Sealed With a Kiss

Twenty Five Pt. III

XXV: Wanted cont.

I WOKE THAT MORNING WITH A STRANGE FEELING. Half of me was relieved, liberated in a way. I finally spoke up about Gemma. I went against every fiber of my being telling me to bite my tongue...but I asked. I broke through my instincts.

A piece of my facade cracked and floated away.

The other half of me was scared. I had practically told Cole that we weren't working out. I gave him an ultimatum. Would he chose Gemma Hamilton over me?

I checked my phone and saw two messages, one from Elle reminding me of our plans and the other from Scott. He wished me a good morning and thanked me for dinner.

I smiled looking at his simple message. He was so straightforward, he meant what he said. I didn't feel the need to over analyze the punctuation or syntax of it. Good morning really did mean good morning.

Standing, I went into my closet to pick a Hannah-approved outfit and get ready to go see the rest of the bridesmaids. In the end I went with something easy to take on and off because I will be getting measured and trying on dress after dress. It was a pale blue strappy dress with a low back and a modest bodice. The hem came halfway down my thighs, and because I felt a little exposed I threw on a trench coat over it. On my feet were a pair of white stilettos that I could actually, surprise surprise, walk in properly.

I had day-after curls from my dinner date with Scott, so after spraying a little dry shampoo I was ready to go. Walking down the stairs, I met Ingrid's worried gaze and stilled.

"Miss Poppy, what would you rather me do with the little...situation?"

"The what?" I said in equally as hushed tone as she.

"In the parlor. Should I attend to Master Cole--" I walked past her into the parlor and froze at the sight before me.

Cole sat in the same armchair as last night, his dress shirt rumpled, wrinkled, and unbuttoned. His shoes had been kicked off as he inched the coffee table closer to the armchair so he could rest his feet on it. His eyes were closed but he didn't look like he'd had a very good night.

"Are you serious?" I said out loud, completely bewildered. He actually slept there. Just like he said he would, he didn't move.

Cole stirred and sat up with a groan. He stretched his arm and massaged his shoulder with a grimace on his handsome face. He turned to look at me and flashed me a groggy smile. "Ready to talk?"

I sighed and leaned against the door jam feeling defeated. "I can't. I've got plans."

He straightened at my words and frowned. "With Hastings?"

I pursed my lips. "Scott is in meetings all day actually. I have plans with Elle and the rest of the bridesmaids."

"Oh," I looked around the parlor and noticed his work stuff scattered on the floor beside the armchair.

"Don't you have to be at work soon?"

"Nope," Cole leaned back into the armchair and stretched. "Just called my assistant to clear my schedule for the rest of the week. I'll be working from this armchair until then."

"Until what?" I asked warily.

"Until you sit down across from me to talk."

My lips parted in surprise. "I-I have to run. I'm late."

Cole gave me a smile, "Take your time with the girls today. I'll be here waiting."

With a roll of my eyes, I spun on my heels and stomped out of the house. What kind of game is he playing at?