Kiss Me If You Can

by Carly Phillips

  “We were just…”

  Lexie looked over the stammering women’s shoulders but a screen saver prevented her from seeing the actual screen. The words Born Free wound their way around the monitor in 3D.

  Lexie narrowed her gaze. “I didn’t set that up.” And it would take someone pretty proficient with a Mac to know how to do it.

  “Oh, I did,” Sylvia jumped in. “I wanted to prove to your grandmother that I was smarter than she is, so while you’re giving her private lessons here, I’m taking my own at the Apple store. And voilà!” She swept her hand toward the screen. “Try doing that, Miss Giggle Me a Bachelor Blog.” Sylvia grinned, obviously proud of herself.

  Lexie laughed at the women’s one-upmanship. “Grandma, you’re going to have to step up your game if you want to be able to keep up.”

  “I’ll show you, Ms. Smarty-Pants,” Charlotte said to her friend. “Watch how computer savvy I’ve become, thanks to my brilliant granddaughter. And speaking of my granddaughter, when did you start lying to your grandmother?”

  “Lying?” Lexie crinkled her nose, confused by the accusation.

  “The date that wasn’t a date was actually something much more.” Charlotte pinned her with the stare that used to have her confessing all when she was a teenager, attempting to avoid her parents’ mandatory ice-skating practice sessions. Grandma would uncover the truth, then help Lexie ditch the routine of practice for side trips to museums in the city behind her parents’ backs.

  “Grandma, let’s try being straightforward. What are you talking about?”

  “Pictures don’t lie. Not only did you have a real date last night, but it was with that sexy Bachelor Blog reporter.” Charlotte waggled her already penciled eyebrows. An early riser, she always had on a full face of makeup before Lexie woke up.

  “Pictures?” Lexie asked warily. Charlotte and Sylvia glanced at each other, then with a shrug, Sylvia pushed the mouse. The movement shut off the screen saver, revealing the Web page beneath.

  Lexie adjusted her eyeglasses and leaned in for a better look. The caption on the morning edition of the Bachelor Blog read, Newest Bachelor Works Fast. Is an Engagement Next? and below it were two grainy photos. The first was of Coop showing Lexie the ring. And the other was of Lexie wearing said ring while Coop looked on with an adorable grin on his handsome face.

  “Oh my God!” Lexie muttered. She hadn’t seen anyone take a picture. Boy, people could be sneaky.

  “Look how smitten he looks!” Sylvia said dreamily.

  Smitten? Before Lexie could reply to that, her grandmother walked up to her and poked her on the shoulder. “How could you lie to an old woman?” She placed her hand over her heart.

  Sylvia returned to surfing the Net.

  “Cut the dramatics, Gran. I didn’t lie. He’s a client. I’m doing his Web site.”

  “And the ring?”

  Lexie hoped she didn’t blush more and give herself away. “He was just showing it to me.”

  “Does it really look like my necklace?” Charlotte asked.

  Two sets of eyes stared at her, waiting for an answer.

  “Actually, there are similarities.” Lexie didn’t want to get her grandmother’s hopes up, in case the ring was stolen and had to be returned. Until she knew more, she couldn’t set the older woman up for potential hurt and disappointment. “But there are also differences. Seeing the ring got me wondering how the necklace originally came into Grandpa’s possession.”

  Charlotte and Sylvia exchanged a long, pointed glance. Those two could practically read each other’s minds, which often left Lexie struggling unsuccessfully to interpret the meaning.

  Charlotte cleared her throat. “Your grandfather was given the necklace as a substitute for payment for services rendered.”

  “Driving services?” Lexie asked. Her grandfather had been a chauffeur to various wealthy families over the years.

  Charlotte nodded. “So when can I see?” she asked.

  “The ring?” Lexie asked.

  “No, silly girl. When can I see your suitor? I want to meet the man you are going to marry! Then he can show me the ring.”

  Lexie rolled her eyes and waved her empty left hand at her grandmother. “I’m not engaged, Gran.”

