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Chapter 10ReeseWhen Cooper got back to my place yesterday and told me about his run-in with Hunter, my time was officially up. I knew before then, but I needed to reach out to him. It was way past time. I called him, but he didn’t answer, and I had to leave a message. Four hours later, I sent him a text, and three hours after that, he finally replied. I was able to convince him to meet me. He chose his place. Today at six. Which is why I’m standing outside his apartment building, trying to garner up the courage to go inside.
My phone vibrates in my purse, and I’m grateful for the distraction. “Hey,” I greet Cooper.
“Hey, babe. You almost there?”
He wasn’t thrilled about me coming to see Hunter right after work. Something about too long a time without seeing me, but when he found out I was coming to Hunter’s apartment, that complaint was thrown out the window as he tried to convince me to change it to a more central location. I get where he’s coming from, but he doesn’t know Hunter like I do.
He’s a great guy, he would never hurt me. I’m the one who’s been doing that all on my own. If he feels more comfortable at his place, that’s what we’ll do. It’s a small concession after leaving him at the altar.
“Yeah. I’m standing outside his building. Did you find a place to stay?”
“About that,” he says, and I already know what’s coming. “Why can’t I stay in your spare room? I promise you won’t even know I’m here. I’ll even buy a bed.”
“Cooper, you are aware that you’ve snuck into my room in the middle of the night the last two nights?” Not that I’m complaining. I sleep better when his body is wrapped around mine. I have no willpower when it comes to him, and him ending up in my bed each night, even if nothing happens, is not really taking it slow.
“That’s something we’ve done since we were kids,” he counters.
“Yeah, but things have changed, Coop.”
“Thank God for that,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.
“Can we talk about this when I get home?” Glancing at my watch, I see it’s five minutes until six.
“Sure, I’ve got dinner covered. I’ll be here waiting for you.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
“Reese?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you. Never forget that. I know this is going to be hard for you, and I’m here. Whatever you need, I’m here.”
I love you too. “Thanks, Coop,” I say instead, and end the call, sliding my phone back into my purse.
My feet feel as though they are lead weights as I walk into the building and wait for the elevator. I’ve been dreading this, but it’s the right thing to do. I hate that he ran into Cooper yesterday and heard him basically saying we are together, and everything is all hunky-dory. That’s not the case. At least, not yet.
Stepping onto the elevator, I hit the button for the fourth floor, and watch as the numbers slowly climb. Thankfully, there aren’t additional stops along the way. The door slides open, and it’s with not only heavy feet but a heavy heart that I make my way to his apartment. Hunter’s a great guy. He was always good to me. I’ll never forgive myself for hurting him the way I did. I should have called it off a long time before we got to our wedding day. To be honest, I never should have said yes. He might not see it now. One day he will. One day he will find the true love of his life, who will give as much as he does, and he’ll understand.
Reaching his door, I knock softly, tapping my fingers on the door three times, and then bow my head, waiting for him to answer. When he opens the door, I slowly lift my head. He’s standing in the door, just staring at me. “Can I come in?” I ask, my voice weak.
He steps back and motions for me to enter. I make my way to the living room and sit on the couch. Not knowing where to look or what to do with my hands, I reach into my purse and pull out the key to this very apartment and place it on the table. “I thought you might want that back.”
“Yeah,” he replies, his voice gruff. “Uh, let me get my keys.” He’s back in no time at all, handing me the key to my place.
“Thanks,” I say, taking it and dropping it into my purse. “Hunter, I’m so sorry.” He doesn’t say anything. He won’t even look at me, so I forge ahead. “What I did was unacceptable. I was having doubts, and I should have talked to you. I don’t expect you to ever be able to forgive me, but please know I am deeply sorry,” I say, fighting back tears. The crack in my voice has him turning to look at me.
