Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) (11 page)

“I can only imagine what you have been through, Chuck, honestly. I know very little about that special little girl, but believe me when I say, I will do everything I can to help her locate anyone that may be related to her. I guess we will know more when the police look into her background.”

“I will be keeping a close eye on that little girl,” he mutters before walking away from me.

I lean my back against the wall, my mind racing with thoughts of Hope. I feel the warmth of Cole’s hand against my arm. We lock eyes and I fall into his open arms. I nuzzle against him, needing and yearning for his comfort.

“Hey, baby.” He smiles, running his hands over my hair. “Everything will feel better and much clearer tomorrow. Shall we head up to our room and get settled? You must be beyond exhausted.”

His words are all it takes for me reach up and seal my lips over his. I work his tongue with mine. The fire inside ignites as we connect together in this kiss, so intense, so passionate. This moment is one neither one of us will forget.

Cole jerks back in surprise, his lips quirked. “Damn, girl! That was some kiss.” He gazes at me intensely with wanting eyes.

I run my hands over his rapid neck pulse and up toward his hair, gently running my fingers through his tousled hair. I notice a change in his breathing. I slowly lean on to my tip toes and position my swollen lips against his ear.

I breathe heavily. “You need a haircut,” I whisper.

His head drops backward as he lets out a little growl. “Damn, girl, you’re killing me here!”

I giggle lightly before ducking and heading toward Pete and Hope. I turn and look back over my shoulder, shooting Cole a glance.

“Not fair, Ken,” he hollers. I can’t help but laugh a little more.

I rush over to Pete, sliding in next to him. I’m careful that I don’t disturb a sleeping Hope. Cole walks over to Chuck. They talk in hushed whispers, with their arms around each other. I wonder what they are discussing.

“Hey,” Pete speaks, his voice barely a whisper.

“Hey, we need to get this little one in bed,” I yawn.

He winks. “So we can have some alone time?”

I shake my head, a puff of laughter escaping my mouth.

“Hilarious, Pete.”

“Who said I was joking?” His tone is now more serious. I feel myself leaning into him involuntarily; my body gravitating toward him effortlessly.

I scoff, not really knowing what to say. My inexperience talking to boys must be evident for everyone to see. Although I know this is dangerous territory, it’s nothing but a little bit of fun. After all, he makes me laugh, and that takes my mind off of thoughts I’d rather not be having.

“Come on, comedian. Do you think you can carry her up to my room or should I call over one of those buff bikers? You know, the ones with the big guns.” I chuckle.

“They may have the guns, but I have the…” his words trail off as he nods down to his crotch. “Buff,” he laughs.

Dammit, I couldn’t help but look down when he did. I feel the heated blush covering my face and look away.

“Those guys haven’t got shit on me. Why do you think I came along? I may not be the brains, but I’m definitely the brawn behind this operation!”

“You think you’ll be able to get your head through the damn door frame?” I quiz.

“It’s not my head you need to worry about,” he scoffs, winking at me.

I cover my eyes with my hands, shaking my head. “Jeez, you’re so lame,” I huff.

I look at Cole nervously. I spot him sitting with Chuck and the rest of the guys. I try to catch his attention, waving like a lunatic, but he appears lost, deep in conversation. I shrug before standing. Signaling for Pete to follow, we make our way over to the door, toward the staircase.

As we reach the room, I unlock the door. I enter, holding the door open for Pete who carries Hope effortlessly. I flick on the lamp and pull back the covers on the single bed.

I watch, or you could say stare, at Pete as he lays her down gracefully on the bed. Every part of his bulging biceps ripples with every tiny movement he makes. I feel the heat intensify as my face flushes. I look away quickly, hoping he doesn’t notice my reaction to him. I stare down blankly, trying to rid my mind of the thoughts of this tall, dark, muscular man, who’s full of wit and standing in front of me.

He walks toward me, connecting our eyes.

“See, I knew this was all about getting me in to your bedroom,” he smirks.

“I’m at a loss for words,” I mutter.

“Well, let’s not speak.” He moves in closer. I counter act, taking a step back.

“What do you want from me, Pete? I’m with Cole. I love him!” I stutter.

“Are you sure about that?” he muses.

“What does that mean? Where’s all this coming from?” I ask in utter confusion as I turn my back on him. Quite honestly, this was the last thing I needed.

“I know you feel it, Ken.”

“Feel what exactly?” My breath rattles in my lungs as I try to steady my breathing.

“This fucking chemistry between us, Ken. Fuck, I can’t get you outta my head. You’re with Cole. I know that, right. But today, seeing you there in the middle of the god damn road, it started a chain reaction of feelings I didn’t even realize I had! I mean, I’m only human. And everyone knows you’re in a different class. I’ve admired from afar for so long. I feel like I’m going out of my goddamn mind. It’s so crazy.” He pauses for a second, his chest rising and falling, as though he’s out of breath.

I look at him, my mind floods with confusion as he paces, taking short steps in front of me. He tugs his hands through his hair, as though trying to find the words to continue.

“Everything you have been through, everything, and you stand here, in front of me selflessly having escaped hell and rescuing this little girl.” He points to Hope, his hands becoming animated as I glance over and see that she’s still sleeping soundly. “Dammit! Can’t you see how special you are, Ken? You are the person we all long to be…” his voice teeters and he exhales sharply, the oxygen roughly leaving his body as his stature changes in front of me.

