Chapter 13

Nicola Taylor

After dinner, as we cleared the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher, I couldn't help but feel a sense of companionship that was so rare for me. It was comforting having someone around, someone to talk to, share a meal with, and simply be present with. Cole's phone interrupted the calmness, pulling him to the living room to answer it, while I took a moment to drink some water and collect my thoughts about the unexpected turn of events tonight.

I wasn't going to sleep with him, not tonight at least. I needed more preparation than a spontaneous decision could allow. I wondered about the women he had been with before, but for me, I needed at least a day's notice for something as significant as our first time together.

Cole returned to the kitchen, a hint of worry in his eyes as he checked his watch and prepared to leave.

"What's happening?" I asked, concern flickering across my face.

"My mother called me. Arabella... I think she's a bit emotional tonight, so she's...