by JoAnn Durgin
“Get over yourself.” She walked into the bathroom. Tossing a few last items into the overnight case, she grabbed it but stopped short when she spied him sprawled in the side chair. “Don’t get too comfortable over there.”
“I figured it out. He scared you by coming on too strong.”
She lifted her chin. “You’re in serious danger of the same thing. It’s . . . disconcerting.”
Cooper shrugged. “Fine. Don’t tell me. I was only curious.” He unfolded his tall frame from the chair and rose to his feet.
“Is that all you can think about? Why do you care one way or the other, considering you pretty much won that round anyway?”
“Hey, you’re the one who keeps bringing up the man, so I’m thinking there’s some hidden guilt rolling around in there somewhere. And, for the record—as you put it—you’re not easy, Amy.” His eyes softened, his voice gentled. “As a matter of fact, you strike me as the type of woman where nothing comes easy.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She started tapping her foot and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Nothing,” he said. “Just that you’re definitely worth getting to know.”
Opening the closet door, she felt his eyes on her as she retrieved the hanging bag and draped it over her suitcase. “Let me get my jacket and then we’re on our way.”
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
“Which one? You asked a number of them.” This is what I get for skipping church. But no, the Lord didn’t work that way. Churlish. That’s the word for how you’re acting. Though she recognized it, it was still hard to stop. An apology would be advisable, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Sparring with Cooper was fun, as it’d been with Landon. That thought gave her pause. You’re such a wanton woman, flirting with these men. She’d need to spend extra time on devotions tonight.
Cooper’s blue-eyed gaze pierced holes straight through her as he removed his suede jacket. The way his black Henley stretched over those broad shoulders, a couple of buttons undone at the top, should be outlawed. Not to mention the slightest hint of stubble peppering his jaw. She’d always been more attracted to the Landon type—professional, dressed impeccably in a business suit, oozing self-confidence—but Cooper flipped all those preferences upside down although the man was no stranger to confidence.
Talking would be good. “What do you think you’re doing? If you don’t want me to rethink this whole thing, please put your jacket back on. Although”—she hesitated for a long moment—“perhaps we should, um . . .”
He tilted his head to one side, surveying her through narrowed eyes. “Should . . . what?”
“Set some ground rules for this little road trip.”
“Sure. Go ahead. You first.” Cooper nodded toward the bed. “May I?”
“May you what?”
He chuckled. “Relax, Amy. All I want to do is sit. You’re not afraid of me for some reason, are you? Rest assured, I’m not out to steal your virtue or take advantage of the fact I’ll have a beautiful woman in my car for the next eight hours or so.” When she raised a brow, he sobered. “I’m teasing. Come on, lighten up. It’ll make this experience a whole lot more enjoyable for both of us.” Crossing the room, he sat on the unmade bed. For some reason, she always made the bed in hotel rooms, but not today. “Hmm. Comfy.” He bounced a few times on the mattress as if testing it.
“And that’s supposed to make me feel better about this whole thing?”
He laughed. “What, me bouncing on the bed or the virtuous comment?”
“Pretty much all of it.”
“Since you seem to want to spell it out, I have some ground rules, too. Want to hear them?” He patted the bed beside him. “Care to sit down so I can at least talk to you at eye-level?”
After parting the curtains to allow light into the room, Amy sat in the chair he’d vacated beside the small table. Crossing one leg over the other, she swung her foot back and forth, stopping when she caught his amused glance.
“Sounds like you don’t trust yourself,” he said. “The way you’re acting smacks of it, too.”
“Maybe I don’t.”
“So, it’s not me you’re worried about? It’s you? Has a man done something to hurt you in the past?” His eyes widened. “You’re not afraid of men for some reason, are you?”
Amy shook her head, fighting the urge to laugh. “That would be a definitive no.” What a conversation, and in her hotel room, no less. Her shoulders slumped and she blew out a breath. “It’s more my being immature and stupid. Cut me some slack. I’ve never been in a situation like this before. I honestly wouldn’t blame you if you said to forget the whole thing and leave me sitting here in this inn, left to my own defenses.”
