Love Me (Coopers Creek Book 1)

by Bronwen Evans

When they laid down, he automatically rolled away from her, as he’d gotten used to doing ever since he’d caused the rift between them.

  “Because of Simon it’s not Lizzie sitting down at the dinner table with Hayley. It’s just not fair. He walked away with no memory of that terrible night. I remember the purple of her cold lips, how her hands were clenched in fists of pain and how she died alone. It’s just not fair, it’s not fair,” he choked back a cry at the pain of facing the man who’d caused Lizzie’s death, now got to have the love of his dead sister’s child. “Why does he get to know and love his child when Lizzie doesn’t.” He could not help the sobs that wracked his body.

  Emily rolled into him and wrapped her arms round him. “It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault, it’s no one’s fault. It was an accident.” And she rocked him in her arms until his pain subsided.

  “I miss her so much. When I look at Hayley I see Lizzie and it hurts that Hayley won’t know her mother.”

  “You can tell her about Lizzie. Help her know her mother. You’ve got to let it go, Tyler. It’s eating you up inside and changing you into a man I don’t recognize.”

  “I don’t know how. All I do is make things worse. Will you help me? Don’t give up on me.”

  They lay there comforting each other, the sadness of the past washing away as they held each other.

  After a while the intimacy of the moment changed. Heat sizzled. That ever present sexual awareness filled the space between them.

  He was already at half-mast and lying so close to the woman who drove him wild with desire wasn’t helping him to calm down.

  Rolling them back over, he put his arm around her waist, pulling her smack against him. He felt her gasp and stiffen, but he didn’t let her go. Instead, he moved his pelvis against her bottom, letting her feel his arousal.

  “I know you want me, Emily. I know that you don’t believe that I truly love you, but I do. Let me show you,” he said softly against her ear.

  *****

  His hand on her stomach made it feel like a million butterflies were fluttering around inside her. Emily shivered as his warm breath hit her ear. There was no denying that she wanted him, and she now understood more of what he had been feeling. She finally understood how hard it must be for him to see Simon get a chance his sister is denied.

  Over her shorts, his hand roamed along her hip, finding the bottom hem of her sleepshirt. She knew what he was up to. She didn’t know if it was comfort he wanted or her. Right now she didn’t care she just wanted to take away his pain. Slowly, he worked his hand up under her shirt, moving higher.

  “I want to make love with you, to make you feel good. I want to kiss you and touch you everywhere,” he said.

  His deep-timbered voice was husky with desire and the sound sent fire through her veins. Instead of stopping his progress, she moved so that it was easier for him to reach her breasts. She gasped as his fingers grazed her nipple and she arched into his palm.

  He kneaded her breast and teased the hard peak, making her grow damp between her legs. The bed moved as he shifted his body. Then he was pulling her up into a sitting position so he could strip off her shirt and shorts. She let him, greedy for him after being without him for two weeks. She couldn’t control her reaction to him any more than she could direct the wind.

  When he set himself free from his sweat-shorts, her mouth watered a little at the sight of his engorged member in the light streaming through the windows. She wanted to taste him, but he pushed her back onto the bed and covered her body with his.

  His eyes glowed silver in the moonlight as he met her eyes. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. The soft look in his gaze told her what words couldn’t. He loved her. Would that be enough? But she would give him her body and take his in return.

  Their lips met in a slow, thorough kiss, tongues twining together with increasing urgency. Emily felt his cock rubbing against her mound, but he made no move to join their bodies as they kissed. The way he pulsed against her made her throb and she lifted her hips to him in entreaty.

  He had other ideas, though. Gently, Tyler pressed her back down as his lips left her mouth to settle over her right nipple. She let out a little cry as he sucked on it. He played with her other nipple, alternating between brushing his thumb over it and rolling it between his fingers.

  Emily couldn’t hold still as he took his time at the task. If she was on fire before, her arousal now grew into an inferno. Just when she thought she was going to go mad from the delicious sensations darting straight to her core, he kissed his way down over her stomach.

