“Actually,” he corrects, standing from his seat without taking his eyes off me. “I’d be honored.” He holds out his arm, palm open, waiting. I stare at him, trying to figure out what to say as my stomach clenches. It’s not as if I hadn’t toyed with whatever I’ve been feeling toward Cooper for a while now, but if we dance here, now, it’ll be making a statement. One I’m not sure I’m ready to make. My heart races as I look at his extended hand “Grace?” Cooper’s green eyes lock on mine.
It’s just a dance. Trent isn’t my boyfriend. Actually, now that I think about it, we never once—since the day I met him—put an official label on our relationship. I also just stated my ending of whatever it was, and per Angie, Presley won’t be mad, so there’s no reason not to, right?
Right.
I plaster on a smile and place my hand in his, saying, “I’d love to dance.”
His warm hand engulfs mine as he guides me to the dance floor. We stop at a spot near the edge of the crowd, and he turns toward me. “Relax, Grace.” Cooper encourages as his thick arms wrap around me. “It’s only a dance, and it’s me. We’ve danced together since we were kids.”
I shake my head and grin, even though this is not the same at all. Back then, I wasn’t dancing with Cooper as a single woman. He was a friend, almost a brother, and now there isn’t anything sibling like about this. “I know.”
“Then stop shakin’ like a leaf.”
“It’s just that you’re you . . .”
And insanely hot.
“And you’re . . .”
I shrug. “Me. I’ve been around you since I was seven. I mean, you’re Cooper! The boy who pulled my pigtails and put dirt in my sandwich.”
He laughs. “That was once, and I was convinced that you were the one who wrote, ‘Cooper Townsend loves to eat boogers’ on the bathroom wall.”
I was, but he doesn’t know that. I’d convinced myself that I was in love with him, and he told all the boys that I smelled like cheese. I did the only rational thing a twelve-year-old girl would do: write it on the bathroom wall. Being in a tiny town, it didn’t take long for the news of the artwork to spread. I denied it like crazy and watched Cooper set out on a mission to figure out who’d written it.
“Truth?” I grin.
Cooper’s lips lift as he figures it out. “I knew it! I knew it was you.” His eyes sparkle.
“Well, you were mean to me! And I had a crush on you at that time.”
“You did?” he asks.
“Umm.” I giggle. “Yeah. You knew that!”
He shakes his head. “I had no idea.”
“It wouldn’t have mattered. It only lasted about two whole days. Then you did some gross boy thing, and I was over it, but for those two days . . . it was intense. Plus, if my mom ever thought there was a chance of a you and me—I wouldn’t have been able to sleep over. You weren’t worth missing girl time with Presley.”
I didn’t really like Cooper. Sure, he’s always been good-looking and funny, but he was always looking at me as if I were the annoying little girl. Which in all fairness, I was. However, Trent and Cooper were always together when we were younger. And by then, I developed feelings for the oldest Hennington.
Now, though, I’m done with Trent, and it’s Cooper who is in front of me.
His arms are around me as he holds me close. It’s striking how different he and Trent are from each other. Cooper has dark brown hair, green eyes, and his five o’clock shadow doesn’t make it easy for any girl to look away. Plus, he’s freaking huge. He’s tall, and his body is beyond words. The farm has done his body good.
“So?” Cooper calls my attention back to him. “Have you thought any more about my offer?”
I was hoping this wouldn’t come up again. My heart has been torn apart. Agreeing to a date with Cooper would change so many things. Trent and I have only been separated for a week, and I’m not even sure I’m ready to date again. I’m definitely not ready to make a decision. I just had another spat with Trent—one that ended with his lips on mine. I needed time.
“I thought about it, but I don’t have an answer.”
“I can wait.”
I sigh, and he spins me around again, completely undeterred by my evasion. “You might be waitin’ a long time.”
“I’ve been waitin’ a long time already.” He moves our intertwined hands between our chests. “I can be patient when it’s something worth being patient for.”
The honesty hangs on every syllable.
