Everything he just said was so ridiculous, she laughed.
His gaze narrowed as he stared at her.
“Cooper, listen to yourself. Surely you see how absurd you sound, right? You are a former Navy SEAL. You gave everything you had for this country. You’re a hero.”
“Ah, hell…” He scrubbed a hand over his face and muttered under his breath, “I’m no hero, Abby.”
“Yes, you are.” She set her hands on her hips and stared right back. “And a good guy. Look at what you did for me today. Why did you help me? Enjoying the kiss aside, why did you initially help me, Cooper?”
He shrugged. “So, you didn’t carry the burden of your promise to Mindy.”
“See? You’re a nice guy.” When he opened his mouth as if to protest, she held up a hand. “Don’t bother to spew that crap to me. If you want to believe it that’s fine, but I know you’re a nice guy. Okay?”
A smile twitched his lips. “Okay.”
She smiled back and the air changed and heated between them again. Need hit her in a hard wave that rushed through her body, causing her to tremble.
He blinked and his desire disappeared under a frown of concern. “You’re shivering. You need to get out of your wet clothes and take a hot shower.”
Nodding, she reached inside her apartment to flick on her lights. “You should do the same,” she told him, leaning against her open door. Her wide-open door.
Was she inviting him to join her? Definitely, and she made sure to show it in her eyes.
His darkened, and his jaw and fists clenched and unclenched a few times. “Abby…” He drew in a breath. “That’s an amazing offer, and I don’t take it lightly, believe me. But…you know I can’t. I want to…but I can’t.”
She sighed. It’d been worth a try. “I understand. Don’t agree with it, but I understand.”
He set his hand above his head on the doorframe and white-knuckled it. “Goodnight, Abby.”
“Goodnight, Cooper.” She stepped back a few feet to grasp the handle on the back side of the door. “Thank you for helping me fulfill my list and promise,” she said, then slowly closed the door, hoping he’d change his mind and grab it or shove his foot in to stop her from shutting him out.
He didn’t.
“Lock it, Abby.” Like the last time, his muffled voice was rough, and it did a lot to keep thoughts of her inadequacy at bay.
The man definitely wanted her. Those kisses more than proved it. His code was keeping him at bay, not her less than average curves.
It should’ve made her feel better, and it did as far as her curves, but not her yearning for the man.
She shivered as she walked through her apartment, straight for the bathroom attached to her bedroom. It was funny how her temperature nosedived now that she wasn’t near Cooper and his hot body. Suddenly aware of her soaked clothes clinging to her, she peeled off her cold shirt and dropped it on her bathroom floor.
Why in the world would he think he wasn’t good enough for her? It hadn’t been just a line of BS, either. She’d seen it in his eyes. Self-disgust had clouded his gaze. He’d truly believed it. Abby wasn’t sure why he felt that way about himself. What he’d done for her today had helped her out so much.
Digging the crumpled paper from her pocket, she walked back into her bedroom and sat on the bed, uncaring that her jeans were wet. She unfolded the list, happy to find it was only a little damp. None of the ink had smeared. She set it on the nightstand, grabbed a nearby pen and carefully crossed off her final item.
It was done.
She set the pen down, inhaled, and blew out a long breath.
Her bucket list was now complete.
Her promise to Mindy fulfilled.
She smiled. “I did it, Mindy,” she said out loud, her eyes misting over. And in less than a year.
Thanks to Cooper.
Abby stood, and marveled at how much lighter her shoulders felt.
Again, all thanks to Cooper.
You deserve much better than me…
His words resounded in her head…and they made no more sense now than they had originally. Abby didn’t know what Cooper thought she deserved, but what she wanted was him. The likeliness of that happening was slim to none. She wasn’t going to focus on that right now. She chose to focus on Cooper, and the self-disgust that had clouded his gaze.
Even though they’d both enjoyed the heck out of those kisses, she knew he’d originally done it to help her out. Now, it was her turn to return the favor. To help him out. There was a reason self-disgust had clouded his gaze.