  She giggled when he dipped his tongue into her navel, tickling her. He chuckled and moved lower, pressing her thighs out to the side.

  “I want to taste you and make you come.”

  His breath against her most secret place sent her need soaring higher and she opened her legs wider in invitation. When the tip of his tongue touched her, her breath hitched as a jolt of pleasure hit her. Gently, he began exquisitely torturing her. Her thighs quivered as his strokes and swirls grew faster in tempo.

  Fisting her hands in his hair, she begged him to bring her the completion she so desperately needed. He increased the pressure and she bucked as she climaxed, but he held her hips in place so he could keep pleasuring her. Under his unrelenting, sensual ministrations, Emily was awash with ecstasy.

  As the last little ripple faded, she relaxed for a moment. Tyler growled in appreciation as he pressed a kiss against her. As he moved between her legs, Emily once again thought that he was the most beautiful man that had ever been made. His muscles bunched and flexed as he moved and the intense desire in his expression made her even more excited.

  Reaching down, she caressed his erection, enjoying the silky skin that covered his hardness. She stroked him slowly, making him groan in pleasure. The power that she wielded over him at those times enthralled her and she relished teasing him as much as he did her.

  “I love touching you,” she whispered, moving her fingertips over him lightly.

  His hips hitched forward a little and she knew that he wanted to be inside her, but she wasn’t quite done tormenting him.

  *****

  The fire in Tyler’s taut groin grew hotter as Emily continued touching and stroking him. The saucy smile on her face told him that she was enjoying her control over him. And controlling him, she was. Every nerve in his body was on edge as she kept up her love play.

  He gritted his teeth as he resisted the powerful need coursing through him. “Emily, I won’t last if you don’t stop. It’s been too long, baby.”

  With a womanly chuckle, she relented and guided him into her. Slowly, he pressed forward, sinking into her moist, hot sheath. A growl escaped him as he pulled back and sank in again. Then he began moving in earnest and Emily grasped his forearms.

  Consumed with love and need, he kept his strokes even and measured, angling his hips to give her the most pleasure possible. When she started moving with him, he thrust deeper and faster. He wanted to make this incredible for her, wanted to show her how much he loved her and to brand himself on her soul. Lowering his body, he kissed her with all of his pent up passion. Putting his weight on his forearms so he didn’t crush her, he moved forward.

  Emily’s hands slid down his back and gooseflesh broke out over his skin as she grasped his ass and pulled him deeper inside. He couldn’t wait any longer. His hunger was too intense and she felt so good. His strokes became harder and faster, driving into her like a piston.

  “Yes! Oh, Ty. Please.”

  Her plea broke his restraint and he gave himself over to the flames that threatened to engulf him. Emily clutched him, her nails scoring his back as her orgasm started. She bit his shoulder to muffle her cry of delight.

  “Yeah, baby. I love giving you pleasure,” Tyler said, his voice rough. “I’m going to come. I can’t wait.”

  “Don’t,” she said, completely caught up in their lovemaking. “Come for me, Ty, come for me.”


  Whenever she said that to him, it was like a switch in his body was flipped on and he was helpless to fight his body’s reaction. His release was fierce and mind-numbing. Nothing else existed except for the woman in his arms and the bliss surging within him. Gradually, he stopped moving and sank down on top of her, completely spent.

  *****

  As their labored breathing filled the room, Emily caressed Tyler’s back, tracing the contours of his spine and shoulder blades. His arms tightened around her and he lifted his head to gaze down at her.

  “I love you so much, Emily. I need you. I promise you that I’ll never be that man again. I want to make you so happy, and I can, I will, if you’ll only give me one more chance. Please, marry me, baby. Please.”

  In all the time she’d known Tyler, Emily had never known him to beg for anything, yet here he was, pleading with her to accept his marriage proposal. How she wanted to marry him! But potent fear kept the wall she’d firmly erected around her heart from coming down.

  Her eyes flooded with tears. “I’m sorry, Tyler, but I just can’t.”

