“That doesn’t sound very fair.” Stefi’s voice is low and level.
I shake my head. “Maybe it’s not fair, but I can’t blame her. I can’t blame my dad or anyone for thinking that it was my fault. Last year, it likely would’ve been my fault.”
A soft hand lands on my cheek and Stefi forces me to look at her. I meet her eyes and I suddenly feel intensely vulnerable.
But, she doesn’t let go. Her gaze is strong and sure.
“It wasn’t your fault.” Her voice is calm. “You shouldn’t take the fall for something that you didn’t do.”
I shake my head. “Brody’s my brother. We were close, growing up. Sometimes brothers have to take the fall for each other. Plus, he’s headed for Stanford in the fall. I could never do anything to jeopardize that.”
“And what about you?”
“My life’s already set. It’s too late for me to get into a good college. But, not for him.”
Stefi clamps her lips shut and steps away, crossing her arms. She turns towards the water and my eyes search her profile. Did I say something wrong? Did I offend her? Her eyes are huge and unbelievably sad. I want to reach out and hug her, protect her, hold her in my arms.
“I know what you mean,” she finally says, quietly. Her eyebrows draw together, like she’s puzzling something out. I stand next to her silently.
Then, her face clears, like she’s come to a decision. A decision that’s painful for her.
She squeezes her eyes shut and opens them again. “My sister used to be just like me — she got good grades in school and never caused any trouble. But then, a few years ago, she got involved with this guy. My parents didn’t like him, but Sophie fell head over heels. He introduced her to a bad crowd and she fell in with them. She kind of spiraled. She’s in recovery now, but it’s taken a toll on my parents. On our family.”
She signs sadly, and then continues. “When I was younger, they used to fight a lot. I remember wanting to help. I wanted to do something, anything, to help her. But I was told, over and over, that I was too young, that I couldn’t understand, that there was nothing I could do.”
Stefi’s expression becomes neutral, lifeless. It’s somehow worse than seeing her sad.
My heart aches for her.
“As I grew older, I realized something. I realized that the best way to be helpful was to be invisible. To be the perfect child. That way, my parents wouldn’t have to worry about me like they worried for Sophie. So, I got straight A’s in school, I dove into after-school activities and philanthropic projects that would keep me away from the house, I aimed to get into a good college... And that became my life. I stuffed myself into a box where failing isn’t an option.”
I nod slowly, understanding exactly where she’s going with this. “But if failing isn’t an option, being free isn’t an option either.”
She exhales a deep breath, sounding almost relieved. “Exactly.”
We stare at each other and I’m overwhelmed. It’s like she knows me, like she understands me to the very core of my being. We come from very different backgrounds, and yet, it’s like she gets me better than anyone else.
My eyes travel over her face. The early twilight casts a beautiful glow on her features. Stefi is like a breath of fresh air, a cool shower on a hot day, the snap of sparkling water after being parched. She makes me feel alive, excited, hopeful. Her honesty and sincerity truly inspire me. I could never have enough time with her.
The world is getting dark, the sun setting behind the peaks. But all I can see is her.
Without thinking, I reach for her and pull her towards me. Her eyes are deep and endless as she circles her arms around my neck.
I start to lean in and she leans in too.
Our lips are almost touching.
Brrrrrrring!!
Stefi and I leap apart.
Brrrrringgg!
Stefi scrambles to get the phone out of her pocket.
“Hello? Hi?” Her voice is breathy. “Yes, hi, Mr. Monroe… Yes, I’m in the penthouse with Coop… Sure, we’ll start dinner… Okay, see you soon.”
Stefi closes her work phone and her eyes meet mine. “Your dad’s on his way home. We should get back.”
I frown, my heart still beating a million miles a minute. “Yeah, absolutely.”
Stefi smiles shyly and lightly brushes my hand. I smile back at her and wrap her hand in mine. As we take off for the penthouse, hand in hand, I think about the moment our lips almost met.