  “Pictures don’t lie,” Charlotte and Sylvia repeated in unison.

  They each had a one-track mind and Lexie realized that until she humored them about Coop, her grandmother would keep changing the subject away from the necklace.

  Lexie closed her eyes and silently counted to ten, breathing in deeply as her yoga instructor had taught her. “I’ll see what I can do,” she said, buying herself time.

  No way was she bringing Coop over here. That would open up a can of worms she wasn’t ready to deal with in more ways than one.

  “Good! You let me know when and I’ll plan a meal.”

  Lexie forced a smile. “Mind if I check out the news online?” she asked, hoping to end all discussion involving meeting Coop.

  The two women stepped aside and Lexie lowered herself into the chair. Not even massive doses of caffeine could prepare her for the tornado that was Charlotte and Sylvia.

  She clicked onto the Daily Post, Coop’s paper, for a quick glance at the Crime Beat. She wanted to see more about his writing and his work—and was shocked to find another even more disturbing headline.

  Crime Beat Reporter on Opposite Side of Beat—Again. Coop’s apartment had been broken into last night, though the details were sketchy. The article went on to describe Coop’s recent heroics, his status as the current Bachelor and some more speculation about his relationship with the as-yet unnamed woman in the photo. At least she had anonymity for now.

  But her mind wasn’t on the Bachelor Blog, it was on the robbery and when it had occurred—before or after their date last night? If it was afterwards, there was a possibility the ring had been stolen in the break-in. The thought churned Lexie’s stomach, but even more upsetting was the notion that Coop might have been hurt.

  Lexie excused herself and ran for the shower… Next stop: Coop’s apartment to check first on the man and then on the ring.

  COOP’S ADDRESS wasn’t too far from Lexie’s grandmother’s, and she hopped on the subway, arriving at his stop by 9:30 a.m.

  She quickly glanced at the outside of the walk-up apartment where he lived before running up the stairs, her flip-flops smacking against the floor with every step.

  She rang his bell and waited.

  No one answered, so she rang again. And again. Then she knocked loudly a couple of times for good measure. Just as she was about to give up and call his cell phone, as she probably should have done to begin with, the door next to Coop’s opened.

  An attractive woman dressed in a police uniform, stuck her head outside. “Looking for someone?”

  Despite her petite stature, she had an air of authority Lexie couldn’t deny. “Sam Cooper.” Lexie pointed to his apartment.

  The other woman looked Lexie over from head to toe, obviously assessing her before deciding to answer. “He stepped out early this morning and I’m not sure if he’s back. Maybe he’s in the shower.” She yawned. “I worked the night shift and I was just about to try to get some sleep.”

  “Sorry.” Lexie took two steps back. “I’ll just call him later.”

  The neighbor leaned against her doorframe, arms folded across her chest, in no rush to get back inside, despite her claim. “Give me your name and I’ll tell him you were here.”

  Before Lexie could answer, Coop’s door opened wide. “Can I join the party?” he asked.

  “You’ve got company,” his neighbor said, over another yawn. She covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m going to bed. Let’s get together later. It looks like we have a lot to talk about.” Her too-perceptive gaze settled on Lexie once more before she inclined her head and closed the door on them both.

  Confounded by the other woman, Lexie turned to Coop, intending to ask some questions, but one look at him and al
l rational thought fled. Wearing nothing but faded jeans, zipped but unbuttoned, she had a full-on view of his washboard abs, tanned chest and unshaven face. She forgot that she was curious about his neighbor, forgot why she’d come. Heck, she’d even forgotten her own name.

  “Would you like to come in?” he asked.

  Lexie nodded. She could handle a nod.

  “Good. Better than talking in the hall.”

  “Or disturbing your neighbor,” Lexie added.

  “That’s Sara. She’s an NYPD cop and, as she said, she worked the night shift. She’ll be less cranky in a couple of hours,” he said, obvious fondness in his voice.

  A frisson of jealousy crept through Lexie, an unusual and unwanted emotion when it came to any man. She liked casual attachments. Not ones that elicited feelings of any kind.

