The Bad Boy Hockey Collection: A Collection Of Single Daddy Romances

Who the hell was knocking on my door at this hour?

I rushed down the hall, reached the door, and peered through the peephole.

Cooper.

Seriously? It was as though he’d timed it perfectly, popping over at the exact moment he’d catch me in only a towel. I pulled the door open a crack, hiding my body behind it as I peeked around the side of it to see what he was there for.

“Hi?”

“Hi. I must’ve caught you at a bad time...” He smirked mischievously, and it sent a warmth through my core.

This man was irresistible, and it frightened the hell out of me. But it was also kind of nice. I’d never thought I’d be able to look at a man and see anything but distrust and betrayal, as if all men wore a big red stamp on their foreheads that read, I’m a heartbreaking, scheming liar! Beware!

“I was just stopping by to see if you needed me to hang out with Levi again today? I’m available, and we had a ton of fun yesterday, so it doesn't put me out by any means.”

There went my heart, completely melting into a puddle at my feet. Maybe Cooper was a superhero and didn’t have ulterior motives. Again, he’d left me speechless.

“So, is that a yes or a no?” Cooper’s voice rumbled through me. Then, I caught his gaze peeking through the crack in the door. I looked down at myself. He could definitely see the side of my body, covered only in the towel. I hadn't realized I’d moved at all.

“Uh, yeah, bad timing,” I said awkwardly. “Just got out of the shower. But, no, you’re free today. His dad is picking him up. Thank you, though.” I was nervously rambling. I scooted further behind the door again.

Cooper’s face clouded with disappointment, but I could tell he was trying to hide it. “I’m sorry about the bad timing. But, okay. If you need anything, or if he bails again, I’m here in a heartbeat. Don’t hesitate...” His voice was firm, but it trailed off as his bright blue eyes pierced mine. Then, he nodded his head toward me to say goodbye and turned away.

“Thank you,” I stammered.

He looked back my way and winked just before I closed the door.

Locking the deadbolt and leaning up against the door, I let out a sigh. Heat rushed into my cheeks. There was nothing more intimidating than being covered by a mere towel in front of a man who was sexy as sin. At that point, I was selfishly hoping Ethan would cancel.

***

After a long workday, I wanted nothing more than to hop in the tub for a relaxing bubble bath, sip on a glass of red wine, and eat the crème-filled doughnut I’d bought earlier today. Not the classiest of pairings, but nonetheless, it sounded delicious and would hit the spot.

Setting my purse and keys down on the dining room table, I kicked off my heels and let them lay there. I’d worry about picking them up later. Right now, my main concern was to relax. Even though I missed my little guy more than anything, it was nice to have a break, and it didn’t happen often, so I’d have to take it while the chance was there.

Staying strong for him during these past couple of weeks had taken its toll on me. An emotional breakdown was necessary, and I was sure it would accompany my wine and doughnut in due time. I needed to get it all out so I could move the fuck on.

For Levi, and for myself.

A vibration in my pocket startled me, and I worried something was wrong with Levi. I pulled my phone out and checked the screen. The name Cooper Henley appeared on the display screen.

Butterflies swarmed my stomach, and, for a moment, I hesitated to open the message.

Deep breaths, I thought to myself before taking the plunge. I pressed the button to read it.

Since Spiderman is out fighting crime tonight, we’re going to get a couple coffees and walk around the park. I’ll be over at 7.

Laughter escaped me as I re-read the text message. Spiderman. So, Cooper had paid attention to Levi and remembered that was his favorite superhero. How could I say no to that?

Plus, he hadn’t given me the option. He’d told me what the plan was.

Well, there went the wine, the doughnut, and wallowing in self-pity for the evening. But, really, I would have been silly not to go. I needed to get to know him if he was going to watch Levi in the future, even occasionally.

But I couldn’t agree to it that easily.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but are you asking me to come with you, or telling me what to do?

Shit. I hadn’t thrown in an emoticon at the end of the text, so he would probably take it literally and think I was being a bitch.