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I nod and smile. “I’ll take the Tiny Dancer and the French Farmer.” I hope Coop likes hard salami, Italian cured meats, and French cheese. And pate.
“Great choice. We just got the Soppressata yesterday, so it’s nice and fresh.”
Helena’s enthusiasm is contagious, and I feel myself getting excited to see Coop.
The door opens with the clang of windchimes, and Ruby walks in, looking professional and sexy in her black pants and red blazer.
“I was going to ask if you came to beg for your job back, but not looking like that.” She motions to the green wrap dress that I picked because it makes my boobs look fantastic. “So?”
“I’m going to see Coop, and I figured an apology sandwich would be an appropriate gift.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “Give him what’s under the dress instead.”
Under normal circumstances, I would have agreed. “It’s not that simple.”
I tell her about my fuck up, and she laughs and laughs.
“Other than the look he gave me when he left, the worst part is that we didn’t get to finish.”
Ruby shakes her head. “The perils of accepting daddy’s money.”
She shrugs, no sympathy at all for me since she works for her money and has no safety net. Unlike me.
“You look hot, and those sandwiches are the best damn thing ever. You’ll be fine,” she assures me, wrapping an arm around me as we exit the shop.
“I’ll be fine either way, but will Coop talk to me is the question?”
“Don’t take no for an answer.” Ruby stops outside Ace Motors, a serious expression on her face. “You want this guy? Then go get him. Do your Kelsey thing and make it impossible for him to turn you away. Good luck, babe.”
“Thanks, Ruby. And thanks for the ride. Wanna do dinner tonight?”
She laughs and shifts gears out of park. “If you’re not fuckin’ the hot biker, then sure, give me a call.”
I use Ruby’s confidence to walk with my head held high, giving off an air of confidence as I step inside the mostly quiet shop.
“Just a sec,” Coop calls out, and I smile.
And wait. This time, I keep my focus on the door that leads to the bay in the back of the shop where Coop works on the cars. When he pushes through the door, I stand a little taller, square my shoulders, and stick my chin out just a little, so he knows I’m not intimidated.
“Hey, how can I…help you.” That pregnant pause and the dark flash of anger on his handsome face does nothing to deter me.
“Hey, Coop. I brought lunch.” It’s not the most stimulating way to start a conversation, but it’s straight to the point. I lift the bag and try for a smile that’s upbeat and sexy instead of constipated, which is how I feel in the moment. “You’re not going to say anything?”
Coop stares at me for a long time, his gaze sliding all around my body for a solid two minutes before he blows out a breath and shoves his fingers through his thick red locks.
“What are you doing here, Kelsey?”
“I came to see you.” I left off the ‘duh’ because that would be overkill.
Coop shakes his head and takes a step back from the counter.
“No, you didn’t. You couldn’t have, not after I told you to stay the fuck away.”
“Right. About that.” I sucked in a deep breath, ready to pay my penance for my behavior. “I’m sorry about that. It’s not—”
He held up a hand. “If you say it’s not you, it’s me, I will toss you out on your pretty little ass.”
My mouth snaps shut, but, damn, the threatening look on his face is hot, and my body is coming to life with every angry word.
“Pretty?” My lips twitch until I let my smile loose.
Coop smiles too, but it’s reluctant. A noise sounds behind the door, and his smile fades. I watch him collect himself as he rounds the counter and takes my hand.
“Come on.” My smile is wide and satisfied as Coop pulls me down a bright hall and into what looks like an office.
“This sandwich was more effective than I would have guessed.” With the most basic apology, we’re already in a small, private space.
Coop turns to face me, the desk now between us. “What kind of sandwich?”
Dammit, it works a little too well. “Invite me to stay and find out.”
“I’m not doing this with you, Kelsey. Go back to your mansion and find some rich prick to get you off.” His words are angry and sure, a little hurtful too.
“If that’s what I wanted, I’d be somewhere else. Instead, I’m here with you, trying to apologize.”
Coop shakes his head. “There’s nothing to apologize for. I don’t fuck women who are ashamed of me, and I sure as shit don’t hide in a closet for nobody.”
