And that part of me has to be ready to let him go.
I stroked his hair, cupping his nape. “You deserve to be with someone who wants the same life you do.”
Cole’s lips twitched. “And you deserve someone who can keep up with you.”
I huffed a quiet laugh. “That too.”
For a moment, neither of us moved, then Cole closed the distance and wrapped his arms around me. It wasn’t desperate or clinging, but simply familiar.
He rested his head once more against my shoulder, and my hand settled at the back of his neck, holding him there.
“Thank you,” Cole said after a moment of silence.
“For what?”
“For being good to me.”
I tightened my grip for a second or two. “You made that easy.”
We pulled apart slowly, and Cole picked up his glass again, draining the last of the wine. “When do you want me to leave?”
I blinked. “Whenever you find somewhere else. I’m not about to throw you out onto the street. Take as long as you need.”
“I’d feel better if we set a deadline,” he insisted.
I sighed. “Fine. What if we agree you’ll be out of here before I go to Rome? Will that give you enough time?”
He nodded, smiling. “That works for me.”
“You won’t go back to the States, will you?”
Cole snorted. “Are you kidding? Right now that’s the last place I wanna be. No, I’m not leaving. I have a job, I’m working on my German, I’ve applied for dual citizenship…” He grimaced. “Here I can be myself.”
“And your family?”
A cloud rolled across his face. “I’ve cut all ties with them. That Christmas visit was the final straw. They can’t tell me they love me, and then vote for that….” He took a couple of deep, calming breaths. “Let’s just say I know which side of the fence they’re on, and it isn’t mine. Now let’s change the subject.” He gestured towards the bedroom. “About all my leathers hanging in your wardrobe…”
“Want me to help you pack them all up?”
He smiled, and I was relieved to see the light back in his eyes.
“You can keep them. I’m sure with your connections, you can find good homes for them.” He grinned. “You bought them, after all.”
“They were gifts.”
“I know, and I really am grateful, but…” He sighed. “They should go to someone who’ll wear them the way they should be worn.” He expelled a breath. “I like it this way. Clean break, right?” His eyes twinkled. “No drama. No shouting. No broken plates.”
“I’d be disappointed if there were,” I said dryly.
Cole laughed, and for a moment it felt like any other evening.
“Where would you like to eat tonight?”
He cocked his head. “My choice?”
I laughed. “Thatiswhy I’m asking.”
His face lit up. “Elefant?”