Break In Two (41 page)

Cole was in the shower, quickly rinsing the soap off of himself. He hastily dried off and then filled up the sink with hot water to shave. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. He looked tired. The past two months had put him through the ringer and he was relieved to be in London so he could be with Claire and have a real break from everything. Things were still tense back at the ranch, with his mom and her sister angry with each other and everyone, including him, being so disappointed in Trey. He was glad that Trey would be back at school by the time he went home again so he wouldn't have to see him for a long time.

Cole's thoughts wandered to the woman on the other side of the door waiting for him. Claire was with him and there was nowhere else that he wanted to be than with her. He anticipated touching her, kissing her, feeling himself inside her very soon. He hummed happily to himself as he slapped aftershave on his face.

A minute later, Cole opened the bathroom door and walked out wearing nothing but a white towel. His hair was still wet and as Claire took in the sight of him, she was reminded of the first time she saw him like this at the pool. She felt exactly the same way, completely turned on at the sight of his rippling muscles but unsure of herself. The sexy vixen she had become at the ranch seemed to lie dormant somewhere deep within her and she wasn't sure how to bring her out just now.

Cole looked a bit surprised to see her sitting on the bed, fully dressed. He smiled at her warmly and then gave her a thoughtful look as he crossed the room to her. He sat down on the bed, leaning against the headboard, "Either I'm underdressed or you're overdressed."

Claire tilted her head to the side and looked at him, "Is it weird that I feel a bit uncomfortable?"

"No," he replied, shaking his head, "We've been apart for almost two months and we both thought this was over."

"Yeah. I just feel like so much has happened and I need some time to adjust, okay?"

"It's totally okay, Claire. It's enough for me just to be able to look at you and hear your voice again. I would never want anything to happen if you weren't absolutely sure you wanted it to." Cole smiled and took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips, giving her a little peck on her knuckles.

Claire smiled gratefully at him, "Thank you, Cole. I'm glad that you aren't too disappointed."

"Even if I were disappointed, Claire, that wouldn't be a reason for you to have sex with me. And you know what? I'm just so happy that you were even willing to talk to me when I got here. I really thought you might just kick me to the curb after everything that happened."

Claire kissed him on the cheek, "I would have, but I really wanted my gloves back."

Cole laughed, "God, I missed your sassy little mouth."

He gave her a kiss on the lips, then pulled back a bit, "Now, why don't we throw on some pyjamas and watch a movie? Maybe order a little room service, if the kitchen is still open?"

"Sounds like a perfect evening," Claire answered. They both got up off the bed and walked over to their respective bags. Cole put on his grey low-slung pyjama bottoms and a fitted white t-shirt. Claire rooted around realizing she didn't have loungewear.

Cole tossed her a t-shirt of his, "Here. It'll look better on you, anyway."

"True. Your shirts always look better off you than on," Claire said as she picked it up and walked over to the bathroom to get changed. She came out a few minutes later in Cole's t-shirt and a hotel bathrobe and slippers.

Cole was sitting up with his legs tucked under the covers, channel surfing, "
Love Actually
is starting in a few minutes. I thought you might want that one?"

"You thought right. Now, shall I see if we can get some food brought up?"

"I already called. Is ham and mushroom pizza and beer okay? I can call back and add something else if that doesn't sound good to you."

"That's just what I was in the mood for," Claire said, climbing into bed.

*              *              *

Two hours later, the movie ended. Claire had a lump in her throat, as she always did watching the final scene with all the families and lovers greeting each other at Heathrow airport. She was unbelievably happy, with her head leaning on Cole's chest and her arm wrapped over him. He had her snuggled in his arms and was fighting to stay awake, after having travelled so far.

Claire looked up at his face, seeing how exhausted he looked. She found the remote and shut the TV off, leaving them in the darkness. They snuggled themselves under the covers and held each other close.

"Good night, I love you," Cole whispered, drifting off to sleep.

"I love you too. I'm just so glad you're here."

Lying in bed, waiting for sleep to come, Claire realized that something had changed in these last weeks. She was different. Stronger. Before Cole, she had never allowed herself to love with abandon. When she fell for him, she had given herself over to Cole completely and then had survived losing him. The realization that she hadn't been broken into a million pieces gave her a confidence that she never had before. She was different than the wounded, vulnerable woman who had found herself on the ranch last spring. She didn't need to rely on him to be a good man. She knew she could rely on herself to be strong enough to love, to lose and to live on.

The next morning, the pair woke late, having both finally had their first restful night's sleep since Gabriela had shown up at the ranch. It was after ten o'clock when Cole woke. He lay on his side, watching Claire sleep, overcome with gratitude for being allowed to be so near her again. Her face was so peaceful and beautiful as she slept beside him, with her hand still entangled in his.

A few minutes later, she stirred and her eyes opened. She looked at him and smiled, "Good, you're still here. I thought I dreamed you."

"I'm really here," he replied, tracing down her cheek with the back of his fingers. "God, your skin is so soft and you are just so beautiful. I could lay here and watch you sleep all day."

"But if we did that, we'd be really hungry by evening. How about if you come with me to Janet and Ted's so I can properly introduce you to them."

"That sounds good too. Breakfast first?"

"Let's eat at their place. We were going to have a big brunch this morning."

*              *              *

A little while later, Cole found himself in the kitchen at Janet and Ted's, with the four of them preparing brunch together. He had been assigned to frying the pancakes. He liked Claire's family immediately. He was surprised to find them both welcoming of him after everything he had put Claire through. They made him feel comfortable by including him in preparing the food and in teasing Claire.

