The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 44

"What are you staring at?" I pulled Lorraine behind me protectively. The moment my hand brushed against hers, I felt her tremble slightly.

"Are you two staying together?" Yvonne asked, her tone sharp.

"Yeah, so? What about it?" I shot back, tired of her endless questions.

"If you've got an issue, keep it to yourself." I had no obligation to explain anything to her. Grabbing Lorraine's hand, I glanced back at Xavier. He clearly didn't like me anyway, so he was better off sticking with Yvonne.

As we walked toward the rooms, my steps grew heavier. My room was right next to Lorraine's, and the closer we got to her door, the harder my heart pounded. I felt an uneasy anticipation building inside me.

Should I stop by her door on my own or wait for her to invite me? What if she didn't? Should I bring it up, or would that make me seem too eager?

My palms were clammy, and I could barely hold onto Jonas' hand without it shaking.

"Daddy, are you—"

"Jonas, are you hungry?" I cut him off, having guessed where this conversation was headed.

"No, Daddy. I—"

"Then let's grab dinner later." I gave him a quick wink. He didn't seem to understand but nodded anyway, always the cooperative one. We were almost there… Just a few steps away.

My nerves were so frayed that I was practically grinding my teeth. When I was right outside Lorraine's door, my heart felt ready to leap out of my chest.

"Cole."

"Yeah?" I froze, stiffly turning to face her.

Lorraine was smiling at me, clearly amused. "Aren't you coming in?"