by Nia Arthurs
“Erin,” Mrs. June’s voice echoed behind her, “your line!”
Erin’s long-legged strides propelled her into the hallway. She passed classroom doors, most of them locked now that it was after five and the students had gone home.
An empty playground stood in the middle of the yard. It boasted a twisty, blue slide, monkey bars and three red swings.
Erin had transferred to Belize Primary School when she was eight. The moment she saw the playground, she’d been in awe and begged her parents to enroll her.
Now, she wished she hadn’t been seduced by a few measly swings and a slide. Her life would be so much better if she never met Cooper Lawson.
“Erin!” She heard Iris’s voice. “Wait up!”
Her fingers dug into her plaid uniform skirt as she waited for her best friend to catch up. Iris’s long black hair flew across her cheek. She had dark brown skin and big grey eyes. It was a stunning face—one that Erin was often envious of.
“Why did you run? You rocked it back there.” Iris grinned wide.
Erin huffed. “Cooper kissed me.”
“So? Weren’t you the one who made a big fuss about the kiss yesterday? Mrs. June only allowed that because you said you were comfortable with doing it.”
“Yeah, I was comfortable if Ryan kissed me. Not him.” Erin could barely breathe she was so mad. “He’s not human, Iris. I’m telling you. Cooper’s just pure evil.”
Iris screwed her lips. “Because he filled in for the play?”
“He only did that to torture me.”
Iris raised her chin. “So… he memorized a bunch of lines and helped Mrs. June out because he hates you?”
“You don’t get it,” Erin hissed.
“Then explain it to me.”
Before she could, Erin heard footsteps thudding toward them. She spun and saw Cooper in his black jersey, brown hair swept over his forehead. She raised her chin and stepped into his way.
He stopped, one hand over his backpack strap. “I’m late.”
Erin didn’t give diddly squat. “You owe me an apology.”
Cooper stared at her, long and hard. Erin trembled but held her ground. A corner of his lips curved upward in a small, lopsided smile. He sighed and then walked past her, slamming her shoulder in the process.
“He’s so cool.” Iris twittered.
Erin shot her best friend a dark look.
“I mean… he’s so horrible.”
Her fingers curved into fists.
She would never find satisfaction until she paid Cooper Lawson back.
Chapter 2
Age 20, Present Day
“Do you have to go?” Erin held onto Iris for as long as she could. They stood in the middle of the airport, inches away from the boarding hall. Once Iris stepped into that line and drifted into the next room, they wouldn’t meet again for months.
“Stop crying.” Iris sniffed. “You’re making me cry, and I spent hours on my makeup.”
“I’m not crying. There’s something in my eye.”
“Yeah, right.”
Erin was about to reply when a bag slammed into her back. She lurched forward, stumbling on her feet and sprawling to the ground.
Her chin scraped the tiles. Her chest flattened like a pancake. The floor was cold and slippery. Her body made an embarrassing ‘squee’ sound as she slid a couple inches away.
Every eye in the vicinity swiveled to her. Heat invaded her cheeks and she wondered if it was possible to die from humiliation.
“Erin!” Iris cried, tottering to her side in her hot pink heels. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Erin grumbled, blowing at a strand of coily black hair that had fallen over her forehead. Her gaze locked on the impatient businessman who’d knocked into them. He hadn’t even stopped to check on her.
“Are you okay, miss?” An airport worker rushed to her side. She was dressed in the airline’s colorful blue and yellow scarf along with a navy jacket and skirt. Her pumps hovered near Erin’s nose.
“I’m fine.” She climbed to her feet, ignoring the tourists in Hawaiian shirts and open-toed sandals who stared at her.
Iris frowned and glanced back to hiss, “Didn’t he see us?”
“I know right.” Erin shot the businessman a glare. “Watch where you’re going!”
“Sorry.” He tossed over his shoulder. It was an off-hand apology that lost all sincerity when he scrambled into the boarding room without stopping.
