“I know.” For a second he saw a flicker of emotion in Cora’s eyes, but maybe he just imagined it. “But she will. She has it in her head this is what she wants, and in a few months’ time, when she’s climbing the walls because she’s not doing the one thing she loves more than anything else in the world—it’ll be too late. She’ll be blacklisted.”
Paris hadn’t been using him. He wouldn’t believe it.
You sure about that? She could have anyone she wanted. She’d chosen him.
But why had she? He was no great catch. He was a fucking liability. Paris was out of his league. He’d always known it. But he’d hoped…
“There wasn’t anything you could do about what happened to Alex.” Cora’s voice was soft. Gentle. Understanding. “But there is something you can do for Paris. Walk away, Cooper. Give her the chance to make something of her life.”
She couldn’t be any clearer. You screwed up Alex’s life. Don’t do the same to Paris.
Cora stood up. “Don’t be too hard on her. This might’ve started out as a game for her, but the trouble with Paris is—” Cora sighed and dropped her gaze to the desk. “She always falls for Lola’s love interests on Sunset Heights. It’s what she does. I’m used to picking up the pieces. She soon gets over it.”
Cooper’s head pounded. She hadn’t lived the last week as though she was on some fucking soap. Just because he’d found the dinner elaborate and kind of strange didn’t mean she’d only done it for show. She comes from a different world…
Cora walked to the door, then she paused and looked over at him. “I know you’ll do the right thing. I know you care about her. And…” She bit her lip and for a split second she again reminded him of Paris. “I’m sorry.”
He sat there, staring at the door after she closed it behind her. He’d promised Cora he wouldn’t tell Paris about this meeting, and he wouldn’t.
He wouldn’t act on it, either. If Cora thought he’d give up the best thing that’d ever happened to him, she was fucking insane.
She’s mine. She was a shining star in his life. At odd moments during the day he’d catch a hint of her perfume clinging to his clothes. Or he’d remember something she’d said, and a warm glow rolled through him. Fucking corny, but it wasn’t like he was going to shout it from the rooftops.
In her arms, for the first time in his life, he felt needed. As if he wasn’t a complete waste of space and good for nothing but fucking up people’s lives. She made everything…right.
He didn’t know how long he sat there, but finally he went online and did something he’d been meaning to for the last week.
He watched her infamous Sunset Heights Christmas episode.
Chapter Twenty
It was late afternoon before Paris arrived back at Cooper’s apartment after her spa day. Which had been great. All that gardening last week had pulled muscles she didn’t even know she had. Would’ve been a lot more fun, though, if Cooper had been there.
She’d have to suggest that to him. She could just imagine the look on his face if she told him they were getting an ultimate couples package. In fact, she’d just go ahead and book it for their month anniversary. How cool would that be?
She still hadn’t taken him out anywhere. That was going to change once she got back after her photo shoot, but first she was going to have to confront her mom.
Her happy mood faded. Her mom had called a few times in the last three days, and she had ignored her, except to send one text confirming she’d be back for the shoot tomorrow. It looked like her message had finally been received, since the next text had been the day spa olive branch.
She pushed her mom out of her head and made her way to the bedroom to pack some of her things. Cooper was giving her a ride back to the cabin first thing in the morning so she could pick up Scott’s car. Her brother had called her the night before, completely pissed that she hadn’t arranged for its return yet.
Weird. He hadn’t said anything about her and Cooper being together. Was it possible her mom hadn’t told him?
Then again, she hadn’t either, and the opportunity had been perfect. But was it really fair, when she hadn’t run it by Cooper first? He might want to tell Scott himself.
Why hasn’t he told Scott about us already?
It was almost seven by the time Cooper got home. He hadn’t answered the couple of texts she’d sent him, but her annoyance at being ignored melted the second she caught sight of him.
“And you’ve brought dinner.” Looked like Chinese. God, she hoped she fit into the clothes for her photo shoot. Though, if she had put on a pound or two—or even if she hadn’t—they’d still Photoshop her until she was their ideal of perfection.
Whatever.
Cooper dropped the takeout bags onto the kitchen counter and pulled her into his arms. She draped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. His dimple was nowhere in sight, but it didn’t matter.
He didn’t need to smile for her to know how much he wanted her.
His kiss was raw and hungry, like he hadn’t seen her in a week. She scraped her nails across the back of his neck and he gripped her ass, hauling her tight against him.
She came up for air. “Dinner’s going to get cold, you know that?” Like I care.
“I’ve got a microwave.” He popped open the buttons on her shirt and pushed it over her shoulders. Before she could toss it across the kitchen he hoisted her onto the counter.
“I take it back. Dinner’s going to be hot tonight.” She leered at him, but he didn’t laugh at her. He didn’t even smile, which was weird. Her comment was definitely worth a flash of his dimple.
“You’re always hot.” He made it sound like that wasn’t such a good thing. Unease shivered through her.
“Is everything okay?” She pushed her fingers through his hair, forcing his head back so he had to look her in the face instead of her boobs.
“Yeah.” He finally gave a crooked smile, and her insides melted. “You’re gorgeous, Paris. I can’t get enough of you.”
