“It wasn’t all that difficult, really. Lester told me all about you.”
“Lester?”
“The guy at Lava Java.” A wrinkle formed between Cole’s eyebrows. “I think he has a thing for you.”
She had only a vague remembrance of the coffee-shop employee she’d probably talked to at least a hundred times, but she wasn’t about to admit how oblivious she normally was to her surroundings. “Oh, that Lester. Yeah. Nice guy.”
Without prompting, Cole turned down the second row in the parking lot headed toward her sedan. “He said you used to wear a wedding ring...”
The unspoken question dangled in the air. She pretended not to notice. “Well, as long as you’re here, I’d better inform you that my sister, Harper, is in love with you.”
His gorgeous hazel eyes, with specks of dark green, crinkled at the corners. “Is that so?”
“Yes. I’ve been ordered to tell you that she would be the perfect wife for you. She loves cowboys. And she’s in her last year of vet school, so she could take care of your cows and horses and dogs and such.”
“I’ll keep that in mind if I ever decide to get married.”
“That’s happening pretty soon, right? What with that matchmaker show coming—”
He groaned. “Don’t talk to me about Millionaire Matchup. Biggest mistake of my life.”
They reached her car and she fumbled for her keys in the bottom of her bag. His penetrating stare made her palms sweat, and she found herself prattling on and on. “Harper was hoping you could get her on that reality show. Seriously, I think you should consider it. If you have to marry someone, you couldn’t find anyone better than my sister. She’s not only super smart, she’s also beautiful. Thick dark hair. Gorgeous complexion. The whole package.”
“She can’t be any more smart and beautiful than you.”
His hoarse words caressed her, warming her from the inside out. Blood rushed to her cheeks while her heart performed a perfect double back-flip. So what if he was only flirting. His teasing comment was nicer than anything Nathan had said the entire time they were married. It helped that Cole had never laid eyes on Harper, who’d definitely inherited the best genes from their parents. In contrast to her sister, Brooke’s nose was a little too pointed, her chin a bit too prominent, her lips too full. Harper had green eyes, while Brooke’s were ordinary dark brown. Brooke found herself hoping the two would never meet and spoil his illusions.
With trembling fingers, she punched her key fob, re-locking the car door twice with a tell-tale honk, before finding the unlock button. He leaned against her car door, his arms folded, like he was planning to camp out.
“Uhmm… can I get in my car, please? And by the way, you’re probably getting dirt all over your jeans.” Being single, she couldn’t afford the luxury of washing the car.
He didn’t budge. “Let’s go grab a bite to eat. I’d like to know more about you. It won’t even be a date, so you don’t have to feel awkward. Just friends. I’ll even let you pay for your own meal.”
“Mr. Miller…”
“Call me Cole.”
Long lashes blinked over those hopeful hazel eyes, and she felt like she was kicking a puppy.
“Cole… you’ve more than made up for the coffee spill that was as much my fault as yours. But you’re better off not knowing any more than you already do.”
“Why? Are you wanted by the FBI?” His eyes twinkled.
“No, it’s just a waste of time. We have nothing in common to base a friendship on. Sure, I could use a rich friend, but I’ve got nothing to offer in return.”
“Aren’t you a counselor?”
The question caught her off guard. “Yes. Well, no. I don’t have my license yet. But I have my master’s in marriage and family counseling.” Fat lot of good it did me. I couldn’t even save my own marriage.
“I could use a little advice right now.” Cole cleared his throat. “I’m willing to pay.”
“Thanks, but I can’t accept pay for private counseling until I get my license. I’m working under a licensed counselor right now. In fact, I have to go home and transcribe my notes for the day.”
Saliva started flowing inside her mouth as her nausea returned with a vengeance. Desperate to sit down, she reached for the car door handle, expecting him to move out of the way. He didn’t. Instead, his right hand came to rest on top of hers.
“Please, Brooke… I need to talk to you.”
Before she could think of a response, her stomach heaved. She dropped her tote and turned, barely making it a few steps away before she threw up, right in front of him. At least there was nothing but water splatting onto the hot pavement.
His arm went around her waist. “Are you okay? Should I call an ambulance?”
“I’m fine.” Eyes watering, she straightened, wiping her lips on the back of her hand. “I’m just pregnant.”
“Pregnant?” He repeated the word in a strained voice.
“Yes, I’m a newly divorced woman, pregnant by my cheating ex-husband.” She clenched her jaw, angry that her voice was trembling. “You see? I told you you’d be better off if you didn’t know any more about me.”
That ought to send him running.
His eyes narrowed, jaw hardening. “I’m driving you home.”
Cole ignored Brooke as she let out yet another heavy sigh. Other than asking for her address, he’d barely spoken to her since helping her into the passenger seat. He knew he was acting like a boorish caveman, but it was all he could do to hold himself together while he drove. With his hands gripping the steering wheel so they wouldn’t shake, he concentrated on the traffic and the navigation instructions from his phone.
“How are you going to get your car?” Brooke asked in an irritated tone.
“I’ll take a taxi.” His jaw was so tight he could barely squeeze the words out.
