Broken Silence (10 page)

‘Cole!’

I stared at Jasper with the same dumbfounded look as Mum. These fine words came from an adult.

“A death chair in a retirement home,” Mum repeated. From everything in that little speech
that
was what stood out to her!

“Yeah. All those old people have a chair they always sit in, ninety per
cent of them’ll die there!”

I shook my head. “Wow.”

I wasn’t even going to try. Mum opened her mouth but shut it quickly.
Good call, Mum.
It was best to not encourage him.

“What are you two doing tomorrow?” Mum asked.

“I’m going to buy some new games because I’m so bored I want to die. I’m guessing Oakley’s hanging out with Cole, where they’ll make eyes at each other and pretend they’re not minutes away from ripping each other’s clothes off.”

I gave him a tight smile. “Shut up, Jasper.”

“I don’t think I will. You should just get it over already. We all know you want to.”

“I’m tired.”

“Of course you are,” Jasper muttered, sheepishly.

“Okay. Night, sweetheart. Love you.”

“Love you too, Mum.” I turned to look at them, and they were both smirking at me. “Whatever!”

             
I hated when Jasper was right. It didn’t happen often but when it did we never heard the end of it. The truth was, me and Cole were getting closer, and it was only a matter of time before something happened. I didn’t even want to stop it anymore.

I got back into my bed, and this time I was tired. It was almost three in the morning, after all. My phone was on the futon beside my pillow. Would Cole be mad if I called him now? Before I could think myself out of it, I dialled his number. The worst that could happen was for him to tell me to call again in the morning.

“Hello,” Cole murmured on the third ring. His voice was thick with sleep and it made me smile.

“Hi,” I said as cheerfully as I could.

He groaned. “This better be good, Oakley. I was having a
real
nice dream.”

“Yeah, what about?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

I didn’t have to see him to know he was grinning.

“Let me guess, you were naked?”

“We both were.”

Whoa. That was kind of obvious, but I didn’t expect him to just come out with it like that.
He’s probably joking. Say something, Oakley!

“Wanna know what we’re doing.” His voice was husky, and I didn’t know if it was because he was tired or turned on.

“If you’re touching yourself right now I’m going to–”

He laugh
ed, cutting me off.

“Sorry, that was funny. Just so I know though, what would you have done if I was? Spanked me?”

I sighed. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“You have no idea.”

Men!

“Fine. Okay, yeah, I would definitely spank you. Well, after I tied you to the bed and ripped your clothes off.”

The line was silent. Ha.

“Promise?”

“Oh my God, Cole!”

He laughed again. It had turned into a competition, and I wasn’t winning!

“You coming over? I don’t have any handcuffs, but I think there are some scarfs around here somewhere.”

I sighed in defeat. There was no way I was going to win.

“What are you really doing?”

He chuckled. “Lying in bed, talking to a beautiful girl.”

“Really? I should let you go then.”

“Yeah, you’re kinda disturbing us.”

“There’s not really another girl, Oakley.”

“I know! There’s no way anyone would put up with you.” I joked, trying to turn the attention away from my jealousy.

“You keep insulting yourself,” he responded.

“Oh very funny. Oakley loves Cole. Oakley insults herself!”

“Say that again,” he whispered.

Oh God!
I had just told him I loved him.

“Oakley insults herself?” I repeated, knowing that wasn’t what he wanted me to say.

“No, the other bit.”

“Oh very funny?”

He chuckled. “Where are you gonna go now? There’s only one thing left you said.”

“I love you, Cole.” I whispered. “You know that.”

“Yeah, well it wouldn’t hurt you to say it once in a while.” I laughed, shaking my head.

“I love you too,” he said.

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by emotion. Those words were worth coming back for.

“So you’re really not coming over to spank me? You’ve got me all hot.”

Aaaand, moment gone!

“Good night, Cole.” I hung up the phone and smiled to myself.

Chapter Ten

Cole

I didn’t see Oakley the day after
that
phone call. She spent the day shopping with her mum and then had dinner with her grandparents. We had spoken on the phone and texted, but it wasn’t the same as seeing her. I was very quickly getting used to being around her all the time.

The following day was dragging like a bitch. Every time I looked at the clock, only a few minutes had ticked by. I used to love my job but right now it was just a pain in the arse. It wasn’t like I could just take the day off either. I now had a house to pay for!

As soon as it turned one o’clock, I left the office and made my way to the diner, where Oakley had informed me we were meeting for lunch. Tomorrow, Max’s trial was starting. I was only working a half day so I could spend the rest of it with her, but I was running low on holiday.

I parked outside the diner, smiling like an idiot as I saw her already sitting at a table inside. I opened the car door but instead of getting out I sat for a moment, staring at her; enjoying seeing her, completely un-self-conscious, unaware I was looking. People walking past would probably think I was a stalker. Her long blonde hair fell down her back in big loose curls. She turned to the side and started talking to the waitress.