“What if all we’ll ever be is good friends? What if what you think you’re feeling is wrong?”
“Well,” Cooper grins, “what’s the worst that happens? I get to go on a date with a hot chick.” He’s teasing me, but his eyes grow heated as he looks me over.
I roll my eyes. “Whatever.”
“Seriously, Grace. Not every girl has dark brown hair and light blue eyes. You’re like my fourteen-year-old Xena fantasy come to life.”
“I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted.” It’s kind of nice to know he thinks I’m hot. “So, all I am is a conquest? A way to feel better about yourself after dating Betsy?”
Last year, Cooper dated Betsy Barker. It wouldn’t be a big deal, except it’s very well known that they hate each other. Always have. Betsy’s mom somehow got Vivienne Townsend to send him on a blind date with her.
Of course, Presley and I knew who was on the other end of his date, but Cooper didn’t, which made it all the more entertaining to watch.
He shudders. “You’re a close second to the She-Devil. I’m not sure if you’ll live up to that level of disgust. Although, you just might.”
I slap his chest and smile. “Jerk. But seriously, I need more time to think.”
Cooper’s olive eyes grow serious. “That’s what you need to stop doin’. You think too much, and it’s time you start takin’ action. Listen to your heart for once.”
“And you think my heart is saying it wants you?” I ask, letting my smile fade to seriousness.
“I guess we’ll have to see, won’t we?”
As Cooper turns me again, my gaze meets Trent’s. “Yeah.” I don’t break my stare. “I guess we will.”
Chapter 2
C ooper and I finish our dance, then I head over to the bar. “So,” Presley’s voice comes from behind me, “you and Cooper, huh?”
I let out a heavy sigh. “It was a dance, Pres.”
She puts her hands up while shaking her head. “I’m not sayin’ it’s a bad thing, honey.”
Maybe she isn’t, but it sure ain’t good. I’m not sure Cooper and I can ever be anything more than what we are now. Not only because my heart definitely isn’t free but also because it would cause major issues in the town if things didn’t work. All our mothers are best friends, Presley is one of my best friends, Cooper deals with the Hennington boys for business . . . it’s a recipe for disaster. I’d be sitting right in the eye of it all. No, thank you.
The bartender hands me the drink, and I chug it before asking for a glass of water. “It isn’t happening.”
“Y’all looked cute out there.”
“Sure.”
She looks over at him and back to me. “He’s liked you for a while, you know?”
I knew that, but I didn’t know that she did. “When did you figure it out?”
She grins and hooks her arm in mine. “When I first got back home, he was lookin’ at you differently. Remember the night we went out after I got back to Bell Buckle?” I nod. “I noticed it then. I thought maybe it was my imagination, but when you and Trent got back together, he stopped. Then, when you made it clear you were done again, it was obvious he really liked you.”
Jesus. I didn’t realize it. “A while ago, when Trent and I were on a break, Cooper asked me out,” I confess.
I wanted to tell her sooner. She’s my best friend, and we don’t have many secrets between us. My even considering dating Cooper felt so wrong, though, which was why I decided that if it felt that
way, it probably was. Then it was her being a basket case with her wedding coming, Angie moving back to town—for good, and the more time that passed, the weirder I felt about telling her.
“But you said no?”
“He’s your brother!” It’s comical, really. “And he’s friends with Trent, who is your new husband’s brother. I mean, could we make things any more complicated?”
She looks around the room wistfully. “I learned not so long ago how precious life is. We’re not promised anything. We have no guarantees that we’ll get jack shit. I stand here, lookin’ around, and I’m in awe. I haven’t done anything life altering. I don’t save lives or teach children.” She nudges me with her elbow. “But here I am with two unbelievable kids and a man I don’t deserve. Why are you any less deserving of happiness, Grace? Why should you have to be alone because a man you love won’t get his big head out of his ass?”
I have no answer for that.
Presley continues, “I’ll tell you this, if you let an opportunity pass you by, I’ll kick your skinny butt.”
