Her skin was soft and warm, and she squirmed beneath him as he kissed a path to her bellybutton and dipped his tongue inside, reaching up to fill his hands with two glorious breasts.
She moaned, arching into him, nipples peaked and poking his palms while he nipped at the sexy curve of her waist. “Cooper…” she whispered his name in a sexy-ass sigh he was beginning to crave.
With a hunger matching his own, she grasped his head and tugged him up to her mouth and kissed him hot and wet and deep.
“I need you in me, now, Cooper,” she muttered against his lips. “Please.”
Damn, she didn’t need to beg. He was more than ready. “Anything you want,” he told her, voice low and raspy, and he meant it.
At the moment, he’d give her the moon.
Lifting up, he positioned his erection against her hot, slick entrance and pushed in. His moan mingled with hers in a matching declaration of pleasure that filled the room.
“Damn, Abby,” he rasped out. “I wish you knew how exquisite you feel around me.” He watched her eyes glaze over as he slid in and out of her silky warmth.
So exquisite.
Soft hands skimmed up his abs and pecs, while her gorgeous, heated gaze held his. “You feel magnificent in me.”
She thought he was magnificent?
More of that power went to Cooper’s head and puffed out his chest. The sexy, sensual woman thrusting beneath him with lush curves, gorgeous blonde hair, and beautiful sky blue eyes thought he was magnificent.
It humbled him.
He’d been with his share of women and prided himself on putting a satisfied smile on their faces after a mutually enjoyable romp. But none had ever made him feel…magnificent. Or just plain feel.
Abby did.
The others all kind of muddled together, even Peyton, his ex-fiancée. But not Abby Sharp. Not a chance. The gorgeous, kind, sexy woman stood out. Her mind-blowing kisses, charged touch, addicting scent, sweet, exquisite taste.
Damn…he loved her taste.
Cooper grabbed her hands and held them by her head, pressing them into the mattress as he lowered his mouth to hers to sample more of her mouthwatering sweetness. He swept his tongue into her mouth, and she moaned and bucked against him. Heat shot down his spine and his body began to tighten.
Hovering on the brink, he broke the kiss to flick a tight peak with his tongue and received a moan of approval. When she arched, inviting, begging him for more, he drew her nipple into his mouth and sucked hard.
“Cooper...”
He released her peak and lifted up to lock his elbows. “What, Abby? What do you need?” he asked as he thrust deeper inside.
“That…you,” she replied, rocking her hips to his rhythm.
The euphoric look on her face carried him to the very edge. Another long, deep thrust, then another set her off, and as he watched her burst, hard, she clamped around him and took him with her over the threshold into unchartered bliss.
***
All too soon, the week flew by. It was Friday evening and Abby was at the Pub, enjoying a burger and her last night with Cooper before her brother returned tomorrow. Rylee, Mel, and Stef were there, too. It was a good night to let loose, blow off some steam, and welcome the weekend with another great live band due to start their set in thirty minutes.
Tonight they chose a table in the back, as far from the dance floor as possible. Not because they expected the band to suck, but because they wanted to be able to hold a conversation and hear it too.
“Are you actually going to dance tonight, Cooper?” Rylee asked, a grin on her face as she stirred the ice in her rum and Coke.
Mel jerked her head in his direction and arched a brow. “You dance, Cooper?”
Stef smiled. “Come to think of it, I’ve never seen you out on the dance floor.”
He had his arm slung around the back of Abby’s chair, hand on her shoulder with his finger tracing little circles on her arm. “That’s because I have two left feet. But if Abby wants to dance, I’ll dance.” He turned to her and grinned, mischief and a flash of heat gleaming in his eyes. “It’s amazing what one can do if properly motivated.”
Mel’s snicker mixed with the other women’s chuckles, but Abby merely smiled.
A delicious shiver raced down her spine at the memory of the last time they’d danced and how the sensuous swaying and the delectable friction of their bodies had led to an incredible, hot night in her bed. She was hoping for a repeat performance tonight.