And she was determined to find out the cause and fix it.
***
Several days had passed since Cooper had kissed Abby and was stupid enough to do it again. The first time had mostly been to help her out with her bucket list—that was what he was telling himself anyway—but the second time?
That was pure want. Need.
The instant he’d brushed Abby’s lips during that first kiss, Cooper knew he was a goner. His entire body woke up with a blast of awareness. It had been unlike anything he’d ever experienced. Her sweet taste, like ripe summer raspberries, and the way she responded to his every move, was amazing. With rain falling on them, her mouth eager under his, hands in his hair, body trembling and wet, it had been incredible and erotic, and knocked him on his damn ass.
He’d started out wanting to help her out and maybe enjoy a sweet kiss in the process, but ended up dazed and hard. By the time they’d gotten to her door, he was certain the craving seizing his body had been brought on by their location, the fact she was forbidden fruit, it was their first kiss—her white, wet, practically see-through T-shirt—and the erotic factor of the rain.
In his mind, he’d reasoned it had been the sum of it all that had knocked him on his ass. So he’d gotten the bright idea to do it again. But there would be no rain involved, and since it would be their second time, the anticipation of wondering what it would be like had been removed from the equation. It would be the true test.
The first time he’d brushed her lips during their second kiss, Cooper knew he was in trouble. Location meant squat. Anticipation meant squat. The cravings and reactions seizing his body were all caused by Abby. One hundred percent Abby, with her sweet lips, soft sighs, the way she melted against him, hungry and eager, needing more.
He’d started out the second time wanting to see if the first time had been just a fluke, but ended up dazed and hard, and in a hell of a lot of trouble.
Turning down her invitation to join her in her shower had been the hardest damn thing he’d done in his life. Once she’d locked the door, Cooper had thought he’d be okay. Wrong. For a fleeting moment, he’d considered picking the lock, and admittedly the only reason he’d stopped, was the fact that it wasn’t just his phone that would be alerted. Every agent at ESI had the security app. Mac had insisted. Carter had made it happen. Christ…if he had actually gone in, Carter, Dex, Rylee, and Mac all would’ve freaked out, thinking someone had broken into Abby’s apartment.
Cooper could only imagine receiving that call. “Hey, Carter…no…it’s just me. What am I doing there? Your sister.”
Yeah, that would’ve gone over really well.
Next would’ve been the knock on the door, and he’d have to go through the same damn thing with Gabe, because Carter would definitely have alerted the sheriff.
A shudder ricocheted down Cooper’s spine. Thank God he’d had enough brain cells left to override his out-of-control libido and not pick that lock. Those brain cells were also the reason he’d kind of kept his distance from Abby since then. They’d been in the same room together, but he made sure not to be alone with her…and to leave the room ASAP.
The sadness clouding her gaze had made him feel like the asshole he was, but he knew they were both better off staying clear of each other right now. Those kisses were still too prominent in his mind and his body certainly hadn’t recovered from them, either. His damn dick twitched if she was in
the area, and stood at attention if she got too close.
“…on there, Cooper?” Rylee’s voice penetrated his thoughts, but not fast enough for him to catch her whole question.
He glanced across the table in the boardroom where they’d set up their laptops and spread out all the papers involving the dog-fighting investigation. “Sorry, Rylee. What did you ask?”
A smile tugged her lips. She set her pen down and sat back in her chair. “That kiss still on your mind?”
The girls had apparently taken one look at Abby Saturday morning and knew she’d fulfilled her bucket list. And since they’d known he was part of that last item, they kept trying to get information out of him. They also took turns teasing. But it wouldn’t work on him.
He’d been in the breakroom when Abby had asked her friends not to tell Carter, Dex, or Mac. Reluctantly, the women had all agreed. Cooper had remained quiet. Not just because she hadn’t asked him, but also because he knew he couldn’t keep it from his buddies.
He wasn’t wired that way.
It was just one more way for him to disappoint Abby.