When it got to the point that my obsessiveness was even worrying me, I forced my eyes off her and got out of the car.

“You’re early,” I said and sat down.

She jumped, and spinned around to greet me.

“Sorry. I’ll go away for a bit shall I?”

“So dramatic,” she grinned and threw a menu at me.

“I already know what I’m having.”

“Burger and chips,” Oakley stated.

I smirked, “No, actually. I’m having the chicken salad.”

Her eyebrows rose quickly, but she quickly recovered a poker face.

“You’re going to have to go through with that now, or I’ll know you’re lying.”

Damn!

“You could always admit I know you
that
well and have the burger,” she sang, pretending to look at the menu.

“I’m having the salad.”
And stopping at McDonalds on the way back to work
.

“Great, I’m having the burger.”

“Of course you are,” I said, resigned to being tormented.

Ten minutes later a plate of rabbit food was placed in front of me, while Oakley received a large cheeseburger and fries. Why did I always have to win? This wasn’t even winning. I should have just admitted it, and I would be munching on a juicy cow sandwich right now.

Oakley popped a chip in her mouth and sighed, “Mmm.”

I glared. Why did lettuce have to taste of nothing?

“You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

She nodded. “You have no idea how much. Don’t forget your tomato.”

“If you’re not careful I’m going to throw it at you.”

And then inevitable – she broached the event looming on the horizon.

“So you’re coming over at one tomorrow?”

“Yep, unless I can get off any earlier,” I reassured her.

Then just as abruptly, she shut down the topic: we ate lunch, and chatted about everything but the start of the trial tomorrow. If she wasn’t going to talk about it, then I wouldn’t bring it up. I didn’t feel like I needed to start a conversation about it any more. If she wanted to talk, she would come to me.

“So, you gonna call me again tonight for some more naughty time?” I asked, leaning against my car as we waited for Jasper to pick her up.

She blushed, shaking her head and grinning.

“Shut up, Cole.”

Trying not to laugh, I placed my hands on the glass, either side of her body. Oakley took in a shaky breath as I stared down at her.

“
Sure
you don’t want to?”

Whatever she came back at me with, I knew she wanted to, her eyes gave her away.

She gripped a fistful of my shirt and pulled me closer, so our chests were touching. I reminded myself that taking her in a public place would get us arrested.

“What if I do?” she whispered, her voice sounded even more husky than usual.

My heart hammered in my chest. Every single part of my body was screaming out for her. I pressed my forehead to hers and tried to control my heavy breathing.

“Then call me. I
really
don’t mind.”

Oakley grinned and ran her finger along my bottom lip.
Self-control, Cole. Don’t grab her.

“I bet you don’t mind.”

My eyes wandered down to her lips. There was nothing I wanted more in the world than to kiss her.

“Thing is, I’m not that easy,” she said, pushing my chest away from her with both of her hands, making me stumble back. I’d been so focused on her I was surprised I didn’t fall over.

“That wasn’t nice. You need to make it up to me. And not with ice cream,” I added quickly.

“Bet I can guess what you want,” she replied sarcastically.

I pulled her back into my arms: “Me. You. Bed. Whipped cream.”

“Apart from the whipped cream, that’s pretty much what I thought.”

She pushed her entire body against mine. Usually I would prevent certain areas from pressing against her and but this time it was her fault. Oakley ran her index finger along the collar of my shirt, and I shuddered.

“Jasper’s here,” she said, grinning at me just as I was about to kiss her.

“Hands,” Jasper growled at me.

Oakley laughed. “Will I see you later?”

“If you want to. Good. You can come over and play dress up with me and Leona.”

I had promised Leona that I would play the stupid game, and I couldn’t let her down so I would just have to include Oakley.

“Dress up?” she asked, looking up at me and failing miserably to try to keep a straight face.

“Not my idea.”

“Of course not.”

“And you’re done,” Jasper said. “Enough flirting, we need to go.”

She smiled sheepishly and stepped away from me.
I hate Jasper right now.

“See you later then. For dress up.”

She wouldn’t find it funny when she was covered in pink glitter make-up, wearing fairy wings and a feather boa.

“I’ll see you later.”

I watched them drive off before getting into my car. Thankfully, I had a few minutes’ drive to calm myself down before I got back to work. Being around her was getting harder. She
had
to see we belonged together. I wasn’t going to rush her though. She already had too much to deal with.

The rest of the working day went by smoothly and thankfully, fast. The second I stepped in the front door Leona was there, holding up the damn fairy wings. Smiling, which probably looked more like a grimace, I picked her up.

“Shall we get your dress-up box then?”

“Yeah!” Leona shouted and squealed in excitement.
Great!