“Are you sure you’re okay, ma’am?” The attendant wiped sweaty palms on her skirt.
“I’m fine.”
The woman nodded and then walked off, her black heels clopping against the floor.
Iris brushed her off. “He looked like he knocked into you pretty hard.”
“It’s just my pride that’s hurt.” Erin fisted her hands and swatted the air, imagining the man’s face there. “People these days are so rude. They have no manners.”
Iris giggled, her grey eyes lighting up from the inside. “You sound like my grandma.”
“You meant that as an insult, but I’m flattered.” Erin winked. “Grandma Ellis is a rock star in my books.”
“She is pretty mobile for someone pushing ninety.”
The friends laughed together, the unpleasant encounter with the businessman forgotten.
Erin sighed. “You should go. Your plane is boarding.”
“You should go. You have orientation in a few minutes.”
“Who cares.” Erin pouted. “I’m thinking of dropping out of college and following you to L.A. We can model together.”
“Would you?” Iris brightened and then her smile faded. “But you don’t have the face for it.”
“Really? That’s the last thing you want to say to me before you leave?”
“I’m just kidding. You’re gorgeous, and I would love if you’d visit me in L.A. as soon as you have a break.”
“All passengers aboard Flight 206. Boarding now. All passengers…”
“That’s your cue.” Erin let out a big sigh. “Text me.”
“Everyday.” Iris swooped in to give Erin one last hug and then rushed to join the line.
Erin waved until her friend was out of sight. As soon as Iris disappeared, she wandered toward the exits, dragging her heart behind her.
Iris was gone.
In all her planning, Erin always pictured Iris there. They would both attend Balen University. Room together, study together and graduate together.
Things hadn’t turned out that way, but she was happy for her best friend. Iris was moving to the States to pursue her dream of becoming a model—a goal she’d had since she was a little girl.
Erin knew Iris would go far. She was stunningly gorgeous. Modeling agencies would be falling over their feet to book her, just like all the guys who’d run after her in high school.
She let out a big sigh and sat in one of the chairs lined up in front of the kiosks. Erin had to get a move on if she would make it to Balen in time, but she wasn’t in the mood to socialize.
Her phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen. It was filled with a picture of a pretty girl with thin blonde hair, pale skin and bright blue eyes.
“Oh, right. Peggy’s on the student council.” She groaned. Her big sister was way too responsible to let her ditch without saying something.
The call rang out.
There was a moment of peace.
And then… bzzz.
Erin gave in and answered the phone. “Hello, my love.”
“Don’t ‘my love’ me.” Peggy’s voice was sharp, irritated. “Where are you? Haven’t you left the airport yet?”
“I’m in a cab as we speak.”
Just then, an announcement echoed through the airport. “Flight 705 has been delayed. Again, Flight 705…”
Erin glared at the speakers above her head.
Curse you, Announcer Lady.
Peggy sighed into the phone with enough force to rattle her e
arring. “Really, Erin?”
“Fine. I’m coming.”
“How long will it take for you to get here? I don’t care if you miss the tour, but you need to take your ID photo. It’s mandatory.”
“I’m on my way. For real this time.”
“Hurry up.” Peggy ended the call.
“She’s so bossy…” Erin mumbled, pocketing her phone.
Erin stood and stretched, wondering if it would be more cost-effective to catch a taxi or wait for a bus. Before she could come to a decision, a commotion broke out near one of the arrival gates. Curiosity got the better of her, and she craned her neck to investigate.
Is it a celebrity?
Belize was a paradise of nature and culture. Tons of stars had snuck into the country on the down low to enjoy the pristine beaches, the Mayan ruins, and the amazing food.
Who is it? Will Smith? The Rock? Channing Tatum? Excitement skittered through her.
To be honest, it didn’t really matter. She’d never seen a celebrity in real life. Though Erin knew more about string theory than pop culture, meeting someone of influence—even if it was just in passing—intrigued her.