I am mid drink at her last comment, which is so absurd coming from her that water shoots out my nose when I laugh. “Presley!”
“I’m serious!” Presley hands me a napkin as we both giggle. “You’re one of my best friends, and I love you far too much to see you give up a chance. So, go date Cooper. Who knows, maybe y’all will hit it off. What if he’s the man you’re meant to be with?”
I look into her green eyes that gleam with love and understanding. “What if things go bad?”
She shrugs. “Well, there’s no way you’re going to find out if you don’t try, is there?”
My eyes travel over to where Cooper is dancing with his mama. His smile is bright as he effortlessly spins her around the dance floor. I remember the feel of his strong arms under my hands, and I think about what Presley said. What if he is the guy? What if I spent all that time waiting for Trent to mature, only to miss out on a man right in front of me?
Cooper’s gaze shifts to mine, and I duck my head quickly. Of course, I’d be caught—again.
I slowly lift my eyes toward my best friend, avoiding Cooper at all cost, and Presley stands there biting her lip. “Don’t say a word.”
She raises her hands. “My lips are sealed,” she says, smiling at me.
“I’ll think about it. Maybe,” I relent, even though I know I shouldn’t. The last thing I need right now is another man. Then add in that he’s Cooper Townsend, and it makes it the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.
“All right,” Presley grins. “Now, let’s dance!”
The music shifts to a line dance I know all too well. She grabs my hand and we rush out.
I spend the rest of the night smiling and enjoying my best friend’s joy, because if anyone does deserve this day—it’s her.
* * *
“G race !” my mother yells into the receiver. “Is that you, sugar?”
Mama went away on her girls’ trip with Mrs. Kannan, Mrs. Townsend, and Mrs. Hennington. Once a year, they take a vacation, drink God only knows what, and pretend they’re still young. It’s adorable and a little ridiculous when they get back to show us pictures. The image of my mother getting a lap dance in New Orleans will be forever seared in my brain.
“Yes, Mama. I’m here, there’s no need to yell. I’m not deaf—yet.”
“Well, we’re all the way down here in Mexico.”
No matter how many times I tell her, she doesn’t grasp that I can hear her no matter how far away she is.
“The phone works just fine in Mexico. Are you havin’ fun?” I ask as I flop onto my couch.
“Of course we are!” She scoffs, as if I should know better by now. “The girls and I are going on some kind of parachute sailing tomorrow. Macie said it was either that or snorkeling. You know how I feel about gettin’ my hair wet, so I said fine to the para-thingy.”
I stifle a laugh. She’s nuts. They all are, but for her to be more worried about her hair than being suspended in the air by a parachute over the water . . . I can’t with her. “Well, Mama, it sounds like that was the sensible choice.”
“I’m sure we’ll have fun. You know us, we find trouble no matter where we go.” Oh, I know that. “Since your father is off in his la-la land . . . I need a favor.”
“Sure, what do you need?”
My mother has called once a day with her need for favors. Since school let out a week ago and I’m on summer break, she’s turned her honey-do list over to me. I’m not sure who enjoys these trips more, her or Daddy. He takes the week she’s gone and locks himself in his hunting cabin. No cell phone, no television, and no people. He calls it his slice of heaven.
I think next year I’m going with him.
“I need you to go to Vivienne’s and grab somethin’ from Cooper. I meant to take it when I was there before we left, but it slipped my mind.”
My stomach drops. “It can’t wait?”
“No, Grace.” She huffs. “It can’t wait. There’s no reason you wouldn’t want to help your mama, is there?”
I’m surprised it took this long for her to meddle. I should be happy they didn’t rope me into making a thousand cupcakes. “And does Cooper know I’m comin’ over to pick up this item you need?” I twirl my hair as I wait for her to produce her crappy lie.
That’s the thing that gets me every time, the old women—my mother included—in this town who feel it’s their civic duty to meddle in everything, and they aren’t even good liars. They come up with the craziest things, and half of them don’t make sense. Yet, no matter how ridiculous the plans are, the people in this town go along with them. It’s insane. We’re all freaking nuts.