“You don’t have to be so tight-lipped about the kiss,” Rylee said. “You certainly weren’t on Friday.” She snickered. “I know, because I saw the video feed from the camera in the alley. It has a perfect view of the back of the strip mall.”
Ah, hell.
“Seriously?” He stared at the smiling woman. “You actually looked it up?”
She shrugged. “Yes. With Stef and Mel.”
Son-on-of-a…
He shot to his feet and shoved a hand through his hair. “Why the hell would you do that?”
“To see if it was as amazing as Abby said.”
His entire body stilled. Even his breathing. “She did?”
Of course, she did, because it had been and they both knew it. Correction. Now, Rylee, Stef, and Mel knew it too.
So would Carter and the others, if they bothered to look.
Shit.
“You’re a good guy, Cooper, helping her with her bucket list,” Rylee said, her gaze suddenly serious. “But I think it kind of bit you in the ass.”
Understatement of the fucking year.
He blew out a breath and sat back down. “You need to let it go.”
“No.” Her smiled returned. “That kiss was pretty great. Surely you know it wasn’t normal.”
Another understatement, but he refused to rise to the bait. “You’re making this tough on Abby.”
Rylee arched a brow. “No, you’re making it tough on Abby. Always leaving the room when she’s around. Don’t think she hasn’t noticed. That kind of crap hurts our feelings, you know.”
His chest tightened. “I’m not doing it to hurt her feelings.”
“Then why are you doing it?”
“Because I’m trying to nip things in the bud before they get out of hand.”
“Hello…I’ve seen the video, remember? Things got out of hand pretty fast.”
Damn. This conversation was getting out of hand.
“I’m serious, Rylee.”
“So am I. Not sure what kind of blinders you’re wearing, but it was clear to me the chemistry between you and Abby is pretty great.”
True. “All the more reason to nip it in the bud,” he said. “You know as well as I do that Abby and I can’t be a thing.”
“Why not?”
He blinked at her. Seriously? “Carter.”
“Bullshit.” Her brows crashed together. “That might have worked when you two were active duty, but you aren’t anymore. So quit using it as an excuse and be truthful with yourself.” She waved her pointer finger at him. “And don’t try selling me that crap you tried on her that you’re not good enough for her. That’s bullshit, too, Cooper.”
He jerked his head back. “She told you that?”
“Yeah, because she doesn’t believe it any more than I do.” Rylee scoffed. “You need to face facts, Cooper. You’re a great guy who deserves a great girl like Abby, and she deserves someone like you.”
“She deserves someone better than me.”
“There is no one better than you,” Rylee said. “You’re funny and sweet. You’re loyal. Compassionate. You’d never cheat on her or lay a hand on her. Those are great things, Cooper.”
He laughed without mirth. “If I was so loyal, I wouldn’t have kissed my buddy’s sister.”
His gut tightened with all the guilt flooding his stomach. As for laying a hand on her?
What if that was in his future?
He’d already discovered he could get possessive of Abby just by thinking of her with another man. That wasn’t so good.
His cell phone on the table next to his laptop started to ring. It was Mac. Relief shot through him. The guy always had his back. Even when he didn’t know it.
“Hey, Mac. What’s up?” he asked upon answering.
“Just calling for a SITREP,” his boss replied.
“I’m in the boardroom with Rylee. Hang on, I’ll put you on speaker,” he set the phone down and hit the speaker button.
“Hey, Mac,” Rylee said. “We’re cross-referencing purchases from local hardware stores.”
Any bulk purchases of supplies that could be used to make kennels or runs, or benches for spectators went on the list.
“Any luck?” Mac asked.
“A few that could hold promise,” she said. “Cooper’s helping me compile a list.”
There were a lot. Too many. The items were common and had many uses. It was going to take days to clear the list. And it couldn’t be done over the phone. They had to track down the customers and verify what the materials were used for to be sure.
“Then we’ll cross reference the list with known felons,” he said. “Before going door to door.”
