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Heavier even.
Like there was a war happening inside her.
But why?
“Shouldn’t want me …” I repeated.
Despite what I’d just said, I knew that feeling. There had been women in the past who I knew I shouldn’t fuck with. I’dtasted because I couldn’t help myself and ghosted them right after, knowing that was the safest route.
But to hear that she felt that way about me … now, that was interesting.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t want you.”
Was she assuming I was a player? That I’d never settle down? That I’d used her during our time in Lake Louise?
Had she, somehow, heard about my reputation?
I’d thought I’d made myself clear in Canada, so there wouldn’t be any surprises when she got home. But I’d also thought that where we’d left things, she could tell I wanted more.
Whatever it was, I needed to hear it.
“Tell me why,” I demanded.
She filled her lungs, her expression softening but the emotion stayed. “That’s going to be a long conversation. One that won’t be easy for me to have.” She continued to hold my arm, squeezing even tighter. “I have some explaining to do.”
A reply I hadn’t anticipated.
She was single—she’d confirmed that in Canada. She hadn’t been able to get enough of me. She hadn’t been in a rush for the snow to stop.
So, what the hell was this about?
My mind couldn’t piece it together.
“But I want you to know—I want to make myself really clear—that since the second you left my hotel room, I’ve thought of nothing but you.” Her head dropped, her eyes no longer on me. “I shouldn’t have said that … shit.”
Ignoring her hand, I raised my arm and placed my fingers under her chin, lifting until her eyes returned and locked with mine. “I’m happy you did.”
“This is messy, Cooper.” Her voice was breathy and low.
“It doesn’t need to be.”
Her head shook. “That’s not a choice either of us has.” She swallowed. “It just is.”
I was getting more confused every time she spoke.
What I knew was that standing here, in the middle of this liquor store, wasn’t going to solve anything, so I offered, “Why don’t we go back to my place? I’ll open one of these bottles, and you can tell me everything over some bourbon.”
Her head shook again. “I don’t have time tonight. I’m going to Sky’s apartment to see her.” She looked around the store. “That’s why I’m here. I’m buying wine to bring with me.”
I didn’t want to let her out of my sight.
The last time I had done that, it hadn’t worked in my favor.
Besides, there was a reason we’d run into each other here when I was positive I’d never run into her anywhere in LA before—I would have remembered. Rowan’s face was one I could never forget.
I wasn’t going to let this become a coincidence. I was going to turn this into a memory she’d never fucking forget.
I dragged my thumb across her lips.
