AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sounds like I should rest up
Most definitely
Time for some beauty sleep now
“Beauty sleep?” I scoff aloud.
You’re already the kind of beautiful that keeps men awake at night
Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Sharp
Her words dance across the screen, and I can just imagine her teasing tone, a playful glint in her rich brown eyes.
I’ll keep that in mind
Good night, Coop
I stare at the screen, a twinge of disappointment that the conversation is over. But just as I’m about to set the phone aside, it vibrates with another message.
It’s a selfie. Eve is nestled in bed with Shorty resting on an ereader that’s lying on her chest. Her eyes sparkle with mischief and a white tank top accentuates her flawless skin. The delicate curve of her collarbone draws my attention as her messy honey blonde hair cascades over the pillows. Her face, devoid of the makeup she had on earlier, allows her natural beauty to shine through.
The realization hits deep in my stomach like a sucker punch. I’m in trouble. Eve is irresistible, and I’m powerless to resist her charms.
Luke’s words from the plane filter through my mind. What was it he said?When you know, you know.I might see now what he meant.
Eve
Myheartpoundslikea bass drum as the elevator at Water Tower Place rises to return me to the fifty-fourth floor. Last night’s exchange is still fresh in my mind as I prop the wagon handle on my hip and straighten my dress.
The heat of a blush creeps up my cheeks, and I press my palm first to one cheek then the other as I second guess my intentions. But now that I’m here, there’s no turning back. It’s time to put my plan into action.
Cooper is waiting, leaning casually against the doorjamb of his slate gray front door as the elevator slides open and I emerge, tugging the wagon behind me. He’s even more devastatingly handsome today, maybe because I know what’s coming, but I enjoy the view, fully aware it’s one I’ll never see again.
“Hey.” His voice is low and delicious, with the promise of pleasure.
“Hi,” I manage, trying to keep my voice steady.
He doesn’t step aside as I think he will, but rather, reaches up a hand to brush a lock of hair behind my ear when I stop in front of him. “You. Look. Gorgeous.”
My eyes slide south, taking Cooper in from head to toe. His sandy brown hair is disheveled just enough to be a style, and I wonder what it would feel like to run my fingers through it.
His biceps, once more straining against the confines of his shirt, tease his strength and make me wish he was shirtless already. His relaxed-fit jeans probably cost more than my entire outfit and his bare feet are on the hardwood floor, one ankle crossed casually over the other.
He’s perfect in every way I’m not. Physically, of course, he’s whole, but also complete with a large, extended family who loves him. Oh, and he’s rich, too. Can’t forget that.
I push the thoughts from my mind. “You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. Sharp.”
“Coop,” he reminds me.
“Coop,” I reply with a smile.
He steps aside, inviting me in, and as I pass, his cologne wraps around me like an invisible embrace, making it even more difficult to focus on anything other than him.
I head straight to the playroom, and he follows, trailing behind the wagon.
“How did the rest of the sleepover go?” I call over my shoulder.
“Great. The girls were up early, and we had orange juice and pan…” He trails off and maybe it’s because I’ve stopped short in the playroom’s doorway, my jaw dropping. The room is spotless, with four neat piles of my materials stacked and ready to go.
