Chapter 48

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

Adriana

Heather is coming over before Dani and Laine, so we can talk. We’ve talked since that day at the stadium, but I can tell she wants to get her feelings off her chest when we aren’t on a timeline.

I don’t blame her and I’ve told her that many times, but I still see the guilt in her eyes.

I’m laying out by the pool when she comes in through the gate.

“Hey boss lady.” I greet her.

“Hey woman! How are we today?” She asks.

“I’m good. Just waiting for you to get here.” I tell her.

“Well, then the party can start. I’m here. But can we go in the shade?”

“Of course. Let’s go sit at the table.” I tell her.

We make our way to sit at the outdoor table with the umbrella covering it.

“Okay. Get out whatever it is you need to say.” I tell her.

“Ugh, I hate you know me so well! Okay, I know I’ve said I’m sorry a billion times. But, I love you, you’re my best friend and sister from another mister. I need to make sure we’re good. I need to know because we work together and I want and need that to continue. Also, the appointment was for the OBGYN. Yes, I’m pregnant! And this baby needs their Auntie A.” Heather finishes with tears in her eyes.

I have the biggest smile on my face. I need her to know that Auntie A isn’t going anywhere.

“I knew it! That’s exactly where I thought you were going! Congrats!!!! Auntie A is so excited for baby Evans.” I exclaim before continuing.

“No, Heather, I don’t blame you. We are so good. You are my best friend and sister too. You don’t have to worry about me going anywhere. The furthest I’d go is to live here permanently. You are stuck with me. That includes if Cole and I don’t work out.” I tell her.

“What do you mean if you and Cole don’t work out?! That man is so in love with you,” She responds.

“I know, but he’s been off and when I try to talk to him about it but he isn’t budging on what’s bothering him. What if he’s trying to push me away?” I clue her into what’s going on.

I get up so I can go hug her and my future niece or nephew. We both cry as we hug and we laugh when we pull apart.

“I’m so happy for you guys. It makes me happy that I can be here for it.”

“Me too A, me too. Listen, don’t let him push you away. You both need each other right now. He just might not see it,” Heather confirms my thoughts on Cole.

“I won’t. I promise. Does he know yet?”

“Not yet. We wanted to tell you both together, but I just couldn’t hold it in knowing how I felt,” Heather tells me

“Makes sense. We are good. I’ll act surprised when you tell us together. Don’t think about it again, please. I would tell you honestly if something was wrong or if I felt a certain way.” I let her know.

“Okay. Love you bestie.”

“Love you too, boss bestie. Now the girls should be here any moment. Let’s get ready for the game,” I say.

The boys won their game, but I can tell something is going on with Cole. When he came up to the net where our seats were before the game, he seemed off. Usually his excitement is infectious and vibrating off of him, but today he seemed distracted. I don’t know if it’s his head or heart that wasn’t in the game today, but I’m determined to find out.

The girls and I make our way down to meet the team. I think Cole and I need to have a conversation tonight, whether or not he likes it. As much as he’s been taking care of me, I need to do the same for him. He’s my other half and if he’s not okay, I can’t be either.

The guys come out and walk straight to us. Cole has a look on his face and my heart drops. Why does he look so sad?

“Hey, Casanova.” I greet him.

“Hey, Sugar.” He returns.

I go to hug him, and he returns it, but it’s short-lived. This is not my man. This is someone wearing a Cole costume. I need to figure out what is going on with him.

“Let’s go home, babe.” I tell him.

“You don’t want to go out with the team?” He asks.

“Honestly, right now, the only thing I want to do is cuddle up with you and talk.” I tell him.

“Okay, if that’s what you want.” He tells me.

“It is.” I confirm.

He nods his head and we say goodbye to our friends. Heather drove, so I know we aren’t leaving anyone stranded. We get to his truck and he helps me in like he always does. When he gets in on his side, I take his hand. I’m so afraid that he won’t like what I have to say that he will ask me to leave and go back to the apartment above the garage.

That was my home. But now, my home is his house. It’s where he is. I need to know that what happened changes nothing with us. I’m sure he needs that reassurance, too.

The drive home is quiet. Neither of us talks and we don’t talk as we get into the house, either. We both change into our night time clothing.

“Why don’t we go down to the movie room and put something on?” I suggest.

“We can do that.” He says.

As we make our way there, Cole seems like he has the world on his shoulders. I hope I can help him carry that weight.

