Claiming Sarah (Ace Security #5)(18)

This was Jackson’s space. The spot where he’d spent the most time. And he’d surrounded himself with the things he’d loved most: his family.

When they stepped inside, Sarah dropped Cole’s hand and gestured around. “I’ve always loved this room. When I was little, I’d do my homework in here while Jackson sat at his desk. Inevitably, Mike would come in and hang out with us, help me if I needed it. I’d catch Jackson staring at him with a look in his eyes so warm, I couldn’t mistake it for anything but love.”

Cole wandered around the room, looking at the portraits and other pictures that were scattered everywhere. Mike and Jackson saying their vows, both looking incredibly handsome in their tuxedos. Sarah’s adoption day. The three of them in various places on different occasions.

“You remind me of Jackson,” Sarah told him. “He was the protector of our family. He’d hover over me and Mike at the beach, making sure no one messed with us and that we were safe. He didn’t laugh a lot, but when he did, it was as if the sun came out, bathing everything with its warmth. When they found their bodies in the rubble of the nightclub, Jackson was on top of Mike . . . as if he’d died trying to protect him from the blast.”

Cole turned toward her.

“I miss him. I miss them both.”

Without a word, Cole came toward her and took her in his arms. Sarah had to lift her chin so she didn’t smother herself against his chest, but once settled, they fit perfectly. He didn’t say anything, simply held her.

It felt amazing. Sarah was sad, but she wasn’t on the verge of tears. She’d reached a point where she could think of her dads and not burst into tears. Eventually, she pulled back, but Cole only let her go far enough so she could look up at him.

“They were lucky to have you as their daughter,” he said gently.

She immediately shook her head. “No. I was lucky to have them as my dads.”

Cole huffed out a small laugh. “Po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe.”

“Like I said, they would’ve liked you, Cole. Especially Jackson.”

“I’m gonna take that as a compliment.”

“You should.”

“And I’m gonna do what I can to act in a way that would ensure they liked me for you.”

Sarah took a deep breath. “This is weird.”

“What?”

“This. You. Us.”

“What’s weird about it?” Cole asked.

“Seriously? How about the fact that we just met and we’re standing in my dead gay father’s old office hugging and being all mushy.”

“You’re being mushy,” Cole rebutted. “I’m just standing here.”

Sarah smiled. “You know what I mean. I’m not like this. I’m the cautious one. The one who takes two weeks to decide if I want to go out with someone. Who doesn’t kiss until at least the third date, and only if the guy I’m with has behaved himself. This isn’t me.” She gestured to their current position with a head nod.

“You probably won’t believe me, but I’ve never been the impulsive type. Felicity and I went over and over our business plan before we decided to take a chance on the gym. I’ve never had a one-night stand in my life. It’s never seemed sexy to me at all. I’d rather get to know a woman before I’m intimate with her. But from the moment I caught up to you on the sidewalk, and you didn’t rip me a new asshole when I more than deserved it, you intrigued me. And the more I learn about you, the more I like.”

“I’m nothing special,” Sarah replied, desperate to believe him but equally cautious.

“And that right there is why you are special,” Cole countered. Then he leaned down and kissed her forehead before pulling back and asking, “Does this count as our first date?”

Sarah frowned. “What?”

“I’m only asking because I’m looking forward to our third date so I can get that kiss.”

She knew she was blushing, but shook her head in exasperation. “You are such a guy.”

“Glad you noticed,” Cole said with a grin. Then he sobered. “Thank you for sharing your dads with me. I didn’t know them, but I have a feeling they’d be proud of the woman you are today.”

“Thanks.”

“And because Jackson isn’t here to do it, I’m gonna make sure that Owen leaves you alone, once and for all. I’m not much of an investigator, but I’ve got friends who are. And I can be intimidating. I’m more than happy to make it clear to that shitgobbler that he needs to back off. That you aren’t interested.”

“Shitgobbler?”

Cole nodded. “I like to get creative with my name-calling.”

Sarah licked her lips, then pressed them together. She didn’t have the words to say what she was feeling. She’d felt alone for so long. Without her dads to support her, to talk things out with, she’d been overwhelmed by the situation with Owen. Unsure what to do. When she’d tried to get help from the cops, they’d blown her off. The fact that Cole not only believed there was something to be concerned about, but he was going to help her deal with the situation, was almost overwhelming.

“Thank you.”

“Stop thanking me,” Cole said sternly. “I’m going to get this guy off your back so I’ve got all your attention. I’m a selfish bastard, and I don’t want you wondering when and where he’s going to pop out. I want you to concentrate only on me and our relationship.”