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I find him studying me with a soft smile. “Like what?”
His eyes drop to my mouth and he traces his lower lip with his thumb. “You’ve got this cute pout, and it’s tempting me to make it all better.”
Our gazes meet and this time when he leans in, my lips part. He cups my jaw, the touch light as he moves slowly like he doesn’t want to fluster me again. This time he really is going to kiss me, his intent unmistakable in his eyes.
A husky hum leaves him as he brushes his nose against mine, angling his head. My heart skips a beat at the sweep of his thick lashes when his eyes close.
This is it—my first real kiss.
The loud bang of an engine muffler startles both of us, bringing us back to reality.
“Shit.” Coop laughs, swiping a hand over his face.
A cherry red classic muscle car rolls by, leaving a rumble in its wake long after it rounds the bend.
“You done eating?”
“Yeah.” Unsure how to get the moment back, I fold up my wrapper in a neat square and collect my trash.
He starts the car and braces a hand on my headrest while backing out of the parking spot. “I’ll take you home. I’m supposed to go to campus for a meeting with my advisor for next semester.”
“Actually, before you came, I was going to go down to the beach. There’s a pop up market I want to check out. Drop me off there?”
He nods. “Need me to pick you up later so you don’t have to walk back? My meeting shouldn’t be that long.”
There he goes again. His hoodie, knowing my order, watching out for me. It’s probably best if I don’t read into his inclination to take care of me.
“It’s cool. Jackson already said he would.”
“Aight.” His focus is on the road instead of the internal dilemma I’m facing.
Cooper might be on board with the plan now, but I can’t let myself forget the most important part of our arrangement. This thing between us isn’t real. He’s doing it all because he’s my sex tutor. That’s it.
I can’t catch feels for my brother’s best friend.
But it might be too late.
TEN
COOPER
Mariner’s Cove is already popping when we roll up after dusk. A peek in Tatum’s direction sends a burst of amusement through me. She’s leaning forward, eyes wide, taking in the bonfire and the people dancing around it.
“You cool?” I check.
“Totally. Yes. Of course.”
I bite my lip to hide a smile. Reaching over, I touch the back of her neck. “You’ve been to parties before?”
“Birthday parties. Family holiday parties. School functions,” she mumbles. Her gaze skates to me and she points at herself. “Lame social life, remember?”
It was right to bring her. This small party is nothing compared to the parties on campus. I need to help her find a comfort zone.
My knuckles brush her nape and I enjoy the way it makes her shiver. “You’ll be fine. You’ve got me here as buffer. Try not to think too hard. This is all about learning to relax. If you want to do something, do it.”
“Do it.” She nods firmly, like she’s psyching herself up.
My lips twitch. It’s adorable.
