Cole grinned, placing her hand back in her lap and turning his attention to the road. His hand remained intertwined with hers and her thumb was brushing over his knuckles. A comfortable silence settled between them and she leaned back in her seat, enjoying the ride. She watched as the scenery went by, her mind drifting. Cole kept glancing over at her, taking in her appearance. Her hair was blowing lightly in the wind, the sunlight hitting her just right and making her glow. Her eyes were half closed, a soft smile playing on her lips. She looked so at peace, it made his heart skip a beat.

"I love you." He murmured, his eyes flicking between her and the road.

"I love you too." Hollyn replied, her smile growing as her eyes meet his. She felt this giddy and warm

He smiled back and lifted their intertwined hands, kissing the back of hers again. He then placed their hands back down and squeezed hers gently, his eyes focusing back on the road. He continued driving, his thumb brushing against her knuckles. Hollyn was curious as to where he was taking her, but decided not to question him. If she did, he would only give her a vague answer. So, she let him be and turned her attention to the road ahead of them. They continued driving in silence until Cole parked the car.

"We're here." He announced, smiling as he turned the engine off. 

"Where is here?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Come see for yourself." Cole chuckled, unbuckling his seatbelt and getting out of the car. Hollyn huffed but followed him, her curiosity growing. She walked around the car and came to a stop next to him. She looked around and realized they were at a secluded spot overlooking a breathtaking view of the city lights below. Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight.

"Cole, this is beautiful," She breathes, turning to him with a smile. "How did you find this place?"

"I was driving around one night and stumble upon it." He shrugs, smiling fondly at her. "It reminded me of you. So, I thought I would bring you here."

Her heart flutters and her cheeks turn pink as she bites her lip. How did she get so lucky? "You're so sweet."

He grins, stepping closer to her and wrapping his arms around her waist. "Only the best for my girl."

She giggles, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing a light kiss to his lips. He hums happily, his eyes closing as he kisses her back. They stand there, kissing, for a few moments until she pulls away to catch her breath. "So why did this place remind me of you?" She asked curiously.

"Well, first off, it's beautiful." He begins, chuckling. "But it also has a calming atmosphere. Whenever I come here, I feel like I can forget all my troubles and just relax. You always make me feel calm and at peace. Like, nothing could ever ruin my day as long as I have you in my life."

Her cheeks flush and her heart skips a beat, her smile widening as she gazes lovingly at him. "That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me."

"I mean every word." He assures her, his blue eyes shining with adoration as he looks at her. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're my whole world, Holly Berry. I love you."

"I love you, too. You're my world, too, Cole." She whispered, her voice cracking as she tries not to cry.

He frowns at noticing the tears in her eyes and his hand comes up to wipe away a stray one. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry. Please, don't cry, baby." He cooed, hugging her close.

She lets out a small laugh and hugs him back. "Don't apologize. These are happy tears. I'm just so lucky to have someone like you in my life." She mumbled, burying her face in the crook of his neck. She couldn't believe she ever doubted Cole. He's shown her time and time again that he truly cares for her. That he's willing to fight for their relationship and that he'll never hurt her.

"I'm the lucky one." He whispers, kissing the top of her head. "I don't deserve you. But I'm so thankful that you gave me a chance."

"You deserve the world, Cole." She states firmly, pulling away to look up at him. "Don't ever think otherwise. You're such a sweet and caring guy. I'm so happy that I have you in my life."

He blushes at that, burying his face in the crook of her neck to hide it. He then places a kiss on her neck, earning a giggle from her. "You're too kind, baby."

"It's true." She hums, her hands running up and down his back. She was content standing there, in his arms. Everything felt perfect. Like nothing could ever ruin the moment. "Wanna go sit down on the edge?" She mumbled, her eyes focused on the breathtaking view.

"Sure." Cole replied, smiling. He then guided her to the edge of the cliff, sitting down and pulling her down with him. She laughed as she landed on his lap but she didn't mind at all. She smiled as his arms wrapped around her waist and his chin laid on her shoulder. She leaned back into him, sighing happily as she gazed at the scenery. Her hands were intertwined with his, resting on her stomach. She loved being close to him, feeling his body pressed against hers. He held her close, pressing light kisses to her neck. He nuzzled her neck, his nose brushing against her skin. She giggled, her cheeks turning red.

