Break In Two (23 page)

Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the door and saw Cole standing in front of her in a sexy European cut suit. The black jacket and grey dress pants fit him perfectly and managed to display his build in spite of covering him completely from his neck down. He had on a crisp white fitted dress shirt and a silver tie with thin stripes in black, white and light blue. He was freshly shaven, had a haircut and in his hand was a bouquet of eighteen red roses.

The pair stood staring at each other for a moment, both wide-eyed. "Wow!" they both said at the same time. They laughed, feeling awkward with each other for the first time.

Cole leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, "You look amazing," he said, handing her the flowers.

"Thank you," she said. "So do you. I mean serious GQ material...and these are beautiful roses."

She took his hand and led him into her cabin. "I better put these in some water," she said, taking a long whiff of the flowers, "mmmm, thank you."

Cole watched her as she walked over to the kitchen to find a container. "That is some dress you're wearing. And your hair and make-up - you are stunning. I'm going to have to fight off all the other men that see you tonight."

Claire turned to him, "And I'm going to feel sorry for all the women who see you tonight because they won't ever get to sleep with you. Lucky for them, they won't know
everything
they are missing."

Claire found a large pitcher in one of the cupboards and filled it with water, then quickly unwrapped the roses, cut the stems and put them in the pitcher. "There! Perfect," she said, as she put them on the kitchen table, admiring them.

"You are so thoughtful, Cole. Thank you for such an amazing spa day today. Alicia and I had the best time. You picked a wonderful place, they totally pampered us," she said as she picked up her clutch and walked over to him. She gave him a kiss on the lips, lingering for a moment,

"I can't wait to see what you have got planned for tonight. Can you tell me yet?"

Cole smiled down at her, "I'm going to keep it a mystery just a little bit longer if you don't mind."

He looked down at his watch, "We'd better get going. I think our ride should be here by now."

They walked out of the cabin together and Claire locked the door, "Our ride?"

Cole took her hand and walked down the path with her. When they reached the parking lot, a long black limousine was waiting for them. A driver stood beside the back door, waiting for them. He smiled at the pair, "Hello, I'm Will. I'll be your driver this evening."

Cole introduced himself and told Will where they were going. Claire stepped into the back of the limo first and was surprised at how posh it was. The cream coloured leather seat wrapped around two sides, creating enough seating for several people. There was a full bar, a TV and opulent lighting.

Cole climbed in after her, "So, what do you think?"

Claire looked over at him with wide eyes as he seated himself next to her. "It's wonderful! I mean the whole day has been perfect - more than I ever would have imagined. But really it's too much, Cole. First the spa and the roses, now a limo? This all must have been so expensive. I would honestly have been happy with burgers and a movie."

"That's one of the things I love about you. I already knew that you'd be happy with a more simple date. But I wanted tonight to be something we'll always remember. Besides, with all those other offers you have to consider, I need to pull out all the stops to make sure I'll still be a contender," he looked down at her with his sexy grin.

Claire smiled back, "Well, you are off to an amazing start, Mr. Mitchell. Things are definitely looking good for you, so far," she replied, gazing into his hazel eyes.

Her eyes flicked down to his mouth, "You know, I don't normally kiss on a first date, but with you, I'm willing to make an exception."

"Well then I made the right choice with the whole romance package today," he said, leaning into her.

They shared a lingering embrace. Cole held her cheek with his hand, feeling her soft skin on his fingertips. She smelled of delicious perfume and tasted of strawberries. Claire moved her hand along his abs as they kissed. She could feel his muscles under the smooth, cool fabric of his shirt. It was all she could do to restrain herself from climbing onto his lap at that moment and ripping his shirt open.

Instead, she pulled away from him and straightened herself next to him on the seat, picking up her clutch. "That's all you get, Cowboy," she said, she digging out her lipstick.

Cole let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair.

"I don't want you to think I'm easy," Claire looked over at him with a wicked grin.

