experienced in a long time. Perhaps for the first time in years, I find myself hoping that this could be the start of something real, something lasting.

But doubt creeps in, as it always does. Is she in the same place? Does she want more than just this physical connection? I push the questions aside, not wanting to disrupt the peace of this moment.

For now, I'm content to lie here, holding her close, letting the quiet of the night envelop us. Whatever tomorrow brings, right now, this feels right.

Monday, August 19

4:29 am

I'm jolted from a deep sleep by a warm, tingling sensation on my chest. My eyes flutter open, struggling to focus in the dim light of Cole's bedroom. As consciousness slowly returns, I realize it's Cole's lips trailing soft kisses down my torso.

I'm unsure what time it is, but the room is still dark, and my body feels heavy with sleep. I must have been out cold. Despite my grogginess, a smile takes over my lips at the pleasant way I'm being awakened.

"Mmm," I mumble, my voice thick with sleep. "Good morning to you, too."

Cole pauses her ministrations, lifting her head to meet my gaze. Her eyes sparkle with mischief in the low light. "Morning, sleepyhead," she whispers, her breath warm against my skin.

I reach out, running my fingers through her tousled hair. The fog of sleep is quickly dissipating, replaced by a growing awareness of Cole's body pressed against mine. My pulse quickens as she resumes her path of kisses, working her way lower.

"What time is it?" I manage to ask, though I'm finding it increasingly difficult to care about the answer.

Cole doesn't respond immediately, too focused on her task. When she does speak, her voice is low and playful. "Early enough. Don't worry about it."

I chuckle softly, any remaining drowsiness evaporating under her touch. My hand slides down to her shoulder, savoring the feel of her smooth skin. "I'm not complaining," I murmur, "just surprised."

She looks up at me again, a sly grin on her face. "Good surprised, I hope?"

"Definitely good," I affirm, my breath catching as she continues her exploration.

My eyes adjust to the darkness, and I see Cole's silhouette above me, her hair cascading over her shoulders, brushing against my skin. Her lips curve into a mischievous smile, and I can't help but return it, my body already responding to her silent invitation.

"Good morning," I rasp, my hands finding their way to her hair, tangling in the dark strands.

"Shh," she hushes me, her fingers pressing lightly against my lips. "We have to be quiet."

I nod, understanding the unspoken rule of our early morning trysts—don't wake Maddie. Cole's hand trails down my chest, her touch light but undoubtedly igniting a fire within me. I'm acutely aware of every point of contact between us, the warmth of her body seeping into mine.

She straddles me, her knees on either side of my hips, and I can feel the heat of her through the thin fabric of her underwear. My hands instinctively move to her waist, gripping her firmly as she starts to move, her rhythm slow and deliberate.

I'm rock hard, aching for her, but I force myself to match her languid pace, to savor the build-up of this stolen moment.

Cole leans forward, her hands planted on either side of my head, and I meet her in a deep, hungry kiss. Our tongues dance in a silent symphony, our bodies moving in perfect harmony.

She sits up, lifting her hips slightly before sinking down onto me, taking me inside her with exquisite slowness. We both gasp at the sensation, its intensity threatening to unravel us both.

Her eyes lock onto mine, and a raw, unspoken connection goes beyond the physical. It's in the way her breath hitches when I thrust up into her, the way her body trembles with each movement.

We're both chasing the same precipice, desperate to fall over the edge together but terrified of the noise that might accompany our release.

I can feel the tension coiling in my belly, the telltale sign that I'm close. I reach between us, my fingers finding that sweet spot where our bodies join, and I apply just the right amount of pressure to send Cole spiraling into blissful silence.

Her eyes widen, her lips part in a silent cry, and she convulses around me, the rhythmic clenching of her muscles pulling me over the edge with her.

My orgasm hits me like a freight train, my vision whiting out as wave after wave of pleasure courses through me. I bite down on my lower lip, stifling the groan that threatens to escape.

Cole collapses onto my chest, her body shuddering with the aftershocks of her own release. We lay there, entwined and panting, the only sound in the room the erratic beating of our hearts.

After a moment, Cole lifts her head, her eyes searching mine. "You have to go to work, don't you?" she whispers, her voice heavy with regret.

I nod, my hands stroking her back soothingly. "But I'll be back," I promise, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

With great effort, we untangle ourselves from each other and the sheets, both of us acutely aware of the ticking clock. As I get dressed, I can't stop watching Cole… The way she moves with a newfound languor, the way her skin glows in the soft morning light.

I'm already looking forward to the next time I lose myself in her and the next time we can steal a few precious moments away from the world.

As our passionate encounter winds down, I glance at the clock on Cole's nightstand. It's earlier than usual, but I realize I might as well start my day.

"I should probably get going," I say, my voice tinged with reluctance. "I could squeeze in a gym session before surgery."

Cole props herself up on an elbow, her hair delightfully tousled. "Already? I was hoping for a round two."

"Sounds intriguing. I'm ready."

"This kitty has seen more action in the last two weeks than in three years. As much as I would like to, I don't know if I can. What if I make you breakfast?"

I lean in, kissing her softly. "Trust me, I'd love nothing more. But I'm not much of a morning eater. How about we connect later today? I have the weekend off."

"I can work with that."

I slide out of bed, locating my scattered clothes. As I dress, I can feel Cole's eyes on me. As usual, it's a struggle to not crawl back into bed with her.

Once I'm dressed, I turn back to her. She's sitting up now, the sheet pulled around her. The sight of her like this makes my heart ache. If she didn't have a daughter in the next room and I didn't have a scheduled early surgery, there is no way I would trade a workout for lying next to this beauty.

But we both have obligations that come into play. And while I like to act like I'm the perpetual kid, I have a strong sense of responsibility. Duty calls.

"I'll see you later?" I ask, moving closer.

She nods, reaching out to straighten my collar. "You better."

I cup her face in my hands, kissing her deeply. It's meant to be a goodbye kiss, but it quickly intensifies. Cole's arms wrap around my neck, pulling me closer. I lose myself in the moment, savoring the taste of her lips and the warmth of her skin.

When we finally part, we're both breathless. I rest my forehead against hers, closing my eyes.

"I don't want to leave," I admit quietly.

Cole runs her fingers through my hair. "Then don't."

I chuckle softly, even as my chest tightens. "You're making this very difficult."

"Good," she whispers, kissing me again. "Any tips to keep it up?"

It takes every ounce of willpower I possess to pull away. As I head for the door, I feel like my heart is being ripped out. The thought of facing the day, of dealing with all the complications of real life, seems unbearably hard compared to staying here with Cole.

At the doorway, I turn back for one last look. Cole blows me a kiss, and I can't help but smile.

"Have a good day, Dr. Hankel," she says with a wink.

"You too, Ms. Johnson," I reply, forcing myself into the hall. God, I'm such a sap.

As I close the door behind me, I lean against it for a moment, taking a deep breath. The real world awaits, but my entire heart remains in that room with Cole.