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Cooper's Charm

Page 15

by Lori Foster


  Heading down the hall to see the rest of the interior, she passed a microwave oven, three-burner stove, solid-surface countertops and lots of kitchen storage.

  In the moderate bathroom, which was still far bigger than what Phoenix used in the cabin, she found twin vessel sinks and a shower curved to fit into the space. The shower wasn’t large, but then, she wasn’t a large woman. “No bathtub.”

  Daron leaned close. “You’re welcome to use mine when you feel the need to soak.”

  Grinning at his cheesy—and surely playful—come-on, she headed into the bedroom. “Hmm. This is tight.” The king-size bed took up most of the space, with drawers built underneath and a stationary dresser/clothes closet on the opposite wall, a TV in between.

  Lounging in the door frame, Daron said, “I hate to break it to you, but they don’t make them bigger than this. If you want more room, you’ll have to go custom, and that’d be months before it was ready.”

  The idea of months made her wrinkle her nose. “Really?”

  “Afraid so.”

  Not all that disappointed, Ridley ran a hand over the padded headboard, the surface of the nightstand, and then the velvety soft coverlet—and made her decision. “I’ll take it.”

  Blinking, Daron straightened from his lounged position. “You’ll take it?”

  “Everything has been cleaned, yes?”

  “The bedding, yeah, but you’re now the official housekeeper. I’d go over it all again if I was you.”

  “Of course you’re right.” She ran her finger over a layer of dust.

  A little disbelieving, he looked around. “Do you want to know the price?”

  “Is it fair?” she inquired.

  “A bargain, actually.”

  She thrust out her hand. “If I pay you now, how soon can I move in?”

  Appearing dazed, he accepted her hand, his brows up so high they disappeared under his tumbled brown hair. “Er...” He looked around again, then shrugged. “Whenever you want.”

  “Perfect. If you’d like to ride with me to the bank, we can get it taken care of right now.”

  A grin slowly spread over his face. “Let me see if Maris can keep the dog a little longer.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket.

  While he made the call, she started back through to the living area, admiring the tasteful decor while also making a mental note of the things she’d like to buy. New throw pillows, a rug for the entry, maybe some fresh flowers for the dinette. She opened the cabinets and found most empty, but dishes and glasses remained in a few.

  “Maris is a go.”

  Of course she was. Not only was the dog adorable, but Ridley suspected Maris would do just about anything for Daron, even though they appeared to have a contrary relationship. “The dishes stay?”

  “Sure, if you like them. Matching towels in the bathroom, too.”

  She nodded, thinking that she’d have to go to the BMV next, then the grocery, and of course she’d have to call her insurance agent—

  “One question,” Daron said from behind her.

  Absently, her thoughts full with her to-do list, Ridley asked, “Yes?”

  “How rich are you?”

  At the open front door, she turned to face him with amusement. “My ex had scads of money—and so I took what I could when he filed for divorce.”

  “He filed?”

  A smirk hardened her smile. “Hard to believe, huh?” She gestured down her body. “Me being such a catch and all.”

  “Actually, yeah.” Daron folded his arms over his chest. “So what happened?”

  “Nosy much?”

  “Curious, yeah. I admit it.”

  She shook her head, denying him. No, she wouldn’t go into it. Not here, not now.

  Maybe not ever.

  “Let’s just say he wanted more than I could give him, and leave it at that.” Before he could press her any further, she took the first step out—and almost ran into Baxter.

  Judging by his expression, he’d heard every word.

  No. No, she definitely didn’t want him to know of her rejection so instead she said with sugary politeness, “Baxter, what a surprise. I’m afraid Daron and I weren’t expecting...company.”

  Baxter’s gaze went past her and she knew Daron stood right behind her.

  When the slightest hint of amusement narrowed Baxter’s eyes, she looked behind her and found Daron shaking his head in the negative.

  She glared.

  Daron grinned, then said to Baxter, “I was showing her the RV, nothing more.” He sent an apologetic glance to Ridley. “Not from lack of interest, understand. But I do like for that interest to be reciprocated.”

  She lifted her chin. “Who says it’s not?”

  “My intuition?” he asked. “My eyes? My sense of self-preservation?”

  Baxter, the ass, actually laughed.

  “Thanks for nothing,” she growled at Daron.

  Shrugging, he explained, “Baxter is bigger than me.”

  She knew that had nothing to do with it. More likely, it was some stupid male code of honor or something. Daron had sensed the chemistry between them, so he wouldn’t get involved. “Whatever. You’re useless.” And she was losing her touch.

  “Hey,” he objected. “I did show you the RV, right?” He coaxed her, adding, “That has to count for something, right?”

  “Not really.”

  “Are you buying it?” Baxter asked.

  Before she could tell him to mind his own business, Daron chimed in with, “She is. The lady has good taste, and apparently deep pockets.”

  Incredulous, she glared at him again.

  Daron drew on an expression of innocence. “Was it a secret?”

  Baxter spoke up again. “So you’ll be around for a while?”

  “I’m obviously not needed for this conversation.” She gave Daron a small shove. “He has all the answers, after all.”

