Because Of Cooper

by Nia Arthurs

  Cooper wiped his hands on his pants and walked away, Kay’s loud weeping echoing behind him.

  Peggy waylaid him on his way to the gym after his last lecture. The perky blonde grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into a quiet hallway. Cooper was so stunned he just quietly followed her.

  Peggy wrenched her hand away from his shirt and slammed her hands against her hips. “Did you and Erin fight already?”

  Cooper smoothed the wrinkles she’d formed in his shirt. “Did you talk to her?”

  “No. She was in such a bad mood she didn’t even want to eat with me. In fact, she took the car so she could go home after her last class today. And it wasn’t so she could get ready for a date with you.” Peggy folded her arms over her chest. “What happened?”

  His gaze snaked to the ceiling. “She wants to take things slow.”

  “And… what did you say?”

  “No.”

  “No?” Peggy’s eyes bugged. Suddenly, she leapt at him and swatted his arm. “I can’t believe I rooted for you. You’re an idiot, Cooper Lawson. An idiot!”

  “Hey!” He held his hand up to protect himself.

  Peggy tossed her head to chase the tendrils of hair that had fallen in her face. Her pale cheeks were flushed with irritation. “Here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to march back to Erin and you will tell her you’ll go any freaking pace she sets.”

  “She wants us to ‘hang out’,” Cooper said. “I can’t do that.”

  “Why not? Are you really that self-obsessed that things have to go your way all the time? She cares about you, Cooper. Do you know how hard it was for her to accept that? You push her too hard too fast and you’ll lose her altogether.”

  Peggy’s words hit him in the gut. Cooper headed to volleyball practice still reeling from the thought of losing Erin.

  The mood in the gym was subdued. He focused on Dennis who sat on the bleachers, his head in his hands. Demetri paced the court.

  Cooper walked to Rolando. “What’s going on?”

  “Ryan just came with an ultimatum. He says you can’t both exist on the team.”

  “So?”

  Rolando’s pale face was lined with concern. “He said we had to choose one. Either kick you off the team or he’ll walk. Our game’s next week. Dennis is freaking out.”

  Cooper cursed under his breath and stalked forward. “Dennis I—”

  “Not now, Lawson.” Dennis held up a hand and shook his head. “I told you not to hurt this team over a woman. I told you…” He got up and walked outside.

  Guilt flushed through him. Cooper’s chest heaved as his gaze flickered over the disappointed faces of his teammates. He’d messed up. Everything. It was his fault.

  He spun on his heels, unable to stand the pressure building in his chest. He needed to talk to Erin. Needed to settle things with Ryan. For the team. He had to… had to…

  Cooper felt his throat tightening and sank to the ground. His fingers dug into the dirt. He gulped for air.

  The gym door burst open and Rolando flew out. He stooped beside Cooper. “Man, you okay?”

  Cooper nodded and picked himself up. He stumbled toward his car.

  “Where are you going?” Rolando yelled. “You shouldn’t be driving!”

  Cooper ignored him. Erin… he had to see her. Had to hold her. As soon as he did, everything would be alright.

  27 Erin

  A knock sounded at her door. She glared at it, debating whether she should let Cooper in or not. Erin was still ticked at him for getting angry this morning. It wasn’t like she’d asked him to wait a million years. They’d move forward. Just… slowly.

  The knock sounded again. It was lighter than she’d expect of Cooper. Maybe his plan was to act meek and repentant so she forgave him.

  “Humph.” Erin walked toward the door. “We’ll see about that.”

  She opened up, but instead of Cooper’s obnoxiously handsome face she found a woman. She had, short black hair cut to just above her shoulders. Wide, almond shaped eyes, a flared nose and plump purple lips made up her face.

  “Can I help you?” Erin asked, her fingers tightening on the doorknob.

  “Hello, Erin.” The woman’s voice was soft, husky. As if she’d shed a thousand tears before coming here. She wiped her dark fingers on a prim lavender jacket and work pants.

  Something stirred in the pit of Erin’s stomach. “Who are you?”