Oakley arrived soon after Leona had forced me into some wings. As soon as she laid eyes on me she
giggled, slapping her hand over her mouth to try and stop. Yeah, I looked like an idiot but dressing up like a purple fairy was what uncles were meant to do.

“Wow, you look… pretty,” she teased.

“Just embracing my inner child. You should lighten up and do the same!”

Her smile grew into a full toothy grin: “Your inner child is a girl?”

I threw Leona’s red wings at her.

“Shut up and put those on.”

“No,” Leona screamed. “Oaley’s wearing the lellow ones.”

I held my hands up in surrender.
Christ.

“Sorry!”

“It’s like your hair,” Leona pointed out, passing the wings to Oakley.

“Thank you. So do you want to do my make-up?” she asked her, bending down to Leona’s level and putting the wings on.

“Yeah,” Leona chirped, jumping up and down.

“Great, make-up time,” I mumbled under my breath. This is the part where my balls shot back up inside me.

“Shall we do Cole’s first?” Oakley suggested, smirking at me.

“Yeah, untle Ole!”

Perfect.

I sat still, scowling as they both plastered bright pink crap all over my face. I should get an Uncle-of-the-Year award for letting them do that to me. It was worth it to see Leona giggling and having so much fun though. Oakley too, although I
would
be
getting revenge on her.

“Done,” Leona announced, admiring my messed up face.

Oakley gripped her heart, in mock joy.

“You look so beautiful!” she exclaimed.

I smiled sarcastically.

“Don’t you think
Uncle Cole looks great as a girl?” she asked Leona.

Leona nodded and bounced on the spot.

“He’s pretty.”

I stood up, pointing to the chair for Oakley to sit on. I’d had enough of them laughing at me. Time for payback. The next half an hour was spent painting hearts and flowers on Leona’s face, and play fighting with Oakley to add even more glitter on hers. I refused to look in the mirror. Oakley had pink stuff on her eyelids, bright purple lips, pink glitter on her cheeks, and four orange hears on her left cheek.

Eventually Mum shouted, “Dinner!” from the kitchen. Leona jumped up and sprinted off. She wasn’t usually that enthusiastic for dinner, but Mum had promised to make her favourite of mashed potato with broccoli sticking out of it, so it looked like a forest on a mountain, sausages and alphabet spaghetti.

Oakley was staying for dinner too, so it was like old times: she would often come over after school when we were kids. I made sure I sat next to her at the table. I wanted to enjoy having such a relaxed time with her, before she had to deal with what tomorrow would bring.

At half past ten, I took Oakley back to Ali’s house. I had to remind myself that her being back was probably temporary. She had a whole life in Australia, and I wasn’t sure if England, or I, could compete with that.

I woke in the morning to Leona shouting my name over and over.

“Untle Ole, untle Ole! Get up,” she sang, slamming her hands down on my bed. I loved her, but I was installing a lock on my door.

Groaning, I forced my head up. “Alright, I’m up!”

She grinned, turned, and ran out of the room. Was there even a point in waking me? She didn’t want anything!

I suddenly realised that today was the start of the trial.
Shit!
I grabbed my phone and called Oakley.

“Hello,” she mumbled sleepily. Great so not only was today the first day of her dad’s trial, but I just woke her up to remind her…

“Hey,” I said, wincing at how dumb I was.

“Before you ask, I’m fine, and I will be fine. Mum and Jasper are amusing me until you get off work.” Then, softly, “I’m not a child, you know?”

“Oh believe me, I know!”

She laughed quietly,
“Behave.”

“But I find it so hard around you.”

“I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“I’m not even going to waste my time arguing over that.”

“Go to work, Cole. I’ll see you at lunch.”

“Okay. I love you.”

She sighed, and I could sense her smile.

“I love you too.”

I found it only half weird that we said that to each other, but we weren’t together. It felt so natural.

We hung up, and I forced myself out of bed. Forcing a smile as I walked into my office, I flopped down in my chair and debated sleeping for a bit. Would anyone notice? Hmm, probably…

I wanted the whole day off, but I had a few urgent things to deal with. Usually I would hang out in the kitchen for a few minutes, drinking coffee and chatting to my colleagues, but today I made a mug of coffee and got straight to work. At quarter past twelve I was done.

“It’s all finished,” I told Glen, leaning against his door.

“Already? I don’t think you’ve ever worked that quickly. I’ll expect that every day.” He joked. At least I hoped he was joking!

“Hey, I can work that quickly. I just don’t want to make everyone else look bad.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Get off now then. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Cole.”

I nodded once. “Thanks. See you later.”

Oakley was on my mind the whole time as I drove back to my house to change, but that wasn’t a surprise. I really didn’t want to go looking at boring carpets and different shades of the same colour paint, but she was excited about it so I could suck it up for the afternoon.

As I stopped in front of the house, she came walking out. Her eyes were tight with stress, and she walked with a clear, single purpose – getting away from whatever had been going on inside.