By this time they were parked in the reserved space for Coop’s vehicle behind Southern Comfort. The well-lit exterior showcased the impressively large brick building that looked almost identical in back as it did in the front, with its ornate pillar columns etched in an antique gold patina. It was clear by the design and expert workmanship of the building that Coop had put careful thought into making his jazz club a standout establishment. As Bernadette surveyed her surroundings, she thought about the things that Coop had just told her, and what it all meant.
Bernadette looked at the designated parking sign in front of them that read Cooper “Coop” Dennis in bold, gold-colored letters. It was all very impressive, but it also seemed wrong. Bernadette didn’t know any other way to ask the question that was swirling around in her head, so she did something uncharacteristic. She blurted out her thoughts. “You built all of this with drug money?”
Coop took a deep breath. “I know it sounds bad, but hear me out.”
“I’m not judging you, Coop. I’m just trying to understand.”
“I knew that drug money was dirty money back then, but I didn’t care. For me, it was about survival. I knew my father, and my mother was an addict. My older sister, Sue, and I grew up so poor that some nights we went to bed hungry because it was more important for our mother to feed her habit than her kids. When I was ten years old my mother, who never seemed like one, died from an overdose. After that, Sue and I bounced from one relative’s house to the next. I started dealin’ drugs in eighth grade, and once I got a taste of how money could allow you to live and feel a certain way, I wanted more, and I was willin’ to do whatever I needed to in order to get as much as I could.
“I was young and foolish back then and I did so many things that I regret. I wish I could change the past, but I can’t. The only thing I can do is move forward and do better in the here and now. Before I was released, I knew I was gonna be comin’ out to a whole lot of money and I needed to do the right thing this time around. I wanted to make that dirty money clean, not just for myself, but for my community, and because I promised Mr. Ray that I would.
“While I was still in prison I took online courses and earned my bachelor’s degree in business. Then I studied and did a lot of research into real estate and economic development because I wanted to use the money that was waitin’ on me when I got out to help people. I wanted to provide housing to families and build businesses in our community. I was determined to do better and be better.”
Bernadette listened carefully because she could see that Coop had been speaking from the heart. “Thank you, Coop. I appreciate your openness and your honesty. I believe you.”
“It means a lot to me that you do, and that you even cared enough to ask. Most folks don’t question or care about where my money came from, they just want to know how they can get some of it. But you’re not like that. You’re not concerned or fazed about how much money I have because you have your own. You’re independent, confident, and you have standards. I like that. I like it a lot.”
Bernadette sighed and tilted her head in a moment of reflection. “I’ve been used in my past relationships, so I know what it’s like to be taken advantage of. I know what it’s like to be involved with someone whose only concern is what they can get out of being with you, then once they get it they’re gone. It’s a hurtful feeling. And if you get pushed too far you can eventually snap. It happened to me in my last relationship and I don’t ever want to be in that kind of situation again.”
Bernadette didn’t want to drag the good time they’d been having into an uncomfortable place, but she also felt it was important that Coop understand exactly what she’d been through. Her vulnerable admission was not only her truth, it was her warning to him that if he hurt her there was a real possibility that she would hurt him.
The two sat in the silence of Coop’s truck, thinking about the weight of each other’s words. Bernadette knew that she and Coop were moving fast because they were talking about intimately personal things that most people waited to discuss once they moved further along in their relationship. But she had to remind herself that she could no longer operate under conventional standards. She was different now, and Coop was unlike any of the men she’d dated in the past. She knew if there was any chance of her finding happiness, she needed to step outside of what was familiar and leap into the unknown.
Coop broke the heavy silence by quieting the truck’s engine with the turn of his key. “Let’s go inside.”
Bernadette smiled and nodded. “I’ve been waiting for this all week.”
