Page 11 of Cole's Command

Chapter Four

Eden

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SHE LISTENED IN SILENCE as Cole spoke, surprised at his eloquent and heartfelt disclosure. Eden did her best not to judge clients before they walked in her office, but she was only human, and that was what she’d done with Cole Vaughn, assuming he’d be a brash and arrogant college boy, with little or no charisma that wasn’t borrowed on his family name. As it turned out, he was nothing of the sort.

Cole spoke with passion about his life and loss, and she noted down the key themes and names that he mentioned. His father, Michael Vaughn, seemed to be cited a lot, and based on what little she’d gleaned from the internet, she supposed she wasn’t surprised he had daddy issues. Her gaze flitted once or twice to the photo of her own father while he talked, reminding her that Cole wasn’t the only one.

“I’ve been dreaming about him lately.” Cole frowned, glancing at his drink as if the cup of coffee contained the answers he sought. In her experience, life was rarely that straightforward.

“Your father?” she clarified.

“Yes.”

“What happens in your dreams?” she delved, knowing his answer could be crucial to her plan to help him.

“He talks to me.” Cole pressed his lips into a firm line, and she had the distinct impression that he was holding back, that there was more he needed to say but for some reason, felt he couldn’t.

“What does he say?”

“It varies.” Cole’s shoulders slumped as he reached for his drink again. “But it’s usually about my brothers and me.”

“Does he seem worried about you?” she went on, wanting Cole to tell her as much as he was comfortable divulging during their first session.

“A little.” Cole shrugged, the first sign that the confident bravado performance he’d conveyed when he’d waltzed into her office might only have been for show. “But on the whole, I find the dreams comforting.” His gaze found hers. “Is that normal?”

Normal? She wanted to laugh at the word. Years of study had revealed that there was no such thing. Each person dealt with stress in their own way, especially the strain of bereavement. Eden knew that better than most.

“Your dreams don’t seem like anything to worry about,” she lulled. “I’d say they were your subconscious mind trying to deal with your loss.”

“That’s good,” he told her, but the line appearing in his flawless brow suggested otherwise.

“But you’re still concerned?” she prompted.

“It’s just... the dreams seem so real.” Cole sighed. “Sometimes I wake up and wonder...”

“If they really happened?” She finished the sentence for him, thinking of her own grief. Ever since her father’s death, Eden had experienced strange visions of her own.

“Right.” His lips twitched, his gaze flashing with gratitude. “Look, I really appreciate you not judging me about all this. I’ve not wanted to share much before because I didn’t want people to think I was mad.”

“I do my best not to judge, Cole.” Her pulse quickened as he met her gaze. “It’s not my place, but I can tell you that nothing you’ve said speaks of clinical insanity.”

She smiled, hoping the gesture was reassuring, but all the while she thought of herself, of the images her own brain had conjured and the fact that she’d never told another living soul about any of them. Cole’s concern seemed more than reasonable when she looked at it that way. The reasons she’d never taken her issue to a colleague were exactly the same. She couldn’t tolerate seeing the judgment in their eyes. It was better if people didn’t know the person they paid to tie up their own loose ends was unraveling at the same time.

“Yeah, well.” Leaning back in his chair, he looked relaxed for the first time. “I still appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” Glancing at the clock on her screen, she noticed their hour was almost up. Time with Cole had flown past. “If you feel comfortable seeing me again, then we can pick up the subject of your dreams at our next appointment.” Eden never liked to assume clients would return. “Or, if you need time to think, you can call my office and book with Joe.”

“No.” Sitting up straight, he pulled down his lapels and dismissed the concept with a flick of his wrist. “I’m more than happy to see you again. This was helpful.”