by JoAnn Durgin
“Here she is,” he said a couple of minutes later. A beautifully restored, red and white vintage Chevy truck—with the grinning valet behind the wheel—halted beside them. “Amy, come meet Matilda.”
“What an awesome truck. It suits you,” she said after he climbed in beside her. “Do you refurbish vintage trucks in your spare time?”
“If I had any spare time, it’d be high up on the list of hobbies.”
“You seem to have plenty of time right now.” She wondered how he’d perceive that comment and dared to steal a glance his way.
“Touché, but spending time with you is paramount right now.”
“Why?” she asked. Two could play this game.
“Why not?” He grinned when she rolled her eyes.
“Why Matilda?” she asked as he maneuvered the truck into the early afternoon downtown traffic.
“That one I have an answer for. Matilda was my grandmother’s—on my dad’s side—middle name. I thought it was fun for a truck like this.”
“It is, and no offense to your grandmother, but I hope you don’t plan on naming any daughters after her.” It was the first time Cooper had mentioned his father without a hint of sadness.
“Oh, I don’t know. I think Tilly War—” He stopped, his brow furrowed as he turned left at the next light. “The name Tilly’s sort of cute, don’t you think?”
“In a pig-tailed, pixie kind of way, I suppose it is.” She leaned her head closer to the window, peering up at the skyline of Austin passing by them. “Where are you taking me now?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” That wasn’t all she feared.
~~**~~
“Now, for your Christmas gift,” Cooper said a short time later. They stood side-by-side in front of a Macy’s store directory.
“Maybe it would help if you’d tell me what we’re looking for,” she said.
“Give me a minute. I’ll find it.”
“May I help you find something, sir?” Amy tried not to smirk. She normally had to wait at the Saks counter in Manhattan an average of twenty minutes to buy her favorite makeup, but in less than a minute, Cooper garnered the more-than-willing attention of a helpful salesclerk. He spoke in low tones to the young woman who leaned closer than her hearing should warrant.
Stop being so snarky. Not wanting to appear in the least bit jealous, Amy turned her head, feeling awkward.
“Second floor, right corner,” the saleswoman said, pointing them in the direction of the escalator.
Soft holiday music played in the background and festive decorations adorned the walls and ceiling of the department store. “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” she sang along with Johnny Mathis’s song, a longtime favorite of her mom and dad’s.
“And I thought you didn’t sing.”
Amy laughed as they stepped off the escalator. “Oh, it’s a rare event. Hope I haven’t scared you off.”
“Sounded good to me. I give you permission for a private performance anytime you’d like.”
“Which department are you taking me to? Surely not the lingerie department.” Seemed he wasn’t the only flirty one. What was with her? The temptation to tease him proved overwhelming. At least he’d perked up since their lunch and didn’t seem quite as contemplative.
“I like your lingerie fine from what I’ve seen of it.” He shot her a sly grin. “This is about fulfilling a need for you, not a want for me. Sorry to disappoint you, but I have something much more practical in mind. Humor me, please.”
Indulge me. Humor me. What’s next? When they stepped off the escalator, she pulled him over to one side. “Cooper, you could win a trinket for me at the county fair and I’d be thrilled. You’ve done so much already. Please don’t spend any more money on me.”
For a fleeting moment, she glimpsed wounded pride flitting across his expressive face. Her upbringing wouldn’t allow her to accept an extravagant gift from a man she barely knew, even if he claimed not to expect anything in return. Face the facts. Sooner or later, things would change and Cooper would expect something from her. What that was for this man, she had no clue.
“It’s only money,” he said, bringing her thoughts back to the present. “Like I said, this is fulfilling a need for you. Trust me.” He grabbed her hand and marched her toward the back corner. “Come with me, please.”
She stopped in her tracks, stunned.
“Something wrong?” He stepped close. “Are you okay?”
“It’s nothing,” she said. “Serious déjà vu moment, that’s all.” Visions of Landon leading her across the street after their carriage ride invaded her mind. Lord, what’s happening? Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Amy forced a smile. “Lead the way.”