Coop opened his door, then walked around to Bernadette’s side of the truck, opened her door, and extended his hand to help her step out of the vehicle. Bernadette shivered from the rush of cold air that whipped around her body, and from Coop’s firm grip. The wind had picked up considerably, making it feel twenty degrees colder. But even through their winter gloves, Bernadette could feel warmth in his touch. “Thank you,” she said.
“My pleasure.”
To Bernadette’s surprise, Coop didn’t let go of her hand as they walked toward the back door. He inserted his key, then punched a code into a digital pad that granted them access into the building. She walked closely beside Coop as they made their way down a short hallway that led to a set of double doors. Once inside, there was a small lobby area with a desk and two loveseats. Two offices sat to the right, and there was one large office to the left that had Coop’s name on the door.
“This is where I spend most of my time,” Coop said as he opened the door and turned on the light.
Bernadette could see how Coop could spend all his time at work because his office was set up with all the conveniences of home. As she walked inside she noted the kitchen area to her left that was outfitted with a sink, stove, microwave, refrigerator, and a small dinette table for two. Beyond the small kitchen was a sofa, chair, and coffee table that provided the feel of a living room. And a few feet away was Coop’s large work desk, credenza, and file cabinets. There was a room to the right that Bernadette knew had to be the bathroom.
“I spend more time here than I do at my house, so I made sure I have everything I need in my office. It works for me.”
“You give working around the clock a new meaning,” Bernadette said. She could see that Coop’s office definitely served its purpose as a home away from home. “Does that sofa pull out into a bed?”
“Bingo! But the only difference is that my bed at home is a king-size and this one’s a queen.”
“How many nights do you spend here per week?”
“Four or five,” Coop answered. He motioned toward Bernadette’s wool coat. “Let me help you outta this.”
Bernadette enjoyed the feel of his hand as it brushed against her shoulder.
“Did I tell you that you look beautiful tonight?” Coop said with a slow, sexy drawl.
Bernadette knew that Coop was inspecting her from head to toe, and she was glad that she’d put in the extra time and attention to look good tonight. She’d also known that she’d be stepping into Coop’s world, which was most likely filled with stiff competition from other women, so upping her game wasn’t an option, it was mandatory. Her stylishly put together outfit, dazzling accessories, coiffed hairdo that was fashioned into a neat chignon, and carefully applied makeup gave her the extra boost of confidence she needed.
Bernadette reminded herself that one’s physical appearance was a superficial fallacy that could come and go, and that if Coop was the type of man who put great emphasis on looks, he wouldn’t be with her in the first place. She knew she needed to keep her mind in a positive place and concentrate on enjoying the moment she was in.
“Are you aw’right?” Coop asked with gentle concern.
Bernadette tried to paint a smile on her thin lips. “Yes, I’m okay.”
“You sure? You seem distant all of a sudden.”
“I’m fine, really.”
Coop looked directly into her eyes. “I observe everyth
ing, especially when it comes to somethin’ or someone that I’m interested in. Now tell me, what’s wrong?”
“I’ll tell you later, but for now let’s go into the club and listen to some music.”
Without saying another word, Coop took Bernadette’s hand into his and walked into the world of Southern Comfort.
* * *
It was close to one in the morning when Bernadette and Coop walked back to his office. The club was still going strong, even though the doors would be closing in another hour. Bernadette couldn’t remember the last time she’d danced and laughed so hard. From the moment she and Coop had walked hand in hand into the club, she’d been on her feet; meeting people, dancing with Coop, meeting more people, and dancing some more. She knew that all eyes would be on her because of Coop, but she hadn’t anticipated the sheer magnitude of what being with him would mean.
Bernadette appreciated the fact that Coop had made it clear that they were there as a couple because throughout the evening he either held her hand or rested his on the small of her back while pulling her close to him. Coop’s public and very obvious show of affection toward her had drawn curious stares from men and envious glares from women. But none of that had bothered Bernadette because Coop had made her feel as though she was the only person in the room.
Now they were sitting on the sofa in Coop’s office drinking bottled water from his refrigerator.