“Yeah, it’s funny how that is.” She set a hand on his chest, still smiling into his gaze. “Motivation is a powerful thing.”
His grin broadened. “Affirmative.”
“Okay, so now I get Abby’s gag reflex when her brother and I exchange banter.” Mel pushed her plate away and grimaced.
Everyone laughed.
“Guess it’s true what they say about payback.” Abby winked.
“Yeah.” Mel snorted. “And she has long blonde hair and is sitting next to her boyfriend while mine, Stef, and Rylee’s are in another town.”
“Yeah,” the other girls chorused.
Abby chuckled then turned back to face Cooper. “That doesn’t make me a bitch. That just makes me lucky.” Unable to help herself, she leaned close to kiss his smile. Probably not smart. Doing this in public might get back to her brother, but she couldn’t resist.
“Way to rub it in, Abs,” Mel said, but her tone was full of mirth.
When she made to draw back, he lifted his hand and cupped her face to keep her there a few delicious seconds longer.
The server stopped by then to drop off refills of their fries and collect empty plates. She didn’t know how Kerri and Jordan McCall, the owners, made any money giving out those free fry refills when big guys like Cooper packed down more than two.
“I should’ve asked him for more wine,” Rylee said, looking for their server. “I’m almost out.”
“I’ll get you some.” Cooper’s gaze returned to Abby. “You want another soda?”
She nodded. “Sure.”
Rising to his feet, he glanced at the others. “Anyone else?”
“No thanks,” Mel said, while Stef shook her head.
“Okay. I’ll be right back,” he said, before heading for the bar.
Stef set a hand on Abby’s arm, drawing her gaze away from Cooper’s remarkable, receding form. “Don’t listen to Mel. It’s great watching you and Cooper together.”
Mel grinned. “She knows I’m just kidding. It is great to see you both happy.”
“Been a long time coming.” Rylee winked.
“I know.” Abby grinned. She couldn’t help it. Just thinking about the amazing man put a huge smile on her face.
Mel and Rylee were smiling too. Big smiles lit their eyes…as if their men were around…
Abby’s heart dropped to her knees. But that couldn’t be right. It was only Friday. The guys weren’t due back until tomorrow.
“Dex!” Rylee shot to her feet, followed by Mel, their attention focused past Abby’s right shoulder.
With her pulse now pounding loudly in her ears, she turned in that direction to find her brother and his two buddies indeed winding their way through the crowd straight for them. Stef turned to then jumped to her feet and rushed to Mac.
While the couples reunited, Abby remained seated—and talked herself out of panicking. She needed to warn Cooper, but there were too many people in the way for her to catch his attention as he waited by the bar. One thing was certain though, he’d see them soon enough.
This situation was the absolute worst case scenario. They weren’t prepared. She sure as heck wasn’t. It was public and crowded. Abby’s stomach was tied in knots.
“I thought you were coming home tomorrow,” Stef said, grinning at her fiancé as he and the other men grabbed three empty chairs and brought them to their table.
“Job ended this evening, so we were able to come back tonight,” Mac replied, setting his chair close to Stef�
�s. He leaned in and kissed his fiancée again.
“That’s great.” Rylee beamed, sitting back down in the chair Dex held out for her, before he, too, settled close to his woman.
Yeah…great…
Their guys were back now, but what did it mean for hers when he returned with their drinks?
“Hurray for time management.” Mel grinned at Carter as the two huddled close together in side-by-side seats.
Mac glanced around. “Where’s Cooper?”
Abby stiffened, her pulse taking off again.
“Getting drinks,” Stef answered and when nothing else was said, Abby breathed a little easier.
Carter glanced at her. “How are you doing, Sis?” His eyes narrowed slightly before he smiled. “You look different.”
“I do?” Shoot.
“Yeah.” Carter nodded. “I don’t know…happier or something.”
“I am happy. Very happy actually.” She smiled, warmth spreading through her body and she hoped her honest answer showed on her face.
Mac nodded, gaze now narrowed on her, too. “You do look different.”
