Addison (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6)(43)

Addison rolled over and spoke first. “Don’t push me away because you’re scared.”

“It’s more than that.”

“I’m asking you to be with me. Are you saying it’s not possible?” After what just transpired how could she ask this? It should have been my out – the noble way to let her go. I could end this and avoid the pain in the future we’d both suffer from.

The selfish me wouldn’t let it happen though. “No. I’m not. I wouldn’t. I can’t.”

She grinned, reaching up to kiss me, while never letting go of my hand. “Good. Now, get dressed and come with me.”

As much as I needed rest after out latest tryst, I climbed off the mattress and put my clothes back on, watching her do the same. Addison took my hand and pulled me out of the bedroom. She was leading us outside. “Where are we going?”

“To my house.”

I jerked my arm back. This chick was crazy. “Hell no! Your brother came over earlier. I am not digging my grave. Your father made it clear.”

She didn’t seem amused. “I’m asking you to come to my house. He said I couldn’t stay at yours. My dad did not say anything about my house.”

“Precious, you know what he meant.”

“Please.”

“I’d rather get a hotel room,” I honestly admitted.

“Don’t make me beg.”

From that moment I gave into temptation. I threw caution to the wind and let her lead. If this was going to be my funeral, at least I’d die happy.





Chapter 17


Cole


We were inseparable after that day.

Addison would take me to work and pick me up afterwards. We’d share meals talking about life. I knew everything there was to know about her. We never ran out of things to discuss. I was in awe of her, completely and utterly captivated by everything she stood for. It was obvious what was happening between us, but I knew I’d never bring it up. It was too soon. We were still vulnerable.

We snuck around against her father’s wishes, seeing each other every second we could for the next week. Each day only made my feelings stronger. When I held her, it felt right. When we kissed, it was like her lips were meant for mine. When I woke up next to her, I knew it was where I belonged.

I’m not a sappy person. I’ve never believed in fate, coincidence, or anything superstitious, but something was pulling us together, making our connection undeniable. This wasn’t a heated affair that confused lust with love. I didn’t have to have sex with her to know how I felt. She made me a better person. In fourteen days she’d become incredibly important.

We were in bed. The clock displaying it was still too early to rise. Her hair was scattered across the pillow next to me. Her eyes completely fixed on mine, while no words were being said. This was how we’d been waking up. We were in sync. “There’s something I need to tell you,” she whispered.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, as you know my parents will be home this afternoon. Of course you’ll be expected to meet the whole family, and if that’s not overwhelming enough, my dad wants you to fill out a rental agreement. It’s just to make sure you pay on time and such. He’ll take down your social security number and do a background check. I just didn’t want you to feel like it was out of nowhere.”

She couldn’t know how worried I was to put my last name down on that paper. I had to lie though. I couldn’t tell any of them I was related to Tucker Chase. “Okay. My record is fine. I got in trouble when I was a minor, but it was reduced. I ratted on the person I got the stuff from so I got probation. Since then my record is clean. I don’t even have a speeding ticket.”

“How’s your credit?”

“It’s fine. Good even. This is crazy.”

“You have nothing to worry about. I already put your first months rent on his desk. He won’t even get to it until everyone has left.”

“I wish I could erase how we met and start over again.”

Addison grinned. “You want to know how to make my dad like you?”

“Duh. Yeah.”

“Show him how much you like me.”

I started tickling her naked body. “That won’t be hard.”

She screamed and tried to free herself from my hold. A knock at the door caught us off guard. Christian stood on the other side, Noah right behind her. “Um, you might want to get up. Mom and Dad left before the sun came up. Didn’t you hear your phone going off?”

“It died,” she confessed, while pulling the covers up to hide how exposed she really was. “Do you mind?”

Noah and I caught gazes. His jaw was clenching, and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but it wasn’t anything good. “Just hurry up. I don’t need extra shit to deal with.” Was all he said before disappearing.

“Shit.” Addison hopped out of bed, not paying any mind to her sister still standing there. She threw on a shirt and tossed me my shorts. “Do you think Noah will tell?”

“He’s been sleeping here all week. I doubt it.”

“I hope you’re right, or else Dad is going to flip.”

“I think you two are cute. If you ask me, it’ll be fine.” Chris closed the door behind her when she exited the room.