  Theatrically, Daron grabbed his shoulder, saying, “I’m injured.”

  “Keep it up,” she warned, “and you might be.”

  Baxter gave her a long look—a look that seemed almost tender. “I’ll let you two finish settling things.” He hesitated before adding, “Welcome to the park, Ridley.”

  * * *

  Trying to disguise her trembling anticipation, Phoenix sat at the table across from Cooper toward the back of a quaint, family-run restaurant. They’d already bought the mower, arranging for delivery to the park by the first of the week. Now they’d almost finished their dinner at a local steakhouse.

  Soon they’d be on their way to Cooper’s house.

  God, she could hardly wait. As if she’d already indulged in foreplay, her breasts felt heavy, her skin too sensitive, and throbbing heat gathered at her center.

  “Dessert?” Cooper asked her.

  She wanted him for dessert. “No, thank you.” Mostly, she wanted to be alone with him. She forced herself to say, “But if you do—”

  He shook his head, then to her consternation, ordered coffee for them both.

  He didn’t seem in much of a hurry.

  Trying for some normal conversation, she asked again, “Nothing else happened with the goons? Officer Clark didn’t find out anything—”

  “I’m not keeping anything from you. Gibb and I waited, but they didn’t show up.” He shrugged. “Gibb went by the neighborhood where they live, but he didn’t see them. He only knows one address, but no one answered the door when he knocked. He said he’ll drive through there a few more times, and of course if we see them again, we’re to call him.”

  “That seems like an awfully simple story.”

  “When there’s more to tell, I’ll tell you. So far, that’s it.”

  She didn’t like it. She wanted some sort of resolution...

  “What?
” Cooper gently asked, studying her frown.

  Not much got past him, she thought with a sigh. “I detest open-ended problems.” It was a rare thing for her to share, but tonight, with Cooper, the words just came out. “The men who assaulted me are still out there somewhere, an unknown threat. And now this.”

  They both went silent as a server set steaming cups of coffee in front of them.

  Once she was gone, Cooper reached for Phoenix’s hand. “I’m sorry.”

  Even that simple touch made the need inside her flare. “Don’t be. I’m fine.” This was not a night for negativity. Tonight was for moving forward. For living. She wanted to make the most of it, and thinking that had her smiling. “Better than fine, actually.”

  With his thumb, Cooper explored the back of her knuckles, then her blunt nails.

  “I have calluses,” she said, self-conscious with her work-rough hands. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a manicure. Why bother when she spent her days digging in dirt?

  Cooper smiled. “Everything about you fascinates me.”

  Because she was so different from his wife? She wouldn’t ask...but she couldn’t stop from wondering.

  He seemed to debate with himself before finally saying, “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable tonight.”

  Having no idea what that meant, Phoenix said softly, “I’m not.” Not anymore. Not with him.

  His fingers curled around hers and his gaze lifted to her face.

  God, she loved his eyes, so calming with the whiskey-colored centers encircled by a rich brown. Golden striations made his eyes very unusual—and oh, so appealing.

  When he said, “My wife died five years ago,” she snapped out of her musings.

  Tension added angles to his face, rigidity to his shoulders; she felt it in the grip on her hand. The conversation might’ve been awkward with any other man, but this was Cooper: natural leader, defender of puppy dogs, friendly boss to a resort that made everyone feel welcome.

  To let him know it was okay, she squeezed his hand in return and asked softly, “What was her name?”

  The question threw him for a moment. “Anna.”

  “She was beautiful.” His hand was big and warm...he was big and warm. A powerful man, capable—but she knew he’d suffered and it killed her. “I can’t imagine what you went through, but I know it had to have been terrible. You loved her.”

  His mouth tightened. “We’d only been married two years. In a lot of ways, it still felt like a honeymoon—” His gaze shot to hers.

  His uncertainty brought out her encouragement. “I’m sure it did. Were you the same age?”

  He shook his head. “She was a year younger.”

  “In her photo, she looks like a happy person.”

  “She was. Very happy.” He stared off to the side and said low, “Everyone loved her.”

  “You lost her suddenly?” She knew the story her sister had relayed, but sensed Cooper needed to tell her himself.

  “She called to say she was on her way home but that she was stopping for a few things from a convenience store. She was killed there in an armed robbery. I was expecting her home any minute...and then police were at my door.”

  Tears burned the backs of her eyes. “I am so sorry,” Phoenix whispered. No one should ever have things change so drastically, in such an awful way.

  He hesitated, still reluctant, before meeting her gaze. “What few people know is that she was pregnant.”

  Dear God. It felt like she took a blow to her heart, making her hand go slack in his.

  He held on, his gaze locked on hers. “I’ve not shared that with anyone else.”

  Emotion choked her and she swallowed hard, doing her best to hold back tears. “It’s private. I understand.”

  He nodded. “I just wanted to explain—”

  “You don’t owe me any explanations.” She leaned forward, holding his hand in both of hers. “You loved her, Cooper. A part of you will always love her.” She gave him a sad smile. “Just as a part of you will always mourn.”

