TIFFIN 3

54

Several items inside the box stared up at me. First the pregnancy pillow and the vitamins and a baby carrier, along with many other items. I picked up a large pink postcard, opening it.

It read:

THOUGHT YOU MIGHT NEED SOMETHING TO TAKE YOUR STRESS AWAY. HOPE THESE GIFTS FIND YOU WELL. 

- COLE AND ELI 

Tears gathered in my eyes. I wasn't sure what emotions made me feel this way.

Could it have been anger, confusion, or happiness? I didn't know. It was all too much. 

"This is why you've been ignoring me?" I stammered. 

"We can't seem to get anything past you," Cole answered as a way of response, "With the media cornering us, it was hard enough to purchase these at the pharmacy."

Us? 

Eli must have thought along the same lines because he threw a glower Cole's way.

"Meaning?"

Much to my dismay, Cole sent a mischievous smirk. 

"Haven't you seen what the tabloids are saying about her and me? We're the new it couple."

When he saw my look of disapproval, his smile immediately dropped. 

"They're all rumors of course."

Despite the strange competition constantly going on between my two co-workers, I sniffled, reaching out for hugs. 

"Oh, you two. You have no idea what this means to me. I thought..." I trailed off, not sure what to follow up with. 

"You thought what?" Cole urged, taking a step towards me as if sensing my worries. 

I wiped at my eyes. 

"I thought that, well, I had scared you two with my confession and that you decided I was more trouble than I was worth." 

With a gasp, Cole rushed forward gathering me in his tough hold. 

"No, baby, no. That could never happen. We didn't mean to stress you out. You do know that no matter what, I will not leave your side, right?"

As I tipped my head back to nod, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I suddenly realized how intimate this moment was with us so close together and my noticeable bump pressing against his...

Crap. Is that a bulge? This is not what I want. 

"He's right," Eli said, taking my attention away from my embarrassment, "I have been here since grade school. You must know that. I won't leave or quit. Ever."

Though I had tried over the past months to ignore the messages in their declarations, I couldn't do so now. Fuck. Both Eli and Cole wanted to win over my affection. 

I needed to squash this. 

"Eli," Cole grinned, still holding onto me, "Sweet Eli. Would you give me and Kristina a moment? As your higher up I must insist."

After twitching his mouth for several seconds, Eli disappeared, shutting the door behind him.  

My heart beat in my chest as Cole turned his attention to me. His eyes grew molten, singeing me with the fire in his irises.

I wanted to stop him as he guided his hand slowly across my large bump, splaying his fingers wide. I couldn't. It was such a soft caress. It had been so long since...

I closed my eyes, giving in to the sensation. 

"Do you like this?" Cole murmured. 

"Yes," I breathed, arching into his touch.

"Open those gorgeous eyes for me, baby?"

I knew I should have corrected Cole on these endearments, but for the life of me couldn't.

I slowly fluttered my lids open, staring at his unwavering grin. God. He was good-looking. 

Just not as good-looking as someone I knew...

Suddenly all I saw was Hero's penetrating gaze. 

Fuck. 

Cole then crossed so many professional lines by cupping my cheek and leaning close. 

"I meant what I said. Kristina. You know there is something between us. I don't say this to be mean, but we both know Hero is never coming back. Take a chance on me. Just think about it."

Before I could reply out of stupidity, he planted a swift kiss on my forehead then left without another word. 

Could he be right? 

Could I really go through with this, while imagining he was my missing husband? 

I was screwed.

amongst another things.