Page 79 of A Heart That’s True
Oh boy, he said please, that’s a first. “Fine,” I say resigned, “She thought that from what I said the other night in the limo about her and Kit that I am blackmailing her with pictures.”
Cole’s hand falls away, and he gets a very calm look on his face. “Are you?”
I shove him. “Coulter Holt, seriously. Think about what you just said.”
He rubs at the back of his neck. “Okay, it’s just you mentioned you wish you had pictures once.”
I cross my arms defiantly, but really, that just hurt more than anything.
“Did she say what they wanted?”
“No, she didn’t and I’m sorry. I was a little busy trying not to get beaten up again. To manage and ask that.”
Cole blows out a breath. “I’ll take care of it.”
“No, you won’t!”
“Kate, it could have to do with the threats I’ve been getting. I need to tell Luke.” He tries to grab my hand, but I back away, still upset.
I feel like a big, fat tattletale. “Let me tell Luke.”
“Baby, what does it matter?” Cole catches my hand and he pulls me to him.
I stick my bottom lip out. “It matters to me.”
Cole puts his forehead against mine. “Fine, you can tell him, but that doesn’t mean I won’t talk to him about it.”
A humph escapes me, but before I can pull away from Cole, his arms are around my waist. “Fine,” I mutter, resigned. “Now, can I please get my hair fixed?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
I only have about two inches cut off my hair and a few layers put in it. Olivia did more of a sheering effect than an actual cut. When we get back to the villa, Alan is raring to go. I find a dress out of the spare bedroom again. It’s black with large pleats; and a straight waist. It’s longer, going just past my knees. It’s also sleeveless, but has a sparkly cardigan and black belt with it. I rummage around for a pair of shiny black flats I saw with large bows on them. I’m just not feeling the heels tonight. I come running down the stairs. Cole has changed into jeans and a t-shirt. “Slumming it tonight, Holt?” I ask as I run past.
He smiles, then puts on a navy-blue jacket. “Not at all, Cookie, you better hurry your ass before gramps and I leave you.”
“I’m hurrying, I’m hurrying.”
The club is busy for a Monday night. Cole, Alan, and I are the first out of everyone to arrive. Cole wanted to limit Cooper’s surprise to just us, I’m sure. We spot Coop behind the bar, flirting with a busty blonde, pouring liquor straight out of the bottle down her throat. Alan doesn’t waste any time. He walks up to the bar, banging his cane on the counter.
If Cooper’s surprised to see Alan, he doesn’t show it. “What will it be, old man?”
Alan smirks at Coop. “How about sex with an alligator? Ever heard of that one?”
“Easy old timer, you’re starting off a little strong. Maybe you ought to start with a liquid Viagra before you try that one. Help get everything moving in the right direction.”
My mouth hangs open in shock at the way these two are talking to each other. I have the urge to slap Cooper across the face. I would never talk to my grandparents that way. Without knowing it, I’ve stepped up to the bar. Cole wraps his arm around my waist. “Easy Cookie, they’re okay. Would you like a drink?”
I take a side glance at Cooper and Alan. Alan certainly knows how to hold his own. I guess I can let it go. It’s not my fight and I’ve been in enough to last a lifetime. “Yes, please.”
Cole waves to Derek, the other bartender. “Can I get a whisky neat?” Cole turns to me. “What would you like, Cookie?”
I shrug my shoulders at Cole.
“How about a chocolate cake shooter?”
“Uh—hell yes. Where’s that drink been all my life?”
Both Cole and Derek laugh and Derek get our drinks.