  Coop led her into his apartment and turned an obviously new lock, bolting the door shut.

  He must have been up late into the night dealing with the police and the locksmith, she realized.

  “So what are you doing here?” he asked. “Not that I mind, but I sort of expected you to wait a day or so to call.”

  She’d been panicked after reading about the burglary and rushed over here without thinking. Meeting his neighbor, who obviously knew he’d been up and out early, reminded Lexie that he had a life and she felt like an idiot for running over here uninvited.

  And now here she was with a half-dressed man she’d just met yesterday. Who probably didn’t want or need her concern. Lexie always operated on pure instinct and emotion, rarely stopping to think first, always asking questions later, but even for her, this turn of events was too much.

  She cleared her throat. “I read about the robbery last night and I was worried. But since you’re clearly okay, I should go. But before I do, can you at least tell me if the ring was stolen?”

  He shook his head. “The robbery happened while we were out. I came home to this.” He swept his hand through the air, encompassing the entire apartment, which had obviously been trashed.

  “I’m sorry. And I’m glad you’re okay. Since I caught you at a bad time, coming out of the shower and all, I should go. And call first next time.” She turned to leave before she could ramble some more and make a bigger fool of herself.

  “Whoa.” Coop grasped her shoulder and spun her back around. “Don’t run off. Please. You said you were worried about me.” He sounded pleased about that.

  She nodded, still tense and uncomfortable.

  He smiled. “Then definitely don’t run off. The cops took my statement last night, Sara checked in this morning, but I could use a friend,” he admitted.

  She raised her eyebrows. “Isn’t that what Sara is?” As the jealous-sounding words escaped, déjà vu overwhelmed her and Lexie realized what was wrong, why she’d gone from needing to be here to her sudden urge to flee.

  Lexie had already lost one important man in her life to a woman whose importance she’d discounted. Just a friend, Drew had said of the woman in Paris. So while a trusting Lexie was enjoying the famous museums in the City of Love, Drew had gone for a quick lunch with his old female friend. Next thing Lexie knew, he’d stayed on in Paris with the woman he’d never gotten over.

  And Lexie had continued on her travels alone, having learned two succinct lessons. No matter how temporary a relationship, any man she got involved with must truly be unencumbered by past relationships. And he had to respect, if not understand, her life. Drew had screwed her over on both counts and she’d been deeply hurt when he’d explained that Stacey, his friend, was much better suited to him than a wanderer like Lexie.

  “Sara is a neighbor and a friend,” Coop said, unaware of her feelings. And he didn’t sound at all upset with her personal questions. “But you—I hope will turn into something more. So stay. Please.”

  His husky, compelling voice drew her in. “Sure,” she said, relaxing a little.

  He inclined his head. “Good. Because I’m worn out from getting no sleep and because for the second time this week, I’m on the wrong side of my own crime beat and I hate it.”

  Lexie sighed and adjusted her glasses. She wanted to be here for him, but she needed to explain her crazy reaction first. “I’m not normally so nosy, but I wanted to make sure you and Sara are just friends. She seemed to know a lot about your morning routine and looked at me like…I don’t know.”

  “Like a cop whose neighbor had a robbery last night? Or like a friend who wanted to make sure she approved of the woman her neighbor was getting involved with?” He reached for her hand.

  She let him.

  “I feel ridiculous,” she muttered. Although she’d had these rules for herself since Drew, she’d never grilled any man since about his personal relationships. Because none of the men since had affected her as strongly or as deeply as this one.

  “Don’t.” Coop pulled her toward the messy living area and the couch in the center, settling onto the cushions.

  “If it bothers you to think there’s something between Sara and me, I’m glad. Just like I’m glad you came here because you were concerned.” He brushed his hands over her bangs and slowly removed her glasses from her face, staring into her eyes.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, reminded of why she’d come here in the first place.

  “I never thought about what my job did to the people I write about, but I’ve been on the other side of the story twice recently and I can’t say I like it much. It makes me feel raw and exposed.”