"I really only asked you out because I thought you might be easy," Cole said, snatching the lipstick out of her hand and kissing her hard on the mouth. He held the lipstick just slightly out of her reach. She tried for a moment to retrieve it, but gave in, choosing to hold his face with her hand instead. They stayed like this, snuggling and touching each other for a few delicious minutes. She could smell his cologne and it made her wet with desire. Cole pulled his mouth away and kissed her neck and her ear lobe, causing her to moan softly. Then he stopped suddenly and handed her back her lipstick, "That's all YOU get."

Claire gave him a sultry stare, "I could get more if I wanted to. I'm just not in the mood for more, actually."

She plucked her compact out of her clutch, opened it and carefully applied her lipstick.

"That's not possible. No woman can resist me," Cole retorted shaking his head, "You're just saying that because I put the brakes on."

He leaned into her ear and lowered his voice, "I know how badly you want me. You're so wet right now, your panties are probably soaked."

Claire looked over at him, snapping her compact shut, "Who says I'm wearing panties?"

Cole groaned in defeat just as the limo slowed to a stop in front of the Broadmoor Hotel, an expansive resort property. It was majestic, with a large fountain in front and the mountains behind it.

"We're here," Cole said, watching Claire's reaction. Her mouth fell open in surprise and she had that excited look that he loved to see.

"Wow!" she said under her breath, biting her bottom lip.

Will opened the door and Cole exited the car first. He held his hand out to help Claire get out.

"I'll be here waiting for you," Will said, smiling at them, "Enjoy your dinner."

They both thanked him and Cole pressed his fingertips to the small of Claire's back to guide her up the steps of the hotel. The lobby was as impressive as the building's exterior. It had vaulted ceilings and was lit with intricate, crystal chandeliers. Claire's heels clicked on the marble floors as they crossed the room toward the elevators.

When they got on, Cole pressed the button for the top floor and they rode up together. He kept his hand on her back, just above the curve of her derriere. Claire smiled up at him and wiped the trace of lipstick off of his bottom lip with her thumb.

"You're amazing," she whispered as the elevator doors opened.

They stepped out into a classically designed, upscale restaurant with floor to ceiling windows on three sides. Outside, a large balcony surrounded the restaurant. The tables were intimate with white linens and comfortable high-backed chairs in rich gold and cream stripes. A trio including a pianist, a violinist and a cellist played a romantic song. The host stood behind his podium wearing a black tuxedo writing something.

As soon as they approached, he greeted them with a gracious smile, "Welcome to the Grandview Room, do you have a reservation?"

Cole answered to the affirmative and they were led to a table for two near the corner windows. The view was amazing. It overlooked a large lake and the mountains to one side, with the other
window showing a spectacular view of the city. Claire looked at him with a wide grin, "This must be the best table in the entire state."

"So I've heard," Cole said. A part of her couldn't help but be relieved that he hadn't brought Gabriela here.

The host helped her into her chair and then handed them each a menu, "Naomi will be your server, she will be here in just a moment to go over the specials and take your drink orders." With that, he quickly turned and walked back to his post.

Claire sat for a moment with her hands under her chin, taking in the sights.

Cole opened his menu and began scanning it. Claire followed his lead and they talked about which items interested them most.

A few minutes later, Naomi appeared, dressed in a white dress shirt and a black fitted skirt that showed off her long, lean legs. She had long, blonde hair and was young and beautiful. She smiled at them and her eyes grew wide as she took in the sight of Cole in his suit. She licked her top lip, staring at him as she introduced herself and went over the specials for the evening. Claire watched her closely and felt irritated at her obvious attraction to her date. Her gaze fell on Cole with a feeling of jealousy brewing inside her. It was exactly the type of scenario where Antonio would have failed miserably. He would have spent the entire meal flirting with Naomi, ruining the evening and likely the next day as well.

Claire was pleased to see how impassive Cole's face was as he listened respectfully to Naomi and how quickly his gaze became warm when he looked back at her.

