Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

AINSLEY

The snowfall is light in its wake as I wrap my warm scarf around my neck, ready to head out for the annual Silver Pines’ tree decorating show. Frosty the snowman is making his yearly grand appearance in the town square. Travis will be beside himself. I’m looking forward to seeing Presley and little April again.

After last night’s romp in the hay with Cole, one could say I’m a little bleary-eyed. I made my way back to my own home, reluctantly, this morning and haven’t stopped thinking about him since.

Fudge was all snuggly and even made his way into the bed between us.

All I can say is, Cole is a freaking stallion. He didn’t just live up to every promise he made; he exceeded them. The man sure knows how to pump those hips, and my skin flushes thinking back to the things we got up to all night. Thank God for concealer.

Emma picks me up with a little toot out front and I make my way out to her car. Cole is working late, so we agreed to meet at the festivities later on. To be honest, I have jitters and butterflies in my stomach thinking about seeing him again after las t night.

I’m not sure I will ever see Cole Garrison in the same light ever again.

“You look cute.” She smiles as I slide into the passenger seat. It’s lovely and warm inside her SUV.

“Thanks, Em, so do you.” She has on a red woolen sweater with a giant snowman on the front, along with dangly Santa earrings. It’s a fun, traditional thing to dress up a little Christmassy for the annual town decorating festival. Everyone gets really into it.

I’m not much better when it comes to the Santa stakes myself. I wore jeans tonight with my snow boots, a white cable-knit sweater with a large glittery Christmas bauble sequined into the wool, and my Christmas scarf with matching gloves.

I also tamed my curls and put my contact lenses in. I don’t wear them very often, but I think I look more grown up. A pop of red lipstick and some blush bring everything together.

“How’s your mom since this morning?” Emma got off the night shift early this morning. “I heard they’re keeping her in for another night.”

“She’s doing good. I went to see her earlier and we’re hoping to collect her tomorrow. They wanted to keep her in for another night. Her blood pressure was really high.” Thank God it wasn’t a stroke, and she hasn’t damaged her head from the fall.

“She’ll be okay. You know she will.”

I smile. “She’s a tough cookie. It’ll be nice to get her home so we can decorate the tree together.”

“I’m surprised your more than friendly neighbor isn’t escorting you to town tonight. You two seem to have grown close in a short space of time.”

I press my lip s together and try to not let out too big of a sigh. But my best friend needs to know what’s happened over the last couple of days, especially last night. I just didn’t get time to text her today. “He’s going to be down there later,” I say.

“Are you two still pretending you’re dating, for asshole Drake’s sake?”

I shudder at the thought of my ex. Funnily enough, I haven’t heard a peep out of him since the dance. I mean, I blocked him and all, but it’s still a small town after all and it wouldn’t be hard to find anyone. Emma knows all about it because I told her the day after the incident, which only amplified her dislike for Drake and her approval for Cole. “Well, sort of. I think.”

She pauses before she pulls back out onto the street. “Sort of, you think?”

“I don’t really know exactly what we are,” I sigh. “But last night…” My cheeks instantly burn at the mere mention of it.

She glances at me briefly before making her way down my quiet street toward the main road to town. “Did something happen with you and Cole?”

I press my lips together again, a dead giveaway with me. Emma is also super perceptive and doesn’t miss much.

“It did, didn’t it!” She bounces up and down in her seat enthusiastically.

“Yes, but you can’t let the cat out of the bag,” I say in a hushed whisper, like someone is gonna hear us in the confines of the car.

“Oh My GOD!” she practically yelps. “You hot dawg! I don’t believe it.”

I can’t help but laugh. Even the mere thought of someone like Cole being into little ole me still blows my mind. When I think about t he fact that he’s been known to be quite the ladies man around town in recent years and ever the charming, cute, hazel-eyed Casanova, I know that it’s all an act. He hasn’t been with anyone since last year. I feel that little flutter in my chest deepening when I think about him. Mine . The butterflies in my stomach won’t let up.

I really, really like Cole. I want us to be exclusive. Not pretending just to annoy my ex. I’m pretty sure our little display at the dance did the trick, so I won’t be hearing from Drake anytime soon. Cole also said something about being boyfriend material, but we never got to discussing that before I jumped him.

It may be soon after my breakup, but being in a relationship with someone like Cole gives me a fever. He’s sweet, kind and funny and other than my ex, never has a bad word to say about anyone. And he’s as sexy as sin. My heart flutters at that part, too.

“Something may have happened,” I say eventually. “He’s just the sweetest.”

Emma glances at me again and I know my best friend enough to know she’s gung-ho for me to spill. “Tell me everything.”

My heart races thinking about some of the things we did before we’ve even been on a proper date. Not something normal for me. “I don’t know about everything , but I can say that Cole Garrison knows how to make a woman smile.”

“And scream at the same time!”

“Em!”

“Or him screaming your name?”

“Let’s just say he knows his way around the female body in ways I’ve never experienced.”

“So, you had sex?” she quizzes giddily .

