Rising Read online

  “Give me your phone. I’ll take care of it.” He pulls me closer as he dials Marcus. I can barely breathe. My heart’s still racing over what just happened. My frustration at not remembering the details of the night I was hit by the car builds, and I shake.

  “Hey.” Cole hangs up the phone when he finishes his call and hugs me tight.

  Three policemen walk through the door. Everything happens in a blur. I answer questions. Marcus arrives. Craig comes around and the police take him away. He glares at me as they drag him out the door.

  The whole time, Cole’s by my side. He’s my strength. He’s my rock when everything around me feels like it’s falling apart.

  When the police are gone, Cole wraps his arms around me, and I press my head against his chest. His heartbeat’s familiar and comforting. This is exactly what I need right now.

  Him.

  My breathing steadies, and he kisses the top of my head. “You okay?”

  “I am now.”

  He’s all I need. He’s all I’ve ever needed.

  “Let’s get you home.”

  “Take next week off,” Marcus says. “I’m so sorry, Brooke.”

  “You weren’t to know.”

  He shakes his head. “No. I thought I was a good judge of character.”

  I snort, and he drops his gaze. “Okay. I know John’s a pain in the ass, too.”

  “He needs to keep his hands to himself, but he did me a favor a while ago.”

  “I’ll put some pressure on him to sort himself out.”

  I nod. “Thank you.”

  Grabbing my bag and coat, I walk out the door with Cole. His car’s parked outside, and I’m so thankful for the comfort and warmth it provides for the short drive home.

  When we get there, Cole walks me into the building and up to my door.

  “Want me to come in for coffee?” he asks. “And by that I do mean coffee. I’m not trying anything. Not after what you’ve been through.”

  I pat his chest. “As great as that sounds, I just want to take a really long shower and sleep.”

  He nods.

  “I’m not pushing you away, Cole. That’s the last thing I want to do. I just need to breathe for a bit.”

  Cole forces a smile. “I understand. I’ll go home now. But you call me if you need anything, and I’ll be back later to spend some time with you and Kaia.”

  I nod. “Thank you.”

  He runs his index finger along my jawline and raises my face to meet his. His kiss is soft and slow, and I let out a sigh.

  “I love you,” he says.

  My heart skips a beat. My head’s still foggy, and I just need some space and sleep.

  “Good night, Cole,” I whisper.

  “Good night. See you later.” I open the door. The living room is dark, and for a second I wonder where Rosalyn is.

  Kaia’s spending the night at her place.

  Right.

  Shower and bed.

  I can’t sleep.

  I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling. What the hell am I doing? I got a fright tonight, but Cole was there. He took care of me and loved me, and I still pushed him away.

  He saved me. He was there when I needed him.

  He’d already arranged for Craig to walk me home with no plans to pick me up, yet he still turned up. Because he loves me.

  And I love him.

  I pull out my phone and dial a cab. It’s only a few minutes away, so I shoot a quick text to Rosalyn. It’s late, but if she doesn’t see it tonight, she’ll see it in the morning.

  After pulling on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, I head out to the elevator and down to the front of the building.

  It’s pouring with rain. The water pelts me as I run from the building and into the waiting car. Despite the short distance, the large drops leave me cold and damp. I shiver.

  “Are you alright, miss?” the cab driver asks.

  I nod. “Let’s go.”

  Settling back into the seat, I close my eyes for a moment. Even if I can’t remember before, it’s now that matters.

  When we pull up outside Cole’s house, I hand the driver the money and get out. I run from the car to the front door.

  It’s exposed, the rain pelting toward it, and there’s no relief for me as I knock.

  The first thing I’m going to change about this place is to make sure his door is sheltered.

  His door? Our door. This is my house too. Our family home.

  Or at least it will be.

  I hammer on the door again, and a light flicks on inside.

  “Okay, okay.” He pulls open the door, and his eyes drink me in. “Brooke? It’s after three in the morning. What are you doing—”

  I fling my arms around his neck and crash my mouth onto his. His shoulders slump as he relaxes, kissing me back, his tongue flicking over mine.

  We pull apart. Both of us are panting. I need him. I’m so hungry for him that if I waste another minute, I’ll starve.

  Cole is it. He always was.

  “I’ll grab you a towel. Come in” He disappears into the bathroom, and when he comes back he attempts to drape a towel over my shoulders. I launch myself at him again, and I’m lost in a tangle of limbs as he takes my demands and fulfills them.

  “You’re soaking wet.” He laughs. “And not in a good way. At least I don’t think so.”

  “Maybe not yet.”

  His grin lights up the room. He’s so happy. “I love it when you talk dirty.”

  “Take me to bed. I need you. I only need you.”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  14

  Cole

  Is this it? Is this the moment when I get my wife back even without her memory?

  I follow her to the bedroom. She comes to a stop at the door.

  I scan her expression as I approach. We’re nowhere near the point we were before her attack, but there’s warmth and, dare I hope, love?

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” I ask.

  She nods. “I keep having this nagging feeling. It’s not a memory, but I know enough to know I should be treating you better. You’re Kaia’s father, and she loves you so much.”

