Damaged and the Beast (Damaged #1)

Cooper strutted to the seat next to mine, sat down, and pulled out a notepad. I smiled at him, but kept casual. Scribbling down the lesson on the board, I tried not to make a big deal out of Cooper joining me. Before I could speak, he leaned over and kissed my neck as if Sunday never happened and we were dating now.

“Want to copy my stellar notes?” Cooper asked, scooting his desk closer.

Glancing at his notes, I shrugged. “You do have very nice penmanship. Dainty even.”

“Bitch.”

“Jackass.”

“Gorgeous.”

“Stud.”

“You have no idea.”

Rolling my eyes, I noticed Nick and his friend enter. I smiled at the guys then glanced back at Cooper who watched them as if he was a lion about to snag baby gazelles.

“Do you want to sit with your boyfriend?” Cooper asked with his gaze on Nick even as his fingers caressed the nape of my neck.

“Maybe, but first I’ll copy your stellar notes.”

“Bitch.”

“Asscrack.”

“Nerd.”

“Hotstuff.”

“The devil disguised as an angel to trick me into losing my heart.”

“That one was too long.”

Cooper grinned. “Want to get something to eat after class?”

“I have to study then go to work.”

“Blow off work and study with me then I can show you my stud moves,” he said, wiggling his brows at me.

“I need my job.”

“Not really.”

“How do you know?”

“I know everything.”

Rolling my eyes again, I wished the instructor would arrive. Instead, I was stuck with Cooper who focused more on Nick than anything else.

“I barely know him,” I said.

“Good.”

“I don’t like possessive guys.”

“Of course you do. After all, you like me and I’m possessive. If that guy touches you, I’m breaking his fingers.”

“You’re being a dick.”

Cooper sighed loudly then shoved back into his chair, nearly snapping off the seat. “If you want the douche so bad, go sit over by him,” he muttered, shoving my chair towards Nick.

“Fine,” I said, embarrassed as I grabbed my backpack.

“No, not fine. Sit.”

“You just said.”

“Sit,” he growled, glaring at me. “I will kick his ass if you sit by him.”

“But you said,” I pushed, just to annoy him since he was annoying me.

Expression shifting into horny stud, he tugged at the seam of my shirt. “I like this on you. Clingy.”

Unsure what to do, I stood another few minutes. Cooper finally convinced me to sit by patting on the chair as if I was a dog he was training.

“So where do you want to eat after class?” Cooper whispered as Manuel entered.

“I’m not eating with you. I have to study and go to work.”

“We can study together and you can call in sick.”

“I’m ignoring you now.”

Cooper spent the next forty five minutes glaring at me in the most obvious way. In fact, I was certain class ended a little early because Manuel wasn’t comfortable with Cooper’s behavior. Maybe he hoped to allow me to get away. Or maybe he knew who Cooper was and wanted to let the hotshot chase me.

Whatever the reason, class ended early and I walked out quickly. Cooper said nothing while walking next to me until I disappeared into a bathroom. When I exited, he was gone and I felt an odd mix of disappointment and relief.

Driving me home, Skye announced she met a guy named Tyler who was black and had shoulders like an ox. The ox thing made her giggle as if Tyler’s beauty had sent Skye into heat.

As we arrived at my apartment complex, she sighed. “He’s really into math. My dad is into math. A guy who is like my dad except super hot and with lips I could stare at forever. Tyler’s perfect, but I think he’s still into his old girlfriend at home.”

“Give it time,” I said, unsure about my advice skills. “It’s our second week at school. Soon, he’ll forget about her and only see you.”

When Skye studied me, I knew my advice sucked. I had no experience giving dating suggestions and it showed. Then, Skye’s brown eyes lit up and she smiled like a miracle occurred.

“Sometimes, I forget you can talk,” Skye said. “Loyal and quiet, plus you give great advice. This year is turning out so perfect. First, a super awesome friend. Now, a super hot guy. College rocks.”

Pleased with Skye’s happiness, I said goodbye then hurried inside to study. A bag of chips later and only a part of my Spanish assignment complete, I rushed around to get in a shower before work.

Once at Denny’s, I found quiet moments to work on assigned reading. I even hid in the bathroom, reading when I was supposed to be on the floor. Piper immediately mentioned my absence so I claimed diarrhea. Arnie told me about his last stomach bug and let it go. Knowing I was lying, Piper just grinned at seeing the goody-two-shoes slack off at work.

By the time Cooper arrived for his dinner, I was depressed and ready to call Tawny. I needed the friendly voice of someone who knew the real me.

“You pitching a fit about today?” Cooper asked, frowning up at me from his booth.

“What part of today? How you threatened Nick or when you embarrassed me?”