Her legs unfolded themselves from the chair, and she floated toward the crowd.
On closer inspection, Erin realized it wasn’t as much of a ‘crowd’ as she’d thought. It was just a handful of women, gawking and pointing at a random guy.
Her hopes deflated like a balloon losing air.
So much for meeting Channing Tatum…
Erin gave the man a disappointed skim and was about to turn away when she froze. Turned back. Looked again.
He was tall and broad. Long legs. Pale skin. Dark hair a little messy, but in an effortlessly sexy way.
Erin didn’t really like the ‘I’m too cool for a comb’ look, but to be fair, any hairstyle would work on him because his face was just that impressive.
He wore a black T-shirt, jeans and a pair of scuffed black-and-white tennis shoes. With one hand dipped into his pocket and the other clutching a phone, he seemed like a famous model posing for a photoshoot.
Arrogance surrounded him like a cloak. There was only one guy Erin knew who could pull off that cocky, don’t-care expression so well.
“Cooper?” she whispered.
His head whipped up as if he’d heard his name though Erin knew that was scientifically impossible given the level of noise in the airport.
He looked at her with a pair of heart-stopping golden eyes. One thick black eyebrow slowly rose. Time itself seemed to freeze, waiting for him to make his move.
Would he ignore her? Approach her?
Erin honestly didn’t know what she was hoping for. Ever since Cooper Lawson stole her first kiss during that stupid play rehearsal, she’d wanted to make him suffer.
But she hadn’t been prepared to see him today. Or… ever.
Last she heard, he’d returned to Texas after their primary school graduation.
Guess he was back.
Cooper dipped his phone into his back pocket without breaking eye contact and strode toward her.
Erin stood frozen, stupidly staring with her mouth hanging open, her eyes wide and her hands falling limply to her sides. Cooper’s fans backed up and made way as he passed, following him from a distance.
He stopped right in front of her. His tennis shoes were practically kissing her boots. His unusual eyes were fringed by thick black lashes. His cheeks had been chiseled by God himself and tapered into a solid jaw.
He was not the Cooper she’d known in school. Hopefully, the physical upgrade reflected his heart and wasn’t just skin deep.
“Hey,” Erin said, wiggling her fingers awkwardly.
Cooper said nothing. Just drank her in like he hadn’t seen a girl in the last eight years.
Erin squirmed, uncomfortable beneath his intense gaze.
Thanks to Iris and her breathtaking beauty, most guys overlooked her and Erin was spared from dealing with this kind of scrutiny. Now, she had no Iris to hide behind.
And something told her, this look was a Cooper-original, intended just for her.
“Hello, Princess,” Cooper mused in a surprisingly deep voice with a slight, manly rasp.
Erin was so taken aback by how much he’d changed that it took her a second to process his greeting.
She blinked, struggling to shake off the spell he’d weaved over her. “Princess? Is that an apology?”
“For what?”
“Taking my first kiss.” She folded her arms over her chest in an effort to calm her racing pulse.
“Your first kiss?” Cooper tapped his chin. “Sorry, I don’t remember that.”
She bristled. Erin wasn’t much of a romantic, but she believed in the power of firsts. First kiss, first love, first boyfriend—they were special. She’d wanted it to be special.
People might call her immature, but she still wasn’t over that.
“Stop lying. I know you remember.”
Cooper leaned down. His scent rushed over her, something clean and woodsy. Sandalwood, maybe?
“Sorry, darlin’.” There was that annoying nickname. “How about I kiss you again? See if that jars a memory?” His eyes dipped to her lips.
Erin slapped a hand over her mouth, horrified. “Don’t you dare, Cooper Lawson.”
He straightened, wearing a roguish grin.
Erin’s phone rang again. She fished it out and sighed when she saw Peggy’s picture. Her sister was persistent. She was pretty sure Peggy could nag just about anyone into subservience.
