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Because I’ve already fallen.
CHAPTER20
ROYAL
“But seriously, Mickey needs a friend.” I listen to Cooper do his best to talk Soren into adopting an adorable orange kitten, then smile a mile wide at my boyfriend while he tries to come up with excuses about why he can’t.
And for the record, that’s what Soren is. My boyfriend.
Even though it’s been two weeks since we decided we were dating and exclusive, and he won’t let me tell anyone.
And okay. I get it. I do.
At least, I want to get it, but God, it’s killing me. I’ve never been this damn happy in my life. Not ever.
And I can’t tell anyone about it.
I mean, I know if I told Soren how much I wanted to tell everyone, he’d probably let me. But he’s worried about my career. Says I need to get back on solid footing before we safely announce we’re a couple.
And to his credit, he’s been trying his best to do that.
He’s posted several times about me, including a very short post with my blessing about growing up in foster care and how important it is. How badly they need help. Honestly, he did a shit ton of research on it because most of the information in the article wasn’t about me and was about things I had no clue about.
And that post went over very well. Jenny said there even seemed to be sympathy for me. Like I give a damn, but still. I guess that’s a positive thing.
Not to mention, today we’re back at the animal shelter—not for a planned event but just to help out, and Soren thinks that’ll go over very well. Especially since, and I quote my boyfriend, “Cooper is so damn cute.”
Pain in my ass. I swear. He knew exactly what he was doing, and don’t worry, he paid for it when I bent him over the back of his couch and fucked his brains out before coming here. Leaving my cum inside him before walking out the door, then getting in my car.
That’s the only thing that gives me a little peace as I watch him with the very good-looking volunteer. But Soren’s eyes keep landing on me.
And I guess... yeah, that gives me even more comfort.
Damn him. He really has me twisted up.
Soren is giving me hishelp meeyes, but I mean, honestly, Cooper pretty much has me sold, so there’ll be no help from me. I walk over to them and take the adorable little kitten, smiling when she purrs and cuddles up against me. “So what are you going to name her? Or does she already have a name?” I ask Soren, who gives me the death glare and then sighs. Defeated.
“No name yet,” Cooper says cheerfully. “But she’ll love any name you give her. She’s super sweet. Look at those eyes.” He scratches the kitten’s ears, and I’m laughing so hard I disturb the little kitten in my arms.
Soren takes her from me, still giving me the death glare. “Molly,” he says firmly, cuddling his new kitten.
I laugh some more, but Cooper’s eyes light up. “Oh, I love that name! Perfect. Mickey and Molly! I love it. I’m totally getting them embroidered collars for Christmas.”
I laugh again because I’m sure he will. Cooper volunteers here and works nights at a local bar while going to college. How he has any time left to even shop for Christmas presents is beyond me, but I’m not doubting the guy.
Soren finishes the paperwork before taking a pic with Cooper, me, and Molly and posting it with the shelter’s information. He blamed me for talking him into adopting the new pet, and judging by the comments, they’re okay with this.
Cooper was eyeing us curiously most of the time we were at the shelter, but if he thought anything was going on between us, he didn’t say it. For that, I’m grateful because if he had asked if we were together, there’s no way in hell I’d have been able to keep my mouth shut.
I want everyone to know I’m with Soren. It’s like this living thing inside me—the need to claim him as mine for the world to see. But I’m trying my best to give him the time he asked for.
We get back to his place, and we’re immediately greeted by Annie and Oscar, who are yipping away at us. Yes, we all stayed here last night, and honestly, we have almost every night since that first one. The only exception was when Soren had to go out of town for two long days to cover a college football game.
He asked if I wanted to go with him, but I said someone had to watch the animals, and since I’m in the off-season, I didn’t want to put it on Cooper. But man, did I want to go with him.
I’ve never been this clingy in my life. Hell, I fought most of my life to never depend on anyone again, and here I am—needing another person more than I need my next breath.
Likely very dangerous for me, but I can’t seem to bring myself to care enough.
