Idolatry

Win’s breath evaporated. She moved her head closer. He didn’t move.

In one last little forward movement her lips were on his. Now she closed her eyes and Cole took the lead.

A couple of hours later Cole dropped her back at her car and they said goodnight. Win went to bed but slept little that night.

The next day Win was having trouble believing it was real. Had she dreamt it all? She was a bundle of nerves as made her way to the office. Would Cole just pretend nothing had happened? She was sure he must have come to his senses by now.

At eight Cole walked into the office and smiled at her. However instead of just stopping next to her desk he sat his brief case on the timber surface and walked around to her side. He then clasped her hand and pulling her to her feet, folded his arms around her and lowered his head.

Win kissed him back but she did not make a move to touch him. After a moment Cole stopped and releasing her, lifted her arms and placed them around his neck. “Human, remember” he said and then pulling her to him again went back to kissing her. 

As they kissed Win’s arms tightened around his neck. But when he eased back she released him, her hands sliding down his arms before slipping away. She still didn’t feel comfortable touching him. 

“I dreamt about you last night” he said.

Win looked away. She didn’t know what to say to that. She couldn’t tell him she had been dreaming of him for two years.

“Can we have dinner tonight?” he said.

Unable to tell him no even if she wanted to, which she didn’t, she just nodded.

He smiled, “good, now let’s get to work.

Idolatry

Win sighed and hot colour filled her face. It was so embarrassing. “It’s just that you’re up here” she said holding her free hand above her head “and I’m down here” she continued lowering her hand to table level. “You’re gorgeous and you date models. I’m nothing like that.”

“I think you’re gorgeous” he said with a smile.

Heat washed over Win and she closed her eyes.

 “I’m just a man” he said, “nothing more, nothing less. I have flaws just like everyone else.”

“I’m yet to see them” she said opening her eyes but without looking at him.

“Win” he said prompting her to look up.

She lifted her head and met his gaze. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me. I don’t know what you’re thinking but I’m as human as you are.”

 She didn’t respond because she didn’t really believe it. He’d been up on the pedestal she placed him on too long.

“I want to prove it to you” he said.

She gave him a wary look.

“Touch me” he said.

“I can’t” she said.

“Yes you can” he said. “I’m just skin and bone.”

Win took a deep breath.

“Please?” he said.

“Where?” she asked, trying to buy some time.  She wasn’t sure she could do this. Her heart was already pounding so hard her chest hurt.

“Anywhere” he said. “Just reach out and touch me.”

Holding her breath, after a moment Win lifted her hand.

“Go ahead” he coaxed when she paused.

Moving hesitantly she reached towards him. With the lightest stroke she touched his chest. She could feel his warm skin beneath his shirt. Before she could moved away Cole flattened her hand over his heart and placed his hand over it, holding it there.

“Feel that?” he said as his heart hammered against her hand. “I’m definitely human.”

Win gave him a worried look and then looked away.

Cole was still holding her hand against his chest. “Do you believe me now?”

“Maybe” she admitted but she wasn’t sure she did.

He smiled and lowering her hand but still holding it he leaned towards her. He stopped short of making contact however. Looking into her eyes, inches from his own he said “kiss me Win.”

Idolatry

Cole and Win didn’t talk during the drive which only took a few minutes. Cole led her into the bar and finding a quiet table by the window sat down on a low couch next to her. His arm sat along the low back of the couch behind her shoulders.

A waiter came and took their order and when he’d left Cole’s hand settled on her shoulder. Startled, Win nearly jumped out of her skin.

Cole smiled “why are you so nervous?” he said.

Win took a deep breath and without meeting his eyes, she said “because you’re you.”

“What does that mean?” he said his other arm reaching across her and picking up one of her hands.

Win looked down at their linked hands. While his fingers curled around hers, her fingers stuck straight out. She tried to relax them but she couldn’t.

Removing his other arm he folded her fingers over his and then draped his arm back behind her. “Are you afraid of me Win?” he said.

“Yes, no, sort of” she admitted.

“Why?” he said.

Win felt ridiculous. How could she explain that he was like an idol and she felt like she was doing something wrong by being with him?

“I don’t know” she lied.

He studied her in silence for a minute and then said “I think you do and I think you need to tell me.”

Win bit her lip and closed her eyes. “I don’t know how to explain it” she said.

“Try” he said.

Going Home

Part 129

Later after showering and getting dressed in track suit pants but not bothering with a top Josh strode into the kitchen to make Grace some breakfast. Setting two places at the table he sat a small box in the middle of the place mat in Grace’s spot. Then returning to the kitchen he looked up as he heard Grace come out of the bedroom. He said “hey can you get the paper?”

Smiling Grace said “sure” and changed direction, moving toward the front door.

As she returned Josh had breakfast ready and walking ahead of her he crossed the room to the table. Then motioning for Grace to sit down he put the plates on the table and watched as Grace noticed the box.

As Grace took a seat she stared at the small box on the table and looked up at Josh.

Smiling he said “Happy Birthday.”

Returning his smile Grace picked up the box and opened the lid. Then the smile dropping from her face Grace looked back at Josh.

Idolatry

 Cole searched her eyes for a second and then stepping closer he whispered “forgive me if I’ve misunderstood but I have to be sure” and as he finished speaking his mouth came down on hers.

For a moment Win thought she was going to pass out, she just stood there immobile. Then needing to hold onto something before she was washed away on a tide of emotion she grabbed the lapels of his jacket and began to kiss him back. As she did Cole’s arms wrapped around her, holding her to him.

A few minutes later he lifted his head and smiled down at her. His arms were still linked around her waist.

Win gazed up at him.

“I guess I have my answer” he said.

Win blushed and looked away. If it wasn’t for the warmth of his body all down the front of her she would have been sure she was dreaming. She wanted to touch him but she didn’t know if she should. Win put out a tentative hand towards his chest but stopped before she made contact.

“I won’t break you know” he teased.

“Sorry” she said blushing and moving her hand back. “This is going to take some getting used to I guess.”

“Can we go somewhere so you can start that process?” he asked.

Win’s head snapped up. Was he asking to sleep with her? That was too much. Already just kissing him was akin to living a dream. He was a god and men like him didn’t want women like her, not really. 

She knew she had telegraphed her fear when he said “I just mean to talk and kiss maybe and get used to the change. You set the pace Win. I’ll follow your lead.”

Win closed her eyes as panic set in. What if her pace was too slow and he found he wasn’t as interested in her as he thought? She’d be devastated. Wouldn’t it be better to walk away before it got to that? But as Win opened her eyes and licked her lips she found herself asking “where?”

Cole smiled. “Your choice. Public, private, busy, quiet. Whatever you like.”

“Um I don’t know” she said. Her brain was too overcome to work.

“How about we go public then? I know a bar not far from here. It’s quiet but we won’t be alone.”

“Okay” she said.

Clasping her hand he said “come with me. I’ll drop you back here later.”

“Alright” she said unable to answer in other than one word sentences.

Cole led her over to his car and holding the door she slid into the sleek black interior. He closed the door and jogged around to the driver’s side. Settling behind the wheel he smiled at her as he started the car.