Cooper shook his head. “Don’t insult yourself. Want to know what I’m thinking?”
When she didn’t answer, he strolled over to where she sat. The man could walk across a room like no one else—not really a swagger but with incredible confidence bordering on bravado. Propping both hands on the arms of her chair, he pinned her with that piercing gaze he’d mastered so well. Although his appearance was so similar to Landon, Cooper definitely had his own distinctive personality. When he leaned close, his breath warmed her cheek, unnerving her even more. This man makes me dizzy and more than a little crazy. “I think you’re every bit as nutty as you are beautiful. At the moment, it’s a toss-up which one would win out. Tell you one thing, though.” That sexy, slow grin emerged. “I sure wanna stick around and find out.”
Amy gasped and turned her head. With the movement, her hair escaped the confines of the loose ponytail and fell about her shoulders. Glimpsing Cooper’s dumbstruck expression, she understood exactly why she was skittish about this whole arrangement. His eyes skimmed over her face and trailed upward to her hair. The man’s audacity was appalling, the look in his eyes nothing short of presumptuous. Then why did she feel so drawn to him?
Maybe he’s more like Landon than I presumed.
Finally, he stepped back. Crossing the room, he sat back down on the bed again and clasped his hands together. “So, tell me about these ground rules.”
“Okay. I’m a Christian and don’t believe in . . . hanky panky before marriage.” Try as she might, she found it difficult to breathe. “I think it’s important to get that information out there right from the start.”
“Good. I agree, but did you actually say hanky panky?”
“What? You want a definition? You know very well what it is, and having me say it out loud serves no purpose.”
“I didn’t ask you to define it. I know what it is.”
“Do you agree because you’re a Christian or because you simply don’t believe in”—she sucked in a deep breath—“pre-marital . . . sex . . . for moral, ethical or other reasons?”
Cooper fixed her with those gorgeous eyes. “God won’t strike you down because you said the word, Amy. I gave my heart to Jesus when I was ten. Then I got stupid for a while, if you want to talk stupid. I’ll tell you when we can have a conversation that’s not in your hotel room or a moving car. Suffice it to say I’m older, I’ve wised up and I know right from wrong in God’s eyes and that’s how I now choose to live my life.”
She nodded. “Here’s the thing, Cooper.”
For a second, an odd expression flitted over his handsome face. Leaning back on his elbows, he cocked his head to one side. “Tell me. What’s the thing?”
Why did he have to act so comfortable on the bed in her hotel room? Easy going was one thing, over-familiarity another. Not to mention his question was the same one Landon asked during their carriage ride in Central Park. As a matter of fact, he’d said it earlier, too, during their discussion in the lobby. Amy moved her hand to her forehead, frowning. This is too strange.
“Are you okay?” Genuine concern tempered his question.
“Trying to take it all in. I guess we’d better get on the road soon or we’ll never get to Austin.”
“S
ounds like a plan, but what were you going to say?”
Lowering her hand, she met his gaze. “This must be a habit with you. Okay, I’m going to lay it on the line here. I feel really weird, knowing how we kissed last night. The glances, the looks, the dancing, feelings . . . all of it, and now we’ll be spending time together in very close quarters for the next two days.”
“I know. I feel the same way, but I’m glad you’re telling me ‘right from the start,’ as you put it.”
She gulped. “You do?”
He looked momentarily confused. “Do what?”
“Know how I feel?”
“You’re not exactly a shy wallflower. One of the things I appreciate most about you is your honesty. Trust me, that’s a very good thing. The way I see it, after this adventure together, we’ll either be madly in love or desperate to be rid of each other.” He pushed himself off the bed and onto his feet. “I have an idea.” He stepped closer to where she sat and held out one hand. “Stand up.”
“I’m not quite sure I like your tone.”
