Addison (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6)(36)

The only two people who had to know were my siblings and I didn’t think Chris or Noah would rat on me. I’d kept secrets for them, and frankly I didn’t even think I wanted Cole to be one. Sure, I’d keep the reason we met under lock and key, but only because I knew they wouldn’t understand.

“I don’t know. I think it’s a bad idea.”

“I’m not asking you to move in with me. The ranch is big. We could go for days without seeing each other.”

“I highly doubt that would happen.”

I smiled in the midst of him needing me to be serious. “I’m not a stalker. I can restrain.”

“If you’re sure it won’t cause a problem? I can pay the rent upfront if it will help. How much is it?”

“I’ll ask. Just relax. We’ve got at least a week before they find out. You’ll have plenty of time to figure out if it’s where you want to be.”

“Addison,” he said in a serious tone. “I wouldn’t do this if I had another place to go. I’m not seeing you for some kind of handout. I enjoy being with you. If it will make you feel better I’ll get online and look for small places I can afford, at least until I can save up enough for something better.”

“Cole, I insist. Stop fretting. It’s all good, I promise.”

I could tell he felt funny about taking me up on the offer. Maybe he knew it wasn’t really my place to promise something that wasn’t exactly mine, but my parents had raised me to help people we cared about, and even though we were only starting out, I did care.

Instead of going straight to my Gram’s house, I drove up to one of the old trailers that wasn’t being used. The lawn needed to be trimmed, and I was sure my brother was storing some of his shit inside, but Cole wouldn’t care. He needed a place to keep his things; to go home to at night. I stepped out of the car and looked at the back kitchen door. “It’s nothing fancy.”

“Does the roof leak?” He asked.

“Nope. You’ll stay dry.”

He started getting some of the clothes we’d grabbed from the backseat. “I really appreciate this. For what it’s worth, Joe was wrong. You’re nothing like he said. I’ve never met a woman like you, Addison. It pisses me off how he tried to hurt you. You should have let me keep pounding.”

“I’m a big girl. I can handle name calling. I have an older brother and live on a ranch. Don’t think for a second I haven’t been teased. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it, but I have a ton of cousins and we tend to gang up on each other.”

“Still, I didn’t like it.”

“I appreciate the sentiment. Come on, I’ll show you around.”

Cole followed behind me, taking it all in. I think he was a little overwhelmed. We’d just agreed to be exclusive and date and now I was moving him onto the ranch. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he turned around and ran for the hills.

After we went through the whole trailer, Cole grabbed my hand and pulled me into his arms. “Is this what you do with all your boyfriends?”

“Ha ha. You’re hilarious.”

“I’m kidding. Thank you. I’d rather be anywhere but back with Joe.”

“I don’t blame you. He was an ass.”

“I guess dinner is ruined?”

I shook my head. “Nope. It’s going to be great. Let’s get out of here. We can come over tomorrow and clean up the place.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Did you forget about spending the night with me?” I was sure he hadn’t.

“I figured after everything you’d want a break.”

I shoved him down on the couch that was covered by sheets. Before he could argue I was on top of him, kissing him passionately on the lips. “Just so we’re clear, I don’t want a break. We’re just getting started.”

Dinner only took a few minutes to heat back up. We sat at the kitchen island eating side by side. Cole seemed withdrawn. He didn’t say much, and I was certain it was due to the earlier events. Who could blame him for feeling like a burden? I had no idea what it felt like to be disrespected like Joe had done, not until he did it to me.

Maybe if Cole weren’t around I would have felt more offended. Joe had always been so nice. He put on a fake fa?ade, but inside he was an ugly man. It made me sick to think I’d actually considered giving him a chance at one point. Looking back, I was so glad I hadn’t. He didn’t deserve me or any other woman for that matter.

“Are you still thinking about what happened?” He asked.

“Unfortunately. It just really pissed me off. I mean, who does he think he is? What gives him the right to judge us? He’s not God.”

Cole started to laugh at me. “You’re really cute when you’re pissed off.”

I ran my hands through my hair, taking it out of the messy bun I’d had it in most of the day.

“Sorry. I’m sick of people judging. If it’s okay I’d rather not go swimming tonight. I feel like crawling into bed and being close to you without interruptions.”

“I’m good with that, except, I did tell you I had something in mind for tonight. If it only requires you to lay down, are you willing to do it?”

I snickered. “Is it sexual?”