AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Everything okay, Coop?” Thea comes to meet me, holding a piece of cake.
“Is that her?” I stiffen. Damn it, why is this shit so complicated? “Tristan, make things happen. If you can’t fly, let’s have a videoconference. Your family needs you.”
I hang up, holding the bridge of my nose and closing my eyes briefly. Fucking Cooperson family. If they were at least half as supportive and nice as the Deckers…
“Babe?” My eyes flutter open at Matt’s voice. Both are in front of me looking expectant. “You okay?”
I nod, taking the cake from Thea’s hands and walking by their side to where the rest of the family celebrates. My family shouldn’t matter, not while I’m with them.
“You want to talk, Coop?” Thea breaks the silence as we ride back to the city. Matthew stayed behind with his family. They were driving his grandma to the hospital to get her prepped for tomorrow’s surgery. “That call put you over the edge.”
My gut clenches as Thea asks me about the call. I release one hand off the wheel and rub between my eyes. “Can we not discuss the call, babe?”
“You’re going back to the cold, distant guy,” she says, placing her delicate hands on my thigh. “Remember what we agreed?”
I do. Guilt about my behavior for the remainder of the party presses down on me. Neither one deserved the sullen behavior, but I just couldn’t plaster a smile when my family is pushing me.
Just a couple days ago, Mother sent me a mock-up invitation for my engagement party. A holiday theme. Suggesting we marry by New Year’s Day. If I give her unlimited access to my funds, she’ll be able to have the festivities ready by that day.
“How can I help you?” Her sweet voice isn’t doing the job tonight. Nothing is helping shove away the swirling thoughts. Not even my girl.
“I don’t know, babe,” I respond, patting her hand. “I swear I have everyone on top of me.” “My parents, my sister, Jacob. Deadlines, staff, spreadsheets, and whatnot. The only easy thing I have is you, so can we not rehash my problems tonight?”
She kisses my cheek, and we keep our hands interlaced. During the car ride we both remain silent.
When we’re about to arrive at her home, I give her an in because part of what we discussed earlier today is that I don’t open up easily.
“My father’s business is in trouble,” I share, because one thing is true: I need our old relationship back. “They’re pressing for me to move back.”
I laugh as we pull into the parking lot of her place, then open the small compartment in between the passenger and the driver’s seat, showing her the invitation. “Mother sent this. They can’t fathom that I won’t be doing what they say, that I won’t marry Victoria. Neither one can accept my girlfriend. Can you imagine what’ll happen when I say, ‘By the way, I have a boyfriend too?’”
“I’m sorry, Coop. I wish I could make you forget,” she whispers, about to open her door. “Make it better.”
And I know that she does, but what can you do when you have a family like the one I have? I place an arm on top of her chest. “Allow me.” I kiss her chin before taking the car keys out of the ignition and getting her. “Do you want me to come by tomorrow for a run?”
“Come upstairs, Coop.” She pulls me by the hand after opening the building door. “I’ll make you some tea. We can talk, and you can tell me whatever you feel comfortable with, or we can just hang out.”
I stop her mid-step, grab her by the waist, and take her mouth. I need her so fucking much that tonight I can’t be gentle. The kiss is possessive, hard, with an edge. Fireflies dance to the beat of her heart, lighting up my soul. If I could have one wish, it’d be to have her at least for tonight.
Afraid of losing her, I deepen the kiss. Thea doesn’t protest. She lets me dominate her full lips, while my hands roam her curvy body.
I missed her soft and warm body.
Our kisses haven’t gone too far, and I’ve restrained myself, but tonight it’s impossible. I get harder and harder by the second.
Fuck, I have to stop.
“Upstairs,” she mumbles, untangling her arms from my body.
We jog to her apartment and slam the door shut the moment we walk inside while I push her against the wall. I tilt her face back and drag my lips along her jaw, down to her neck, pushing the knitted sweater dress down with my hands. I continue nipping her naked torso. Long live the hatred of bras.
“Not against the wall,” I say, not wanting to treat this as just some casual quickie with an acquaintance.
She takes me with her into the bedroom. I stare at her slender, toned legs. Fuck, I want her so badly. At her bed, she pushes me down. Her eyes don’t leave me. She straddles me and pulls my shirt over my head. I place my hands on her hips, fidgeting with the elastic of her panties.
She palms my bare chest, her nails teasing my skin. “I,” she emphasizes, kissing my eyes, then my nose, “am,” she continues with my cheeks, and then my ears, “in charge, big boy.”
“Why?” I ask, mesmerized by this version of Thea who’s trying to take charge of the situation.