I’m lost for words. I study his face, trying to understand where this is coming from. I can’t grasp why he’s saying this.

“This is bullshit, Pete, and you know it. You don’t feel anything for me. You’ve had way too much to drink and I think I’d like you to leave.”

“You think? So you’re not sure?”

I let out an audible sigh, rolling my eyes with frustration.

“You’re only saying that because you’re angry. I think you look damn sexy when you’re angry.”

He takes another step toward me, reaching his hand out.

“Hey,” I warn, holding up my hand. My legs shake and I’m confused whether I’m scared of him, or scared of what he’s saying and if it holds any truth. I can’t deny that he makes my pulse race. I cross my arms and stand tall. “I’m sorry if you feel like I have given you some signal here or something, but there’s nothing in this for me, Pete. I don’t know what else to say.” I shrug, twirling my hair around my finger nervously.

“Why is your body not telling me the same story then, Ken? Your body doesn’t agree with the words you’re speaking.”

“My body isn’t telling you jack shit, Pete,” I spit back.

“I recognize all the signs, Kennedy. The way your body reacts to me. How you lean in a tiny bit when we are near each other. How your breathing changes. Believe me when I say they are all there, whether you want to believe it or not.” He moves in closer, slowly touching the side of my face.

His feather light touch causes me to shudder. Goose pimples cover my body in an instant reaction. I feel the heat instantly and close my eyes, holding on desperately to the denial. I feel every inch of my skin tingle. My head spins as his touch begins to send me into a frenzy.

Damn!

I know I shouldn’t feel like this. My heart starts pounding erratically in my chest.

I lurch back, my eyes flying open wide.

“No,” I say weakly.

“You can’t even say no like you mean it, Kennedy. Who are you trying to fool, cos it ain’t fooling me?”

“You’re reading too much in to this, Pete. This has come from nowhere,” I grate out. I’m getting pissed off and I need him to leave before I do something I’m sure to regret.

I know he senses the anger in my tone.

He puts his hands up in surrender, stepping back toward the door.

“I’m outta here if that’s what you want, but believe me when I say I will be waiting. When you realize how much you want me, and you will realize you want me, Ken, I’ll be there waiting for you.”

“Wait all you want, asshole. It ain’t happening,” I mock back. I look over at him as he shoots me a wide, lip curling grin before heading out of the door.

I flop my exhausted body onto the bed, lying flat out. I hold a hand to my chest feeling the heavy thud of my beating heart. I feel totally powerless and confused about what happened here tonight.

This just can’t be real. We’ve been friends the whole time. Why the hell have things changed now?

Had they changed?

Cole

I finish my drink and head to find Ken. I walk into our room and see her curled on the bed. I slip in behind her, wrap my arms around, and pull her in close. We are molded together, as one. She feels exquisite against me. She’s just where she should be, in my arms.

It feels so right. Nothing could ever ruin what we have. I zone in on the cut below her lip. Anger courses through me, fucking with my head. I just don’t understand this shit. It makes no god damn sense why anyone would ever harm this beautiful girl, the one I love.

The feelings I have for her are like a drug, an addiction. One I will never be able to get enough of. She’s my lover, my friend, my everything.

My arm lays over her tiny bump and I feel the faintest of movements. I smile widely knowing it is the baby moving. I bend down and plant a light kiss onto the side of the bump. I feel a hand on my head.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” I whisper moving toward Ken’s face, running the tip of my nose against her jaw line. “I felt her, baby. I felt her move.” It was the first time and I couldn’t wait to feel her again.

“I love that something as simple as the baby moving excites you so much, Cole,” she says drowsily.

I cusp her face with my hand and we lock lips, her soft touch drawing me in for more. I pull back as I feel the excitement building inside, knowing this can’t go anywhere. I slump back on the plump pillow.

Ken turns toward me, nuzzling against my chest. “What’s wrong, Cole.”

I look deep into her eyes of sea blue and smile. “Nothing, baby. Just that we have company and I need you bad, if you know what I mean.” I dart my eyes down to the bulge now obvious between my legs.

She lets out a tiny giggle. “We have the rest of our lives together, Cole. One night of self-control isn’t going to kill you.”

“I have no self-control around you, baby. You know that! You drive me wild.”

She runs circles over my chest, while I stroke the side of her face. “Just being here with you, Cole, means everything to me. Anything else is a bonus.”

I hold her tightly; thankful we are together at last.

Kennedy

The squeak of bed springs and squealing of a child pulls me from my deep slumber. I rub my eyes, trying to get them to adjust, the sunlight flooding the room. I sit up unsteadily, trying to figure out what that god damn noise is. As soon as I am upright, I hear the screech of Hope’s voice.

“Oh goody! You’re awake!” she shouts, more excited than I have ever seen any little girl first thing in a morning. She’s literally bouncing on the bed. I glance around the room, trying to locate something, anything to indicate what time it might be.

“You’re wondering what time it is, aren’t you?” she quizzes, pursing her lips together. Her facial expression is quite possibly the most smart-assed one I’ve ever seen.

“Well, madam, that’s exactly what I’m trying figure out.” I hold my hand over my mouth as I yawn.