I bite back a smile. “Um, yes, we had sex.”

“Oh my God, Ains!” she squeals. “I knew something was cooking with you two last night!”

“You did?” I bite my lip, thinking about how I initially got off on my kitchen table. The way he played with my body and made me feel so sexy still rocks me to my core. I also hope it wasn’t that obvious when we went to visit my mom. And what happened right after we left the hospital… facepalm.

“Sparks fly whenever you and him are near each other.”

I laugh and settle back in the seat for the ride. “Well, we made out that night before you called me about Mom. He already had me seeing stars by that point without even getting me naked. And one thing lead to another later in his truck...” I think the relief of seeing that Mom was okay, combined with the intoxication of Cole’s presence, overtook me.

Emma gasps this time, probably because I’ve never really talked like this before. Or had a one-night stand, not that it was one, but I’m pretty sure we’re dating.

“Ains!—”

“I know. I’ve kept it quiet from you and I’m sorry. There’s just been a lot going on today, and it all happened so fast. He came over to discuss the snowball fight we’re collaborating on, and one thing led to another.”

“This is fantastic, you know that. Actually fantastic!”

“You think so?”

“Cole is hot.”

“I know. And I really like him. I was worried I might not be the usual type he goes for. We don’t exactly hang out in the same circles, nor have I ever seen him in the library. He tells me I’m beautiful and sexy, and I know it’s just words, but it’s nice. He also said he’s had his eye on me since last year at the speed dating night, but it’s not just that, it’s in his actions. His thoughtfulness. The way he’s protective and sweet at the same time.”

I see Emma visibly clutch the steering wheel with glee. “Ohhhh I knew it!”

“You did?”

“I’ve always thought he had his eye on you. Eric thought so, too.”

“Well, it seems I was the last to know.” I laugh. “Better late than never.”

“This is so cool, Ains. Cole is such a catch.”

“Aren’t you going to warn me that he’s a bad boy that’s dated half the town?”

A little giggle escapes her mouth. “Well, he’s kind of the resident bad boy that’s good on the inside, ya know? And who cares if he’s dated half the town? He’s had his eye on you for the past year, that’s what counts.”

“Yeah, I was on and off with Drake at the time. Stupid me.”

“Well, now you’re not and Cole has swooped in.” She’s giddy in her seat and it makes me laugh. Em has always been the one to give it to me straight, so if she thinks it’s a good idea, then its gotta be. “You’ve gotta give me more, Ains. You’re keeping your cards very close to your chest and you know I like details.” She’s already pulling up at a vacant parking space in front of the Town Hall, so there’s no time to give her any deets. The other thing is, I don’t know exactly what Cole and I are yet, which is something I need to get to the bottom of as soon as tonight. Yes, he said that thing to my mom about dating me, but we got so carried away afterward, we didn’t officially discuss it.

“Later,” I tell her .

“Bet you’re dying to see him, right?”

“Chomping at the bit!” I giggle back. I don’t know if it will get any easier being around someone as big and strong as Cole. He is so sweet and attentive, it would be pretty tough for anyone else to measure up, and I’m here for it. So, if he wants more, I’m here for that, too.

We unbuckle and make our way out of the car toward the festivities. It’s six-thirty, so things should kick off soon.

We link arms and walk up the pathway of the Main Street, just up from the town square. You can’t miss the giant inflatable Frosty, or Travis and his posse strategizing before the big reveal soon. Boys will be boys.

I immediately see Presley holding April and standing next to her sister, Parker, with her husband Chris, and their kids, Celeste and Gray, who are running around with Molly and Oscar. Plus, two other mutual friends in the group, Rory and Ali.

“Hey!” I wave as we both walk up to greet them all. The snow is only lightly falling, and the excitement in town of everyone gathering for the tree decorating and the yearly traditions of eggnog and the light supper at the Town Hall, is palpable.

Everyone turns around to look at us. “Hey!” Parker gushes as she greets me with a big hug. She’s always been super friendly and a barrel of laughs.

“Great to see you both,” Chris says, while trying to contain the kids who are running around, all chasing each other with laser beams.

I scruff Oscar’s hair as he dashes past. “Hey, Ainsley!” Molly waves on her way by. I can see Hank over by the enormous Christmas tree with some of the committee members.

Presley gives me and Emma a hug while jostling the l ittle one.

Everyone immediately asks about my mom and I give them a quick rundown on what happened and that she’s going to be fine. It’s really sweet of them all to be concerned.

“Aw, April looks so cute, all snuggled up,” I say, giving her cheeks a little tickle and she smiles up at me with a little gurgle.

“I think she likes the festivities already,” Presley laughs. “She’s all chirpy and happy.”

“That might be for other reasons,” Ali chimes in, giving us all a knowing wink. “But Pres will fill you in later.”

“Sounds ominous.” Emma wiggles her eyebrows in Presley’s direction. The kids run after Chris as he excuses himself to go over and help the guys. I quickly glance over to see if I can see Cole amongst the crowd, but there’s no sign of him yet.