“Humor me. Stand up.” He leaned close to where she still sat in the chair. “Please?”
Uncrossing her legs, Amy slowly rose to her feet but—not wanting to appear overeager—took her sweet time.
“Here’s the plan: we kiss”—he held up his hand when she started to protest—“once before we head out on the road, then we make a pact not to do it again unless either of us wants another round when we say good-bye in Houston.” Standing in front of her, with barely an inch separating them, his eyes searched hers.
Her lips settled in a firm line. “You’re crazy. Why would you think I’d want to kiss you? I don’t even know you.”
“I hate to state the obvious, but that didn’t stop you last night.”
She tried to ignore his smug grin but found it difficult to get past the broad shoulders and all-too-inviting smile. “Is this some kind of test?”
“Not really. It’s more to prove a point.”
“I might regret this, but what point would that be?” Amy lowered her gaze and avoided his direct eye contact since past experience had proven it to be hazardous for her emotions, not to mention her best judgment.
“That we’re adults capable of self-control even though we’ll be fighting it the entire time.”
“It?”
“This.” Tugging her shoulders toward him, Cooper lowered his head, his lips a heartbeat from hers. The male pride curving his mouth annoyed her to no end, but not enough to stop her from tilting her chin upward. What a pushover I am. She hadn’t known how much until now. Moving one hand to the back of her neck, he sifted through her hair with slow, gentle fingers. Oh, that’s good. She dropped her hands to her sides as he pulled her close and she detected the wonderful combination of Irish Spring and minty mouthwash. As he lowered his head, his mouth hovering above hers, she closed her eyes, anticipating this more than she wanted. The kiss was soft, his lips brushing over hers before becoming more firm in a fabulous déjà vu of the night before. Oh, the things this man could do. All too soon, Cooper released his hold on her and stepped back a few paces. “Yep, that should do it.”
Her emotions as tangled as her hair, Amy turned aside. No fair. Touching her lips with shaky fingers, she cleared her throat and willed herself to speak and not come across like a complete imbecile. “Let me put my hair up again and then we need to get moving.”
“I like it down.”
She stared at him for a long moment before clearing her throat. “It doesn’t really matter what you think, now does it? Give me a minute and I’ll be ready.” Retrieving her hair elastic from the carpet, she walked over to stand in front of the mirror. She knew he watched, and she focused on smoothing her hair, avoiding eye contact. Her fingers still shook, and she bit her lower lip in frustration.
“Don’t pull too tight.”
“You’re an incredibly infuriating man.” She paused, remembering she’d said that very thing to Landon. It’s official. I’ve gone mental. With renewed vigor, she twisted the band around her hair in a quick ponytail, making certain it was secure. “How long did you say this pact should last?” She cringed with the realization her question made it sound as though she was anticipating another kiss.
“Until I drop you off in Houston, but it’s your call. Feel free to break it anytime, Miss Irresistible.”
“Please don’t call me that.”
Grabbing her suitcase and overnight case with one hand and looking back over his shoulder, Cooper’s wink was playful. “It’s better than a few other nicknames I can think of.”
Staring at his back as he headed into the hallway, Amy grunted. “Insufferable.” Grabbing her purse and the hanging bag with her bridesmaid gown, she stalked out of the room behind him, not bothering to close the door. Oh yes, this is going to be an interesting couple of days.
As she followed him to the elevator, she remembered Cooper hadn’t told her any of his ground rules. Maybe it didn’t matter since the primary one had already been laid out and sealed with a kiss, which in retrospect might not have been the best way to seal their agreement. But it would do. Amy swallowed her smile as Cooper held the elevator doors and ushered her inside.
“Austin or bust.” He stood so close she felt his warmth.
Lord, grant me strength.