  “I’m… your mother.”

  Her eyes widened. She held onto the door for dear life.

  Suddenly, footsteps pounded down the corridor. Both women turned and watched as a tall man stumbled toward them. Erin recognized Cooper. Her heart untwisted itself. She took courage from the sight of him and inhaled deeply.

  “Mom warned me you were coming,” she said and then widened the door. “Would you like to come in?”

  The woman nodded.

  Erin pasted a smile on her face and then gestured to Cooper who stood, breathing hard in her doorway. “This is my boyfriend. Could you give me a moment?”

  “O-of course,” the stranger said.

  Cooper’s golden eyes gleamed with surprise. “Did you just call me your boyfriend?”

  Instead of answering, Erin pushed him out into the hallway and locked the door behind her.

  Cooper cleared his throat. “Erin, listen. I know I made a mess of things earlier but I came to apologize. The truth is, I love you. My world isn’t right without you. And if you want to take things slow then—”

  Erin sailed into his arms, cutting off the rest of his apology. Cooper held her to him, but she could sense his confusion. “Honey, what’s wrong?”

  “That woman… is my mother. My biological mother.”

  She felt the surprise zipping through Cooper’s body. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her forehead. “Are you okay?”

  “My heart’s about to burst.”

  He eased her away so he could stare into her face. His mouth was in a thin line. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do you want me to leave?”

  “No!”

  He nodded and took her hand. “Then I’ll stay right here.”

  Erin squeezed her eyes shut. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

  “You do whatever you want. Even if that means crying or yelling. Don’t be ashamed of what you’re feeling.”

  Erin nodded.

  “You ready to go back in?”

  “Yeah.”

  Cooper opened the door for her and together they stepped into the living room. Erin’s birth mother was on her feet, studying the family photographs on the television stand.

  She turned the frame she was studying around. Her voice warbled. “You look so happy here.”

  Erin swallowed. Her eyes traced the faces of her parents. She was the only dark one among them, a fact that continuously surprised her whenever she was reminded of it. Her family didn’t see ‘black’ or ‘white’. They just saw love.

  “That was two years ago. We went to California to visit Disney Land,” Erin explained.

  “Nice.” She put the frame back.

  “Uh, ma’am.” Cooper gestured to the sofa. “Have a seat.”

  They all settled down. Erin was glad when Cooper sat close beside her. She found shelter in his presence. Cooper would spring to her rescue at the slightest provocation. The thought calmed her.

  Silence descended in the room. Erin played with the hem of her shirt. She was staring at the woman who’d given birth to her and she didn’t even know her name.

  “Uh… you must have a lot of questions,” the woman said.

  “I do but first… what’s your name?”

  “Evana Smith.” She chuckled nervously. “I’m sorry. I should have mentioned that first.” Evana glanced at Cooper. “And your boyfriend is…?”

  “Cooper Lawson.”

  “Lawson.” She tilted her head. “Are you related to Brandon Lawson? T
he one who owns all those hotels?”

  Erin felt Cooper stiffen. “Yes.”

  “I see.”

  She threaded her fingers through Cooper’s and squeezed it. “Evana, why did you come today?”

  “You must be shocked.” Evana chuckled nervously. “It’s been twenty years since I saw your face. You’ve changed so much.”

  “I was a baby when you gave me up so… I’m not surprised.”

  Evana swallowed. Her voice trembled. “Did they tell you? What happened to me?”

  “No. I knew you’d given me up at birth and that you were poor but that was it.”

  “I was seventeen when I got pregnant. I hadn’t even graduated high school yet. My mother couldn’t afford to feed us, much less one more mouth.” Evana swiped at her eyes. “It must sound like flimsy excuses. I understand if you hate me.”

  “I don’t.”

  Evana sucked in a breath. Her eyelashes fluttered.

  “There were moments when I wondered why my own mother didn’t love me enough to keep me,” Erin admitted, “but now that I’m older I’m grateful.”

  “G-grateful?”

  “You chose to have me. You gave me life. And I was fortunate enough to be taken in by a family that gave me an amazing childhood.”

