Echoes of the Past

Chapter 5

As we sat there in the warm glow of the kitchen, the silence between us grew heavier, charged with an unspoken tension. I could feel Cole's gaze on me, his concern and something else—something deeper—radiating in the space between us.

My heart pounded in my chest, emotions tangled in a knot of longing. I needed comfort, but the comfort I sought wasn't just the friendly support Cole had always offered. It was something more, something I couldn't quite name but felt pulling me toward him with a force I couldn't resist.

"Cole..." I began, my voice trembling. I didn't know what I wanted to say, but I knew I couldn't stay in this limbo any longer.

Before I could find the words, Cole moved closer, his arms reaching out to me. Without thinking, I leaned into him, letting him wrap his arms around me in a hug that was both comforting and filled with something more. His embrace was strong and protective, and as he held me, I felt a flood of emotions washing over me—relief, sadness, and an undeniable connection that went beyond friendship.

I buried my face in his shoulder, my tears spilling over as I let myself be vulnerable in his arms. He held me tightly, his hands rubbing soothing circles on my back.

As I clung to him, I felt him press his lips gently against my neck, a soft, lingering kiss that sent shivers down my spine. It wasn't just a friendly gesture.

"Cole..." I whispered, my voice barely audible as I pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. The look in them mirrored everything I was feeling, longing, and a deep, unspoken bond.

He didn't say anything, just held me closer, his forehead resting against mine as we stood there, locked in an embrace that felt like it could last forever. His breath was warm against my skin, and for a moment, the world outside disappeared. It was just the two of us, wrapped in each other.

"I'm here for you, Ava," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "Whatever you need."

I nodded, unable to find the words to express what I was feeling. All I knew was that in that moment, being in Cole's arms felt right, even if everything else in my life was falling apart. I didn't want to let go, didn't want to face the reality of what this meant, but I knew I couldn't stay there forever.

Slowly, I pulled back, my hands lingering on his arms as I looked up at him. "Thank you, Cole," I said softly, my voice thick with emotion. "Now I think I should go."

He nodded."Okay," he replied, his hand gently brushing a tear from my cheek. "You know I'll always be here for you."

I gave him a small, sad smile, knowing that while the comfort he offered was exactly what I needed, it was also something that complicated everything. As I stepped back, the warmth of his embrace still lingering on my skin, I knew this moment would stay with me.

But at that moment, I couldn't bring myself to regret it.

When I arrived home, the house was quiet, and James still wasn't back. I slipped into bed, but sleep didn't come easily. My mind was a tangled mess of emotions—guilt, confusion, longing. I knew I couldn't keep going like this.

The next few days were tense. James had been distant since the night at the restaurant. I didn't know what was happening between him and Emily. Whenever he went to visit them he stayed for hours and although it bothered me, I wasn't feeling as much sad about it anymore.

Cole, on the other hand, had become a more frequent presence in our lives. The boys adored him, and I found it increasingly difficult to separate my feelings for him from my responsibilities as a wife and mother. Every time Cole was around, I felt that connection, that spark that had once been so powerful between Eric and me.