  After a long look, he seemed to settle more comfortably in his chair. “For the first year I was a complete bastard. I hated everyone and everything. I raged often, even at my own family.”

  She understood that. Hadn’t she turned away from everyone who loved her? “I’m sure each person reacts differently to grief.” Hers was to hide away. “Yours was a show of anger.”

  “I got into too many fights—or more like brawls.” With a short laugh, he said, “I’d frequent all the local dives, but I rarely drank. Mostly I waited for an opportunity...”

  To let go of some of his hurt. She nodded. “Go on.”

  “I almost got arrested once, but the guy I’d knocked out was a serious asshole who needed it, so instead the cop told me to go home and not return.”

  Wow. She’d felt his confidence, especially when he’d faced off with three grown men he’d called boys, but she’d never imagined that he’d honed his skills with actual bar brawls.

  “The second year,” he continued, “wasn’t much better, but at least I got my temper under control. I was still pissed at the world, but I kept it in check.”

  “That took a lot of willpower.” Did he know that she admired him?

  Apparently not, given his shrug. “The third year... I came here.”

  “Cooper’s Charm?”

  “That’s not what it was called then, but yeah. Giving up my nine-to-five job was a relief. I could hide here.”

  Sadness stole her breath. “Surrounded by people?”

  His gaze bored into hers, seeing far too much. “Sometimes that’s the best place to hide, because others don’t realize what you’re doing. For a proud person, the perception matters.”

  Knowing he meant her, she sucked in a breath, and her glasses slipped down the bridge of her nose. “I suppose it does.”

  With a small smile, he reached out and straightened them, then smoothed her hair before sliding his fingers around to cradle her skull. “When we leave here, we’ll go back to my house.”

  For sex, she reminded herself. “Okay.” It was important to remember that this was about sex and only sex—especially after he’d just shared such a private history with her.

  His hand fell away and he sat back in his seat, no longer touching her at all. “When I said I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable, I meant that I put away most of my wife’s photos.”

  A tidal wave of shame washed over her. She felt like an interloper. “But you didn’t have to—”

  “I know, but I did it for me, too.” Withdrawing his wallet, he pulled out several bills and laid them on the table. “As you said, I’ll always love Anna.”

  “Of course.” Why did the assurance make her so gloomy?

  He stood to pull back her chair. “But I don’t want to mourn anymore.”

  9

  “Should we check on Sugar first?”

  Cooper glanced at her, maybe gauging her mood. “Trust me, like all other females, she adored him at first sight. She immediately rolled over so he could rub her belly.”

  Phoenix felt her face go warm. “All females, huh?”

  Without taking his eyes from the road, he reached over and clasped her knee. “Present company excluded—I hope.”

  It seemed wicked to enjoy his small show of jealousy, but enjoy it she did. “Daron is handsome, funny, and yes, sexy.” But he’s not you. “He’s also a giant flirt, so I’m not sure any woman should take him too seriously.”

  “That’s another reason he willingly agreed to dog-sit. He said cute puppies are like chick magnets.”

  She laughed. “Like he needs any help with that.”

  As he pulled up to his house, he said softly, “Phoenix?”

  “Hmm?” She looked down at the park, now cast in the glow of the lowering su
n. The reflection off the lake seemed to glimmer everywhere, on each RV, the maintenance building, the creek.

  He turned off his truck and shifted to face her. “You’re not nervous, are you?”

  Nervous, anxious, impatient...all of those. “No,” she lied.

  She could tell he didn’t believe her, but he got out and circled the hood of the truck. She already had her door open and stepped out as he reached her.

  A child shouted happily from the lake, drawing their attention.

  Cooper started them toward the house. “I still need to get you into a bikini.”

  “Don’t hold your breath.” He’d made several comments about her physical appeal, and while she liked her body just fine—extra pounds and all—she couldn’t help but worry that he might be disappointed. Not worried enough that she wanted to have sex in the dark or under the covers. No, she wanted them both naked with enough light for her to study him all over.

  She shivered.

  Unlocking the kitchen door, which he almost always used rather than his front door, he asked, “Why not a bikini?”

  They stepped into the interior, and Phoenix said, “It’s just not me.” She set her purse on the counter, then laced her fingers together to keep from reaching for him. “Besides, I don’t swim very often, so my ancient one-piece will have to do—”

  In a single move, Cooper turned her and pinned her to the door, his mouth coming down on hers, ending her explanations. With one hand beside her head, he braced himself. With the other he cupped her face, gently holding her captive as he took the kiss from soft and exploring to hot and hungry.

  She needed no more prompting than that, spreading her fingers over his shoulders, down his solid chest, his waist, to the hem of his shirt—and then inside.

  God, his skin was hot, and she pushed the shirt up as she explored. She loved the soft hair in the center of his chest, how his small nipples tightened as she touched them.

  He groaned into her mouth, then lifted his head, his breath coming fast. “Here.” He reached back and stripped the shirt away.

  Phoenix made her own small sound of pleasure. “You are a feast for the eyes, Cooper.” Watching the progress of her hands now, she stroked him, lightly grazing her nails over him, squeezing muscles and tracing firm contours and dips.

 

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