  Evana cried openly. “I’m so sorry. It feels like it shouldn’t be this easy. I debated whether I should come and see you. If it would harm more than help. I didn’t hope to have your forgiveness.”

  “Do you want me to hate you?” Erin asked.

  “Of course not.” Evana sniffed.

  She smiled. “That was a joke.”

  Evana sniffed. “Can I… would it be okay if I gave you a hug?”

  Evana exchanged a look with Cooper. He stared right back at her silently offering his support.

  Erin nodded and stood.

  When Evana put her arms around her, a part of Erin that she hadn’t even realized was missing fell into place.

  She honestly did not remember this woman or feel in any way that she had been damaged by her absence, so she was amazed by the strength of her emotions. It was like… coming home. Like her soul knew what her memories didn’t.

  “You’re so beautiful,” Evana said, running her hands down her back. “So beautiful.”

  Erin let her go, shaken. They both returned to their seats.

  The air lightened considerably. It was strange to refer to Evana as ‘Mom’ especially when she hadn’t filled that role for twenty years. But the older woman didn’t seem to mind being called by her given name.

  They conversed freely for the next hour, discussing everything from Erin’s fondest memories with the Marshalls to Evana’s exploits as a nurse in the States.

  “I have two young sons,” she shared. “Maybe someday you’d meet them.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Evana smiled and then stood. “I’ve taken too much of your time already.”

  “No, it was a pleasure.” Erin walked her to the door and then gave Evana one more hug.

  “Thank you,” her birth mother said in her ear. “Thank you for not hating me.” She pulled back and rearranged a lock of Erin’s hair. “Tell your mother thank you too.”

  “I will.”

  Evana stepped back and shot Cooper a look. “You’ll take care of my daughter, young man?”

  “With my life, ma’am.”

  Evana leaned over and whispered, “I think he means that.”

  “He better.” Erin quirked an eyebrow.

  “My plane leaves tomorrow.” Evana smiled softly. “But if it’s okay with you, I’d like to come back. Get to know you slowly. When you’re ready, you can meet my husband and sons in the States.”

  “We’ll see.” Erin dipped her head.

  She watched as Evana turned and trotted out of sight before she wilted against Cooper. “Why do I feel so exhausted?”

  He closed the door and led her back to the sofa where he tugged her into his lap. Erin curled against Cooper’s chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. Her eyes fluttered closed. Cooper touched her cheek. “Are you up?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you want me to tuck you in?”

  “No.” She wiggled closer. “Stay right here.”

  “Okay.”

  Cooper continued to soothe her hair.

  Erin’s body relaxed. “I can’t believe that just happened. Are you sure I didn’t just dream it?”

  “Nope.” Cooper’s voice felt extra rich and deep with her eyes closed. “I’m proud of you. If my birth mother suddenly popped up, I wouldn’t have been so composed. You treated her with kindness and grace. It was hot.”

  Erin chuckled. “I could do it because you were there.”

  “I don’t think so.” Cooper’s fingers stilled. “That honesty and determination is what drew me to you in the first place. No matter what happens, I hope that part of you never changes.”

  Her eyes fluttered open and she turned her head to stare at Cooper. His gaze remained on her, unwavering. Piercing. He leaned closer. Erin’s heart thudded. She swooped up and covered his lips with her hands.

  “You agreed to take it slow, remember?”

  Cooper pressed a kiss to her palm and muttered, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Her breath hitched. Electricity skittered from where his lips had pressed against her hand straight to her heart.

  His ability to draw a reaction from her body continued to stun her. It was as if a secret, quiet part of her came alive only when Cooper touched her.

  This man was dangerous to her health and her sanity.

  Erin closed her eyes expecting Cooper’s kiss. Instead he let his face linger over hers, his mouth hovering a few millimeters away. His breath hit her face, tantalizing her. Stirring her up until she felt she’d explode.

  Her insides twisted. Erin curled her fingers into his T-shirt, trying to urge him forward. He resisted her. Her eyes burst open, flaming with dissatisfaction. Cooper just grinned, as if he found her desperation amusing.

