Solar Fury

by E A Chance

  "Allow me to give you Coop’s Deluxe Monument Tour after dinner. I'm very familiar with the city. I lived here when my dad was a senator."

  Annoyed with herself for being impressed, Riley said, "Your father was a senator?"

  "Yes, from the great state of Illinois. He was one of the youngest senators ever elected at the time. He was a great man. We thought he'd serve for many years, but he died unexpectedly when I was eleven. Aortic aneurysm. That was what motivated me to become a cardiac surgeon. I wanted to save other children from losing their fathers so young." Julia lowered her eyes and stared at her feet. "Your mom told me about your dad," Coop said softly. "You understand that kind of pain.”

  Julia looked at him with glistening eyes. "He was a great man, too."

  "He was," Riley said, and squeezed her shoulder.

  "Sorry. Didn't mean to kill the mood," Coop said. "How about that tour?"

  "Sounds fun," Julia said without looking at her mom.

  "Perfect. Text me as soon as you're done eating. I'll meet you right here."

  He was gone before Riley could protest. What an odd man, she thought as Julia tugged on her arm to get her moving to the elevator.

  Riley was tempted to drop Coop's name at the restaurant but decided against it. As curious as she was to see what clout he carried, she didn't like the idea of being indebted to him, even in such a small way. She gave her name to the host who immediately motioned for the maître d'. He came forward and bowed.

  "Good evening, Dr. Poole. Dr. Cooper called and told us to expect you. Follow me, please."

  Riley gave a weak smile before falling into step with him and heard Julia giggle behind her. The restaurant staff hovered and fawned over them throughout the meal. Riley just wished to be left in peace, but she had to admit it was the best meal she'd ever eaten. When she asked for the check, the server said Dr. Cooper had taken care of the bill. So much for not being indebted to him, and the night was far from over.

  She toyed with not texting him after dinner and going sightseeing on their own, but she didn’t want to seem ungrateful or have to explain her actions to Julia. She texted a quick note that they’d meet him at the hotel entrance. He was eagerly waiting when they arrived and guided them toward a limousine parked at the curb.

  "This is too much after paying for our dinner. I have a rental in the garage we can use," Riley said.

  "Not my doing. The conference sponsors provide the limo. We might as well make use of it."

  He helped Julia into her seat before motioning for Riley to get in before him. She wasn't sure she believed him about the limo but once again felt trapped into cooperating. She climbed in and sank into the soft leather seat.

  Julia fidgeted excitedly in the seat across from her as she looked out the window. "I’ve never ridden in a limo. Where are we going first?"

  "I always start with the Lincoln Memorial since it's my favorite. Then onto the Jefferson. Those are the only two we'll get out to see tonight since it's so cold, but we’ll drive around to get a great view of the city without all the traffic. You'll want to see the other monuments and museums during the day."

  Riley pulled her coat tighter. "I'm freezing already. I don't understand it. I tolerate much colder temperatures in Colorado. This cold goes right through you."

  "It's the humidity," he said. "It makes the heat hotter and the cold colder."

  "We learned about that in science class," Julia said. "I don't mind. I want to see everything. We have forever to get warm."

  "Excellent attitude. Never pass up an adventure," Dr. Cooper said, as the driver pulled as close to the memorial as he could. "We'll have a bit of a walk, so bundle up."

  They got out of the limo and made the short journey to the base of the memorial. No matter how many times Riley stood on those steps, it was an awe-inspiring sight. She stayed back to get the full view and only half-listened as Dr. Cooper gave his spiel to Julia, who hung on every word. Riley was pleased to see Julia’s enthusiasm, knowing she'd always remember the experience.

  When Dr. Cooper finished giving the history of the monument, he left Julia to explore and joined Riley. "What was that about this morning? I'd appreciate an explanation," he said.

  Riley wondered how he still had no clue what he’d done to upset her, but her mood had softened, and she wasn't up for playing more games.