“Did you have a good time?” he asked.
“I had a great time. The music was phenomenal and the atmosphere was electric. This is the best evening I had in a very long time.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Coop leaned back into the sofa. “Now tell me what was botherin’ you earlier?”
Bernadette knew she should have prepared herself for the question and the fact that Coop hadn’t forgotten about her sudden change in mood before they’d entered the club a few hours ago. “You don’t forget anything, do you?”
“Nope. Like I told you, I pay close attention to things I’m interested in.”
Bernadette didn’t want to tell Coop the truth because it would uncover her insecurity, and she didn’t want him to look at her as anything other than the strong, confident woman he knew. But she had to remind herself that if she wanted to have true honesty in their relationship, she had to be willing to expose the good and the bad. She had to be transparent and vulnerable. So she told Coop the truth. “I felt a bit insecure.”
Coop furrowed his brow. “About what?”
“Being with you. I know when we’re together people wonder why you’re with me because you could be with anyone you want.”
The same silence that had engulfed them when they’d been in Coop’s truck earlier that evening had now returned. Bernadette wanted him to say something, but she was also hesitant about hearing his response because she could see the wheels turning behind his dreamy eyes as he processed her words.
Finally, Coop spoke. “I’m sure Arizona told you that I don’t date much and that there’s no one special in my life, right?”
Bernadette nodded.
“You’re right, I could pretty much have my pick of women if I wanted. But the only woman I’m interested in is you. I walked into the club holding your hand because I wanted you to know it, and I wanted everyone else to know it, too. Bernadette, I’ve traveled down a lotta roads to get to where I am at this point in my life. When I look at you I see nothin’ but beauty.”
Part of Bernadette was on top of the world after Coop’s declaration, but the other half still had doubts. “Coop, I hear what you’re saying, but it’s just hard for me to trust. I’ve been through so many heartaches, and unless you could stand in my shoes you couldn’t possibly understand.”
Coop shook his head. “Let me tell you sometin’, from the moment I saw you struttin’ down the hallway in those sexy, high-heel shoes at the St. Hamilton last Saturday night, I knew there was somethin’ special about you. I was sittin’ in the lobby, checking my phone when you came in. You didn’t see me but I saw you. You walked into that hotel all alone and breezed through the lobby like you owned the place. I remember walkin’ behind you thinkin’, I gotta meet this woman, and from that moment, I was hooked.”
Bernadette could feel the heat of Coop’s body as he moved closer to her on the couch. He leaned in and once again took her hand into his. “May I kiss you, Bernadette?”
This was new territory for Bernadette because no man had ever asked for her permission to kiss her. But here Coop was, handsome, strong, successful, and sexy as seduction itself, and he was the one pleading with her. She felt empowered, so she nodded and said, “Yes.”
Coop’s kiss felt as vibrant and intense as the summer sun against her skin. He held her close to his body as one hand massaged her shoulder and the other rested gently on her thigh. His kiss was soft and tender, and it made Bernadette feel like a flower in bloom. She relaxed, allowing her body to wilt in his arms as their kiss grew deeper and stronger. When she felt his tongue graze her lips and then slowly find its way into her mouth, she trembled with excitement.
Coop leaned back onto the sofa and gently pulled Bernadette on top of him until she was resting on his chest. She automatically spread her legs so she could assume a comfortable position as Coop lowered his lips to the delicate skin on her neck. His hands caressed her hips in a slow, rotating motion that made her roll her pelvis to his rhythm as they began a slow grind.
Bernadette could feel herself getting lost in the moment as his large, rock-hard erection rubbed against the side of her thigh. His slow, thrusting hip movements simulated what Bernadette had no doubt would be the best sex she’d ever had. She knew from the large bulge in the front of his pants and the sharp throbbing between her legs that things were about to get serious and she had one of two choices. She could either unleash five years of pent-up sexual frustration right there on Coop’s couch, or she could pull back and make him earn the right to experience what she was beginning to realize was a treasure; and that was her body and her love. Slowly, she pulled back.
