Angie stretched her arms out, surrendering to him. Her body accepted Cole and drew him in deeper.
Cole shuddered as he tried to control his most primitive instincts. “No,” he warned. “I want this to last.”
“I can’t help it,” she said as she bucked against him. “I want you so much.”
He let out a feral growl and sank into her. Heat blanketed her skin as each strong thrust went deep. She rocked against the bed, bunching the sheets in her hands as the pleasure rippled through her.
She watched Cole and saw the sweat gleam along his ruddy skin, his muscles straining each time he withdrew.
“I love you, Cole,” she said as the burning, growing pressure inside her burst. She shut her eyes as the white-hot intensity of her orgasm claimed her. Again and again it came in crashing waves as Cole climaxed.
Angie kept her eyes closed. She wanted to remember this heightened moment, this all-consuming pleasure. But she couldn’t ignore the fact that Cole didn’t say any words of love. And while she felt protected and desired when she was with him, she knew he may never say those important words to her.
17
COLE STARED AT the small stone church as he got out of his car. It appeared quaint and picturesque but he knew danger lurked beneath bunches of white flowers and pink luminaries. Guests were already entering the building and he heard the strains of organ music from where he stood. He hoped he wasn’t too late.
He fished his phone from his pocket and checked his messages. Nothing. He tried to take a deep breath but his chest was tight with worry. Cole punched the screen and redialed Angie’s phone. He felt like throwing his phone when he immediately got her voice mail.
“Angie, why don’t you have your phone on? Call me when you get this.” He hung up and rubbed his aching head. When he found her, he was going to make sure she never left his side.
He grabbed his suit jacket and shoved his arms in the sleeves. His movements were choppy and forceful as the panic swelled inside him. Where was Angie? Why wasn’t she picking up her phone? Was she hurt? Was her phone dead? Or was she ignoring his calls?
It was bad enough waking up alone in her apartment, but his stomach had made a sickening twist when he found her note explaining that she was back in the wedding.
Back as a bridesmaid, possibly as maid of honor. Either way, she was back to being a target.
His phone rang. Cole checked the screen and saw Angie’s number. He felt weak, almost boneless, as the relief poured through him. He immediately answered. “Angie?”
“Hey, Cole,” Angie replied cheerfully as if she didn’t hear the urgency in his voice. “I’m sorry I missed your call. And your texts. All twelve of them.”
“Where have you been?” he demanded.
“Didn’t you get my note? I put it where I was sure you’d see it. I didn’t want you to worry but I had to leave quickly this morning.”
“Yes, I got the note,” he said through clenched teeth as he straightened the knot of his necktie. “You should have taken me with you.”
“I tried to wake you up. I really did, honest. I guess I wore you out.”
He heard the smile in her voice but he wasn’t amused. “What are you doing at the wedding? You were banned.”
“Patrick texted me early this morning. He and Brittany want me to be in the ceremony.” She lowered her voice. “I have a feeling it’s really Patrick who wants me there but—”
“Why did you accept?” The frustration rang in his voice and he didn’t care.
“Patrick is my friend,” she reminded him, “and I know he fought hard to keep me in the wedding. What else could I say?”
“I can think of a few things just off the top of my head. For instance, the bride has it in for you.” He ignored the woman in the floppy hat who gave him a sharp look. “And her assistant is bumping off bridesmaids.”
Angie scoffed. “We don’t know that.”
“Also, Patrick should never have allowed Brittany to speak to you in that manner,” Cole continued as he took the steps to the church two at a time. “You tore up your bridesmaid dress in a fit of rage and can’t possibly participate....”
“I would never destroy this dress no matter how trashy it is,” Angie said breezily. “You have no idea how much it cost.”
He entered the church and looked around the vestibule. He saw a few guests. The men wore dark suits while the women looked like exotic birds with their brightly colored dresses and oddly shaped hats. He didn’t see Angie. “Where are you?”