Her TeamWork friends, especially Winnie, wouldn’t believe it. Here she was, allowing herself to be led around by a man. Halting in the middle of the misses coat department, he opened his arms. “Now can you guess what I have in mind?”
“I’d say you want to replace my jacket.” She couldn’t resist his triumphant grin. He looked like a little boy on Christmas morning, full of enthusiasm, his eyes bright.
“Exactly. Since you were so gracious in giving Tam your jacket, you definitely need another coat. Full-length, short. Whatever you want.” He leaned against a column with a wall mirror, twirling his Stetson between his hands. “Have at it.”
“You’re going to watch while I try on coats?”
One brow quirked. “Is that a problem? Why wouldn’t you—”
She raised one hand. “Fine. No need for a fitting room, anyway.” Spying a salesclerk nearby, she resisted the urge to sigh. Of course, the woman walked over to Cooper and asked if she could help. Perusing the closest rack of coats, Amy tried not to eavesdrop but heard him say they’d let her know if they needed assistance.
Obliging his request, Amy tried on different jackets and coats of varying styles, fabrics, colors and lengths. Never before had she modeled something for a man other than her dad or Mitch, and those times were rare enough. Although she felt silly as she pranced, posed and twirled, she enjoyed his reactions which alternated between giving her a thumbs-up or a noncommittal shrug. Not one thumbs down in the bunch. Surprisingly, he didn’t appear the least bit bored or embarrassed. Some she tried on for the sheer enjoyment of getting his reaction, and he didn’t disappoint.
Starting to tire of the process, she finally found a stylish black and white herringbone, fitted at the waist with a matching belt and made to rest on the curve of her hips. On some women, it might be a disaster waiting to happen, but it flattered her figure. As soon as she slipped it on, she knew. This is the one. Walking over to the mirror by where Cooper waited, she buttoned the jacket and looped the belt. Designer. Well-made. Great fit. A glance at the tag confirmed her suspicion of the price. Wow. If she decided on this jacket, no way could she allow him to buy it.
He let out a low whistle, and warmth flushed her cheeks as she pivoted to face him. Seeing the admiration in his expression, she was overwhelmed with a sudden self-consciousness and an unexpected shyness.
“That jacket is made for you, but it’s missing something.” Leaning close, sending her pulse skyrocketing, he lowered his Stetson on her head. Shivers ran through her at his nearness, so close she felt the brush of his lips and the warmth of his breath on her temple. “Perfect. Be nice to me and I might let you wear it sometime.” With a grin, he removed it.
“Ooooh,” she said with a return grin, “would some of your brain cells transfer to me, too?” Removing the jacket, Amy arranged it on the hanger. “This is expensive, and I can’t let you buy it.” She darted a glance his way.
He snorted. “Nothing doing. That’s a moot point we already settled.” Taking the jacket, he strolled toward the counter.
The salesclerk offered a convenient shopping pass discount, and although it appeased her somewhat, guilt nicked her conscience as the clerk handed him the sales slip. Feeling awkward, sh
e stepped to the side and turned her head as Cooper hastily scrawled his signature. He’s a lefty.
“Hold on a minute,” Cooper said. As the woman started to drape a plastic bag over the jacket, he pushed the signed receipt across the counter. “Amy, do you want to go ahead and wear it?”
“Sure. Great idea.” Although she was plenty warm at the moment, it was pretty chilly outside.
After the clerk located scissors in a drawer and snipped off the tags, she handed the jacket to Cooper and the package of extra buttons to Amy. “Who gets the receipt?”
“I won’t be returning it,” Amy said. “You should keep it for a tax deduction.” He held the jacket as she slipped into it.
Thanking the clerk, he held out the receipt to her. An expression of something indefinable lit his eyes as he waited for her to take it. When she shook her head, he sighed. “Let’s not make this an issue.”
“All right, but only because you insisted.” After opening her purse, she tucked it inside.