That was more like it. She arched her back and hooked her feet around his butt. “You can have me anytime you like. Over the sofa, in the kitchen…” She gave him a wicked grin. “I’ve never done it on stairs, either. Just for future reference.”
“We’ve got all night.” His voice was rough and he shoved her short skirt up to her ass. “I’ll fuck you in every room if that’s what you want.”
Whoa. She wriggled on the hard kitchen counter. “Sounds good to me.” Her voice was hoarse. He stroked her thighs, and with every upward caress his thumbs nudged her sensitive folds. “Hope you’ve got a condom in your pocket.”
He leaned in. “Don’t worry about that. I’ve got plenty for tonight.” He kissed a hot trail along her jaw to beneath her ear, and then down her throat. She closed her eyes, tilting her head back so he had complete access.
I can’t get enough of you, either. He sucked her nipple through her bra and cupped her breasts, as though he wanted to eat her alive.
Another shudder rocked through her. Prickles raced over her skin. Not just where he touched, but everywhere, as though he’d lit a flame inside and she was burning up with need.
He pulled her to the edge of the kitchen counter, and she clung onto his biceps as he ripped open his jeans. God, I love his arms. Her gaze dropped, and she watched, fascinated, as he sheathed himself. She loved his cock, too.
I love every gorgeous inch of him. Inside and out.
He hooked her panties aside. The air was cool against her wet flesh but only for a second as Cooper grasped his cock and teased her sensitive clit.
“Aim and fire,” she croaked, but instead of shooting her a grin, he looked as though her sick humor was a knife through his chest. “Cooper,” she whispered. “What’s wrong—?”
His mouth silenced her with a savage kiss, and he thrust into her.
This was all she needed. She dug her nails into him. He filled her so completely. He grasped her ass before she slid across t
he counter and pounded into her as though this was their very first time.
It always felt like the first time with him.
She pushed her tongue into his mouth, giving him everything…and he took it, nipping and sucking and driving her out of her mind.
The sound and scent of sex filled her senses. His mouth on her skin. His hands on her body. She never wanted this moment to end, but she couldn’t hold on any longer.
With a choked gasp she arched into him as her orgasm hammered through her. He came at the same moment, gripping her butt so hard, pain and pleasure collided.
God. Her head dropped to his shoulder as she sucked in air. Her heart thundered, and aftershocks throbbed between her thighs. He held her as though the world was ending—and if it was, there wasn’t any better way to go.
Cooper stared down at Paris. Her hair was tangled across the pillows and there was a soft smile on her face.
She was beautiful. He sucked in a jagged breath that hurt his heart.
He’d watched those Sunset Heights episodes. No wonder she’d won an award. She made the cheesy lines she’d had to say sound deep and meaningful, and even though he had no idea of the storyline, her scenes had still grabbed him by the throat and not let go.
She deserved all the critical acclaim she’d received. After watching the episodes he’d trawled through the press about her. They all agreed she was wasted on the soap.
Cora had been right. She hadn’t intended to leave Hollywood for college. She was leaving her soap for movies.
All he’d been was a distraction that got out of hand. They had never had a hope. She belonged among the stars, and he had never moved far from the gutter.
He lifted one of her curls, and her hair slid between his finger and thumb. I don’t want to let you go. But he’d never really had her. Whether he’d caught her on the rebound or not wasn’t even the point anymore.
If he did nothing, she would stay with him. She’d ruin her chances of making it big. It didn’t matter that he’d give up everything and anything to make her happy. How could it work between them when he was the one holding her back?
His eyes stung. You’re fucking crazy. How could he even think of letting her go when she was the reason this last week had been the best time of his life?
How? Because he’d screwed up Alex’s life, and he wouldn’t do the same to Paris.
He trailed the end of her curl across his face and breathed in her gorgeous scent. It was the last time he ever would.
Cooper is acting so weird this morning.
Paris eyed him as he brought her luggage down the stairs, but the grim expression on his face didn’t budge.
“It’s only for a few days,” she reminded him, as he dumped the small overnight case she’d bought the other day by the front door. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
He gave a noncommittal grunt but didn’t return her smile. She bit her lip as he stomped off toward the kitchen. She’d been avoiding the issue but she couldn’t any longer.
Was he pissed by her assumption that she’d move back in with him before she went off to college? They’d never discussed it. She’d just assumed it was okay. Well, if it wasn’t, why hadn’t he said anything?
She cleared her throat and followed him into the kitchen. Now was a shitty time for a heart to heart but maybe that would at least clear the air. “Hey. I’ve been thinking. If it’s too cramped here with me, I can always stay in a local hotel when I come back.”
She held her breath. Tell me not to be so fucking stupid. Tell me you don’t ever want me to move out. Sure she wouldn’t be living with him 24-7, but the East Coast wasn’t the end of the earth. They’d still see each other plenty of time.
Slowly he turned to face her. Her heart jackknifed, although she wasn’t sure why. But she was sure something was wrong. God, no…
“It’s been fun, Paris. But it’s time to move on.”