  "You walked off so abruptly last night after I invited you to breakfast. I thought you were miffed at the idea of Julia joining us. Then, you stood me up this morning. You didn't bother to apologize when we ran into each other later. When you asked how breakfast was, I thought you were being sarcastic.”

  He scratched his head and stared into the distance while he mulled what she'd said. He seemed genuinely baffled by her explanation, but eventually, a light flickered in his eyes.

  "One of my staff members waved me over last night when we were talking by the elevator. I should have explained instead of just walking off, but it looked urgent. About breakfast, didn't you get my message that I couldn't meet you?"

  Riley crossed her arms and shuffled her feet. "I did. I assumed it was an excuse to get out of my invitation."

  "I didn't want out of it, and especially not because you were bringing your daughter. She’s delightful, by the way." He stopped and looked into her eyes. "I wouldn't lie to you, Riley. Not my style. As I said, I had to put out fires. I've been dealing with a thousand micro-crises all day. It's harder than performing a complicated surgery."

  "Now, don’t I look like a fool. I'm sorry for making assumptions. I'll put it down to being flustered after the lobby incident. Maybe we should start over again. Again."

  "No need. We were both at fault. How was your dinner?"

  Riley chuckled. "Incredible, thank you, Dr. Cooper. It was kind of you to take care of the bill.”

  “My immense pleasure. So, still calling me Dr. Cooper? Please, it’s Coop.”

  “Fine, Coop,” she said, allowing herself a small grin.

  “Remarkable dimples, Riley. Can we give breakfast a second shot? As long as you promise not to get offended if I get called away to put out fires.”

  Julia ran up to them before Riley could answer. “I know what I said about having forever to get warm, but I’m frozen. Can we go back to the limo?”

  “Yes,” Riley said and turned down the walkway to the car. “Dr. Cooper, I mean Coop, has invited us to breakfast. Interested?”

  “Awesome,” Julia said, and ran ahead of them.

  “That’s a yes,” Riley said.

  “Because apparently, I’m awesome,” Coop said and reached for Riley’s hand.

  She stopped and stared at his outstretched hand. She’d just met this man and wasn’t even sure how she felt about him, but she was cold and tired, and the desire to feel a connection to him sent a thrill through her. Taking his hand didn’t mean it had to go any further, and in less than a week, they’d return to their respective lives and never see each other again.

  Her heart raced as she wove her gloved fingers into his. He beamed and moved closer until their shoulders touched as they walked to the limo. She made sure to let go before Julia saw, but the warmth of him lingered for the remainder of the night.

  They didn’t return to the hotel until midnight. Julia was asleep within minutes of climbing into bed, but Riley stayed awake for two hours, googling everything she could find about Dr. Neal Xavier Cooper IV. She uncovered no skeletons, and everything she read was positive. His patients sang his praises, and the thousands of followers on his social media accounts painted him as a god. The only slightly less-than-perfect thing she learned about him was that he was a bit of an absentminded professor at times and had a tendency to retreat into his own world while doing research. No one is that perfect, Riley thought and closed her laptop.

  She lifted the hand Coop had held and examined it in the darkness. It had been years since she’d known romantic intimacy. Zach had been gone for months before he was shot down. The four-year mark since she’d be
en with him was only weeks away. Four years. It didn’t seem possible.

  Her parents had been nudging her to start dating. She’d had plenty of invitations, but in her mind, no man could ever measure up to Zach. Maybe it was time to consider that other men didn’t have to be Zach. They just had to meet her standards. She snuggled into the blankets with a smile, imagining the possibilities. What could be the harm in enjoying a few days with Coop before returning to her celibate life?

  Chapter Three

  Julia woke before her mom and tiptoed into her bedroom. She kneeled on the carpet to watch her mom sleeping so peacefully. Julia wondered if that was how she’d been before her dad died. It had been nice to see her enjoying herself during their night with Coop, but then again, it was impossible not to have fun around him.