  I lick my lips, taking her hands in mine. “What about you?”

  “I’m scared. But you haven’t backed down once..” She drops her gaze, and her mouth falls open. “You’re wearing your wedding ring?”

  “I should never have taken it off.”

  “Cole.” Her eyes are so full of emotion.

  “You’re my wife, Brooke. For better or worse. We’ve been through the worse.” I lean in, giving her a tentative peck. She wraps her arms around my neck, cupping the back of my head and leaving me in no doubt that she wants more.

  My tongue strokes hers in long, deliberate moves. She moans, pressing her tight body against me. I’m hard as a rock, and we’re both still fully clothed.

  I need her naked. I need to suck on the nipples that pebble at my touch. I need to lick my way down her stomach until I find that little piece of heaven between her legs. I need to eat her pussy until she’s wet and aching for my cock. And once we’ve satisfied each other, I’ll start all over again.

  Reaching down, I pull at her shirt, and she lifts her arms to help me get it over her head. My pants tighten at the sight of her breasts in a plain white cotton bra. It takes me back to that first night together—the night we conceived Kaia.

  She gasps when I bend, nipping at her breasts through her bra. I leave wet marks as I suckle on her nipples through the thin fabric.

  “Cole,” she whimpers.

  “Bed.”

  Grabbing my hand, she pulls me toward the bed. I thought I was happy when we got back together the first time. This time, I’m delirious with joy at the thought of our union. She doesn’t need her memory to know we’re right together.

  At the foot of the bed, we stop, and she wraps her arms around my neck, her mouth clashing with mine as we come together with one hot open-mouthed kiss. I roam her b
ody with my hands, pausing at her breasts, and pinching her nipples hard. She lets out a moan.

  “Slow, or hard and fast?” I ask.

  “You’re giving me a choice?” Her breathy laugh makes my cock stir.

  “You liked to change it up last time. It’s only right I let you choose first.”

  She laughs against my mouth. “I don’t even know. I just want you inside me. Where you belong.”

  “Is that right?”

  She takes a step back, her expression falling. “I’m sorry.”

  “For what? If you’ve changed your mind about tonight …”

  She shakes her head. “For not having faith.”

  I shrug. “I understand. It’s confusing for all of us. The important thing is that you’re safe. I love you.”

  She reaches behind and unclips her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Her lips curl into a smile as she pushes me backward onto the bed, straddling my hips. “Let’s make this right.”

  “We don’t have to do this. You don’t have to prove anything to me.”

  She cocks an eyebrow. “Are you trying to talk me out of sex?”

  “No. I just don’t want you to think you owe—”

  Her mouth covers mine, and she shuts me up with a kiss—one that leaves me in no doubt that she’s not just conveying her gratitude. She shrieks as I flip her onto her back on the bed.

  “You know how to drive me crazy.” I laugh.

  “I hope so.” Her smile is so beautiful. It lights up her whole being, and I get lost in it for a moment. Is this real? Am I about to get everything I’ve ever wanted? Everything I thought I had and lost?

  She giggles as I pull her panties down her legs and strip off my shirt. I drop my pants to the floor and lie beside her on the bed.

  Cupping her pussy, I slip a finger inside. She lets out a small gasp, and I bring my finger up to stroke her clit. Her body shakes as I suck one of her nipples into my mouth. Hard.

  “Cole,” she moans.

  I play her clit with my fingers, stroking it gently as I tongue her nipple. She sighs, digging her fingers into my hair. “I love you, Brooke.”

  “I love you too. I always have.” My heart leaps at her words. She falls apart beneath my hand, her hips bucking, her whole body reacting to my touch.

  When she shudders, I move between her legs. Her eyes are full of wonder.

  I know she can’t remember what sex was like between us right before her memory loss, but I’m determined it’ll be just as good tonight. We have our connection back.

  I run my tongue up each side of her pussy before settling on her clit, teasing her, tasting her until she cries my name and pushes against my face. She’s mine again.

  Crawling over her, I sink into her hot, tight body, moaning at how wet and soft she is. Nothing has ever felt as right as this. No matter what, Brooke and I belong together. I should have known that from the start.

  Maybe she doesn’t remember how we fell in love last time, but I’ll sure as hell try my best to remind her.

  Every day for the rest of my life.

  We lie in the afterglow, and she giggles when I pull her into my arms and pepper her neck with kisses.

  “I think we need to get out of bed,” I say.

  “Why?” she asks.

  “Because I’m going to change the sheets and pillowcases. You should have used that towel. There are drips of water everywhere.”

  She laughs. “I’ll help you.”

  “Are you warm enough?”

  Her eyes shine with contentedness. “I’m very warm. And happy. Happier than I’ve been in weeks. If I’d known that was all it would take …”

  My lips meet hers, and she moans as I give her a deep kiss. “Oh, I can give you lots of that if it makes you happy.”

  “You make me happy, Cole.” She smiles. “And you make Kaia happy. These past few weeks have been miserable, but I think I’ve worked out what we were missing.”

  “What?” I play innocent, but I think I know what she’s going to say.

