Alpha's Girl

Chapter Eight

Cece's POV

The door to my room swings open. I look up at Cole and a small smile is playing at the corner of his lips. His hand is still on the small of my back, and he gently leads us both inside.

I move to stand in front of my bed as Cole walks silently towards my desk. His fingers trace along the sides of it, and he touches another photo frame. My heartbeat speeds up as his gaze flutters over each photo, making its way towards the one from a few years ago. He stops when he sees it, picking it up and turning towards me.

"You have this framed?" He holds it up for me to see, and I blush. It's us at Halloween. I am Tinkerbell, Cole is Peter Pan, Declan is a pirate, and Owen is Captain Hook. My father took the picture. He studies it, his eyes seeming to take in every detail. I stand awkwardly, leaning against my bed frame, playing with my fingers. 

Cole walks over to me then, wrapping his arm around me and kissing my temple. "I love this photo," He says, placing it on the bed. He turns to lean against the bed frame, the side of his body warming against mine. "We have a copy of it at my house too." 

"Oh really?" I murmur. I chew the inside of my lip. Cole nods, gently placing two fingers beneath my chin and raising it to look him in the eyes. He's about to kiss me, I can feel it, but he pauses just before I think he might lean in. 

"You have the most beautiful eyes," He says, his head tilting slightly as he pauses before continuing. "I hope to never see them cry again." And then he's kissing me, and I have no time to wonder if my breath smells, or where to place my hands, or what to do with my tongue. All my worries from earlier seem to fade. Every inch of my body wants to be here, kissing him. He places his hand into mine and guides it to his side. He feels warm and tingly and I let my fingers trail lightly up his back. I must be doing something right because he depeens the kiss. 

We stay intertwined like this until Cole pulls away, his breathing heavy and his eyes dark. I am surprised by the sudden movement and my head jerks backwards in response. "Oh," I mutter, breathless. "Is something wrong?" 

He's looking down, his body stiff with his hands pressed into his thighs. Hesitantly, I place my hand on his back when he doesn't respond right away. "Everything is fine," He leans upright, and when his eyes meet mine again they are back to his normal blue shade. "Just got ahead of myself." He gives me a lopsided smile and moves away from me to sit on the bed. 

I can't help but feel stung. "I don't understand," I frown. 

Cole gives me a wide grin. "Ce, nothing's wrong. I just didn't realize how easy it would be for me to get carried away with you," He pats the spot next to him, motioning for me to sit. "Here, come sit by me."

I don't move to sit. My arms wrap around my chest, crossing in annoyance. What is that supposed to mean? He doesn't want to get carried away with me? "What do you mean, carried away. I liked kissing you. I thought you did too..." I respond, trailing off.

Cole's eyes go wide. "Of course I did!" He stands, grabbing my wrist and pulling me over to him. He moves me so that when he sits again, I am standing between his legs and both of my hands are in his. "Listen, you are my mate. And I am so excited about that. I want to spend every moment of my future with you," His eyes are earnest with truth. But I can hear the pause, and I know there is more.

"But..." I push him. He smiles gently at me, letting out a sigh.

"But I know you're young, and I want to take things slow with you," He squeezes my hands. "I can't let myself lose control," He adds. I make a face at the mention of my age. That has nothing to do with anything. Cole raises his eyes in amusement as he notices my expression, and he rubs his thumb soothingly on my palm.