Chapter 38

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Adriana

This past weekend was amazing. The gala went off without a hitch and we raised an amazing amount of money for the Grizzlies Care Foundation.

Dealing with the media on the red carpet wasn’t bad. Everyone was actually very respectful and didn’t pry too much into our relationship. When we finally came up for air on Saturday, I saw Heather had sent over a link to the local newspaper. The paper wrote about how great the gala was and what the foundation would do but ended with how Cole Evans, The Grizzlies’ most eligible bachelor, was now off the market. We had a good laugh since it said he wasn’t “on the market long” even though we know the truth.

We spent the rest of the weekend in bed, only getting up to eat and shower. I love the moments in our little bubble. And although I know I’m only staying with him until Toby leaves, I could see my future with Cole. I love waking up with him and falling asleep in his arms.

I realized that I’m in love with Cole Evans this weekend. It hit me like a ton of bricks while we were in the shower.

Now here we are late Monday morning and my man is getting ready to leave for practice.

“Babe, you ready?” Cole shouts from downstairs.

“Yeah, just putting on my shoes.” I shout back.

I finish getting my shoes on and meet him at the bottom of the stairs. He’s smiling at me, and I can’t help but kiss him. He kisses me back without thinking, but then he’s pulling away.

“Sugar, I can’t be late to practice. Keep that up and we’ll end up back in bed,” he tells me with a swat on my ass.

“Sorry?” I say, but don’t mean it.

“Let’s go trouble.”

We walk next door, and Ty is already waiting for Cole in the driveway. Heather is in the backyard, so he walks me to the gate, kisses me and heads to Ty’s truck.

“Bye Sugar. Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll come walk you home,” he says before getting in.

I blow him a kiss and wave before turning around to go through the gate.

“Boss lady, what’s going on?” I ask as I sit down at the table with her.

“Oh no, ma’am. You tell me what’s going on first.” She responds.

“What do you mean?” I inquire.

“You have been a homebody all weekend. Why is that?” she asks.

I just smile at her. She had texted and asked if we were going to attend family dinner, to which we politely declined to stay in bed.

“We were enjoying being lazy in bed.” I tell her.

“MMmhhhmmm. I don’t need details but… tell me it was good,” she responds.

“Do you think I would stay in bed all weekend if it wasn’t?” I ask her like it’s a no brainer.

“That’s my best friend. I’m really happy for you A. You deserve all the good the world has to offer.” She says.

“Don’t make me cry. I’ve had a great weekend and we’re having girls’ night tonight.” I state.

“That we are. I invited Laine too,” she tells me.

“Awesome! She is far too funny.” I say.

We got to hang out with Laine a little bit on Friday night. She is hysterical. I’m excited about bringing her into our little group.

“We should invite her to Cole’s surprise party.” Heather suggests.

“Yes! Speaking of, we need to finalize our plans for Saturday tomorrow after the guys leave.” I tell her.

They’re heading out on the road tomorrow and won’t return until Friday. I know we both will want to spend tonight at home once they get back.

“I’ll text her now. Yes, we can do that first thing tomorrow.” Heather states as she texts Laine.

“Perfect! Ty said he would get him away from the house.” I tell her.

“He better or I’ll kick his ass,” she tells me with a scowl.

The look on her face, as serious as she wants it to be, is anything but. I bust out laughing at her.

“I’m serious!” She exclaims.

I only laugh harder at her. She joins in with me a second later and that is how the guys find us.

“Why do we always find you two laughing?” Ty asks as he comes to sit on the lounger that Heather is on.

“Your wife thinks she can pull off an intimidating face.” I say to Ty.

“She can when she wants.” Cole responds to me.

“Don’t encourage her, babe.” I tell Cole.

“Leave him alone, A.” Heather says.

“I’ll leave him here while I go back to the house.” I sass.

“Oh, no, you won’t.” Cole comes and picks me up fireman style.

“Put me down, you big doof!” I tell him while laughing.

Cole smacks my ass playfully. But he doesn’t put me down.

“See you tomorrow, brother. Bye Heather!”

I can’t help but laugh at this man. I love when his playful side comes out. It’s something I’ve gotten to see more since I started staying with him.

“Say goodbye to Ty and Heather, sugar. We have to get ready for our date,” he tells me as he turns around.

“Bye guys! Heather, tomorrow!” I tell them while waving.

Cole carries me the entire walk back to his place. He finally puts me down once we are inside.

“Barbarian. That’s going to be your new nickname.” I say as I walk to the kitchen.

Cole grabs my hand and spins me around to face him.

“I am not a barbarian.” He states to me.

“Yeah, sure. Why did you bring your prize back home?” I ask him.

“We’re going out, babe. You have an hour to get ready,” he tells me.

“Okay, jeans good?” I inquire.

“Yeah babe.” He shouts.

I head upstairs to get ready for date night. Even though we just had the entire weekend together, I know I’m going to miss Cole while he’s gone. Luckily, Heather and I will be busy with getting his surprise party set up and Grizzlies Care work.

I throw on a pair of jeans and a black tank under a tan, holey sweater. I apply light makeup and curl my hair. That only took forty-five minutes. Last is to decide on my shoes. I head to the closet and see what options I have. Seeing a pair of tan wedges, I go with those to match my sweater.

“I’m ready, babe.” I tell Cole while walking down the stairs.