“Coop, I’m not ready.”
Coop’s eyes widened, then narrowed as he studied her face. Bernadette knew he wasn’t used to a woman telling him no, given the completely bewildered look on his face.
“Like I’ve said, I’ve been through a lot.” Bernadette swallowed hard and then continued. “And like you, I’ve traveled some hard roads to get to where I am as well. I’m far from perfect, but I like who I’m becoming, and I need time to see where this is going before we take the next step.”
Coop smiled and looked deep into Bernadette’s eyes. “I’ve never met a woman like you, Bernadette.” His smooth voice was filled with emotion. “I don’t want to rush a good thing, so you take all the time you need ’cause I ain’t goin’ nowhere.”
And just like that, lying atop Coop’s chest on his soft, leather grain sofa, Bernadette began the first true relationship she’d ever had.
Chapter 20
TESS
Having grown up in Washington, DC, and having spent most of her adult life in Chicago, Tess was accustomed to brutally cold weather and unrelenting snow. She’d become so familiar with weather patterns that she didn’t have to check the local forecast to know when the temperature was going to drop and the frozen stuff was going to fall, be it sleet and freezing rain or a hard pounding snow. But she was beginning to realize that weather patterns and Doppler radar didn’t mean a thing in the south. It was early Sunday morning and as she walked over to the guest bedroom window and looked up at the sky, she didn’t know what kind of weather the day was going to bring.
The clouds hovering above hinted of a winter storm on the horizon, but after being in Bourbon for one day short of a full week, Tess knew that the weather was like a dog’s breakfast; it could be anything. She’d thought it was going to snow yesterday, but not a single flake had fallen from the sky. She usually didn’t care if the fluffy white stuff blanketed the ground because plows kept things moving in the city. But th
is was Bourbon, and if there was a hint of inclement weather, everything would be shut down for miles around, and she didn’t want that to happen because she had a date with Maceo tonight.
Tess smiled when she thought about the down-to-earth, smart, and dangerously sexy man she’d met last night. If anyone had told her that she’d meet a man who would make her believe in love at first sight, she would have thought they were completely out of their mind. And even though the books she wrote oozed with romance, she’d never really believed in it, or real love at all, for that matter. It had been the reason Bernadette’s words had stung so badly during their blowout. Tess wrote about what she didn’t have but secretly longed for. She wanted adventure, faith, and love, but deep down she’d always been too afraid to go after it because the risk of disappointment was a hill she didn’t want to climb.
Tess sat down in the chair beside the window and thought about Maceo’s wide smile, the sexy charm of his Southern accent, and his combination of intellectual heft mixed with edgy swagger. It was clear that his degree from Howard helped shape his mind, but it was his upbringing by a single mother tackling life in the Bottoms that made him the man he was today. Just thinking about him caused the temperature between Tess’s legs rise. “I wonder if he can cook between the sheets like he can in the kitchen,” Tess whispered aloud.
Last night after Maceo had filled her plate with the most tender slow-cooked barbecue ribs she’d ever eaten, along with a side of tasty apple cider coleslaw and savory molasses baked beans, Tess could barely contain her satisfaction with the meal or her instant and strong attraction to the man who’d prepared it. She’d flirted shamelessly with Maceo, seductively licking the barbecue sauce off her fingers so he could see how agile her tongue movements were. She knew he’d tried his best to appear unaffected because his employees and customers at the bar had all been looking, but when he’d smiled and told her to stick around for dessert, she’d known she’d hooked him. After an hour the crowd had dwindled down, and Sue’s Brown Bag was empty by ten o’clock, which was shocking to Tess because that was the time that things got jumping back home. But as the bartender had explained, “Ma’am, folks is tryin’a get home ’cause it’s cold outside and they say it might snow.” She’d had to once again remind herself that things operated differently in the south, on just about every level imaginable in her eyes.
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