Noelle had spent all day stressing over nothing. The minute she was in the company of Cole she had seemed to feel less on edge and worried. The look in his eyes when he had seen her was enough to fill her head with enough confidence to last a lifetime. She felt like she was in a dream and she didn't want to wake up.

The trip into the city was short and filled with them catching up on one another's day. Cole had confessed to being nervous and having his sister give him somewhat of a pep talk and she had admitted to clearing her closet out completely in search of the best outfit to wear. Cole had quickly said she could have worn anything, but did proceed to remind her how beautiful she looked. As much as she tried to hide the blushing it was nearly impossible with his compliments and how they sent her heart racing almost instantly.

When they arrived at their destination, Noelle found a cozy looking restaurant in front of her. She let out a breath of relief since she assumed he might take her to somewhere fancier and stuffier. This place seemed cute and busy so it already put a check in the positive slot for her.

A few people appeared to have noticed Cole and who he was on the way in, but none of them had stopped him to ask for things and just smiled and went on their way. It was nice seeing people respect someone and giving them their privacy, she especially didn't want to be third wheeling with his fans. The fact that he had grabbed her hand immediately as if to stake his claim and put her under his protection made her almost swoon. Things were looking up. Big time.

They were seated in a more private, quiet area of the restaurant and the wait staff was quick and competent. Noelle mentally took note of the name of this place so she could recommend it to others or even visit with a girlfriend or two some other time. Before she could get too stuck in her mind, Cole spoke up.

"I have a confession." His ears looked red and he had a guilty look on his face. It made Noelle worry as well. After a deep breath he continued. "When I told you about my sister giving me a pep talk it wasn't just because of this date. It was...well..." he rubbed the back of his neck and Noelle's palms were sweaty. "...I sort of told her that my feelings for you are really strong and I was scared it was going fast and-oh god. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything but I feel like I needed to let it out." He put his face in his hands and took some more deep breaths before looking back up at her. "I'm sorry for just word dumping all over the place right now. You make me so nervous and alive and at home and relaxed all at the Colee time and ugh. I really need to shut up now."

Noelle couldn't do anything but look at him and process his words. Yes they shared how they liked one another on Christmas Eve, but this sounded like it multiplied...by a lot. It was even close to him saying that he lov- no she couldn't jump to it being that. She shouldn't. Stuff like that would have to come naturally, but what was natural? Was this too soon for either of them? She knew she felt pretty much the Colee way as he just said, but was that enough? Shouldn't they get to know each other a lot more than what they knew now? Part of her thought that was reasonable, but another part thought...to hell with it all. You can't help your feelings other than acting on them or regretting it later. The choice was hers, well theirs, yet it seemed he had already put a foot in the race.

Cole looked back at her, a tortured look on him probably assuming she thought he was bonkers when it was really the opposite. She had felt on the Colee page, on the Colee line as him that it was terrifying. It was less now so that he had confessed, but if she admitted to the Colee, this would make it much more real. Was she ready for that?

She thought a bit longer to herself, hoping an answer would come quickly as to not scared Cole even more. First and foremost, Jacob was her priority. Certainly he had thought of that as well, hadn't he? Her immediate vibe was that of course he did. Cole had been nothing but thoughtful when it came to her son. They were faster friends than anything and she didn't think he would ever purposely do anything to hurt him. Secondly, what would their families think? She'd only met a few of his family members and that was only in passing. Would they accept her? Would they accept her son? That was also squashed, because Cole wouldn't be such an amazing person if he also didn't have an amazing family who brought him up. Her family already adored him, there was no question about that. Thirdly...she thought. Then she thought more. After thinking a little longer she found she didn't have a third reason other than maybe her own insecurities and worries. Perhaps it was a sign it was time to be brave and jump in, but first, she needed to make sure on his end.

"I think...I mean I know that I'm falling for you and yes it's terrifying because I don't have only my anxious self to worry about. I have Jacob. What is terrifying you about these feelings between us?"

The surprised look on Cole's face was priceless. He was already accepting defeat and didn't expect her response. He had to blink a few times and take some deep breaths before composing himself.

"Wow. I uh..I didn't expect that. Sorry. I'm just trying to make sure I'm still alive." They shared a quick chuckle before he continued. "Sorry," he took another breath. "I'm just...excited and happy and scared. I'm sure you are too," she nodded. "To answer your question what's terrifying me other than losing something or someone I truly care about is actually worrying about what would happen to you and Jacob." His answer caught her off guard although it shouldn't have. Of course he would have Jacob's best interest at heart. He was truly amazing and she would spend as long as she could (hopefully forever) reminding him of that.

"So...what does this all mean? What are we going to do?" Her question was what had been plaguing her most.

He looked at her for a moment, a twinkle in his eye. "I think that means we should continue this date, and then plan for more after," he smiled. "I'd like to date you exclusively. I'd like to be your man. I'd like you to be mine." He rubbed his neck again looking sheepish and adorable. "I'd like to see where this goes. I think we have a lot of potential."

Noelle felt her eyes stinging. She wanted to cry tears of happiness, she wanted to laugh, she wanted to scream. She wanted to jump for joy that this man, this perfect person in front of her saw her the same way and wanted to plan something with her. She hadn't felt this feeling in such a long time, maybe even ever.

"I think so too," she whispered. His ears perked up and his smile widened at her response and his hand reached over the table asking for hers.

"Let's jump in," Cole said. She moved her hand into his and felt how right it was.

Jump in, they did.