“Great sex will do that to you,” Mel muttered under her breath next to her.
Abby kicked the bugger’s shin. Her friend laughed as she reached for her drink.
“Yeah, there’s a contentment to you.” Dex stared at her from across the table.
“Whatever you’re doing,” Carter said, smile on his face, “keep it up.”
Mel began to cough on her drink and Abby patted her back, probably a little harder than necessary.
Mac studied her a moment then his lips quirked. “Who’s the lucky guy?”
Shoot.
The man was as bad as Gabe with his all-seeing eyes.
Carter sat up straight, face serious as he glanced around the now recovered Mel to frown at her. “Guy? What Guy?” Then he looked pointedly at Rylee, Stef, then Mel.
Bless Mel. She shrugged. “Not my business. But I like him.”
“He’s actually a great guy,” Rylee said, her gaze honest and firm.
Stef nodded, similar expression on her face. “Yeah. I like him, too. He’s perfect for Abby.”
To her relief, her brother relaxed, and a teasing glint entered his gaze. “He must be because you’re glowing, Abs.”
Glowing?
More like dying. Things were about to get real very soon.
“He must be okay,” Carter said. “Because Cooper never told me, which means he approved and that’s good enough for me.”
Hysterical laughter bubbled up her throat. Luckily, she swallowed it back down.
“I’d like to know who he is, though. Does he have a name?” Carter stared at her. “Who’ve you been seeing?
Cooper emerged from the crowd and set the drinks on the table before meeting Carter’s gaze. “Me.” He moved to stand behind her, set his hands on her shoulders, and squeezed. “Your sister is seeing me.”
Chapter Twelve
When Cooper had returned with the drinks and saw Carter and the guys sitting at the table, his heart had lurched. They were a day early and hadn’t informed him of the schedule change.
One look at Abby’s wide eyes and dilated pupils had tightened his chest, and an unexpected and fierce urge to protect had overtaken him. He’d instinctively moved to stand behind her. He had her back.
Whatever happened now, he’d deal with it. This was his doing.
“You?” Carter rose to his feet and blinked at him. “You’ve been seeing my sister?”
Mel set a hand on Carter’s arm. “Don’t get bent out of shape.”
“This isn’t the place,” Mac said, voice stern. “Why don’t we take this back to ESI and you can settle it on the mat?”
“How long?” Carter asked, gaze still on him, completely ignoring the others.
“Since Monday,” Abby answered, trying to stand, but Cooper pressed her gently back down in the chair.
He knew she was only trying to help, but he needed to take care of this himself. He was the one who’d done the betraying, not Abby.
“I’m sorry, Carter.” He released her to fully face her brother. “It wasn’t planned. It just happened. And I deserve a good punch, but Mac is right. Not here.”
Carter glanced from his sister then back to Cooper, and his lips…twitched?
What the hell?
“’Bout damn time.” Carter grinned.
“Wait…what?” He frowned, expecting…well, not that.
“Yeah,” Abby said. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”
Carter chuckled and bent to kiss Abby on the head. “Wiseass. I’m still your brother”
“And you’re not mad?” she asked, no doubt as confused as Cooper.
This was not at all how he’d expected this conversation to go. If he’d returned to the table and found the guys modeling evening gowns, Cooper wouldn’t have been more surprised.
“No. And I’m not stupid.” He straightened and his gaze returned to Cooper. “There is no one more righteous or upstanding—Gabe excluded, of course—than you, Cooper. So, for you to forego the code, shows me that my sister means the world to you.”
“She does,” Cooper said, and his ears registered Abby’s indrawn breath, along with several feminine sighs.
Carter lifted a shoulder. “Then why wouldn’t I want that for my sister?”
Put that way, it made sense.
Cooper nodded, and when Carter held out his hand, he shook it, relief flowing through him. The tightness in his chest released its grip and eased the guilt balled up in his gut.
Then his buddy’s grip tightened, and he leaned closer. “But if you hurt her, you’ll get more than a punch to the face.”