Cooper threaded his fingers through hers as they headed back to the escalator. “Thanks for the jacket, Coop.” For a brief moment, she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ll think of you every time I wear it.”
“You’re welcome and I’m honored, but please don’t call me Coop.”
She raised her head. “I’m sorry if I touched a nerve. Since it was your nickname at A&M—”
“I’d rather be called something else by you, Amy.”
“Like what?”
He started to say something, then stopped and cleared his throat. “Cooper will do fine.”
As she hopped on the escalator in front of him, she thought she heard him mutter, “For now.” Something was definitely up with him. She hadn’t put up a fuss about the jacket, his credit card wasn’t declined and had cleared immediately, and they’d had a wonderful time. Stealing a glimpse at his profile in the mirrored wall beside them as they rode the escalator back to the ground level, Amy drew in a quick breath. Cooper’s head was bowed and it appeared as though he was—praying?
Chapter 31
Cooper drove Matilda to the front gate of a small airport. “Excuse me,” he said, motioning to the glove compartment.
“What do you need? I’ll get it,” Amy said, moving her knees to the right.
“I’ve got it, thanks.” Opening the compartment, he pulled out a badge. Stopping beside the small security booth, he lowered his window and held the badge for the security guard. “I don’t have to show ID since I’m a regular here, but after 9/11, it makes me feel better to show it, anyway, as a matter of protocol.”
Stepping outside the booth, the guard broke into a wide grin. “Howdy folks. How’ve you been—”
“Fine, Carl.” Cooper stuffed the badge in his coat pocket. “Hope your family’s well.”
“Yes, sir. Getting ready for Christmas. Thanks for that book you sent for Wendy. Says it’ll be a big help and she wanted me to thank you.”
“Sure thing. Tell her the best way to thank me is to put it to good use. Carl, I’d like you to meet Amy Jacobsen. She’s visiting from New York.” Cooper pressed back against the seat and Amy leaned forward to give the man a smile.
Carl tipped his cap and gave her a nod. “Nice to meet you. Good, clear day for flying and you’ve got a great pilot here.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Carl.”
The man flies a plane, too?
“Can I please see your driver’s license or a photo ID, Miss Jacobsen?”
“Oh, sure,” she said, pulling her purse onto her lap and reaching inside for her wallet. “I don’t drive much, but the license is still valid.” Cooper took the license from her, taking a peek as he handed it to Carl.
After Carl thanked her and waved them inside the gate, Amy turned to Cooper. “You’re really a pilot?”
He chuckled. “I really am. You’re not squeamish, are you?”
“It depends on what you’re talking about.”
He grinned. “The roller coaster of your life.”
“Flying is one of my favorite things, but once I get up in the air, I don’t want to be doing any dipping or flipping around, thank you very much.” She looped a circle with one finger. “Please don’t tell me you fly one of those Snoopy planes.”
“Snoopy planes?” Cooper’s laugh was hearty as he pulled Matilda to a stop near the hangar. A number of private aircraft were parked at different angles on the tarmac.
“You know, the old-fashioned kind where you’re not fully enclosed and you need to wear goggles and one of those leather caps that covers the ears, and a long scarf around the neck. Gotta have one of those. Like Amelia Ear . . .” She clamped a hand over her mouth.
“I think I can manage to keep it level. You’ll be happy to know it’s a Cessna 182, not a Snoopy plane. No dipping and flipping today. Were you named for the aviation pioneer?”
Amy shook her head, her hand still over her mouth.
Removing the keys from the ignition, he turned toward her. “Say something now or I’ll kiss you to give your lips something constructive to do.”
Lowering her hand, she sighed. “I hope I don’t meet the same fate as that other Amelia.”
“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence. Not exactly what I was hoping for.” Cooper shook his head and climbed out of the truck. Coming around to open her door, he reached for her hand and assisted her. “For starters, no one really knows what happened to Miss Earhart. Second, there’s the fact I’m an experienced pilot, like Carl said. The third thing you should know is I always pray before I take off.”