  Although, he turned his face away slightly, she caught the disappointment on his handsome features and she hurt for both of them. Her shoulders shook with sobs. Tyler rolled with her, bringing her half on top of him.

  His embrace tightened. “It’s okay, honey. It’s all right. Shh. Don’t cry. You know me. I don’t give up. I’m going to keep asking. I love you, Emily, and I’m going to keep showing you until you just can’t resist me and you say yes.”

  Emily thought that it was the strangest situation. She’d just hurt him by turning down his marriage proposal but he was comforting her. He held her until she stopped crying and kissed away the tears that lingered on her cheeks. As exhaustion claimed her, a part of her wished that he wouldn’t keep asking her, but a much louder part of her hoped that he would.

  Chapter Twenty

  Tyler set about wooing Emily with a vengeance and he enjoyed the challenge. Even in high school, he’d been the prey, never the hunter. His star quarterback status and good looks had made getting dates easy. It had been the same throughout the rest of his life.

  Until Emily had come along, that was. When he’d first begun noticing her and had asked her out, she’d been too shy and had refused him the first few times. However, he hadn’t taken no for an answer and that night after prom…he remembered every detail. It hadn’t taken him long to get her into bed.

  As long as he lived, Tyler would never forget that night. She’d been enthusiastic, yet hesitant; an alluring combination of wonton and innocence. He’d been glad that she’d told him that she was a virgin so that he didn’t hurt her. Their first time together had been sensual and sweet. Addicting. And he’d immediately been hooked on her.

  With his usual determination, Tyler went about the business of winning over his fair lady. He didn’t smother her, but he never left in the morning without telling her he loved her and it was the last thing he said to her at night. He tried to make her smile and laugh whenever he could and did nice things for her.

  Their lovemaking had continued and one night, when he’d had to stay in Denver, he’d convinced her to have video sex with him. While it had been satisfying to a degree, it had mainly been hilarious because they had to get the webcams just right in order to catch everything properly.

  Although he was frustrated with her continued resistance, Tyler held steadfast in his resolve and did everything he could to show her that he was a different man. As much as he still hated Simon, he put up with him for Hayley’s sake and to demonstrate his restraint to Emily. He’d convince her to marry him or die trying.

  *****

  Thanksgiving dawned clear and cold, the sun streaming down from the sky, making it look warmer than the eighteen degrees on the thermometer. Emily and Brooke worked in the kitchen together while Tyler and Hayley set the table. A car pulled up to the house and Emily recognized Ric behind the wheel.

  Chase got out of the passenger side and opened the back door on his side. She stared in disbelief as Lola hopped out of the car.

  “Oh, my God. He didn’t tell us he was bringing Lola!” Emily said, her temper rising.

  As though reading her mind, Chase motioned at Lola and she peed in the snow.

  “Why did he bring Lola?” she demanded.

  Ric’s eyebrows rose. “Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, sis.”

  “I’m sorry. Happy Thanksgiving,” Emily said, hugging him and kissing his cheek.

  “Don’t worry about Lola. She’s housebroken.”

  “But won’t she knock stuff over?” Emily said.

  Hayley came running into the kitchen. “Uncle Ric!” She held up her arms to him.

  Ric picked her up and hugged her tight. “You look like you’re feeling better. Happy Thanksgiving, Blue Eyes.”

  “Happy Thanksgiving.” Hayley turned her head and looked out the kitchen door window. “Lola!” she squealed.

  Ric’s jaw dropped open as he grabbed his ear. “Hayley! Damn!”

  She covered her mouth while she giggled. “Sorry.” She leaned over and kissed his ear. “All better now.” She wiggled to get down.

  Ric set her on her feet and shook his head to clear the ringing in it. “You got a set of lungs on you, kid.”

  Emily said, “No screaming, Hayley. It hurts people’s ears and it’s still not good for you.”

  Hayley gave her a cheeky grin. “Sorry. I’m just so excited to meet Lola.”

