"Leave, Skye," I stated firmly, shaking my head to clear my mind of all self- pitiful thoughts.
The most significant move of my career as a photographer. To be given a chance to be featured in a national magazine and that was his response. Wow.
She was still standing there. Man, why was she so annoying?
Looking up, I pierced her with my most dangerous glare. "Do you mind?" I snapped. "I'm really busy. Close the door behind you."
My intimidating personality did not faze her. She never took her gorgeous, soulful eyes off me as she smiled and mouthed her own 'congratulations' before walking away.
I could have sworn the expression on her face was one of pride. It made me want to wrap my hands around her pretty little neck, shake her and scream, I don't want your support. Or your friendship. Or your sweet, warm smiles. I don't want any part of you.
She doesn't care about me. She just wanted to gloat.
~~~
Skye
Cole held me so securely in his arms that night. But then, he did that every night. Warm and sensual. Loving and doting. Making me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in this world inside and out. Well, maybe I was to him. And the notion was incredible. But he had somebody else who thought of him as the most beautiful man on this planet and I could not deprive either of them of each other's love.
"I want to ask you something," I whispered into his chest as we lay tangled in the sheets after yet another hectic love-making session. It was like he had gone crazy after having his first woman in two years all to himself and now, he was like a sex machine.
Not that I was complaining but he spent every single night with me and it was not fair. Jasper never said anything. He acted like it did not bother him but I saw the pain in his eyes. Things had to get better between them. I could not stand being the reason for their rift.
"What is it?" Cole murmured in the darkness, lazily running his fingers up and down my spine.
I sighed and dropped a kiss on his torso. "I know it isn't really my business but...I can't help but notice the tension between you and Jasper. What's going on?" I ventured, feeling him go still beneath me.
For a minute, I thought he would not answer. It was an unspoken understanding that Jasper's name was forbidden in our bedroom, especially when we were in these kinds of positions.
"Yeah...we're having some issues," he finally replied in a low voice. "But we'll work it out. Eventually. Don't worry."
I nibbled on my lip as I did exactly the opposite of what he asked me. I worried like hell. I mean, some other man was suffering while I was here enjoying sleeping with his boyfriend every night. The thought didn't sit well with me.
"Cole," I began again in a meek voice because Cole was super sensitive regarding Jasper and I was not sure which moment would be the one where he lost it and told me not to stick my nose in things that did not concern me. "Is...Is it me? Are you avoiding talking to him because of me?"
"No, hey, shhh." He cupped my face and gave me his trademark serious, caring look which I loved. "Don't think like that. It's got nothing to do with you."
"I just can't help but feel guilty, you know."
He smiled at me affectionately and bent his head to plant a sweet kiss on my lips.
"Don't," was his calm response as he settled back against the pillows. "I have an early start tomorrow, Skye," he murmured and closed his eyes. "Good night."
Which meant subject closed.
~~~
Chapter 17
Skye
The next morning, I was all geared up to fix things between Cole and Jasper because the tension was killing me. I was pretty sure Cole had never treated his partner like this before I came along. It had gone on long enough. I had to interfere before things got worse even if it meant being viewed as nosy and annoying by the obnoxious Jasper Wells and possibly risking Cole's disappointment in me. But it didn't matter. Cole was at work and talking to him had not resulted in anything useful so I had to walk into the lion's den now. God help me.
The sound of Jasper's car pulling up made my heartbeats go wild with nervous excitement. I knew he did not have work today because he had been packing to go on some London trip and had only popped out for groceries since we were running out. I had learned that Cole, despite his health freak diet, mostly missed meals or ate late due to his workaholic tendencies. That was the reason Jasper always made sure there was food in the house all the time because Cole always forgot to stock up on groceries.
Watching in trepidation as Jasper entered the house and nudged the door close with his boot, I counted to ten under my breath. An encounter with Jasper was like being sent into the spin cycle in the washing machine. Not that I knew what that felt like but I just had a feeling it was somewhat similar.
He walked over to the counter and finally noticed me standing there.
"Oh, it's you again," was his dry response and I swear to God, it took me all of my strength to keep from giggling because sometimes, he could be funny without trying or intending to be. But this situation required seriousness.
"Yes, it's me. I'm still here. Unfortunately," I said, matching his tone. "I need to talk to you."
He cast me a nonchalant glance as he began unpacking the groceries. "The horror."
Okay, seriously. He
