Cole: Red, Hot & Blue, Book 5 Read Online Free

movie screen the closing credits rolled. Around them the night was filled with the sound of ignitions starting. Headlights flipped on and cars began to move out of the lot.
    That’s it. Her first time was over. She glanced at Cole again. He was buckling his seatbelt. She pulled on her underwear and tugged her skirt back down over her thighs. She strapped herself in just as Cole started the car and pulled out of their parking space.
    They reached her parents’ house, which was dark except for the porch light they’d left on. Cole pulled the car to a stop along the curb and cut the engine.
    He turned toward her. “So.”
    “So…” She had no idea what to say.
    Cole reached over and took her hand in his. “I had a really good time tonight.”
    That one statement made her feel infinitely better. “Me too. Um, maybe tomorrow, if you aren’t busy, you could come over?” That sounded so presumptuous she added, “I know Bobby will really want to see you and we’re having a barbecue for my birthday.”
    He cringed. “Ah, Lizzie, I wish I could—”
    “That’s okay. Really. I only asked because I know you love my father’s barbecue ribs.”
    “I do and I’d love to come, but I’m leaving tomorrow.”
    Her stomach twisted. “You just got home.”
    “I know. My new coach called. He wants me at training camp right away. I probably shouldn’t have even taken the time to come home, but when Dad told me about the car waiting for me I had to.”
    “Oh.” Lizzie swallowed the bitter taste in her throat.
    “I’m really glad I did come home, and not because of the car either.” Cole squeezed her hands, then pulled her toward him.
    Leaning closer in the middle, Cole pressed his lips to hers. His hands tangled in her hair as he tilted his head and took the kiss deeper. He drew in a ragged breath and pulled back. “If I don’t stop now I’m going to be inside you again right in front of your house, which I think would be a really bad idea.”
    She didn’t think so. Anything to keep him around a little longer before he left for his big baseball career and she never saw him again.
    “Lizzie, after I get settled, do you think your parents would let you come visit me? Maybe with Bobby if they won’t let you come alone.”
    “You really want me to visit you?” Her pulse raced.
    “Oh yeah.” Cole ran a finger down her face. “Can I call you?”
    “Of course.” She nodded.
    He smiled. “Good. I’d like that.”
    Cole moved closer and his mouth was on hers again. This time she grabbed his head and parted his lips with her tongue. Groaning, he didn’t fight her. Rather, he slid his hands up beneath her shirt, warming her skin with his touch.
    She thought about him leaving again and a sob escaped her. She broke the kiss. “Why did this have to happen when you’re leaving so soon?”
    “It’s okay. You’ll visit. We’ll talk on the phone. I’ll have email so we can write every day. Maybe I can get home whenever we have a break. It’s not that far. And now I have something to come home for.” His smile stopped her tears.
    “And maybe—” Lizzie swallowed hard and gathered her nerve, “—I could go and get birth control pills.”
    He smiled and stroked her cheek. “You’d do that?”
    She nodded.
    “That would be amazing. After feeling you, just you, it would suck to have to use a condom next time.”
    Next time. Lizzie liked the sound of that.
    Cole laughed and glanced down. “Look what you did to me.”
    She saw the bulge through his jeans and, feeling bold, she ran a finger over it. “I love that I do that to you.”
    “Yeah, I kinda do too.” He smiled and covered her hand with his. “I better go before Bobby or your father comes out here looking for you.”
    “Okay.” She hated the thought of saying goodbye.
    He leaned his head against the seat and stared into her eyes. “Happy Birthday, Lizzie. I’m really glad I got to be here for it.”
    “Me too.” More than he could know.

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