  Chase came in the door and Emily picked Hayley up, afraid that Lola would knock her down.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, Chase and…Lola,” she said.

  Chase broke into a huge grin. “Same to you.”

  “Do I need to dog-proof the house?” Emily asked.

  In response, Chase snapped his fingers and Lola sat down. Chase made a downward motion with his hand and Lola sank to the floor. She bounced up again when Chase patted his thigh.

  Hayley clapped. “Lola, you’re so smart!”

  Emily agreed. “Well, just watch that tail doesn’t knock things off the side tables.”

  Chase said. “You can put Hayley down. Lola’s used to kids. She goes to our employee daycare every day. She’s very gentle and loves the kids. Lola, best behavior, okay?”

  Lola barked and bobbed her head a couple of times.

  Hesitantly, Emily lowered Hayley to her feet. Lola went right to her, sniffing her over.

  “Hi, Lola,” Hayley said, petting her.

  She plopped her butt down and held up a paw.

  “Is she shaking hands?” Emily asked.

  “Yeah. She wants to say hello,” Chase said proudly.

  Emily bent down and pet Lola, too. Lola sat almost on Emily’s feet and leaned into her. “Gosh, she’s heavy. Does she have to lean?”

  “The Bernese Mountain dogs are nicknamed ‘the leaners’. They love leaning against people.”

  She was charmed by Lola’s sweet disposition and good manners and felt badly that she’d been upset about her coming along. Tyler and Brooke also greeted the new arrivals and it wasn’t long before Tucker showed up. He made a fuss over Lola and scooped Hayley up in a big hug.

  The football game was turned on and the men adjourned to the living room to keep out from underfoot. However, since Chase liked to cook, he came to the kitchen off and on to help. Hayley was enthralled with Lola and they kept each other occupied.

  “She’s definitely going to want a puppy for Christmas,” Emily teased Tyler who simply groaned and fetched a few more beers. Emily was working on the sweet potatoes when Tyler came back from the living room.

  “Come here. You have to see this,” he said, touching her arm.

  She followed him into the living room and put a hand over her mouth. Lola lay on her side on the floor. Hayley had curled up against her and both of them were sound asleep. Chase took Hayley’s Scooby Doo quilt and put it over the both of them. Neither dog nor girl moved. Ric got a bunch of pictures with his phone and said he’d text th
em to their phones later.

  Emily smiled up at Tyler as they watched Hayley and the dog sleeping. Her heart flip-flopped with happiness as he gave her a one-armed hug. She couldn’t help it that she still loved him. Little by little, she was becoming convinced that he was truly changing, but she was still cautious.

  Several people from the Denver office showed up and the house took on an even more festive atmosphere. Emily had such a good time getting to know the people from Tyler’s office as they ate and she loved hearing their funny stories about him.

  There were times when she noticed the wary way Ric watched her and Tyler. Not only was Tyler working to regain her trust, but Ric’s as well. She’d talked to Ric about it several times and had assured him that all was well. But Ric was very astute and Emily knew that he’d pick up on any tension between her and Tyler.

  However, there was nothing to worry about that day. Tyler was the perfect host, attentive to the needs of their guests. He helped her serve their guests and kept them supplied with drinks.

  As the day came to a close, and people began leaving, the house gradually quieted. Ric and Chase left around seven. They were going to stay at the apartment in Denver because they were both flying out in the morning to their respective homes. Hayley was sad about them and Lola leaving, but they promised that they’d be back for Christmas.

  By the time everyone left, Hayley was exhausted and Emily put her to bed while Tyler took care of putting away the last of the washed dishes. When she came back downstairs, Tyler called her to come into the living room.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  He patted the space next to him on the couch. “Have a seat.”

  Warily, she complied. She became curious when he leaned over and pulled something out from under the couch.

  Smiling, he handed her a giftwrapped shirt box. “Happy Thanksgiving,” he said with a devilish smile.

  She gave him a dubious look.

  “Go on and open it.”

  “What is it?”

  Tyler chuckled. “You have to open it to find out.”