  A burning sensation swept her body, heated every inch of her skin. Made her want to spite him back. But she couldn’t. Erin was at Cooper Lawson’s mercy and they both knew it.

  As if to hammer in the point, Cooper leaned even closer. Still withholding his kiss. His hand snaked to the back of her neck. He pulled her head back and let his heated breath mark a path from her throat to her cheekbone, the indent behind her earlobe, back to her exposed neck.

  Her body shivered, mounting to a point of no return. Desire thrummed through her veins, dimming all common sense.

  Erin narrowed her eyes. “I hate you.”

  “Uh uh.” Cooper gave her a rakish grin. “Those aren’t the words.”

  “I’ll never...” She smacked her lips together, struggling to breathe. Struggling to sound unaffected. “I’ll never beg.”

  Cooper’s mouth returned to her lips, a finger-breath away. Again, he didn’t kiss her. A frustrated moan slipped past her defenses. She stiffened as victory glimmered in Cooper’s eyes.

  He’d won. They both knew it.

  So why didn’t he just kiss her?

  Her pulse pounded. “What are you waiting for?”

  Cooper arched an eyebrow. “Say it.”

  Erin glared at him.

  He slid his nose down her throat and every nerve in her body seized. Cooper caressed her cheek. “Erin?”

  She hated herself for feeling tempted. She fought against it. Dug her fingers into his shoulders to keep from melting into him. But the words burst free. “Kiss me.”

  “Please?” Cooper taunted.

  Her nostrils flared and Erin shot him a dark look.

  He smiled and lowered his head until his lips grazed hers. Slowly. Searchingly. Softly. Her pulse thundered in her ears. Excitement split through her like a lightning bolt. Their mouths moved together. Hungrily.

  If they kept this up, it wouldn’t be long until Erin lost every scrap of her heart to him.

  Why was she no longer afraid of th
at?

  28 Cooper

  “Morning!” Peggy opened the door of her apartment on Monday morning and let him in. She was dressed in a pair of blue shorts and an oversized grey T-shirt. “Cooper, aren’t you tired of seeing my sister? You spent every waking minute with her this weekend.”

  “I want to spend every sleeping minute with her too, but she’s being stubborn.”

  Erin walked into the room, looking like a vision in a blue shirt and a short yellow skirt. He let his gaze linger on her legs before forcing his gaze to her gorgeous face.

  She trotted toward him and placed a kiss on his cheek. “That’s what taking it slow means, buddy. Sorry.”

  “Are you driving her to school from now on?” Peggy asked.

  “Why? You want to do it?” Erin walked to the toaster.

  “Of course not.” Peggy yawned. “Since your class starts at eight, I had to wake up early everyday just to take you to school. I’ll enjoy having a few extra hours of beauty sleep.”

  “You need it,” Erin teased.

  “You’re hilarious.”

  His girlfriend grinned. His heart tightened. That smile of hers, Cooper would do anything just to see it. Keeping his thoughts pure and his hands away from her body was a challenge, but Cooper didn’t mind if he got to see Erin everyday.

  She grabbed a package of bread. “Coop, you want some toast?”

  “Why are you worrying about that? I was going to take you out.”

  “Stop spending money on food all the time. We can save a lot more if we make breakfast ourselves.”

  Peggy patted his arm. “You’re dating a cheapskate, Cooper.” Peggy froze. “Wait, Erin… since when did you call him ‘Coop’?”

  “It’s cute, right?”

  “Can I call you Coop too?” Peggy asked.

  “That’s reserved for Erin.”

  “Ugh.” Peggy stuck out her tongue. “You two are obnoxiously sweet. Remember the good old days when you couldn’t stand each other? Oh, that was last Tuesday.”

  Erin laughed.

  Cooper smirked. “To be fair, I never hated her.”

  Erin caught his eye. “And I was already falling for him last Tuesday.”

  “I think I need to throw up.”

  “Don’t act like you and Vinnie weren’t like this at first,” Erin said.