"So, is this giving me a hint as to what our date tonight looks like?" Hollyn teased, smiling at him.

"Maybe." Cole muses. Then he's quiet as he remembered something and groans, burying his face in the crook of her neck. "I'm sorry, I just remembered I promised Dylan we would hang out tonight. I forgot about it. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay." Hollyn reassures him. "It's fine. We can just hang out tomorrow. Or have our date a bit later than planned, I don't mind." She turned to kiss the side of his head to reassure him more. She had to admit she was a bit disappointed, but she didn't want to make Cole feel guilty.

"Are you sure?" He asks, raising his head to look at her. "I can take a raincheck with Dylan, I really wanna take you out on a date."

"Nope, no raincheck needed. It's fine." Hollyn insists, giving him a reassuring smile. She cups his face and kisses his forehead. "I promise, it's fine." She leaned down to kiss him, her face warming when she felt him smile into the kiss.

"You're the best." Cole mumbled, resting his forehead against hers.

"So, I've been told." She hummed, giggling as she blushed. Her thumb brushes over his cheek as they gazed into each other's eyes. His green eyes were filled with adoration and happiness. His smile was genuine, lighting up his entire face. Butterflies flutter in her stomach as she smiled back, her heart racing.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

She closed her eyes and leaned forward, their lips meeting halfway. It was a slow and tender kiss, both savoring the moment. He pulled her closer, his hands resting on her hips. He then broke the kiss, leaning down to rest his forehead against her shoulder. She giggled, kissing the top of his head. He chuckled, his nose brushing against her collarbone. She sighed happily, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. They sat there, enjoying the peaceful silence and the closeness of each other.

The couple stayed there until Cole had to go meet up with Dylan. He drove her home, smiling fondly at her as she stood at the open window of the driver's side.

"I'll let you know when I'm done hanging out with Dylan and I'll pick you up." He assured her, leaning over to pick her lips.

"Okay. Have fun." She replied, smiling at him and her face burned when he pecked her lips. He somehow always knew how to make her blush.

"I'll try." Cole joked, chuckling as he smiled at her.

She rolls her eyes but smiles anyway. She leans down, cupping his face and pressing a long and passionate kiss to his lips. Cole had to admit he was taken aback by her boldness, but he wasn't complaining. He kissed her back, his hand coming up to cup the back of her head. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Her heart was racing, her mind clouded. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless and their faces were red.

"Wow," Cole breathes out, a grin plastered on his face with a dazed look in his eyes. "That was, um, wow."

"Sorry." She apologizes, her cheeks turning redder as she blushed. "I just couldn't resist-"

"The Cole Effect?" Cole smirked, winking at her.

"That and I just wanted to." She admits with a shy smile. She reluctantly pulls away from him as she steps back. "I'll see you later, Coley. Have fun."

"Thanks, babe. I'll see you soon." He smiled fondly at her, winking at her before he pulled out of the driveway.

Hollyn sighs dreamily as she watches him drive away. She couldn't believe how lucky she was. How did she get so lucky to have someone like Cole in her life? She was glad he came into her life. He was everything she could've asked for and more. She loved him and he loved her. And that was all that mattered.

****

Hollyn found herself practicing with her horse for the upcoming rodeo as she waited for Cole to contact her. She signed up for the barrel racing event and another one that was a bit more challenging—pole bending. Pole bending was a test of agility and speed, requiring both horse and rider to navigate a series of poles in a zigzag pattern. Hollyn had been working on her technique for weeks, determined to improve her time and impress the judges. She was excited and nervous at the same time, hoping to impress everyone with her skills.

As she finished her routine, her phone rang. She stops Apollo near the gate and pulls her phone out of her pocket to answer it. "Hey, Cole! How was it with Dylan?" She asked, thinking it was Cole who called. She hadn't bothered to check the ID before answering.