I wanted to kiss her so bad.
23
Stefi
Cooper Monroe almost kissed me last night.
I wake up with the memory at the forefront of my mind. I remember the look in his eyes — that indescribable, cryptic gaze that somehow told me exactly what he was feeling. I remember the way he glanced at my lips, and when he started to lean in. I leaned in too, the strong, magnetic pull between us impossible to ignore.
And then, right before our lips touched — the phone ringing. What would’ve happened if Kade hadn’t called?
With a beaming smile, I roll out of bed, feeling like a princess in a fairytale. I take extra care in braiding my hair and putting on makeup, my stomach a mess of happy butterflies.
I leave my cabin and walk towards the penthouse with a spring in my step. Soon though, I break into a full run. I’ve never been so eager to get to work — to see Cooper.
“Morning!” I shout to Greg as I make a beeline for the elevator.
He chuckles. “Someone’s in a hurry this morning.”
I press the button marked “P” and the door slides open. I dash in, feeling like an excited puppy. Once I open the door to the penthouse, though, the wind is knocked out of my sails. Cooper’s not waiting for me on the stairs. Nor is he making coffee in the kitchen, or sprawled on the couch watching Jeopardy!
Maybe he’s asleep?
I peek down the hallway to where the bedrooms are, but his door is wide open. I wander to the doorway, and his bed is empty and unmade. I don’t hear the shower running and I can’t see any indication that he might be back soon.
He’s just… gone.
I bite my lip, confused. He’s probably at the gym or something. He should be home for lunch. Right?
My stomach pings uncomfortably, but I resolve not to think about it and get to work.
Unfortunately, the morning drags. Without Cooper to keep me company, the work is, predictably, not very engaging. I try to keep my mind from speculating as I change the bedsheets, scrub the showers, fill the vases with fresh flowers, and hang Kade’s dry cleaning in his closet. My last task of the day is to take out the trash. I do it slowly, methodically, waiting for Cooper to come bursting through the door.
But, eventually, there’s nothing left to do and I stand in the kitchen, surveying the spotless penthouse. Everything in me wants to stall for time, just in case Cooper comes home.
I’m wondering whether I should deep-clean the already sparkling freezer when my work phone buzzes. I lunge for it and my heart leaps when I see who the text is from.
Cooper: Are you up for another prison break?
My face breaks into a wide smile.
Stefi: Always.
Cooper: Good. Today, we’re going swimming.
I laugh aloud in disbelief. Swimming seems like such a normal activity compared to Cooper’s usual suggestions. But, I’d do anything with him by my side. Besides, I’ve been dying to go swimming — I haven’t yet had the chance this summer. And the penthouse’s beautiful infinity pool would be a lovely place to swim.
Stefi: I’ll just run home and grab my suit.
Cooper: No need, I thought of that. In the spare bedroom, there’s a change of clothes for you. Also, did you ever wonder where the third door on the right leads?
I frown at my screen and then glance down the hallway. The third door on the right is an extra-large metal door with a deadbolt lock. I’d always just assumed that it was an emergency exit, or a fire escape.
Ste
fi: I hadn’t really thought about it.
Cooper: Get changed and meet me on the other side of that door in 5 minutes.
Wondering if I’m being Punk’d or something, I look around. What is he planning? I get the distinct feeling that Cooper and I aren’t going for a regular swim.
I take a deep breath and pocket my phone, walking into the spare bedroom. Given that the room hasn’t had any use since the Monroes moved in, I don’t often clean it. I tend to check in and give it a dusting about once a week.
But, as I stroll into the room, I immediately notice a difference — the opulent king bed is covered in bright, designer shopping bags. The labels on the front are ones I’ve only seen in magazines.
No way. These can’t be for me?
I approach the bed slowly, cautiously, as though afraid that my very presence might tarnish the clothes within those bags. On top of one of the bags lies a piece of paper. I pick it up and give it a read.
