How could I feel so much for someone I met only two days ago?
I reach up and run the tips of my fingers along his jaw and then caress him like he touches me. He turns and kisses my palm. The light returns to his eyes, and a small grin along with it.
That’s when I know.
I didn’t underestimate him. I underestimated the storm. It didn’t just bring the rain with it. It brought Cooper Haywood to my door.
12
Story
Tucking the keys into the bag at my hip, I step down to the sidewalk to join Cooper, who’s been quietly waiting for me to lock up for the night. The night air is cool but bearable without all the winter accessories. “It turned out to be a pretty day,” I say, making small talk.
“It did.”
Still, a chill decides to run up my spine. Reaching between us, he takes my hand.
Our fingers wrap around each other’s, and we walk without acknowledging the elephant, the third wheel in our relationship. Relationship? Is that what we’re in now?
I don’t think it’s ever happened so easily. It just slipped on like a pair of favorite cozy slippers and felt so right from the beginning.
Granted, I’ve not had many, so I may not be the right one to judge these things. Nevertheless, I like this—his hand wrapped so reassuringly around mine like I didn’t have a meltdown earlier inside the shop from a little glass. “You know, I think we should just talk about this and get it over with.” I have other issues that will probably scare him away, so I’m hoping this won’t be one of them.
“What’s that?” he asks.
I’m tempted to roll my eyes, but I shouldn’t when he’s only being polite. He’s not pushed me for answers or to explain. That means a lot to me when it comes to this . . . situation . . . incident? I’m not sure what to call it anymore. It’s morphed from reality to a nightmare to a past I’ve tried to forget. The only issue is it tends to occasionally come back to haunt me. Not in a long time, but last summer didn’t do me any service.
I take a deep breath, exhaling slowly, breathing out any fear of judgment that I think he might have. “I’m not trying to freak you out or anything—”
“With a starter like that, I’m kind of freaked out.”
“I know.” I chuckle, understanding more than he realizes. “This is why I try not to bring it up, but after what happened, I owe you an explanation.”
He stops and moves in front of me. In the middle of the sidewalk, he takes my hands. “You actually don’t owe me anything, Story. You don’t owe anyone anything that you don’t want to share. So if you want to tell me what that was about, I’m here. I’m listening. If you want to pretend it didn’t happen, I’ll respect that. But just know that anything you do share with me stays with me.”
“I’m starting to believe you’re too perfect. Understanding. A good listener.” I shrug, rolling my hand in front of me, knowing this list goes on longer than the few traits I’m listing. “Hot and a great kisser.” Taking hold of the front of his coat, I pull him closer and lift on my toes to kiss him. It doesn’t matter the weather. My body heats the moment our lips touch.
When we part, I lick my lips and then rub them together, still craving the taste of him. Cooper says, “I will do everything in my power to keep my flaws hidden if I keep getting kisses like that from you.”
I laugh. “Secrets don’t stay hidden for long.” Guess it’s not funny, though, since I’m the only one laughing. Trying to lighten the mood again, I fist his coat. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just playing.” I kiss his chin, and then we start walking again. “Unless you have some skeletons in your closet that come to light that I need to know about.” I laugh but realize I’m laughing by myself again. “You don’t, do you?”
His laughter is guttural, deep, and resounding. “Doesn’t everyone?”
He’s right. I have a studio apartment full of secrets that I’m not looking to pull out to display. At least not yet.
We cut down the alley since it’s more direct to my apartment. This time, I hold his hand. Despite the distance between us, I feel closer to him than I have with anyone since my mom. The restaurant is busy, co-eds feeding onto the street in celebration of the semester coming to an end. After two more finals, I’ll be celebrating.
Cooper stops in front of my door but looks down the block at the bright lights and revelers. “Are you hungry?”
“You bought plenty of food for me.”
“I bought snacks, not proper meals.”
“Are tacos a proper meal?”
“Better than a yogurt and crackers.”
“I don’t know. I feel like you nailed it when you bought the good stuff.” I’m starting to wonder if he wants to eat with me or to go out and do some celebrating himself. Releasing his hand, I move toward the door. “I have to study tonight, but I don’t want to hold you back. You should go out and meet your friends. You’re done for the semester, and most people leave by the weekend. Go out and party.” I thumb over my shoulder. “I’ll just have a quiet night in bed.”
Cooper moves in closer. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I don’t mind hanging out with you while you study unless you prefer that I go.”
“I feel selfish.”
He smirks and takes hold of my hips, wiggling them back and forth. “Be selfish, Story. Tell me what you want.” His playfulness belies the words.
“I’m afraid I won’t get much studying done with you here.” Disappointment sinks his grin. I dip my hands under his coat and hook my fingers around his belt loops. Tugging him with me, I add, “Fortunately, I’ve studied enough.”
“You’re very good at teasing, Ms. Salenger.”
“I promise not to tease tonight.” Am I ready for this? He makes me feel so ready, so ready for the first time. “I know how that can get hard.” I wink, and on that note, I turn in his arms and open the door. Dashing up the stairs, he’s quick behind me. I don’t have a chance against those long legs of his, so I let him “win” at the top and give him his grand prize. Me.
Kissing him, I forget the past that came back today and get lost in the possibility of us and a future. “Come on,” I say, anxious to continue kissing him inside.
Once the door is locked, I’m tossed onto the bed. I laugh and flop backward, spreading my arms wide across the mattress. “And here I thought this was going to be more romantic.”
With not enough room to join me, Cooper climbs over me instead and tickles me under my coat and up my ribs. He hovers on top of me, his hands going wide to cover mine and pin me to the bed. I’ve not known heavy with him, but we seem to have straddled a line. “Is that what you want, babe? Romance? I can give you romance.” He dips down, moving the collar of my coat and shirt aside with his teeth and a playful growl before nibbling along my exposed shoulder and following up with sweet little kisses.
“Oh, yeah?” I might be teasing him again, but considering how good his mouth feels on my skin right now, I’m not in a hurry to stop.
Is this it?
Is he the one?
I hold him close, knowing this is around the time my thoughts keep me from moving forward and following through. I swallow, not realizing it’s in his ear until his head bolts up, and he looks at me. “You okay there?”
Staring into his eyes, I don’t feel fear, and not an ounce of anxiety trickles through me. But my heart races for different reasons.
This is it.
He’s the one.
There’s no rhyme or rationale to how fast we’re moving, but something deep inside me tells me I can trust him. “Cooper?” I hate that my voice shakes when I feel good about the decision I’ve made.