Chapter 23

Nicola Taylor

“You are mad at me. I can tell,” Cole said for the umpteenth time as I fluffed my pillow aggressively before getting into bed. Harvey and Cole might not be ‘besties’ again, but they were on better terms now because I intervened. They even hugged each other goodbye. After putting Bella to bed, Cole had followed me around like a puppy, asking if I was mad, but I didn’t answer. I wanted to say something but didn’t feel like it.

So, I guess I was mad at him.

“Nicola.” I felt the bed dip as he joined me, his presence warm and insistent. I faced away, cuddling my pillow further. His familiar scent enveloped me as his muscular arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer.

I made a few protesting sounds but still refused to speak. I tried to wriggle free, but his grip was unyielding.

Damn it.

“Nicola, if you look at the situation, you’ll see the irony. You’re right; not only was I an egotistical asshole, but I was also the real loser.” His self-deprecating tone made me smile