Keeping Cole for Christmas by Tuesday Embers

Author:Tuesday Embers [Embers, Tuesday]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mary E. Twomey

16

Cole’s Confession

The next morning, Abby was tight-lipped about her implosion with Pierce, shutting down completely any time Aiden or Cole asked if the two were still together. She went through her breakfast routine with a cloud of sadness weighting her shoulders. She carried that gloom as she poured her coffee, and then got down mugs for Cole and Aiden before she sat down at the table with them.

“Are you moving in?” Aiden asked his friend with all the subtlety of foghorn as he leaned his chair back on two legs.

Neither Abby nor Cole answered. Instead they stared at each other from across the kitchen table, their spoons stilled in the oatmeal Cole had made them.

It was a valid question, to be sure, but not one either of them had been bold enough to broach. Cole’s things had mostly been moved into his new home, but he always found his way to her condo after work, and stayed until morning.

Cole cleared his throat. “Why? You thinking of asking to move in with me, Aiden? I gotta say, it’s a little sudden.”

The joke didn’t deter Abby’s dogged older brother, who didn’t like people playing in his yard. “When was the last time you stayed at your house, Cole? Like, name the month.”

“It was this month,” Cole lied, his neck shrinking. “Look, obviously I’m not living with your sister, so at-ease, soldier. We’re hanging out, just like old times. I needed a place to crash, and Abby was nice enough to offer. Just good timing, is all. Nothing more complicated.”

Aiden was firm as he jerked his thumb at his best friend. “Did you know Cole had it bad for you a while back?” At Cole’s groan, Aiden scoffed. “That’s right. Don’t think I forgot about that.”

Cole hung his head while Abby took a turn flushing pink. “Oh, you are the absolute worst. If you ever find a woman who can put up with your mouth, I’ll be sure to return the favor.” Cole kept his chin down but glanced up at her through his lashes. “Don’t listen to him, Abby.”

“Wasn’t about to start now.” Her mouth drew in a tight line as she glared at her brother. “Why are you meddling? Leave Cole alone.”

Aiden’s arms flung out in exasperation. “I’m trying to apologize! Does nobody get that?”

Abby balked at her brother. “Is this your first apology? What are you even sorry for? Just stop being a jerk, and we’re all good.”

Aiden met his sister’s gaze across the table. “Because it’s my fault you ended up with a guy like Pierce. Whatever he did last night that upset you is partially my fault.”

Abby’s nose scrunched as if there was a stench in the air. “What are you talking about?”

Aiden folded his arms over his chest again, leaning back in his chair. “Go ahead, Cole. Tell her what I did.”

Cole waited until Abby’s eyes locked in on his, his regret shining through the usual veil of bravado. “You punched me in the face and told me to step back.

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