Chapter 114

“I know Hailey would want to be there, to see the end of it. I hope she will be better by tomorrow. Because if she isn’t, there’s no way I’m letting her out of my sight.”

“Okay, that’s fine. Health and safety first. I’m sure you feel relieved that their era is almost over.”

“I do. And I can’t wait to live the kind of life I want with my family.”

“You all earned this, and I wish you all the happiness you could ever crave.”

A sad smile crept onto Cole’s lips. “Thank you.”

“Would you be available in two days?”

“Depends. Why do you ask?” Jess responded.

“I just realized Ollie and Enzo have never met you. We were supposed to have dinner at my dad’s place, but we rescheduled for tomorrow. Do you mind popping in so you can meet them?”

“That’s cool, but are you sure? I mean, isn’t it meant to be a family thing?”

“And since when did you become a stranger?”

Jess chuckled. “I know I’m not a stranger. I’m just trying to respect your privacy. But it’s fine if you insist. I would come an hour later, though, so you all can at least have some alone time. Can I come with your goddaughter?”

“Sure! You can.”

“Cool. Thanks for the invite.”

Cole talked some more with Jess, then ended the call. He took out a plate and started prepping the fruit he could find: apples, grapes, oranges, and watermelon. He arranged them nicely on the plate, poured some water into a glass, and placed it on a tray with the plate. Then he left the kitchen.

Entering the room, Hailey was nowhere in sight. Cole approached the nightstand and placed the tray on it. He was about to knock on the bathroom door again to see if she was okay and needed help when she walked out of the closet. Cole swallowed hard at what she wore. Her nightie revealed her cleavage; it was very short and transparent, revealing most of her body.

He shook the thought from his head before he got carried away. He approached Hailey, who wasn’t looking at him.

“Have some fruit. I’ll be right back.” He placed a soft kiss on her forehead, then went to the bathroom. He was out a couple of minutes later, wearing only joggers.

He saw that Hailey was already in bed, covered with the duvet. He noticed she hadn’t touched the fruit. He sighed and went to her side. Hailey’s eyes were open, but she stared blankly. Cole knelt, looking into her sad eyes. “What is it, my love?”

She said nothing.

“You didn’t touch your fruit.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“But you need to eat something so you can take your medication.”

“Stop acting like you care!”

“Of course, I care about you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”

Hailey said nothing.

“You’re acting weird,” he said sharply.

Hailey sat up. “I got into a fight with the bitch who killed my mother; I sustained minor injuries, and you suddenly lost interest in me. Yeah, I can imagine what’s going to happen when I’m in my third trimester, looking like a whale. You’ll probably hire a nanny to care for me.”

Cole sighed, massaging his temple. He reached for her hand, but she pulled away.

“You’re angry with me because I refused to make love to you.”

Hailey said nothing. She folded her arms, still looking away.

“You think it’s easy for me not to touch you?”

She glanced at him. “Then why do you keep avoiding me as if I’m some plague?”

“Please don’t say that. I’m not avoiding you.”

“Really? You wouldn’t even give me a deep kiss.”

“Well, that’s because I don’t want to get carried away.”

“You know what? You really don’t have to be here. Just leave.” Hailey pointed to the door.

Cole stood and sat on the bed beside her. His heart sank when he saw tears in her eyes. “You are recovering, and I don’t want to hurt you and the baby.”

“No, that’s not it,” Hailey shook her head. “You’re being unfair to me. You probably don’t like me anymore. You’re tired of me, aren’t you?”

“I’m not.”

“I’m helping you say the truth so you won’t have to beat around the bush. I tell you every time that there is nothing in you that can harm me, but you wouldn’t believe me.”

“I’ve been seducing you since yesterday evening, and you wouldn’t even fall for me. It just shows that you are not attracted to me. You don’t have to pretend,” Hailey mumbled, trying to hold back her tears. Cole sighed. He reached for her hand and placed it on his pants, letting her feel his erection. “This is what you do to me effortlessly.”

Hailey removed her hand, trying to control her racing heart. She turned away and lay on her side, her back to him.

Cole took off his joggers and got under the duvet. He gently pulled Hailey close to him despite her resistance. Her body relaxed when she felt his naked body. She still had her back to him, but they were spooning.

Cole slipped his hand under her dress and touched her breast, softly massaging it, eliciting a soft moan from Hailey.

“This is what you want, isn’t it?” he whispered in her ear, lightly biting her earlobe.

Hailey said nothing, biting her lip to stifle her moan. Cole moved his fingers to her nipple.

“What do you say you want again?” he whispered, kissing her earlobe.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hailey said softly, her eyes closed, enjoying the pleasure.