Move on? What the hell did that mean?
You know what it means.
No. He wasn’t breaking up with her. She didn’t care that they’d never made it official. They’d dated.
What about last night? How could he want to end things after last night?
“You don’t mean that.” Where was her famous acting ability when she needed it most? She sounded exactly the way she felt. Disbelieving. Shell shocked.
This was his idea of a joke. She was going to fucking kill him because it wasn’t funny…
“We both know it was nothing serious. Thing is, I won’t be here even if you do come back.”
Her stomach pitched. I’m going to be sick. Nothing serious? He really believed that? Even after she’d told him things she’d never told anyone else?
She wanted to wrap her arms around herself, curl into a ball, and weep. Instead she grabbed Lola with both hands and hid behind the girl whose face was plastered across every tabloid in the country.
“Oh?” Her voice sounded brittle. Nothing like Lola. She dug deeper. “Where are you off to then?” Yeah, that would do. He’d never guess her stupid heart was breaking into a million tiny pieces. Bastard.
But there was no force behind it. He wasn’t a bastard. He was Cooper Grayson, and she loved him.
He shrugged, as though it didn’t matter. “Haven’t decided yet.”
Right. That told her. The pain in her chest wrapped around her heart. She was going to die. But she wasn’t going to die right here in front of him.
“So, is this something you’ve just decided on, or what?”
“Nah. Been thinking about it for a while.”
You never told me. Why did that hurt so much?
God, I’m so stupid. She’d thought their time together had meant as much to him as it did to her. He might not sell her out to the press, but he sure as hell had managed to crush her hope she’d finally found someone who could love her just for herself.
He’d never mentioned love. All he’d done was treat her like a regular girl. And when she’d thrown herself at him he’d done what any other red-blooded guy would’ve done.
It didn’t mean he loved her.
She swung away from him before he saw the truth in her eyes. No wonder he never told Scott. Because he’d never intended anything permanent.
Neither did I. Not at the start. When had it all changed from an exciting fling into an even more exciting promise of something more?
Doesn’t matter. It had all been in her head.
“I’ve called a cab,” he said, as though he had no idea her world was crumbling round her ears. He didn’t have any idea, that’s why. “Thought that’d be better than me giving you a ride. Scott can pick his own car up from your cabin.”
Her throat was clogged with unshed tears, but she hadn’t won the Viewers Choice for nothing. “Good idea.” She couldn’t face him, though. Right on cue, as though this was an episode from her soap, the door intercom buzzed, announcing the arrival of her cab.
Cooper walked her down to the street, held the cab door open for her, and gave the driver a wad of notes. “See you,” he said. The sun was in his eyes and she couldn’t see his expression, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to.
“Sure.” She sounded like she didn’t give a rat’s ass whether she saw him again. “Bye.”
He didn’t even hesitate. He slammed the car door and then stood there, arms folded, watching until they turned the corner and she couldn’t see him anymore.
Chapter Twenty-One
The following afternoon Cooper steeled his nerves and pushed open the door to Grayson’s. Once a month Alex held an informal meeting so they were all aware of how things stood with regard to the firm. Yesterday he hadn’t been near the office, and just as well. After watching Paris disappear, the last thing he’d wanted to do was face his brothers with their inevitable questions about what the fuck he thought he was doing with Paris O’Connell.
He wasn’t doing anything with her anymore.
All day her face had haunted him. The look of shock when he’d lie
d through his teeth to her. The tears she hadn’t been able to hide fast enough in those gorgeous green eyes.
She was a great actor but deep inside he didn’t—couldn’t—believe she’d used him.
You wish.
And every time he thought that he came back to the big question.
Why would Paris O’Connell want any kind of future with him?
But suppose he was wrong? Suppose she really had been serious about going to college, and putting her career on hold had nothing to do with him at all?
It doesn’t matter. She was better off without him—and it was about time he finally faced Alex and told him he wanted to take up Dale’s offer to work for him.
“Hey, Ella,” he said as he entered the office. “Alex here yet?”
“Yes, sure. He’s in his office. J should be here in a minute so we can get started. I don’t want things running late. It’s my evening at the sanctuary.”
Ella spent half her life at her animal sanctuary. Before he had the chance to catch Alex alone in his office, Jackson arrived and the meeting began.
It was hard to concentrate when he knew how badly he was going to let Alex down, but he couldn’t remain in L.A. Even though the chances of seeing Paris again were zero, the thought of staying in his apartment twisted his gut.
She’d only been there a few days, but everywhere he looked he saw her. And he wasn’t just talking about the bits of furniture and things she’d bought.
His apartment smelled of orange blossoms. That was hard enough. It would be a damn sight worse when the last lingering hint of her scent finally vanished.
Alex was talking about expanding. Guilt coiled through him. How could he leave now, when work was picking up?
You’re taking an awful lot of credit for the ways things’ve turned out. Paris’s voice echoed through his mind. He shifted on his chair and folded his arms.
Hell I am.
He took no credit for the way Alex had turned his life around.
Alex made his own choices.
And it was past time he made his.
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