"Sweetheart, have you decided on an appetizer yet?" he asked.

Claire grinned at him, "I need another minute to decide."

"Of course," Naomi said, quickly glancing at her and then back to Cole.

Cole smiled, "We're celebrating tonight. Could we start with a bottle of the Louis Roederer champagne, please?"

"Certainly. I'll be right back with it," Naomi replied and turned to leave.

Claire looked up from her menu at Cole, "I have to warn you, champagne makes me get a little crazy."

"I'm counting on it."

Naomi returned with the bottle of champagne, two flutes and an ice bucket with a stand. She popped the bottle open and poured their glasses, setting them down in front of them.

"Have you decided on appetizers?" she said to Cole.

"Yes, I think we are ready to order. Go ahead, honey," he said to Claire.

Naomi's face changed to slight boredom as Claire ordered her meal. She was going to start with the Moroccan spiced artichoke soup and for her main course, the butternut squash and prawn ravioli with truffle butter sauce. Cole ordered the Maine lobster bisque to start and the braised beef tenderloin with gnocchi.

Naomi touched Cole's hand as she took the menu from him, looking into his eyes. He gave her a polite half smile and returned his gaze to Claire as he leaned across the table and reached for her hand that was resting on the stem of her champagne flute. Naomi, not used to being ignored by men, stalked off.

"I think she likes you," Claire said.

Cole rubbed her fingers with his thumb, "It's the suit. I've been told I look like I stepped out of a page of GQ in this," he replied with a teasing grin.

Claire laughed, resting her other hand on top of his fingers, "It
is
a highly fuckable look on you."

"My, my, Ms. Hatley, you are a bit forward for a first date. It must be the champagne."

"No, it's you. You're highly fuckable. It's the main reason that I'll probably go out with you again."

"Speaking of fuckable, have I told you how hot you are in that dress?" Cole replied, "If I could, I'd clear this whole restaurant out and have my way with you on the table."

"I was thinking of the piano over there," Claire picked up her drink and took a long sip.

"You are the only woman I've met whose mind is as sexy as her body," Cole said. "I never know what you are going to say next but I'm always excited to hear what is going to come out of that pretty mouth of yours."

"Okay. I've decided. I'll go out with you again," Claire replied.

Another server approached the table with their appetizers. The pair sipped their soup, enjoying the scenery and the flavours.

"This is so delicious," Claire closed her eyes as she took a spoonful of soup.

Cole put his spoon down and observed her for a moment, "Watching you eat could become my new pastime. I love how enthusiastic you are."

Claire tilted her head to the side, "Well, when you take me somewhere with food like this, I definitely can't help but be thrilled."

She slid her bowl toward him, "Try some?"

He dipped his spoon in her soup and took a sip, "Mmmm, that is good. I think I like mine better though," he replied as he slid his bowl toward her.

"You need to have at least two bites of something. The first one just mixes the flavours with the last thing you were eating,"

She took a sip of champagne and then tried his soup. She took two spoonfuls, making a little moan of pleasure at the second one, "Yup, yours is better. Good choice, Cowboy."

"Trade with me," Cole said, moving her bowl closer to him.

"I couldn't do that. Mine is delicious too. I'm happy with it," she said, sliding his bowl back toward him.

"The bisque made you moan. I live for that sound. Swapping a bowl of soup is a small price to pay," Cole said, pushing his bowl back over to her.

He dipped his spoon into the artichoke soup and took another sip, "Funny that a lowly cowboy would choose a far superior soup than a chef."

Claire laughed a little too loud at his joke and then covered her mouth with her hand, "I think the bubbles are going to my head. You're going to have to stop being witty or we'll get kicked out of here."

"I wasn't being witty," he said with a suspicious look, "I'm just wondering if you even are a chef. Maybe you're a beautiful line cook who goes around pretending she went to culinary school to score men."

Claire giggled, "You are the first man who has figured out my game. I travel the country to get hot guys into bed since no man can resist a culinary arts graduate. It’s the only way I can score super sexy men."

