Page 29 of Cooper’s Promise

He nodded.

“Do you know what I did? I went back to the dorm and I slept with the first guy that propositioned me. I hated every second of it. I wanted my first time to be with you, but I needed to spread my wings, to gain experience.”

“God, no.” She wasn’t really telling him this. It couldn’t be true.

“I didn’t do it again. It was such a mistake. I cursed you to hell and back. But then I knew I was the stupid one. I was smarter than that.” Her eyes were dry now.

“Brenna, that wasn’t what I meant,” he choked out.

“It didn’t matter what you meant. That was on me.”

He would never, ever believe that. It was on him, and he would have to live with it.

“Then what?” What more had his stupid fucking words wrought?

“I went after what I really wanted. I figured out how to change schools and move to Florida. I guess it only makes sense that I would end up with a stalker, since I stalked you.” She gave a shaky laugh.

“That’s not even close to being funny.”

“Is too. So do you see now why I’m positive that I’m not going to change my mind? I know you’re who I want. I want a life with you. Forever. I want forever with you. Tell me why you’re scared, can you?”

He took a deep breath. “I’ve been thinking about it. I think part of me believes my mom chose drugs over me.”

* * *

His grip was tight. She was pretty sure it was a sign he didn’t want to let her go. Her heart went out to the little boy he had been. It scared her. But she had to find out the truth.

“Do you think you can see a future with me?”

“Ah, Brenna, it would break my heart not to try.” But would he go all in, or would he always hold a piece of himself back like he had been? Could she settle for less than everything?

He must have sensed her hesitation, because he clutched her even closer. She wound her arms around his neck. How could she refuse the man she’d loved for so long? It would be like ripping out a piece of herself. Then she said the only truth that mattered.

“I love you.”

“Thank God,” he breathed into her hair. He stood up, and once again she marveled at his strength. She nuzzled the hollow of his neck as he carried her into his bedroom and laid her down on the bed. She sat up and ripped off her t-shirt, admiring his naked body all the while. Cooper eased her panties down her legs, trailing kisses along the way.

Brenna parted her legs, trying to entice him closer to her core.

Dammit, she felt a yawn coming on. She tried to suppress it. She tried hard, but it finally came. Mr. Eagle Eye noticed it, just when he was getting close to kissing the good bits.

“It’s sleepy time,” he announced.

“No, it’s sexy time,” Brenna damn near shouted.

Then she yawned again.

Dammit!

He scooted up on the bed, and pulled the comforter up over the two of them, then turned off the lamp beside the bed. He arranged pillows and pulled her into his arms.

“Come on, just a little bit of sex,” she wheedled in a tired voice.

“Sleepy time.” Cooper faked a yawn of his own. She giggled as she found a comfortable position resting her head against his chest. She could hear his heart beating. Had there ever been a sound more comforting? He was right, she thought. It was time to sleep.