Co
oper shifted in the booth, getting a little heated. “I would have flown there, would have brought her back to school, or moved there, or demanded we date long-distance. I wouldn’t have just done nothing.”
Jules sucked in a long breath, her voice dreamy as she said, “That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Thanks, bro.” I tossed a piece of bread at my brother’s head and he dodged it effortlessly. Cooper was always making me look bad.
Giving me a smug grin, he said, “It’s not my fault that I’m the romantic in the family. Sorry, Jules, but Cal doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.”
Jules looked at me and shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “I don’t know, Cooper. He’s done all right so far.”
Take that, little brother.
Cooper raised an eyebrow. “Really? I’m impressed.”
I glared at him. “Contrary to popular belief, you’re not the only one who knows how to be sweet to women, okay?”
He narrowed his gaze at me before looking at Jules, his gaze shifting between us. “Okay. If you say so.”
Katherine rolled her eyes. “Oh my gosh, stop it. You’re both amazing, romantic, and hot, okay? No one can beat a Donovan brother.”
“You hear that, Coop? Your fiancée thinks I’m hot.” I leaned back and tossed my arm around Jules, who was biting back a laugh.
Katherine threw her hands up in the air with a laugh. “Why do I even try?”
“Because you love me,” I said, looking right at her.
Cooper looked at my date. “Jules, why’d you bring this knucklehead again?”
“He looked lonely,” she answered quickly, and he nodded.
“I could see that.”
Jules smiled. “Can we go back to the subject of the two of you in college again?” She wagged a finger between my brother and his fiancée. “I’m sorry; I’m just intrigued by you guys. I don’t know anyone who found the person they wanted to spend the rest of their life with so young. Well, I guess I have known a few people, but they’re all miserable or divorced by now, and you both still seem happy and suited for each other. So, would you really have dated long-distance at that age? I don’t mean to pry—I’m just impressed.”
Cooper nodded. “I would have, for sure. I would’ve done anything for her.”
“I probably would have said no and fought him on it,” Katherine said with conviction.
I recoiled a little, shocked for the second time that evening. “Really?”
As Katherine nodded, Cooper added, “She definitely would have been the more difficult one to convince. But I refused to give up on her, even when she wanted me to.”
Katherine’s smile faded. “I’m sorry for wanting you to,” she said, as if whatever they’d gone through still bothered her.
Damn! What exactly happened back then?
“That was a long time ago,” Cooper said softly. “You know I understood.” He kissed her temple and focused on her, caressing her cheek and playing with her hair.
A little uncomfortable, I cleared my throat, reminding them that we were still here. Those two tended to do that sometimes, get lost in their own world and forget anyone else existed.
Our waiter came back with another waitress in tow, interrupting us when they set our plates in front of us. As soon as they walked away, the four of us attacked our food as if we hadn’t eaten in weeks. The sudden silence was almost laughable. It was the longest we’d gone without talking since we first sat down.
After dinner, Cooper and I fought over the bill, as usual. After he won, we all walked back to his hotel so I could get my car and drives Jules home. We said our good-byes at valet parking, the chilled air mimicking how my insides felt. As much as I loved seeing my brother, I hated telling him good-bye. We never had enough time together anymore.
“It was really nice to meet you,” Katherine said to Jules.
“You too. Good luck with the wedding planning, and let me know the next time you’re in town. I mean it.”