Cole's face turned serious, "Don't do that."

Claire pulled her face back in surprise, "Do what?" she asked, feeling her face turn pink with embarrassment.

"Don't put yourself down like that, even as a joke. The more you do that, the less you will trust what we have," Cole said softly, "I need you to trust this for it to work."

"Sorry, Cole," she said, blinking back a tear, "Bad habit."

"It is a bad habit. You've spent your whole life feeling not good enough, which is just garbage. If you keep thinking like that, you are always going to believe that only you are lucky to have me and not that we are lucky to have each other. If that's the case, you are going to always be waiting for the other shoe to drop. You'll look for signs that I'm losing interest in you or that I'm going to cheat on you with Naomi over there. As far as I can tell, that's the only thing that could tear us apart."

Claire dabbed at her eyes with her napkin, hoping her make-up wasn't smudged, "Okay, Cole. I will work on convincing myself that I'm a sex goddess instead of a chubby nerd."

"Good," he said, "And I'll always be here to remind you how fucking amazing you are when you forget."

Claire nodded and pursed her lips, trying not to cry. Cole slid his chair over to the other side of the table, so he was sitting next to her. He took her chin in his hand and drew her to him, kissing her softly on the lips. Then he wiped her tears away with his thumb and rested his forehead on hers.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," her voice broke, "it's just that you can read me like a book. I
am
always waiting for the other shoe to drop. When my parents died, I realized that the people you love the most can leave you without warning. Maybe that’s why I ended up with Antonio. Somewhere inside I knew we didn't really love each other and so I wasn't going to be cut too deep when it was over. This thing with you is terrifying to me. We're only at the beginning and I already think I would be destroyed if it ended."

"Let's not end it then," Cole said, kissing her again, "We get to decide, Claire. You and I. Let's decide to stay together."

Claire nodded and kissed him back, "Okay, Cowboy. You've got yourself a deal."

"Good," he said, moving his place setting over so he could stay close to her, "Now eat my soup before it gets cold."

They ate in silence for a moment with Cole resting his hand on Claire's knee.

"Wow, your soup is so much better than mine," Claire said as she finished the bowl.

"Isn't it though?" Cole said, making her laugh again.

Before their main courses came out, they each ordered a wine that would pair well with their meals. When the food arrived, they each tasted the other's dish and ate quietly, smiling into each other's eyes from time to time, both thinking about their earlier conversation.

When their dishes were cleared, Cole took Claire's hand, "Come with me."

He led her out through the open French doors onto the balcony. It was dark outside now and the city's skyline was a perfect backdrop as they stood alone in the warm night air. The trio was playing a version of Bryan Adams’ "
Have You Ever Loved a Woman?
"

Cole turned Claire to him and held onto the small of her back with one hand, holding out his other hand to the side in an invitation to dance with him. Claire obliged and he pulled her close to him, leading her with a surprising grace in a waltz. She could smell his cologne as she pressed her face close to his neck. With her heels on, she was several inches taller and she was grateful for the extra height. Their bodies moved together perfectly in sync, with no space between them. When the song ended, Cole wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, lips parted. Claire tucked her hands inside his jacket and wrapped them around his back, feeling safe and warm and loved. As they kissed, she slid her hands down over his firm ass. She could feel him becoming erect. He pulled his mouth away from her, "Ms. Hatley, this is a respectable dining establishment. There is no groping allowed here."

She grinned at him and reluctantly moved her hands back up, "Sorry about that. It's this suit. It makes me want to do very naughty things to you."

"Oh great," he said, "How am I supposed to walk back in there with a raging hard-on?"

Claire giggled, "Too bad there isn't somewhere out here that I could help you relieve that. I would really love to undo your pants and suck on your huge cock right now." She slid one hand around and caressed along his waistband with her finger.

Cole let out a groan, "Stop that!" grabbing her hand and holding it firmly in his.