"Uh, it's actually Kylie, not Cole. But speaking of Cole, please come get him. He and Dylan have been making a ruckus here and I'm pretty sure they both smoked. They're actin' high. Please, I can't deal with this right now." Kylie pleaded, sounding very irritated and annoyed.

Hollyn's eyes widen at the information and she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Okay, yeah, I'll be there soon. Sorry for the trouble. Just make sure Cole doesn't leave until I get there."

"Will do." Kylie sighed in relief, hanging up after that.

Hollyn sighs heavily, putting her phone in her pocket. She glances down at Apollo, who let out a questioning neigh, as if asking if she was alright. "I'm fine, boy. Just my boyfriend's being an idiot." She muttered, rubbing her forehead. She felt a wave of frustration wash over her. It wasn't the first time Cole had acted reckless, but she couldn't help but worry about him. 

Apollo shakes his mane, neighing again. "Yes, I know, I'll get him. Don't worry, boy." Hollyn reassured him, patting his neck. She guided him to the stables to put him up and then went to her car. She drove to Kylie's, her mind racing. She couldn't believe Cole would do such a stupid thing like smoke.

"Stupid Cole." She grumbled under her breath, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. She was worried about him but also very upset. She didn't understand why he would even think it was okay to do something like that. She pulled up to the restaurant Kylie works at where she said Cole and Dylan had been at. When she walked in, she saw Cole was alone at a table, his plate empty. She had immediately smelt the smoke on him and she scrunched her nose up in disgust. She made her way over to him, her arms crossed over her chest. She glared at him, a frown on her face.

Cole perks up when he saw her and grins at her. "Holly Berry!" He exclaimed, a dopey grin on his face as he waved at her.

"We're leaving." She stated firmly, her tone harsh. She grabbed his wrist, pulling him up and dragging him out of the restaurant. She sent a thankful look to Kylie for keeping him here before continuing to drag him to her car.

"Are we going to our date now?" He asked, still grinning as he stumbled slightly to keep up with her pace.

Hollyn shot him a disapproving look, trying to suppress the annoyance bubbling inside her. "You think this is funny? You can't just go around smoking and acting like it's no big deal!"

Cole's smile falters for a moment, and he glances away, his usual confidence wavering. "I mean, it was just a little fun. Dylan said—"

"I don't care what Dylan said! We'll continue this conversation when you're sober," Hollyn interrupts sharply, her frustration spilling over. "Right now, we're getting you home."

Cole pouts, looking almost like a child being scolded. "C'mon, Holly, it's not that big of a deal. I was just hanging out with my friends."

"Not that big of a deal?" Hollyn echoes incredulously. "Cole, you're acting like this is a joke! This isn't some silly game. You could have gotten into serious trouble, or worse—hurt yourself."

He shifts uncomfortably under her gaze, the grin fading completely. "I know, I know. It was stupid. I just wanted to unwind. Things have been really stressful lately, and I thought maybe a little fun would help."

Hollyn's face softens slightly at his admission and she sighs heavily. "I get that you're feeling stressed, but this isn't the way to deal with it. You're better than this, and you know it. Just get in the car and let's go." 

Cole pouts. "But Holly-"

"No buts." She interrupted him, glaring at him as she got into the driver's seat and buckled herself in. Cole got in the car as well, looking hurt and dejected.

The car ride was tense, Hollyn gripping the steering wheel tightly. Her frustration still bubbled inside her, but seeing Cole so upset made her want to just forget it and give him a hug. Still, she remained strong, not wanting to give him any chance to get away with what he did. Because he shouldn't, he should know better than that.

Cole didn't say another word as he stared out the window. They remained silent the whole drive, tension thick in the air. He had no idea why Hollyn was so upset and he was too afraid to ask. He then realized they were at her place, not his. "Why are we at your house?" He mumbled,  When they arrived at her place, she dragged him out of the car and to her room, her grip tight and unrelenting. Thankfully her parents were already in their room and asleep, so they wouldn't be interrupted.

When she let him go, he flopped down on her bed, letting out a grunt. She closed her bedroom door and leaned against it, sighing. Her hands ran through her hair, her grip tightening as she tried to calm herself down.