Once we get there, I grab blankets so that we can get comfy. I don’t want to have to get up while we talk and it gets cold down here.

“What do you want to watch?” Cole asks me.

“I don’t care. You can put on whatever you’d like, babe.” I answer.

He does just that when the intro for a Marvel movie comes on the screen. He comes to sit next to me. I let him get cozy and then I move to sit on his lap.

“Well hello.” He says.

“Hi there.” I give him a kiss on his cheek.

“You okay?” He asks.

“I’m doing okay. But I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about you, Casanova.” I answer him.

“Why are you worried about me? You are the one that was hurt.” He says.

“Baby, I love you more than I’ve ever thought I’d be able to love another person. Especially after everything with Toby. But you have opened my heart backup, you are the man that has burrowed his way so deep in. You were patient and kind and you were my friend first. So I know that something is going on with you. I need you to not shut me out and let me in.” I tell him.

This man looks stunned. He doesn’t move, he just stares at me. He has tears in his eyes and now I’m rethinking everything I just said to him.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you from that happening. I’m scared you’re going to leave me because of what happened. That you will eventually blame me. That you will resent me down the line. How do I know that someone else on the team isn’t capable of doing this to you or anyone else?” He unloads his thoughts to me.

I hug him. I need a moment to figure out exactly how to say my thoughts. Cole holds on for dear life like he honestly thinks I’m going to leave him. I try to pull back, but he won’t let go at all.

“Cole, I need to look at you when I say this,” I tell him.

He reluctantly lets me pull away so I can see him.

“Cole Evans, you are not to blame for that asshat Dylan Crawford. You can’t control people. You did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. Dylan is the one that was in the wrong. But not everyone is him. You can’t be wary of everyone in your life.” I finish.

“I know. I do. Right now it’s just hard. On top of it all, coach is benching me until I see the therapist.” Cole says.

“Why?” I ask.

Cole sighs.

“I wasn’t in the game tonight. I think we all know that. Coach pulled me into his office afterwards and I told him about my worry. He told me he made an appointment for me for tomorrow to meet with the therapist. Until then, I’m benched,” he informs me.

“Cole, maybe you need that safe space. I’ve been trying all week to get you to talk to me about what’s been bothering you and you’re now just telling me. Yes, it’s a great start, but I think it will help you.” I tell him.

Cole nods and brings me back to him. I let him hold me because it seems to be what he needs.

“Don’t leave me.” Cole says.

“I told you I’m not.” I tell him.

“Don’t go back to the apartment. Move here permanently,” he states.

“Cole, you don’t have to do that because you think that it’s safer.” I say to him.

“Adriana, I love you. This is about us moving forward in our lives and relationship together. I don’t want to go back to not having you next to me in bed. Life is brighter with you here. This isn’t just a house, but a home. To have you go back to the apartment above the garage next door doesn’t feel right. You living here, us together? That feels right. Or I can move into the apartment with you. What do you want? Because I just want to make you happy.”

This man. I can’t. He puts me first. How in the world did I get so lucky?

“Well, I want to move in permanently and I want forever with you. I love you and just as much as you put me first, I want to put you first in my life.”

“Good, I want that too.” Cole says.

He kisses me, and it’s not a sweet kiss. No, it’s almost animalistic. The amount of emotions and desire sweep me away.

My phone ringing interrupts us from moving things forward. I look at the screen and see that it’s Officer Rowe. I answer the call and put it on speaker.

“Hi Officer Rowe.” I greet.

“Hello Ms. Johnson, are you with Mr. Evans?” he asks.

“I’m here with her, sir,” Cole answers for me.

“Great, one call. Mr. Crawford pled guilty today. He will not be out on bond until his sentencing. The surveillance video ensured that he couldn’t plead not guilty. Ms. Johnson, you won’t have to testify. I thought you’d like the good news,” he tells us.

“Thank you. That is definitely news that we could use.” I say.

“Thank you, Officer Rowe. Anytime you want tickets, let me know.” Cole tells him.

“I might take you up on that if you get to the Championship game,” He says to Cole.

We hang up and embrace each other. This is what we needed. I know this makes me feel better. Dylan will not be around. I can only imagine the relief Cole feels, too.

“Let’s go to bed,” Cole says.

“I think that’s the perfect idea.”

Cole and I walk together hand in hand up to the bedroom.