Page 14 of Cooper’s Passion

7

Anita was surprised at how easy it was to talk to Cooper. He was witty, charming, and above all else, caring. She’d never met a man like him, a man who played no games and was straightforward. His confession that he was attracted to her had sent her heartbeat into the stratosphere. He exuded confidence, both as an investigator and as a man. He was so different from the men she worked with in Elko. Many of them were overly macho and thought that their uniform made them superior to others, a fact that often translated into arrogance and egotism.

She saw none of these traits in Cooper. It attracted her to him. Not that she didn’t find the rest of him equally attractive: his handsome good looks, his broad grin, the sparkle in his eyes when he laughed, and his deep voice that made her want to melt like an ice cream cone in 100-degree weather. He was still holding her hand across the table long after the waiter had brought their second glasses of wine. It felt natural to allow him to touch her, though it felt in no way innocent. His touch was electrifying, and the way he rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand, caressing her gently, made her imagine what his touch would feel like on other parts of her body.

“You still find it too warm in here?” Cooper suddenly asked.

The question made her feel even more flushed. Was it written on her face what she was thinking? “Just a little.”

A mischievous glint in his eyes, he leaned in and brought his mouth close to her ear. “Then I’ll have to wait until we’re outside in the cold before I can kiss you, or we might both get burned.”

His hot breath scorched her skin, and she let out a shuddering breath of air. “You sound very sure of yourself. What if your kiss doesn’t have that kind of effect on me?” She’d never been so bold, teasing a guy like she teased Cooper now. But she liked it. For the first time in her life, she felt that she had power that didn’t come from the uniform she wore. The power a woman had over a man.

“Are you challenging me?” A soft chuckle accompanied his question.

“What if I am?”

“Then I’ll have to meet your challenge. Just so we know who’s right,” he suggested.

Her breath hitched. “I think that’s a good idea.”

Cooper shifted a little, and his face was now only inches from hers. There was a golden shimmer around his irises, and it reminded her of the reflection she’d seen when he’d stood in the alley. Just like then, the light was playing tricks on her, making his eyes look like molten lava. He was a man so full of passion that it stoked a fire inside her belly that made her crave something she had no words for: a connection beyond sex. Beyond the here and now, even though this could only be a one-night stand, at most a brief holiday fling. Nevertheless, she wanted this, wanted him.

His lips were gentle when he touched hers, while he took her hand and pressed it to his cheek. She felt the warmth of his skin, and tilted her head to the side, asking him to deepen the kiss. Cooper placed his hand on her nape and licked over her lips, making them part. His intoxicating taste filled her mouth as he slipped his tongue between her lips and explored her. She greeted him with eagerness, meeting his invasion by dueling with him. The kiss instantly intensified, and she felt heat flare up in her core. A bolt akin to an electrical charge traveled south and ignited the tender flesh between her thighs, wringing a moan from her lips.

Cooper pulled back, severing the kiss, and exhaled on a long hum. “Yeah, I definitely think we should do this outside where it’s colder.”

Anita stroked her thumb along his jaw, leaning in again. “Or inside with fewer clothes.”

“That sounds even better.” He turned his head to the side and lifted his hand toward the bar. “Check, please.” He looked back to her. “You’ve seen the state of my flat. It’s not exactly inviting. We should go to your hotel.”

“I’m not staying at a hotel.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Where then?”

“I rented an Airbnb in North Beach.”

“Even better.” He smirked. “No housekeeping staff that can disturb us.”

“But housekeeping only comes in the mornings.”

He rolled his eyes, then leaned in to whisper into her ear. “Do you really think I’d sleep with you once and then sneak out in the middle of the night?”

“Oh.” Was he really planning to stay the night? “But I thought guys—”

Cooper put a finger to her lips. “Yeah, other guys maybe. But I prefer to spend the whole night with a woman. And I’m not a once-a-night kind of guy either.” He winked at her. “I’m pretty insatiable when it comes to sex.”

Excitement charged through her body. Men like Cooper didn’t exist. At least, she’d never met a man who was not only straightforward about what he wanted, but also wanted more than just a quick tumble in the sheets. He wanted the whole night.

“How insatiable?” Anita teased, unable to stop smiling.

“Extremely.” He kissed her again but was interrupted by the waiter presenting him with the bill.

“I’ll take care of that,” Anita said quickly and reached for it.

Cooper was faster. “Not a chance.”

“But that was my apology drink. We agreed I’d pay.”