Claire stood beside him at the stove, preparing scrambled eggs and sausages. She grinned at him, feeling exhilarated that her sister was finally getting a chance to meet the man she loved.

"So what don't I know about Claire that I should?" he asked, as he looked up from flipping a pancake.

"Well, lots of things really," Janet said, "Starting with the fact that according to her that pancake is overcooked."

'Uh oh, overcooking the food will definitely get you dumped, my friend," Ted added.

"This pancake?" Cole said, feigning shock, "This is perfectly prepared."

"Oh please," Claire said sarcastically, "Pancakes are not supposed to be chocolate brown. You are so dumped, Cowboy."

"Hey, I don't seem to remember you liking me for my cooking abilities," Cole said, pausing to flip another pancake. "But, Janet and Ted, have you noticed how Claire objectifies me like that? As though I'm just another easily replaceable cowboy in a long succession?"

"That's because you are, buddy," Ted said. "You and me both. These Hatley girls are players. You gotta stay on top of your game if you think you can keep one."

The four found many reasons to laugh as they finished cooking and shared a meal. Claire was pleased to see that Cole seemed to fit so well into this part of her world. She smiled, taking in the moment.

"So, what do people do on Boxing Day in England?" Cole asked.

"Go shopping or watch sports," Janet replied.

"We have tickets for a local rugby match later this afternoon, actually," Ted replied, "You should come with us. It's a bit chilly but we drink a lot, so after a bit, you don't notice the cold."

"That sounds like a great way to get to know London. Claire, you up for it?" Cole asked.

"I was already going to scope out hot rugby players," she said shrugging, "But I guess you can come along."

"Oh, so you're into rugby players these days?"

Claire laughed, "I wouldn't worry if I were you unless I can find one who can also rope a cow. Then you're history, I'm afraid."

Cole looked at Janet and Ted for support, "She's a little bit mean, right?"

They both nodded. Ted replied first, "It's a family trait. I'm telling you man, run, before it's too late."

Janet gave Ted a little punch on the arm.

Cole looked over at Claire, "I'm afraid it's definitely too late for me already, Ted."

"Poor bastard," Ted said, shaking his head sadly.

*              *              *

That afternoon, Claire and Cole sat in the stands snuggled up under a blanket, drinking coffees with Irish cream. It was a cool day, but surprisingly sunny. The snow that had fallen the night before had already disappeared. Claire wore the gloves that Cole had brought for her. They flirted and laughed with each other, at times forgetting that there was anyone else there, even though they were surrounded by thousands of people. It felt very much like a date between two people who were just getting to know each other.

At one point, towards the end of the match, Claire looked up at Cole, "This is fun. I'm so happy you're here with me."

"You sure I'm not cramping your style? There are a lot of eligible guys here, I'm sure."

"I think I'll stick with you. Better the devil you know...." she said, leaning in and giving him a lingering kiss, letting her tongue slide ever so slightly between his lips.

Cole moaned a little, feeling his cock immediately react to the slightest touch from her. It had been way too long. Claire's hands were under the blanket that covered them and she moved her hand to rest on his upper thigh.

Cole pressed his forehead to hers, "Ms. Hatley, you seem to be getting a little fresh. You do realize that we are in public."

"You make it sound like it's all my fault. If you didn't want to get groped in front of a stadium full of people, you shouldn't be so hot."

"Hey, I am not to blame for your lack of self-control. You're the sexiest woman I've met and I don't have my hand up your shirt right now."

"Is that where you want your hand?"

"Among other places."

"That sounds fun..." Claire said, giving him another kiss.

Ted, who was sitting next to Cole, cleared his throat loudly, "Claire, you are distracting Cole from learning about the intricacies of rugby."

Claire straightened up, "Sorry, boys, I'll let you get back to your very important business."

*              *              *

After the game, the four went for dinner at a pub near the stadium so Cole could have an authentic English supper. He had a plate of bangers and mash, washing it down with a pint of bitter. The pub was busy and warm with a lively atmosphere, many of the patrons having just come from the rugby match. Claire watched Cole as he told the story of their first horseback ride together and how she had fallen into the river. She was overcome by how genuine he was in his regard for her and how his eyes sparkled when he looked over at her. She was remembering how loved she always felt around him.

Janet watched her sister and Cole as they ate dinner. She noticed how they laughed together and how they seemed to know what the other was thinking. She smiled, feeling happy for her sister in a way she never had when Claire was with Antonio. She thought back to Cole's phone call a few weeks earlier and how concerned he was for Claire. This man was worthy of her sister. He would take care of her and be a good partner to her for life.

Suddenly Janet spoke up, feeling a little more than tipsy. She looked Claire in the eye and said loudly, "Claire, this man has my 100% approval. You should marry him right away and make lots of gorgeous little cowboy babies."

Cole and Claire both blushed with embarrassment. Cole looked down at his beer while Claire gave her a wide-eyed look that unmistakably said 'stop it'.

Ted moved Janet's beer away from her and said, "Well, you're cut off, my dear," with a wide grin on his face.

Cole looked up and gave Janet a grateful look, "Thank you, Janet. Your approval means a lot to me, even if it is soaked in alcohol. I would marry your sister today if she'd have me."

"And I'd marry you today, Cole, but not in this outfit," Claire said, pointing at her sweater.

Cole leaned over and gave her a kiss, "You look beautiful to me. A little too skinny maybe, but beautiful."