“I’m flying Cole!” I cried. I was just in awe. As I’d told him, I had never even been in a plane before, my family having no reason to ever leave the state, let alone the country. It just felt so freeing, and the thrill of being on the edge of danger, of us being so high up, made me feel more alive than I had ever felt before.
Cole laughed at my comment and took my hand in his, holding it in his lap as we both looked around us at the beauty of all of the city lights below us.
“Look! There’s the lake!” I cried as we flew over Lake Michigan. “The city looks spectacular from up here.” I sighed dreamily.
The whole helicopter ride was only about twenty minutes, but it had been the most exciting twenty minutes of my entire life. By the time we landed on the roof of one of the tall buildings in the centre of the city I was completely giddy. Cole lifted me down from the helicopter and I wrapped my arms around his neck, not being able to wait any longer to thank him for the amazing gift he had just given me. He didn't complain, just gathered me up in his arms and held me tight.
“I’m guessing you enjoyed that?” He asked as I peppered his face all over with little kisses of thanks.
“That was the most exciting thing I have ever done in my whole life Cole!” I cried.
“It was pretty cool wasn’t it?” He laughed as he started toward a door at the far side of the roof, still carrying me.
“It was amazing. I have never felt so free. I forgot everything bad while we were up there, every worry and fear. I was just happy and so freaking excited!”
“That’s what I wanted for you Babygirl, for you to fly free.” Cole’s words choked me up. He had known what I needed for a release from the grip of my past, even before I did. It was amazing and so overwhelming how every single one of my guys knew me better than I knew myself.
“I love you so much.” I whispered as I kissed his face all over again.
“I love you too, Beautiful,” He chuckled as I tickled him with kisses the whole way down the stairs which led from the roof and into the building. Once we got to the restaurant I begrudgingly slid down him and straightened myself up.
“You don’t have to get down. I was more than happy walking around like that.” Cole whispered into my ear, making me smile. I’d have happily stayed too, but I wasn’t sure the staff in the pretty fancy restaurant he led me into would appreciate it.
Dinner with Cole was pretty sedate after the thrill of the journey there, but that was a good thing, since I needed time to calm down. The food in the rooftop restaurant was out of this world, and Cole almost choked on his drink when he saw my empty plate when I was finished. It was the first full plate of food I had finished since I escaped The Darkness. That was how good my meal had been.
Cole kept the talk light, telling me about football, and how excited he was to possibly play next year for a college team. He was eager for me to come and see him play. We talked about the guys, and about their plans to buy a house together. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I realised all of their plans for this house now included me moving with them. They’d talked, and even started looking for a place where I’d have room for a music room, and with a big garden for me to wander in, as I often did.
When dinner was over we headed back on up to the roof where our ride awaited us, making me feel very elite. My very own helicopter at my disposal. I told Cole as much, and he found it hilarious, then put on his best hoity tone for the ride back to the office we had set off from.
Now we were back in Cole’s truck, on our way home. It was late, coming up to midnight, and I was exhausted, but indescribably happy.
“You tired, Babygirl?” Cole asked as he glanced to where I sat, curled up in my seat, dreamily watching him drive. There was something very sexy about watching my guys drive.
“I am, but I’m also happier than I think I have ever been Cole. I can honestly say I had the most amazing time of my life tonight.”
“Me too. I’m always happy when I’m with you, but tonight, getting you all to myself, it was very special and I’ve loved every second of it.” He took my hand in his as he spoke and held it on his thigh.
“Me too.” I agreed.
“I can’t wait to see Kyle’s reaction when he finds out I took you in a helicopter. He’s going to freak.” He laughed.
“Because of the danger?” I asked with a smile.
“Yeah. Because he hates the idea of you ever doing anything that could pose any sort of risk.”
“Taking a bath, or crossing the street is a risk. He just needs to learn that he can’t stop fate. When it’s my time, it will be my time. No point worrying about it.” I said flatly, firmly believing what I said.
“It’s not going to be your time for a very long time, Brains.” Cole sighed.
“Nope, it’s not. I’m not dying until I’m over 100 years old, and the five of us are all in some home, all old and grouchy together.” I laughed. My voice was rough and tired from