Hey Stef,
Just keep swimming.
— Coop
As usual, Cooper is keeping me on my toes.
I open the bag and carefully undo the delicately-wrapped, perfectly-pressed turquoise tissue paper. Inside is a gorgeous bathing suit in stunning shades of ombre pastel pink and purple. I check the label — it’s exactly my size.
The fabric is light and filmy. Expensive. I couldn’t accept this. The top, alone, would bankrupt me if I spill something on it or wreck it somehow.
But, as is always the case with Cooper, there’s more.
The second bag holds a gorgeous silk bathing suit cover-up. The third bag contains a pair of designer flip flops — also in my size. Cooper can’t be serious. He doesn’t actually want me to wear these beautiful, expensive things?
I check the clock on the wall. I have two minutes before I need to meet him on the other side of the door. I stand for a moment with the outlandishly expensive clothes in my hands. He must have a plan… right? I just need to trust him.
Hesitantly, I change into the clothes. I’ve never worn, let alone owned, anything so luxurious before.
I stare at my beachwear-clad body in the mirror, hardly recognizing myself. The silk cover-up is gorgeous and comfortable. The colors of the bathing suit somehow bring out my eyes. And I’m eternally grateful that the girls and I had a makeover night recently — my toenails are nicely done in a neutral pink color that complements the outfit.
I check the time again. It’s been five minutes.
Time to meet Cooper.
24
Stefi
I take a deep breath and push on the metal door, half-expecting it not to open. But the cool metal gives way and the door swings open easily. I step into the warm summer air and my eyes go wide. On the enormous and flat expanse of rooftop, a huge, gunmetal gray helicopter awaits.
“What the...?” I whisper to myself.
Cooper stands in front of the helicopter with a beaming smile. His hair is messy as ever, and he’s wearing only swim shorts, aviator sunglasses and flip flops. A towel is slung casually over his shoulder, like we’re meeting at a public pool and not a private helipad.
He jogs over to me, his white teeth flashing in the sunlight. “Hey Stef.”
I’m still bowled over by the fact that a helicopter — a helicopter — sits behind Cooper. In the front seat, the pilot is looking at us expectantly. Like he’s waiting for us. My brain refuses to comprehend it. Cooper, meanwhile, looks casual as could be, like this is a completely normal occurrence.
I fiddle with the cover-up self-consciously. “Cooper, this is too much.”
He smiles. “Oh please, I was the one who wanted to go swimming."
I open my mouth and shut it again. This is the absolute last place I would’ve expected to be after my shift today.
“Cooper Monroe, what is going on?” I squeak.
He extends a hand. “You said you wanted to come swimming with me.”
“And just where are we going swimming?”
Cooper grins wickedly and jerks one thumb towards the chopper. “We have to go for a little ride first.”
My mouth pops open. “No way.”
Cooper laughs and grabs my hand, clearly amused by my shock.
Then, I remember what I admire most about Cooper — his ability to live in the moment, to do things that are wild and unusual. To break free of his comfort zone and live with abandon. My heart accelerates, and with a sudden grin, I stride towards the chopper, dragging Cooper behind me.
Minutes later, we’re sitting side-by-side in the helicopter with our headsets on. The pilot is giving us the thumbs up and the engines roar to life.
This is crazy.
“How did you plan this?” I yell over the rising whirr of the blades.
“It’s Dad’s helicopter,” Cooper yells back. “I asked him if I could use it for the day to take you somewhere. I wanted to thank you for yesterday — for sneaking me out and introducing me to Jonathan and Wes. It was exactly what I needed.”
Even though the sound of the helicopter drowns out almost every word, I understand him perfectly. His eyes melt into mine and I’m speechless all over again. Then, he squeezes my hand and looks out the window.
My stomach somersaults as we lift off the ground. I know I should look out the window, but I can’t tear my eyes away from the beautiful, complicated boy beside me.