  Julia stifled a giggle over the fact that her mom thought she hadn’t seen them holding hands, but she didn’t need to see to sense the spark between them. It was the same spark she felt around Dustin McClain, even if he was totally oblivious to her.

  Her mom stirred and rubbed her eyes. “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Watching you sleep like you used to watch me when I was little.”

  “You must be really bored. What time is it?”

  Julia folded back the covers and tugged her mom’s legs over the edge of the bed. “Time for us to get up and get ready for breakfast with Dr. Cooper.” Riley tried to hide a grin at the mention of his name, but Julia saw. “You like him.”

  “He’s a brilliant and kind man. Who wouldn’t like him?”

  “Then, get up, and let’s go, but you have to see this first.” She dragged Riley to the balcony doors and pulled back the curtain. The ground was covered in four inches of snow and flakes were still falling.

  “Not what I wanted to see,” Riley said, “but we won’t let it stop us. What are a few inches of snow?”

  “We’re supposed to get at least two more. It makes the city prettier, though, don’t you think? Almost romantic.”

  Her mom laughed and gathered her clothes to take into the bathroom. “It’ll only be romantic until we have to go out in it. Turn on the local news so we can listen while we get dressed.”

  Coop was waiting for them in the dining room by a table laden with what looked like every item on the menu.

  “I didn’t know what you liked, so I ordered a little of everything,” he’d said.

  Breakfast was relaxed and uneventful other than the buzz about the snowstorm. Julia devoured plates piled with pancakes smothered in syrup between unending questions to Coop about D.C. Riley was grateful that he was patient and charming with her. What he told them was fascinating, especially information about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the city. Riley could have listened all day, but Coop was called away on conference business before they finished eating.

  “I have to make a little speech tonight, so I won’t be able to play tour guide,” he said before leaving.

  Riley flipped through her conference schedule to the page with that evening’s events. Coop was listed as the keynote speaker. “Organizer and keynote? That’s a bit unusual,” she said.

  Coop grinned at her. “I resisted but the sponsors insisted.”

  “We’re touring the White House this afternoon, so it’s no problem. I’m attending the reception tonight and ordering a pizza for Julia.”

  “Bring her. I’ll make the arrangements. Would you like that, Julia, or do you prefer pizza over my boring speech?”

  “Can I, Mom?” Julia’s eyes pleaded for her to say yes.

  “It’s fine with me, but you don’t have anything to wear.”

  “There’s every shop imaginable within blocks of the hotel,” Coop said. His staff member stood ten feet away, signaling to him. “I’d better go see to this life or death conference crisis. See you tonight. Say hi to the President for me.”

  “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s just a boring dinner,” Riley asked Julia after he left.

  “I’ll get a new dress out of it, and I’d rather go than sit in our room eating pizza.”

  Riley nodded. She liked the idea of having Julia by her side at the reception but wasn’t sure they’d have time to shop between the White House tour and dinner. She scanned her schedule for the afternoon and decided the world wouldn’t end if she missed her final seminar of the day.

  She kissed Julia’s forehead. “Fine, but make sure to finish your homework. I’ll see you at lunch.”

  “Yes, Mom!” Julia said and did a fist pump as she grabbed her backpack and ran to the lobby.

  Riley was exhausted by the time they took their seats in the ballroom for the reception that evening. They’d rushed from shopping to the tour to the hotel to dress without stopping to breathe. Getting around had taken twice as long due to the snow, which had piled up to eight inches. Julia looked a little peaked, and Riley hoped she wouldn’t regret choosing to join her for the reception. Even Riley had gotten bored at similar events in the past.

  All the guests at their table introduced themselves and compared notes from their classes and sightseeing excursions while they enjoyed the meal. Julia’s eyes glazed over during the first two speakers, and Riley caught her trying to sneak her phone more than once, but she perked up when Coop stepped up to speak.

