Damaged and the Beast (Damaged #1)

Cooper kissed my forehead then shook his head. “No fucking way. You’re not ready. I don’t care if you’ve been with thousands or millions or billions of guys, you’re not ready to be with me today. Don’t you think if I thought you were that I’d have you in my bed naked by now? Trust me that saying no is killing me, but I want you to be happy and I don’t see a wall coming down when I look at your face. I see one going up. So no, Farah,”


Leaning down, he sucked at my throat then spoke quietly in my ear. “Now, if you’re interested in some heavy petting with a hint of dry humping then, fuck yeah, we can do that.”

Caressing his still slightly damp hair, I sighed. “Yes, please.”

A grinning Cooper kissed me and we didn’t stop for an hour. Finally, Cooper pried himself off of me and leaned back into the couch. Running his hands through his now dry hair, he gestured for me to come closer.

Cuddling up next to him, I rubbed my lips and smiled. It was rather sad how the human heart found so much self-worth from others, instead of from within. Cooper suddenly had complete control over whether I felt beautiful or ugly. Whether I was a winner or a loser. Whether I deserved to be happy or was kidding myself.

“What movie do you want to watch?” he asked, wrapping his arms around me.

“I don’t care.”

Cooper turned on The Avengers and we sat for another two hours cuddled up. When the sun was low in the sky, Cooper disappeared to find more food. Again we ate, but I pigged out less after eating so much earlier.

We didn’t really talk about anything important. Cooper seemed nervous and very careful with his words. I knew how he felt. After a trip to the bathroom to clean up, I was ready to go.

“Sure you don’t want to swim again? We can go to the pool.”

“Maybe next time.”

Cooper exhaled softly. “There will be a next time, right?”

“If it’s up to me, yes.”

Giving me his cocky grin, Cooper wrapped an arm around my shoulders as we walked out. Soon, I was on the back of his bike, my arms becoming familiar with the feel of him.

After arriving at my apartment, we stood in front of the door for a minute, saying nothing. I suspected he wanted me to invite him inside, but I knew Amy was home by the sound of the TV.

“Wanna come back over tomorrow?” he asked.

“I have to work and study.”

“I thought you didn’t work weekends?”

“A girl wanted to take the day off and I need to make extra money for…” I peeked back at the apartment door. When I turned back to Cooper, I whispered, “For Tawny to move here.”

Sighing, Cooper glanced around all grumpy like and I waited for the bitching to begin. “What time are you working?” he asked, looking back at me. “I’ll visit you.”

“From ten to four.”

“When will you have time to study?”

“Before and after.”

“On Monday, I want you to sit next to me in the back. No front row crap.”

“I like the front row.”

“More than you like me?”

Frowning, I shrugged. “It’s a toss up, but I’ll give the back row a try. The view’s better.”

“Hell yeah, it is.”

I stepped closer. “My mom is inside and I don’t want to stay out here long. If you plan to kiss me goodbye and leave me wanting more, get to it.”

Cooper stretched out his long leg, took one big step, and was against me. I stared up at him in fear and lust. As usual, Cooper looked beautiful, yet terrifying as if he were my salvation and doom wrapped into one tanned muscular body.

His strong hands cupped my face and pulled me closer. I might still worry Cooper was faking his long term interest in me, but I never worried if he was faking his attraction. Kissing me as if claiming me, Cooper was careful though. I felt him holding back and I appreciated this gesture. When I knew he was under control, I could let go and enjoy his affections.

Eventually, he pulled his lips away then kissed me once more softly. Stepping back, he let out an unsteady breath. “I’m not going to say anything about my pants.”

“You just did,” I muttered, fanning my cheeks.

“Man, that was hot. I’m kissing you like that tomorrow on your break. Prepare to get overheated again, baby.”

Cooper was giving me such a cocky grin that I had to mess with him. Placing a hand on his chest, I stared up into his eyes with my most earnest gaze.

“I’ll miss you.”

Yep, that worked. Cooper’s smile faded and he just stared full of longing. Less horny hunger, more all encompassing desire. The kind of need I worried would destroy me.

“Don’t tease,” he whispered.

“I’m not. Well, I was, but I will miss you. I had a lot of fun today. Even more than at dinner.”

Cooper gave me a soft smile. “I’m leaving before I fuck up and scare you off again.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Cooper’s grin widened. “Make sure to wear that sexy uniform of yours, okay?”

Laughing, I rolled my eyes then reached for the doorknob. Yet, I didn’t go inside right away. Instead, I watched him walk away, knowing he knew I was watching. Even if I wasn’t certain based on what I knew about Cooper, it was confirmed when he reached the front gate and gave me a naughty wink.





Chapter Eleven