“Roger that,” Mac said.
“And if you guys aren’t back by then, I’ll use Carter’s program to check bank records,” Rylee told him.
Carter had a program for just about anything. He wasn’t sure if it was all above board and didn’t ask. That was between Carter, Mac, and the law.
“Speaking of Carter, he’s right here. Hang on, he wants to speak with you,” Mac said, and since Cooper didn’t know if his boss had meant him in particular or Rylee, he left it on speaker.
“Hey, guys,” Carter said. “How’s Abby?”
Rylee opened her grinning mouth, and Cooper shook his head, warning her not to say anything. He wanted to tell his buddy face to face and take his deserved beating like a man.
Still grinning, she leaned over the table toward his phone. “Ask Cooper.”
Chapter Seven
Son-of-a…
Cooper closed his eyes and blew out a breath. These women were going to be the death of him.
“Thought I just did,” Carter said. “Did he leave the room or something?”
Opening his eyes, Cooper glared at the snickering Rylee. “No, I’m still here. Rylee just thinks she’s being funny.”
I am funny, she mouthed, grin widening.
“Guess I missed the joke,” Carter said. “Anyway, I’m concerned about Abby. Today’s a tough day for her. Mindy passed away a year ago today, and I don’t really want Abby to be alone. I’d hoped to be back, but we still have a few more days here”
Shit.
Cooper’s heart dropped to his ribs. Today? No wonder she’d looked so sad this morning. Here he’d thought it was because of him.
Way to put things into perspective.
“So, can you maybe take her out to eat tonight or something?” Carter asked. “I know Stef has plans with Mrs. McCall, but maybe you two and Mel can go to a movie or binge watch a show?”
“Of course,” Rylee answered, concern canceling out her earlier amusement. “We can all go to my place for pizza and a movie.”
Carter’s sigh rustled through the phone. “Thanks. I appreciate it. And Coop, can you catch my sister before she leaves work tonight? I don’t want her to get the chance to slip away and lock he
rself in her apartment all night.”
He nodded. “Roger that.”
“Thanks, guys. I knew I could count on you,” Carter said before he hung up.
“Do you know how late Abby is working tonight?”
“Let’s see…today’s Monday. I think her last appointment is at five on Mondays,” Rylee answered. “It’s already a quarter till five. I’ve no idea how long she’ll be though. It will depend on what the customer wants done.”
True. “I’ll just head over now and wait outside the door.”
Rylee nodded. “Yeah, she may not have an appointment. Or she might’ve cut out early and might not even be there.”
Shit.
He powered down his laptop and stacked the papers into a pile. “Either way, I’ll find her and bring her to your place.”
“Mel just texted,” Ryle said. “She’ll be over after she finishes the ink she’s doing.”
He nodded.
“Shoot me a text when you’re on your way with Abby and I’ll order the pizza.” Rylee powered down her laptop and stood. “I’m going to get Marilyn and Lex, lock up, then head home.”
Cooper stopped in the doorway and turned around. “You’re taking Lex to your place, too?”
“Yes,” she said. “Mel asked me if I’d bring him. She thought the two birds together might lift Abby’s spirits.”
True. “Do you need help?”
Their travel cages could be a bit awkward to carry.
“Thanks.” She smiled. “But no. I’ll put them both in the same cage.”
“Okay.” He left through the front door and walked down the block to peek in the window of Sharp Cuts where he spied a beautiful blonde leading an elderly woman toward her chair.
The sight of Abby eased all the stiffness tightening his shoulders ever since Carter had called. Thank God she was still at work. He quickly turned and headed back the way he came before she saw him peeking in the window, looking like a pervert.
On impulse, he stopped in Champion Bakers. He had five minutes before they closed. “Hey, Loni,” he said, waving to Loni Champion, one of the bakery owners. Her twin sister, Lori, was co-owner, but still in Connecticut overseeing the sale of their bakery up north.
Cooper (HC Heroes Series Book 5) Page 8