“I’m not sure, sugar.”
“Mama,” I warn.
“Now, Grace. I’m asking for your help. If you’re too busy, then I’ll have to send smoke signals to your daddy, who will be all too unhappy to be interrupted.” My head falls back as I groan internally. “If you’d like me to do that, I will, and then you can deal with him.”
If guilt trips were an Olympic sport, my mother would have a gold medal. “Fine,” I grumble. “I’ll go over there and see Cooper to get this very important item that you still haven’t mentioned what it even is.”
“You’re so good to me.” Her voice is back to chipper. “I have to go, they’re starting the karaoke party! Adios!” She disconnects before I can say a word.
It’s been two weeks since Presley’s wedding, and I’ve done a pretty damn good job of avoiding both Cooper and Trent, which in this town is a pretty difficult task. Cooper hasn’t reached out at all since that day, not that I expected him to, but Trent hasn’t been quiet. Then, as if my thoughts summon him, my phone beeps with a new message from the commitment phobe himself.
Trent: I get it. You’re done, but we were friends. You were my best friend. I know you don’t want to talk now, and I’ll respect that. Just know if you ever need me . . . I’m here. I’ll always be here.
Why does he do this to me? I want to scream and cry and throw something, but then, in the next breath, I want to run to him. This isn’t easy for me. It’s especially not when he says things like that. It would be a lie to say I don’t miss him. I do. I may be done waiting around for him, but I’ll always love him. He’s embedded in my heart and soul. The only problem is his love doesn’t heal, it’s toxic, and I have to eradicate it before it kills me.
I grab my keys and head over to the Townsend’s. If I’m lucky, Cooper won’t be there, and I can get the mystery item and be gone without seeing him.
When I pull in to the drive, I realize that, of course, luck isn’t on my side. Luck is never on my side, and this time, she seems to be sitting back and laughing at me.
Cooper isn’t just home. He’s on the porch, shirtless, fixing the chain on the porch swing.
Great.
I exit the car, and he turns to look at me as a lazy smile forms on his lips. “Grace.” Cooper’s warm voice washes over me.
&n
bsp; “Coop.” I grin back as my gaze rakes over his bare chest, and I try not to drool. Dear Lord, he’s even better than I imagined without a shirt. The sun, which is setting behind me, is shining over every ridge and dip on his glorious body. The man is sinful. “Mama sent me over for something that your mama has?”
He chuckles. “You believe that load of crap?”
I look down as I shake my head. “Nope, but I knew they’d call and make sure I did it. Figure it’s best to play it safe.”
He steps off the ladder and moves toward me. “Don’t you think we’re a little old to be pushed into seeing each other?”
“I don’t see you comin’ around to see me,” I retort.
“I thought it was your move.”
“I thought you knew that wasn’t going to happen.”
Cooper keeps moving toward me as I stand still. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say to him. I feel out of sorts and slightly uncomfortable. “I hoped.” His voice is low and gravelly as he speaks.
My eyes stay connected to his. “You did?”
He pushes a piece of hair out of my eyes. “Wasn’t I clear?”
I guess he was . . . he and Presley basically spelled it out. Still, I’m not used to forward. I’ve had over twenty years of hidden meanings and half-truths with Trent. I don’t really know if my compass is pointing in the wrong direction or if I’m on the right track with men. Men say women are confusing, but I have news for them—they’re no freaking better.
“All I know is that we danced. It was a lovely dance, but we had no plans after that.”
His big hand wraps around my wrist. “I think we’ve been dancing around this for a while now.”
“When did you get so bold?” I ask, trying to control the shake in my voice.
“When you became single.”
That’s a good answer. “Oh.”
“Oh?”
I’m not sure what he expects me to say. “This is a little weird for me, Coop. I’ve known you forever. I remember all the embarrassing things you went through, including when you liked *NSYNC.” I lift a brow, daring him to refute me. “I’m trying to wrap my head around you getting all broody male on me.”
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