“That does makes me feel better. So happy to hear it.”
Tossing his keys in the air, he led her to a small, white private jet parked nearby. “Amy, meet Madelyn.”
“Madelyn?” Eyes wide, she stared at him.
“What’s wrong now?”
If she wasn’t so stunned, she’d laugh. In both expression and tone, he was a cross between exasperation and amusement. “Nothing.” She shifted from one foot to the other. “It’s just that Madelyn is my middle name.”
He shrugged. “Isn’t that something?”
“That’s all you’re going to say?”
“About the name? Purely a coincidence.”
“Come on, Cooper. You don’t believe in coincidence any more than I do, but I know men don’t randomly nickname their cars, boats, planes, mopeds or whatever.” Belatedly, she closed her mouth. “Forget it. It’s your private business.”
“No need to get jealous. Madelyn’s my mom’s name.” He opened the door. “Climb aboard and make yourself comfortable and I’ll be back in a minute. Be good and don’t touch anything on my plane.”
“As if,” she huffed. “Better take your keys in case I get curious.” He laughed when she raised her brows and gave him a mischievous grin.
“Scamp.”
“You love it,” she said, trying not to laugh.
“Didn’t say I didn’t.” Closing the door, Cooper gave her a wink and then hurried toward the hangar.
Amy’s stomach flip-flopped with anticipation. She loved the thrill of taking off in a plane, the thrust of the engine, the sheer power of lifting in the air. Pulling out her phone, she checked for messages. She half expected Mitch had called. Or Landon. No messages. With a shrug, she returned the phone to her purse. The pang of disappointment wasn’t because Landon hadn’t called. In some ways, it was better he hadn’t. How could she return to New York and go on a date with him now? Until she resolved her feelings for Cooper, it wouldn’t be honest to give Landon the impression she was interested in anything more than friendship. She leaned her head against the seat and blew out a deep sigh.
Cooper climbed into the small cockpit beside her a few minutes later. “This is the pre-flight inspection portion of our program,” he said as he adjusted and turned a handful of buttons and knobs on the panel.
Amy remained silent, not wanting to interrupt or distract him. All the controls and blinking lights seemed complicated. She
smiled when he started the engine and the propeller rotated as he prepared for their takeoff. “I imagine being an electrical engineer helps you learn these controls. I don’t know how you do it. There’s so many.” Her voice was tinged with an awe she didn’t bother to hide.
“It’s not difficult, and it’s certainly easier than trying to figure out the thoughts in that beautiful head of yours. Here,” he said, handing her a headset before pulling one out for himself, “this is how we communicate once we get up in the air.”
Listening and watching as he demonstrated how to work the headset, she figured it was simple enough for her mush of a brain to manage. Reaching across her lap, he helped her buckle in, tugging on the strap to make certain it was secure. “Twist around a little to see if you can turn in the seat. You need enough free movement to look out the windows without being overly constricted.”
Amy did as he asked, feeling a little silly, knowing he watched every move. “It’s fine. Ready for that prayer now.” She bowed her head as he prayed for a safe trip and added a few words when he finished.
“Ready?” She loved that mischievous grin.
“You are such a kid.”
“You’ll know why in a minute. There’s nothing quite like flying in the wide open blue sky. It gives you a sense of unbelievable freedom.”
“Do we have any time before we’re supposed to take off?”
Cooper darted a glance at the clock on the control panel. “We don’t really have a time—”
“Oh, whatever. Be quiet.” Pulling him by the lapels of his jacket, Amy planted a quick kiss on his lips.
“We can do better than that,” he said, tugging her close again and lowering his lips to hers in a very satisfying kiss. “Much better,” he said a minute later, releasing her with obvious reluctance. “That’s a great send-off, just in case something unexpected happens.” He released her, planting another kiss on her nose before leaning his forehead against hers.
“Well, um,” she said, “my kiss was for taking such good care of me, but apparently yours was farewell in the event we crash. That’s real encouraging coming from the pilot, I have to say.”