  “What would make you feel better?” she asked, leaning closer.

  “This.” He placed her hand on his chest, her palm centered over his heart. Then he lowered his head, capturing her lips in a soul-deep kiss.

  He tasted like mint, he smelled like freshly showered man, and her entire body went into sensory overload. His tongue swirled inside her mouth, devouring what she gave, demanding what she didn’t. He knew exactly how to kiss in order to engage all of her. He nibbled on her lower lip and a corresponding tug kicked in deep in her belly. He soothed the bite with his tongue and the swirls of need traveled lower and lower, winding into her abdomen. A trickle of desire dampened her underwear and she tightened her thighs together to prevent herself from climbing onto his lap and taking what she really wanted.

  He thrust his hand into the back of her hair and tilted her head, giving him better access to the far reaches of her mouth and throat. In return, she curled her fingers into his chest, groping for something to hold on to, but finding only bare skin.

  The far-away ring of a telephone penetrated her consciousness but she pushed away the intruding noise. He didn’t seem to care who was calling either, because he’d lifted her shirt and cupped his big hands around her waist, letting his thumb trail up her sides. He paused beneath the strap of her bra. Still kissing her, he grazed her breasts over the fabric, teasing her nipples into tight, rigid peaks.

  That’s when his answering machine kicked on, a male voice sounding loud in the room. “Hey, bro, read the paper. Is an engagement next?” A loud chuckle followed. “By the way, good publicity for Dad’s bar. The blogger mentioned it by name. Talk to you later.”

  Somehow Lexie managed to separate herself from Coop. He was breathing as hard as she was. His eyes were wide and glazed and she wondered if he was as stunned as she. They’d gone far fast. Normally, Lexie took her time before getting this close to any man, especially since Drew, but this thing with Coop seemed to have a life of its own, which meant it was only a matter of time before they… She shut her mind down, deliberately not finishing the thought. Her body was still tingling from that kiss. How far would they have gone if they hadn’t been interrupted? She trembled at the thought.

  But they had been interrupted and the message reminded her of the one thing they hadn’t yet discussed.

  “Did I mention that the blogger thinks we might be getting engaged?”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “ENGAGED.” COOP TRIED to process the word.

  “Someone snap
ped some pictures of us last night at the exact moment when you were showing me the ring, so it looked like you might be…proposing.” Lexie rose and tried to smooth the nonexistent wrinkles in her clothes.

  He wasn’t sure what had her more flustered, the reminder of the blog or that kiss. He sure as hell knew which one had hit him hardest. One feel of her lips and soft curves and he’d forgotten all finesse. His brother’s call served as a reminder to slow down and Coop intended to heed the warning. He might want to run his fingers through her hair and pick up where they left off, but Lexie wasn’t a quick lay. They had business together and dammit, he liked her. Wanted to get to know her better…even if he did want her in his bed.

  “Do you want to see the blog?” she asked.

  “I’ll check it out in the paper later.” He didn’t need a visual. “I just can’t believe the lengths people will go to. Someone must be following me,” he said in disbelief.

  “That or else someone at the bar recognized you, snapped the picture and e-mailed it to the blogger. Who knows?”

  Since she didn’t seem upset by the inaccurate news, he decided not to get worked up over it, either. There were worse things than to be paired with a beautiful woman. Besides it would keep the Bachelor stalkers at bay.

  “The best thing to do is ignore it. Bigger news will come up eventually and replace me.” He hoped.

  Lexie laughed. “There won’t be bigger news for my grandmother, I’m afraid.” She picked up her glasses and slid them back on.

  “She reads the Bachelor Blog?”

  “Yep. And she’s latched on to the idea that I could have a serious suitor.”

  “I take it she’s happy with the notion?”

  “Ridiculously so.” Lexie placed her hands on her hips and walked around his apartment, eyeing the mess left by the burglar. “So are you working today?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “I took the day off. After everything that’s gone on, my editor didn’t mind and I needed time to figure all this out.”

  “Not to mention the fact that you need to clean up?”