  “You.”

  I can’t stop myself from grinning. “It’s taken you long enough to work that out.”

  She slaps my arm. “Don’t you dare make fun of me.”

  “I would never do that.” I kiss her again, and the sheets are forgotten as I make my wife my own.

  In fact, I’m not sure if I’ll ever let her out of bed again.

  15

  Brooke

  I link my fingers in his as he sleeps—my husband, my love.

  I have no regrets this morning, and there’s no going back now. Cole and I are together, and nothing will separate us. We’ve been through a lifetime’s worth of pain that’s led us back to each other. I think my favorite thing in the whole world is lying here, beside my husband.

  When he opens his eyes, I get lost in those dark pools. Kaia shares that trait with him. I’ve always loved the color of her eyes.

  “Morning,” he murmurs.

  “Good morning.”

  “Did you sleep well?”

  I smile. “Like a log.”

  “How about I make some coffee and we go and get Kaia?”

  My smile widens. “That sounds wonderful. She’ll be so happy to see you.”

  “I just want to be with both of you.”

  I palm his cheek. “We want to be with you.”

  Cole slides his arm across me, pulling me toward him. “I could do with another dose of you first, though.”

  “I won’t say no,” I whisper.

  Closing my eyes, I relax as he covers me in kisses.

  I don’t know if I’ve ever been this happy.

  We head straight to Rosalyn’s place when we get to the apartment.

  “Brooke. Cole.” Rosalyn gives us a warm welcome as she opens the door.

  “Hi, Ros,” I say.

  Kaia runs to the door when she hears my voice.

  “Daddy.” Kaia jumps up and down. She looks at Rosalyn’s granddaughter. “This is my daddy.”

  “It sure is, baby. You ready to come home?” I ask.

  She nods.

  “Thank you, Ros.”

  “It’s my pleasure. I got your text.”

  I nod. “I’d love to catch up later. I’m not working nights next week, so we can get together for coffee if you want.”

  She smiles. “Well, you still call me if you two want to go out. It’s always a pleasure to take care of Kaia.”

  “I appreciate it. But I think we’ll be spending as much time as we can together for a little while.” I suck in a breath. “My attacker was caught last night.”

  Rosalyn’s eyes widen. “That’s such good news.”

  “Cole stopped him.” I beam with pride. I’m still a little shaky thinking about it, and Cole slips an arm around my shoulders.

  “Are you okay?” Ros says.

  I nod. “Thanks to Cole. Maybe we can have coffee during the week.”

  “That sounds great.”

  “Anyway, come on, Kaia. We’ve got some things to talk about,” I say. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

  Kaia grabs hold of Cole’s hand while Rosalyn hands me Kaia’s bag.

  “Thank you.” I smile as Rosalyn bends to kiss Kaia goodbye.

  It’s a short walk home, but it’s so good to have the three of us together.

  “We have to talk to you, Kaia,” I say, leading her to the couch. “Daddy and I are back together.” I take a deep breath. “So, we’ll be seeing a lot more of him from now on.”

  Kaia flings her arms around my neck.

  “I know you’ve missed him, sweet girl. He’ll never be far away now.”

  She lets go of me, and does the same to Cole.

  He closes his eyes as he hugs her tight. “We’re going to spend so much time together, you’ll get sick of me.”

  Kaia laughs. “Daddy.”

  “I doubt either of us will get sick of you. Not for a while, anyway.” I grin.

  “I hope not,” Cole says.

  Ka
ia’s like a limpet with Cole. She spends the day glued to his side, barely letting him out of her sight. It warms my heart knowing she won’t break down over him leaving because he doesn’t have to leave.

  After dinner, she falls asleep in his arms. He kisses her on the top of her head.

  “Want me to get her changed for bed?” he asks.

  I shake my head. “I think this once we’ll just tuck her in. It’s not going to hurt.”

  “She’s so happy.” He strokes her forehead.

  “This is all she wanted: you and me together.”

  He smiles. “I’m glad we are. And not just because of Kaia.”

  I chuckle. “I should hope not.”

  “I’ve never had anyone show up at my house and throw themselves at me.”

  “Well, I don’t do that for just anyone.”

  His eyes show me just how happy he is. “I should hope not. I’ll go and put her into bed.”

  He’s gone for a couple of minutes before returning, and I stand to greet him.

  “Let’s go to bed.”

  “I thought I might go home.”

  I stare at him. “Why?”

  “Last night was amazing. But I think I’ll leave you and Kaia to have some time together in the morning. After last night, you need it.”

  “I don’t want space anymore, Cole. I want you. Stay, and be her father.” I smile. “Stay, and be my husband.”

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “I’ve never been more sure.” I lick my lips. “I’m sorry I’ve been so distant. Our past hurt me so much, and without my memory, I couldn’t see a future.”

  He smiles. “And now?”

  “The only future I see is you.”

  16

  Brooke

  Yesterday was the first day we felt like a family again.

  My husband spent the whole night showing me how much he loves me. This morning, I wake with him for the second time, and my heart is overflowing with love.

  “Daddy?”