J

 

Are you kidding me? That asshole just left my key on the counter, not saying a damn word to me. What the hell did I do? He’s the one who wanted to play that little game. I pull the key off the counter and make eye contact with the clerk, who gives me a sad smile.

 

Think whatever you want, bitch.

 

Overhearing what rooms we had, I know Cole is in the one right beside mine. Ugh, this trip is going to suck. I didn’t do anything. Why is he mad?

 

Throwing my bag on the bed, I yank open the zipper and grab my shorts and tank top. It’s only ten o’clock, but what else is there to do? I change, wash my face, and pull my hair up into a messy bun on top of my head. I get my Kindle out of my bag and throw it on the bed. Something has to take my mind off Cole. I start flipping through my bookshelf. Nothing looks interesting. Damn it! Now what?

 

I pull the curtains back and look out onto the highway. Boring. I sit on the edge of the bed and turn on the television, flipping through every station. Nothing. I turn it off and throw myself back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I am never going to get to sleep unless I figure out what the hell pissed off Cole.

 

Before I even realize what I am doing, I grab the key off the nightstand and head out of my room. I knock on Cole’s door as hard as I can, hoping he’s sleeping and I wake him up. It would serve him right. When the door swings open, I gasp. He’s standing there in jeans…and that’s it.

 

“What?”

 

“What?! Are you serious? What the hell, Cole?”

 

“J, it’s your issue, not mine.”

 

“My issue? What the fuck are you talking about?”

 

The door behind me opens, an elderly man looking at us, eyes narrowed.

 

“I’m sorry, sir. Go back to sleep. It won’t happen again.” Cole pulls me into his room, shutting the door. “Jesus, J. Show some fucking respect. People are trying to sleep.” He walks to the bed and sits on the corner, facing me. “It’s your issue. Whatever you think about me, that’s on you. I’ve dealt with people like you my entire life. I was in prison, yes, but if you knew why… You know what? Never mind. Think what you want.” He stands.

 

“Wait. We aren’t finished.”

 

“I am. I can’t have you in here.”

“What is that supposed to mean? You are talking in circles and I can’t keep up.”

 

He gestures to me. “You dressed like that in my room. Darren would kick my ass.”

 

“Pop? What the hell does he have to do with this?” He grabs my arm and starts toward the door.

“Cole, stop. I’m not done talking about what happened at the diner. You told me you were in prison, then something changed. The longer we were there, the more pissed you got. I didn’t even say anything. Why is this my fault?”

 

“I saw the look you gave me when I told you. I know that look, J. I’ve had people look at me like that before. I get it. I’m beneath you now. I’m trash. Whatever. Like I said, think what you fucking want.”

 

“Whoa, back up. The look you saw was surprise. Nothing more. I wasn’t judging you.”

 

“Yeah, okay,” he says sarcastically.

 

I take a step toward him without even realizing it. When I am only inches away, I look up into his eyes. They are filled with something I can’t explain. His nostrils flare and his breathing is heavy. I lightly place my hand on his chest. “I’m sorry, Cole.” His eyes close for only a second, but when he opens them again, I see that the look in them is softer than before.

 

I step back and head toward the door. When I pull on the handle, Cole reaches over my shoulder and pushes the door closed. I turn and stare into his dark eyes again. “Cole…”

 

His lips crash to mine. This isn’t just a kiss. I feel all the anger and pain he’s carrying around. His mouth moves ruthlessly against mine, his tongue invading my mouth. With my hands still at my sides, trying to find purchase on the metal door, I feel myself melting into that kiss.

 

When I hear a moan escape my lips, I quickly pull back. Cole hangs his head. This can’t happen. I’m not ready to open the door to my cracked heart. I push against his chest, moving him back a step, and open the door. I step into the hall and touch my lips, still feeling the tingle.

 

He looks at me as I whisper, “I can’t.”

 

I run back to my room, shutting and locking the door. I lean back against it. What did I just do? I don’t know whether I’m more upset about kissing Cole the way I did or running from what could have been a fantastic night.