“Everything will be revealed soon,” Presley assures us. “Do you guys wanna grab a hot chocolate in the meantime? The coffee van has just pulled up.”

“Sounds great,” I chime in with a few nods from the girls.

We walk towards Tim’s Coffee Perk as Rory sidles up on the other side of me.

“So, Ains. Word is you’ve tamed the wild beast of Silver Pines? If the other night at the dance was anything to go by.”

I laugh nervously. Wow, good news travels fast, but I guess she was there right after the altercation with Drake. “Which wild beast would that be?” I feign a very non-believable nonchalance.

“Cole Garrison,” Parker chimes. “Don’t get all coy with us now, Ainsley Parsons. You’ve been keeping him a secret, haven’t you! ”

“Oh, now, I wouldn’t say that.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, trying to think fast. “But we’ve been getting to know each other since I moved next door to him.”

“How handy,” Ali giggles. “Way to go, Ainsley.”

“He’s apparently very sweet,” Emma adds her two cents’ worth, with an air of sarcasm to her voice.

“I bet he’s also good with his hands,” Rory chimes, giving me a nudge with her elbow.

I’m too embarrassed for words, and even if they’re egging me on, I know they mean well. They’re a wonderful group of women and I’ve known them forever.

“I’m not at liberty to answer that,” I joke. I mean, what am I supposed to say?

It comes to mind again that I should have clarified things with Cole, but I was a little busy jumping him when we got back to his truck last night and then going at it until the wee hours at his place. Stupidly, I wasn’t prepared to answer questions about us to our actual friends. Silly me.

“Well, someone who could answer it is walking right this way.” Pres nods toward Frosty, who’s causing a few headaches from the looks of all the guys gathered around it, scratching their heads.

My heart skips a beat when I glance over to see Cole walking with Jake and Charlene toward Frosty. Looks like they must’ve just arrived. Charlene spots us and waves, walking right over, leaving Jake with the guys but tugging on Cole’s arm. When he looks over and sees me, I notice a big, bright smile spread across his face. Is he ever in a bad mood?

“And he’s got a big old smile for you,” Parker chimes in, giving me a wink.

I can’t deny that fact; his eyes are directly on m e and I don’t know where to look.

There’s something cheeky behind those deep pupils of liquid silk, and I know exactly what it is.

Charlene gives me a good old eyebrow wiggle as she approaches. Clearly she’s privy, as is the rest of the town, that Cole and I are apparently not as conspicuous as we thought.

I really need to talk to him.

Luckily, I don’t have to wait too long. After everyone says hi and the formalities are out of the way, Cole tugs at my hand while the others wait in line to order hot chocolate.

“Hey, beautiful,” he whispers in my ear. His smile stretches wide.

“Hey yourself,” I murmur shyly. We obviously haven’t seen each other since I left his bed this morning, and now we’re looking at one another, I feel a little jittery.

He glances down at my giant bauble Christmas sweater briefly and tugs at the hem. “Nice touch.”

I laugh. He’s in his usual jeans and plaid shirt with a jacket over the top. His hair is tousled, and he exudes a sexy mix of earthy sandalwood and the ocean. “Where’s your knitted sweater?” I joke.

“Oh, don’t worry, my mom is probably knitting one for me and my dad as we speak.”

I can’t help but giggle. It’s so damned easy with him. Effortless.

And being with him so intimately last night was effortless, too.

“I’m sure you don’t want to see it,” he goes on.

“Oh, I would love to. We could do a matchy-matchy for the snowball fight—uh, as coordinators, I didn’t mean?—”

His crinkl y smile could win some kind of award, and I practically melt. “What did you mean?” He tilts his head.

Uh, oh. “I just mean, we’re the organizers of this crazy snowball idea of yours.”

He glances toward Tim’s coffee van where my friends are hovering, waiting for their order. “Is that all, Ains?”

I swallow and look down at my boots for a second, it’s all I can do to reign in my composure. Looking at him will just muddle my thoughts even further.

But when I glance up, my eyes trail down to his succulent lips… lips that were unapologetically all over me. And they’re just as divine as they were last night.

“Do you want to be more than that?” His voice is quiet, leaning in so I get an extra whiff of his sexy fragrance. I open my mouth to answer, but my words are stunted by Cole’s friends, namely Travis and Jake, walking up to us. Jake slaps Cole on the back, calling him a slacker, and tells him they need an extra pair of hands to put up Frosty. I glance over to the massive snowman and try to contain my laughter. Jessica Lockwood is hovering close by with some of the other committee members and Cole’s other friends, Rich and Justin.

“I’ll be right there,” Cole assures them.

“Nice sweater.” Travis gives me a wink.

“Thank you.” I smile as I glance back at Cole.

A twitch of a smirk hints at Cole’s mouth. “Later, Shorty .”

“Later.” It’s like our own personal, dirty little secret, but judging by the way everyone keeps smiling at us both, I’m not sure it is so secret anymore.