Unbelievably, he’s so thankful for the things that I’ve done for him that he doesn’t realize just how much he’s done for me. Cooper is easily one of the most selfless people I know, and it shocks me that everyone else in his life can’t seem to see it. I wish that they could see him through my eyes.
Because, when I look at Cooper Monroe, I only see his kindness, his good intentions, his sweet soul.
My heart swells as I take in his handsome profile. As if he can sense me looking at him, his hand tightens around mine, a silent language for just the two of us. I bite my lip and look out the window, taking comfort in our hands wrapped together.
Legacy Inn disappears as the helicopter moves towards the mountains. We soar over snow-capped peaks and dip down through meadowed valleys filled with alpine wildflowers. We even wave to families of bighorn sheep arranged on mountain ridges like they’re posing for a postcard.
I’m spellbound.
After a whirlwind ride, we finally descend into an alpine meadow. The deafening roar of the helicopter stills and I slide off my headset. “Coop, I thought we were going swimming?”
“Oh, we are.”
Cooper helps me out of the helicopter, and we wander across the meadow. We climb up a small rocky area tucked on the edge of the hillside and emerge on a natural rock platform. Below, an intricate network of glimmering pools are surrounded by a haze of steam.
“Hot springs!” I squeal in delight.
Cooper beams proudly. “I told you. Swimming.”
Feeling brave, I throw my arms around him. “You’re crazy. And this is a whole new level of amazing.”
We run to the edge of one of the hot springs, and Cooper leaps in without hesitation. I hover for a moment, suddenly shy. He gallantly averts his eyes and looks out over the mountain vistas as I strip off my cover-up. I place it neatly on a large, dry rock next to the spring, and take off my glasses, folding them on top of my clothes.
I pile my hair on top of my head and slide into the welcoming, steaming water. It envelopes my body like a blanket. “Ahh!”
I paddle over to Cooper and prop my elbows on the rocks next to him.
“Are the clothes okay?” he asks quietly, seeming a bit shy.
“Cooper, they’re perfect. Thank you. I can’t believe you did that.”
“Well, it wasn’t so much me as it was my dad’s assistant in LA, Tiffany. She’s good with fashion. Did she guess your size correctly?”
“Perfectly,” I say, amazed.
How the other half live.
I turn my attention back to the stunning scenery. The mountains surround us in every direction. The g
reen meadow is barely visible just beside us. The area feels abandoned, like we’re the only two people in the world. “It’s so beautiful here.”
“I think you’re beautiful,” Cooper says softly. When I face him, his smile is genuine and open. I’ve never seen him smile like that, so vulnerable.
A blush creeps along my cheeks. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Cooper.”
“I can say the same for you.” Cooper moves closer to me, steam rising from his olive skin. He looks at me and his dark eyes are endless pools. “You’re special to me, Stef.”
My breath catches and time freezes. Cooper lifts a finger and runs it along my arm to my shoulder, leaving a trail of sparks on my skin. Some strong, untamable emotion begins to bubble in my chest. Something I’ve never let myself think, never let myself feel.
Until I met Cooper Monroe.
“I’ve spent so much time trying to do everything right, be everything to everyone. I never stopped to think about where I actually fit,” I whisper.
Cooper raises his hand from the water and tucks a tendril of hair behind my ear. His eyes remain on mine, and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we are completely connected.
“You fit with me,” he whispers.
My stomach explodes in butterflies and my eyes drop to his lips. But, before I can move towards him, Cooper closes the gap between us. His lips brush softly against mine, tender and gentle. Then, he pulls back slightly. His fingers skim my jaw as his dark eyes search my face, asking a silent question. Ever the gentleman, he’s giving me the option to say no, to break away from him.
My heart jolts and I wrap my arms around his neck. I pull him towards me and press my lips against his. I feel him smile against my mouth as he circles his arms around me, holding me close as we both fall into the most amazing kiss.
The Complete Legacy Inn Collection: Four Sweet YA Romances Page 42