Cooper nodded. “Roger that.”
“Good.” Carter released his hand to slap him on the back. “Okay, let’s eat. I’m starved.”
The rest of the evening sped by. With the tension gone, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the company, the food, and the band. Cooper let Abby lead him to the dance floor a few times, and even though he didn’t enjoy the fast songs, he suffered through them to get to the slow ones.
An hour later, they were dancing again, but he especially liked this one.
They were alone in her apartment, buck naked and swaying in the dark to music drifting through the room from the clock radio on her nightstand. He held her close, running his hand down the curve of her back, loving the way she melted into him and held him tight.
Enchanting. That’s what Abby was. Pure magic.
Awareness hummed through his simmering body. They were already one condom down. A crazy, wild celebration had ensued—for receiving her brother’s blessing—the instant they’d stepped through her door. They’d made it three steps before he took her against the wall in her hallway.
Now that their initial craving was satisfied, they were enjoying each other’s bodies, savoring, caressing, stoking the fire burning just below the surface.
“Mmm…I could stay like this all night.” She sighed against his chest, her silky hair loose and sexy as hell as it brushed his arms while he cupped her sweet ass with one hand and held the back of her neck with the other.
Cooper was pretty good with stamina. Staying awake several days when needed. Foregoing creature comforts. But this woman tested his control. Her soft curves trembling against him, tight nipples scraping his chest, wicked thumb caressing his hip while her other hand lightly skimmed his ass…was everything and not enough.
It was time to take this further.
He drew back to kiss her temple, her cheek, then her mouth, and she opened for him, responding to his kiss with the same need burning through him. It was time to dance to a different tune. He dipped down and swept her into his arms.
She broke the kiss to squeak, then hooked her arms around his neck and laughed. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere tropical,” he muttered against her skin, dragging his mouth down her neck as he carried her to the kitchen and set her
on the island.
“Cooper.” She snickered. “I’m not sure this qualifies as tropical.”
He grinned. “Give me a few minutes.” Placing a hand on her shoulders, he gently pushed until her back was flat on the counter. “Trust me,” he said, hooking her knees over his shoulders, his mouth watering at the delectable buffet before him. “It’s going to get real hot in here.”
Damn hot.
And as he enjoyed several entrées, and a dessert to scream about—and she did—Cooper looked forward to tomorrow with the sweet, giving woman who was way too good for him.
***
Abby yawned and gave her head a shake. It was one of those days where she just couldn’t stop yawning. Stef’s bridal shower was coming to an end and Abby was seriously considering going home to take a nap before Cooper came over that night.
“Oh…Mac’s going to like that.” Mel’s laughter rescued Abby from her thoughts and she focused on the slinky black negligee Stef pulled out of the final gift bag. If was from Stef’s sister, Chloe.
“Yeah, that present is more for him than you.” Rylee smirked.
Stef grinned. “Oh, believe me, I’ll enjoy it when he takes it off me.”
“Exactly.” Chloe laughed.
Catcalls, whistles and laughter mingled in the air as they sat in the large gathering room at Wild Creek Ranch, owned by Mac’s aunt and uncle. Abby had last been in this room two months ago, when it was all decked out in red and green, with the biggest Christmas tree she’d ever seen brightly decorated in the middle of the room. The room had been gorgeous then, and it was gorgeous now, too.
Several tables were spread across the floor, running perpendicular to the one she sat at with the bride-to-be, her matron of honor, and the other bridesmaids, in front of a long glass wall. The tables were covered in white with flowered centerpieces in both soft and bright aqua, while the buffet and dessert tables were adorned just the opposite.
As Stef thanked everyone for their gifts and for coming, Abby sipped her ginger ale and eyed the chocolate fountain and fresh fruit near the buffet. She already had a small plateful of lasagna and delicious manicotti, but hadn’t hit the dessert table yet. There were some cupcakes there that looked deliciously familiar. Her stomach growled.
Cooper (HC Heroes Series Book 5) Page 14
