His thumb strokes my cheek, and he looks at me with such tenderness. “I’m sorry. I got pissed when I saw the messages. I shouldn't have taken you again, but damn it, I couldn’t help myself.” He shakes his head, but I’m not mad about it. I enjoy his jealousy over me—not that I would ever tell him.
“Cooper.” I grab his hand. “I really am fine. Besides, a warm shower will help.” He relaxes some, and I can see the tension in his shoulders leave his body.
“You want some coffee?” he asks, and when I sigh at the mention of it, he chuckles. I love when that sound comes from him.
“I’ll talk to Wes,” I tell him, and the smile drops from his lips.
“I’ll talk to him.” His tone is firm as his hand drops from mine, and he heads out of the bedroom like the conversation is over.
“What? No, he’s kind of a friend.”
“Friends don’t date,” I hear him say from the hallway, and I huff.
This discussion isn’t finished, but for now I roll out of the bed and go for the shower. I’ve woken up in this house so many times, but never did I imagine it would be in Cooper’s bedroom. I love some of the changes he’s made already, and I can’t see what he has planned for the future.
“Yeah, send me over whatever you got,” Cooper says into the phone as I walk into the kitchen after my shower.
He points to the counter where he sat my coffee next to a couple of Advil. I don’t think I need them, but it’s a sweet gesture, so I take them.
“I really appreciate all the help. I owe you one,” he says before ending the call.
“Everything okay?” I take a sip of my coffee as he walks over to me and places a kiss on top of my head. The act is so natural that it sends warm pleasure to every inch of my body.
“Yeah, I’ve got some reports being sent over. Hopefully it will give me some insight as to who busted out your window.”
“I kinda forgot about all that,” I admit, leaning into him. A cocky smile pulls at Cooper’s lips. “Don’t even.” I slap at his chest, and he grabs me by the hips, making me squeal with laughter.
Gosh, this is all too good to be true with Cooper, but I want this every day of my life. I might get everything I ever wished for, and Lux might actually be right.
Dreams can come true.
Chapter Nine
Cooper
The ride to the edge of town isn’t too far, but it’s far enough that I’m anxious about leaving Juno at home alone. Home. The thought of her being there with me all the time and the two of us making it ours stirs my soul.
I texted Luca and asked him when he’d be back to the house, and he said he was headed back from a camping trip with some college buddies. His cell reception was spotty, but he’d text me when he got back to town. I guess knowing he’s on his way is better than nothing, but odds are that I’ll probably beat him back. Once I get some of my questions answered.
After we ate breakfast I read over the reports Terrance sent over, and it left me with my head spinning. Instead of worrying Juno with it, I told her that I needed to go check some things out and then I’d be back. She seemed skeptical because she knows me better than anyone, but I managed to distract her with a few kisses to that sweet pussy of hers.
The taste of her still lingers on my lips, and it makes my cock hard. All this time we’ve been keeping each other at a distance because of assumptions and the need to protect each other. When all along I could have been balls deep inside her and planning our future together.
Everything happens for a reason, I suppose, but I’ll always regret not making her mine that night in my kitchen. I knew long before then, but I always thought she was just waiting on her moment to put Pink Springs in her rearview mirror. Little did I know she was busy putting her roots down. The truth is, I think I would have lost my mind if that day ever came. I’d chase her little ass down.
I pass a couple of houses on the way out of town and spot the Petersons’ house. It’s where Paula grew up and I assume where she’s staying while she’s here in town. Mrs. Peterson is sitting on the porch with her broken leg propped up. I wave as I pass, and she smiles and waves back.
Paula said she’s here for good, but when I knew her back in high school this is the place she never wanted to end up, so I can’t imagine she’ll actually follow through with it. I have a sneaking suspicion as soon as her mom loses the cast, she’s gonna lose Paula a second later.