"Why did you smoke, Cole?" Hollyn finally spoke, her tone firm.

Cole looks up at her and shrugs, still not understanding why she was so upset. "To have fun. It's no big deal, babe."

"No big deal? No big deal!?" Hollyn exclaims, her temper rising. "Do you have any idea how much danger you put yourself in, Cole? If you keep smoking, you'll ruin your lungs and get cancer. And I don't want to lose you, Cole. I already lost one person to that stupid addiction."

Her voice cracks and her eyes start watering, but she quickly wipes them away. Cole's eyes widen, realizing how upset she was. "I'm sorry, baby, I didn't realize-"

"That's the problem! You didn't think! You were just so caught up in having fun that you didn't think about the consequences." Hollyn cries, her tears falling as she glared at him. "And now you're acting like it's no big deal, but it is, Cole. It really is. I'm scared for you. I care about you so much, and seeing you make choices that put you in harm's way—it's just devastating."

Cole sits up, his expression changing from confused to genuinely remorseful. He reaches out, but Hollyn steps back, needing space to process her emotions. "Hollyn, I'm so sorry," he says earnestly. "I didn't mean to hurt you or make you worry. I honestly didn't think it would upset you this much."

She wipes her tears, taking deep breaths to steady herself. "It's not just about me being upset. It's about us being responsible for each other. I want to be there for you and support you, but I need you to be responsible too."

"I understand," Cole says softly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I really do. I promise I won't make decisions like this again. I just wanted to have fun and blow off some steam, but I see now that it wasn't worth the risk."

Hollyn nods, feeling her anger slowly dissipate as she listens to him. "I know you didn't intend to hurt me, but actions have consequences. I need you to be more aware of that."

"I will," Cole assures her, looking up with sincerity. "I care about you more than anything, and I don't want to jeopardize what we have. You mean everything to me."

She takes another deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Thank you for understanding. I just...I needed you to know how much this affects me."

Cole gets up and walks over to her, gently pulling her into a hug. "I'm really sorry for causing you this pain," He whispers. "I'll do better. I promise."

Hollyn hugs him tightly, feeling comforted by his presence. "I hope so," She murmurs. "I just want us to be healthy and happy together."

Cole presses a kiss to the top of her head. "Me too, baby. Me too."

They stayed there, in each other's arms, enjoying the peaceful moment. Cole's arms were wrapped around her waist, her head resting on his chest. She took deep breaths, inhaling his scent and listening to his heartbeat. She could hear his heart racing, and it provided a soothing rhythm to calm her frazzled nerves. The warmth of his embrace and his whispered apologies made her feel reassured, even if the tension of the evening still lingered.

After a while, Cole pulls back slightly to look into her eyes, his expression filled with genuine concern. "Hollyn, I know I messed up, but I want to make it up to you. Can we still go on our date? Or at least spend the night together?"

"You're still not exactly completely sober." Hollyn sighs, looking at him with concerned. She really did want to go on their first official date, but only when he was sober and not high from smoking. "Let's just cuddle and watch movies tonight. You can take me out tomorrow, or the day after."

Cole nods, looking relieved. "That sounds perfect." He leans forward and kisses her forehead. "I'm really sorry about everything."

"I forgive you." She smiles, her hands rubbing his back. She was glad they were able to have this conversation and come to an understanding. It was important for her to be honest about her feelings, and for Cole to be respectful of her boundaries. Even though it was a hard conversation, she was grateful that they were able to work through it and move forward. "I love you, Coley."

"I love you too, Hollyn."

And with that, they spend the rest of the night watching movies and cuddling. Eventually, they changed cuddling positions and Cole ended up with his head on her chest, his arms wrapped around her torso. He snuggled closer, a content smile on his face as she played with his hair. Her heart raced, her cheeks flushed as she gazed down at him. She couldn't help but feel grateful for having him in her life. Even with all his faults, he was a wonderful person. She was lucky to have someone like him. And she would make sure to do everything in her power to keep him safe and happy. Because he was worth it. He was everything.