Chapter 19
“So, tell me what wonderful things Texas mamas tell their boys.” Swirling her French toast in syrup with no shame whatsoever, Amy brought it to her lips, smiling as she savored the delicious bite. They were only two of a handful of patrons in the restaurant next door to the inn. Quiet was good, and it suited her mood fine and dandy. Thankfully, the storm had already passed through the area, and now the sun winked at her through still-dark clouds. The man seated across from her both mystified and confounded her. One thing she knew for sure: she’d never smell Irish Spring again without thinking of Cooper Warren.
He smiled. “Nah. I’d much rather sit here and watch you eat. It’s an art unto itself.”
“Right,” she said, stabbing another bite. Why was she eating like she hadn’t consumed anything the past week? Making up for lost calories was one thing, but this was ridiculous. “It’s hardly a phenomenon. I more or less starved myself and worked out like a crazy person to fit into that bridesmaid dress.” Seeing the look on his face, she raised a hand. “No comments, please, especially flattery. I already know your opinion on the subject.”
“I think watching you say or do anything is a treat.”
She put down her fork. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to be so flirtatious?”
He laughed. “Mom taught me to always hold doors for a lady. She told me to always listen very carefully to what a woman says, and that sometimes there’s a difference between what she says and what she means. That one can get tricky. I learned how to prepare and cook at least five meals, how to clean the dishes and sort and wash laundry so all my whites don’t turn girly pink.”
“This is good stuff. Go on.” Amy finished her French toast all the while eyeing her honey dew melon.
“She taught me to respect a woman’s right to say no.” He paused as if to gauge her reaction, but she wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction. “She taught me to appreciate fine art, great classical music and gourmet food. I learned the value of a dollar and how earning money isn’t as important as the joy derived from doing something you love. That I should dole out at least five compliments a day and try to find at least five wonderful things in God’s creation each day and thank Him.”
Amy’s eyes met his. “Your mother sounds very wise.”
Cooper nodded. “That she is.”
“Well, in that case, I hope you haven’t disappointed her too much.” She let out a giggle at his apparent surprise. “Sorry. I couldn’t help it. From what I can tell, you turned out okay, although I’m sure you were a mischievous kid.”
“Right back at ya.” When he winked, she felt warmth invade her cheeks.
“Hope
fully, you learned some wise lessons from your father, as well.” His eyes fell and he turned his head, but not before she glimpsed the pain. “I’m sorry.” Immediate regret filled her. Wanting to grasp his hand in hers, she refrained. “Forgive me. Apparently, I’ve touched a raw nerve.”
Finished with his eggs and sausage, he lowered his fork to his empty plate and pushed it aside. “It’s okay. My dad wasn’t around much, and when he was, it would have been better if he’d never been there at all.”
“But you mentioned your dad and his fishing stories.”
“Right. My dad used to take me fishing when I was little—younger than ten—but I’m mainly talking about my stepfather. He married my mom when I was fourteen. Cooper shifted in his chair. “Can we please agree not to talk about my dad?”
“If that’s what you want, but I’m a good listener.”
“I know.”
“I have one brother. Goes by the name of Mitch,” she said, wanting to break the awkward silence. “He’s thirteen months older and we give each other grief on a daily basis. Mitch is a stockbroker and finds it fascinating I’m a writer since he can’t string together two coherent sentences to save his life.”
“You sound very close.”
She nodded. “We are. For a kid who teased me mercilessly, kidnapped my kitten and held it for the ransom of a candy bar when I was six, and set me up on one too many blind dates, I guess he wasn’t so bad. Mitch is one of the most kind, generous, loving people I know.”
His features relaxed when he smiled, a welcome sight. “He’s blessed to have you as his biggest fan. Hang on to that relationship, Amy. Don’t ever take it for granted.”
~~**~~
“So, how long is this road trip?” Amy followed as Cooper led the way to the little white rental car in the hotel parking lot. She thanked him as he pulled the passenger door open and waited while she climbed inside. Putting her purse on the floorboard, she fidgeted, fussed and fiddled. Never in her life had she puzzled over how to position her legs in a vehicle. To think she was going to spend the next two days with this man had her mind reeling.