Cooper (The Family Simon 6)

“I guess I am.” There seemed to be a lot more layers to Cooper Simon than she’d first thought.

They ate for a few moments in silence, each seemingly lost in thought. Morgan was getting full and toying with her pasta when Cooper asked another question.

“When’s the last time you had a date night?”

She paused, a forkful of pasta halfway to her mouth, and then she set it down. Her stomach rolled, and she reached for her water. She needed a moment, because she was trying to decide whether to be truthful. In the end, she decided honesty was all she had.

“It’s been so long, I don’t remember.”

“That’s too bad,” Cooper murmured, his husky voice drawing her gaze until it rested on him.

Mouth dry, she licked her lips. “Why’s that?” Something flickered in his eyes and dammit, how was she going to finish her meal with all the action going on in her stomach?

“Because candlelight looks good on you.”

Something shifted. She felt it start like a soft whisper that grew to a clamor. It rolled over her, leaving her breathless with a heart beating so fast, she was surprised she didn’t pass out.

Was it the wine? The ambiance? The brutal honesty they’d both shown? She tossed her napkin and leaned toward him.

“Have you ever been in love?”

Morgan watched a play of emotions cross Cooper’s face, and just when she thought the game was done?

?that he wouldn’t answer—he surprised her.

“Yes.” His answer was curt and she knew there was a story there. “Have you?”

She held his gaze and slowly nodded. “Yes.” A few moments passed, and she pushed her half-eaten plate of pasta away. Fiddling with her spoon, she found herself vocalizing thoughts that should have stayed hidden.

“Do you think you’ll ever find love again?”

Cooper finished the last of his wine and set it down. “I’m not sure I want to.” Again, he lifted a brow and cocked his head. “You?”

And there it was. The truth that gnawed at her. The truth that haunted her. The absolute truth she felt in her heart.

Morgan shook her head. “No,” she said softly. “No, I don’t.”

If Cooper seemed surprised at her answer, he didn’t show it—and even if he did, she was no longer paying attention. Movement a few tables over caught her attention, and Morgan turned slightly, a frown on her face. That voice…

A man stood beside a woman, his arm around her shoulders. A casual gesture to be sure, but one that spoke of intimacy nonetheless. The man bent down and whispered something into her ear and then straightened, his face alive with a smile that had, at one time, belonged to Morgan.

Her heart twisted as he perused the room, because she knew what was coming. When he found her, the smile slowly died. It withered and melted into something sad. Just like their love had.

Nathan. Her Nathan.

And Christy.

Oh God.

Heat and cold collided inside her. Queasy, she fought of a wave of dizziness and winced at the roar of sound in her ears. She knew she was trembling but couldn’t seem to stop it. And, God, she wanted to look away from them, but something, some macabre, stupid something held her still. Her heart was pounding so hard and heavy, she was surprised no one else could hear it. But then, maybe they could. Maybe every single person was looking at her with that same look of pity that had been sent her way ever since the accident.

The same look of pity that had replaced the love she used to see in Nathan’s eyes. She might have whimpered, or maybe even cried out.

A warm hand touched hers. A voice broke through the haze that blanketed Morgan.

“Hey, you okay?”

She blinked away tears, and Nathan faded from view. Cooper was silent, his gaze intense as they searched her face. Was she okay? She was so far from okay, right now in this moment, she felt as if she’d never find her way back. Would she admit that? Could she admit that?