Erin turned around and brought the phone to her ear. “I’m coming.”
“What’s outside the taxi window?” Peggy demanded.
Erin glanced to the side. “I don’t know. Trees?”
“Wrong! If you’d left when I told you to ten minutes ago, you would be entering Hattieville by now. You should be seeing the roundabout with the flowers and—”
“Peggy, now really isn’t a good time. Balen can wait, okay?”
“You think it’s easy for me, the student council president, to save a spot for her little sister?” Peggy hissed. “When are you getting here?”
“Soon!” Erin slammed her thumb on the END button and spun, pinning Cooper with a look she’d really prefer to give her sister. “I have to go. I’d say it was a pleasure, but that would be a lie.”
Erin tossed her hair over her shoulder and stalked away.
Cooper Lawson might be all grown up now, but he was still a big, fat jerk.
Chapter 3
Cooper
Erin Marshall was all grown up.
He watched her flounce away, eyes lingering on her hips and those long, trim legs beneath her blue shorts. Curly black hair bounced against her back with every step. Brown skin glistened in the sunlight pouring through the airport’s massive windows.
Cooper hadn’t expected to run into her the moment his plane landed in Belize, but it was a nice surprise. The best kind of surprise.
He hadn’t forgotten Erin. Not once in the eight years he’d been away.
A smile climbed his lips as he thought of her fiery brown eyes that shot sparks when he teased her. She was a woman now, but that temper of hers was just as explosive.
Cooper grabbed his luggage and trailed Erin to the exits, following a few feet behind.
Tourists walked by, dressed in loose cotton clothes. Some carried duffel bags on their backs, their fair skin already turning pink from the oppressive heat.
Cooper was glad he didn’t burn that easily. He’d lost his tan since he’d left Belize, but given the look of the sunshine, it wouldn’t be long before he got it back.
Airport employees dressed in the colors of their particular airline trotted back and forth. Women—both local and foreign—sent him admiring looks as he strode past.
Cooper was used to the attention and found it mildly annoying on the best days. There were times when girls would randomly approach him and strike up a meaningless conversation. Those were the days
he wished he’d been born with an average appearance rather than a face that made him stand out.
Not that his looks had done him much good when it came to getting Erin Marshall’s attention.
At least not in the past. He’d see how things would go now that he was older and, hopefully, smarter than his fourteen-year-old self.
They were closer to the exits now. The automatic doors gave way, spitting them out into the hot, Caribbean day.
Erin shaded her forehead with a hand, scanning the cars parked on the street beside the airport. He wondered what she was looking for. Had she arranged for someone to pick her up? A boyfriend?
He sure hoped not, though the likelihood of Erin being single was slim.
Cooper noted the way men gazed at her, running their eyes hungrily over her body. Even back in primary school, Iris and Erin had been the ‘it’ girls of their class.
He doubted Erin knew. She’d been too caught up in that Ryan jerk to notice anyone else.
A prickly sensation ran through him. Made him want to cart Erin away so he didn’t have to share her with the guys staring longingly at her.
The only problem was… she hated his guts.
How could he get her to leave with him?
Cooper trotted toward Erin. He noticed a long tear in the back of her knitted yellow shirt.
Realizing that pointing out the flaw now would just embarrass her, he asked another question. “Are you heading to Balen University?”
Erin jumped. Her neck twisted and she shot him a blistering glare. “Are you following me?”
Cooper jerked his chin, gesturing to the door they just walked through. “There’s only one exit on this side of the airport.”
Erin raised her chin. She wouldn’t confess to being wrong. He saw that part of her personality hadn’t changed either. “Yes, I am going to Balen. How did you know?”
“I’ll give you a ride since we’re going in the same direction.”
“The same direction?”
Cooper looked over his shoulder and in a serious voice said, “Balen U.”
“As in you’re attending or just visiting?”
Cooper could practically hear her thoughts begging him to say ‘visiting’. His lips curled in a shadow of a smile.
