Damaged and the Beast (Damaged #1)

“No doubt about that. There’s your finger. Here’s me wrapped around it.”


Laughing again because of his earnest expression, I felt lighter since sharing my story. Mostly, I felt like I had a stronger connection to Cooper. As if I showed him a never healing wound and he didn’t poke at it. He wasn’t what I expected and I liked how he surprised me.

The food arrived soon after I finished telling my story. Even with no proof, I knew Cooper kept them from serving us until he got what he wanted first. The food was hot though and I wondered if they had to remake it because people who came in after us were already eating.

No matter the timing, I didn’t care once I took a bite. Moaning quietly, I smiled at him.

“Best Italian in the state,” Cooper said. “Of course, it’s Kentucky so maybe that doesn’t mean much, but it’s fucking good.”

“It is very fucking good.” Cooper’s eyes locked on mine and he gave me his “jeans were too tight” look. “You have issues,” I teased. “Like maybe you need to see a doctor?”

“It’s been two weeks since I’ve had a release. You had to be so hot, didn’t you?”

“Not even your hand?” I whispered.

“Well, that hardly counts.”

“See, that’s your problem right there. You’re spoiled. Lower your standards and life will get easier.”

Cooper laughed. “Is that your way of saying I won’t get any help this evening?”

“I grant you permission to imagine me while alone with your hand. Is that the help you were looking for?”

“I’ve already done all kinds of things with you in my head. So no, that won’t be enough help.”

“I’m not having sex with you,” I said then added, “Tonight.”

Cooper leaned back and grinned brightly. “Ah, finally the disclaimer.”

“I think about you when I’m alone,” I whispered.

Cooper’s expression sent me into hysterics. Everything from horny boy to shock to joyous relief got stuck into one weird facial expression. Even after I was laughing, he seemed unable to respond.

“You’re a wicked little bitch, aren’t you?” he finally said, adjusting in his chair.

“Stop calling me a bitch.”

“I call everyone that. My sisters, my dogs even the male ones, my brother, my Harleys. I called a squirrel a bitch yesterday. To be fair, the little furry bitch had it coming.”

Laughing behind my hand, I finally settled down and returned to eating. “I don’t masturbate. What’s it like?”

Cooper spit out his soda then glared at me. “You timed that.”

“Yes, I did. It’s not fun having someone mess with you, is it?”

“Oh, it’s on. Since you asked, masturbating is a great stress releaser. You know what else is?”

“Is this going to make me vomit?”

“Probably,” he said, laughing. “Yeah, I should wait until you finish eating. Dry heaves are the worst.”

Chewing and laughing, I struggled not to choke. When I finally settled down, I took a sip of my soda.

“I’m glad you asked me out tonight.”

Cooper’s ornery expression faded into a soft smile. “I wanted it to be like this. Ever since the bullshit on Sunday, I wanted another chance and for it to be like this. It feels really good, doesn’t it?”

There was genuine need in his question and I smiled. “It feels great, Cooper. Better than I’ve felt in a long time.”

“And you haven’t even enjoyed a canolli yet.”

Grinning, we finished our pasta then sat back and waited for dessert.

“I know tonight will be no more than some very heavy petting,” Cooper said full of sincerity. “I know my hand and I will have to finish the job without you. I know all that so don’t freak out when I ask this question. Deal?”

“Ask first.”

Cooper grinned. “This weekend, I’d like you to come to my house and hang out. We have the pool and a TV the size of this restaurant. Oh, a pool table too. It’ll be fun and I’d like to spend time with you like we did tonight. You’re pretty irresistible when you’re relaxed.”

“But I’m resistible when I’m tense? I’ve been tense since we met so why do you keep asking me out?”

“Fine, you’re irresistible period, but you’re especially sexy when you let yourself be you. Teasing me like that was pretty awesome, though I think I really might need medical attention now.”

As I nearly spit out my drink, Cooper laughed. Suddenly, I wasn’t Farah Smith. I had no past or future. I was just in this single moment with this beautiful funny man who wanted me. I didn’t worry if he’d want me tomorrow or next week. At this moment, we were perfect and I embraced the feeling.

“I would like to come over this weekend.”

Cooper’s amusement faded and he studied me. “You feel it, right? It’s not just me because I can’t have it be just me.”

“I feel it,” I said softly.

“Thank God. I was going nuts thinking I’d suffered a brain injury without noticing.”