  Riley noted that his hair was combed for once and his bowtie was straight. He was a strikingly handsome and captivating speaker. Every eye in the room was riveted on him, including Julia’s. He spoke for forty-five minutes, but the time flew by. He came directly to their table as soon as the formal part of the evening ended.

  “How’d I do? Still glad you came?” he asked Julia.

  She blushed at the attention. “Yes, it was great. Thank you, Dr. Cooper.”

  The other guests at their table echoed her comments.

  He bowed in thanks. “Riley, may I speak with you for a moment?”

  She raised her eyebrows but stood to go with him. He led her into the hallway before reaching for her hand. Riley didn’t resist.

  “I haven’t stopped thinking about you since last night. The offer for a drink still stands. I have some loose ends to tie up after the reception, but it will give you time to take Julia back to the room before meeting me at the club.”

  She hesitated before answering. Coop was clearly used to getting his way, and her brain cried out to say no, but she didn’t listen. “I’d like that. Will thirty minutes be enough time?”

  “Plenty.”

  He let go of her hand and walked back to the ballroom without waiting for her. If she was going to spend time with him, she’d have to get used to his abrupt departures without getting offended. She waited for her heartbeat to slow to its normal rhythm before following him into the ballroom. Julia gave her a look far too insightful for her age but didn’t question her about what Coop had wanted.

  Riley picked up her clutch. “It’s late, and I should get you back to the room. Dr. Cooper wants to meet with me about my presentation tomorrow.”

  Julia said goodnight to the other guests at their table and followed Riley without a word.

  Riley changed her outfit three times before realizing she was being ridiculous and settled on her most comfortable pair of jeans and a light hooded sweatshirt. The temperatures were below freezing outside, but the hotel was toasty.

  When she was ready, she kissed Julia’s forehead and said, “I’ll be in the club downstairs and won’t be more than an hour. Don’t forget to bolt the door and keep your phone turned on so you can let me in. I’ll keep mine on, too.”

  Julia gave her the same knowing half-grin and waved her off before turning back to her movie.

  Riley was far more relaxed about leaving her than she’d been the first day and congratulated herself for making progress. She hadn’t felt anxious for more than twenty-four hours and the anticipation of seeing Coop was delicious. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d allowed herself such feelings.

  Her text alert dinged in the elevator, and her hea
rt sank when she saw Coop’s name on the screen, afraid he was canceling. She reluctantly opened the message and smiled as she read.

  The club is too noisy and crowded. Meet me in the lounge.

  A surge of relief and pleasure flowed through her. She hadn’t been too happy about meeting at the club. She was too old for that scene. The lounge suited this thirty-five-year-old mother of three much better.

  Coop was waiting for her in a quiet corner. He’d changed into jeans and a hooded sweatshirt, too, and for some reason, his hair was sticking up. She guessed it had stayed in place as long as it could. She slid into the booth next to him and hid her trembling hands in her lap.

  “I have to be honest. I was shocked when you agreed to meet me. I’ve been expecting you to stand me up,” Coop said.

  Riley smiled. “I was shocked, too, but I’d never stand you up. I don’t play games.”

  “I should have guessed that about you. Neither do I. You may have guessed that I’m an easy-going person who doesn’t care much what others think, but when I see what I want, I go for it.”

  “I’ve noticed.”

  “The truth is, you’re the first woman to spark my interest since Chelsey left me. When I saw that little redheaded dynamo smashing the lobby décor, I thought, that’s the one for me.”

  Riley smiled. “So, that’s what you look for in a woman?”

  “Who knew?” Coop rested his arm on the booth behind her without touching her. She felt his warmth and wished he had.

  “You’re the first man I’ve accepted an invitation from since Zach. If you knew more about me, you’d understand how monumental that is. I’m still not sure what I’m doing here.”

  “Don’t overthink it. We’re just two new friends having a drink.”

  Riley let out her breath and relaxed. “Fair enough.”

  They made small talk for the next forty minutes until Riley started to yawn.