She suddenly heard the sound of a motor running and looked past him, where a white stretch limo waited. “That’s your friend’s car?” she said.
He hesitated. “Not exactly.” Cooper couldn’t take his eyes off her. He wanted to say to hell with the benefit and spend the evening making love to her. “My, uh, friend works for a limo service. He got me a good deal.”
“Oh, Cooper, I wish you hadn’t spent so much money,” she said, knowing the tux, the roses, and the limo would probably set him back a month’s salary. “I insist on splitting the cost.”
“Forget it. If I fall short on cash, I’ll sell my blood.”
She blinked. “What?”
“Just joking,” he said. “Are you ready?”
“Yes. But let me put these in water first.” She hurried into the kitchen and grabbed a vase from her pantry. As she stuffed the roses into the container and added cold water, she heard Cooper’s footsteps behind her. He slipped his arms around her waist and kissed the nape of her neck. “You didn’t return my calls today,” he said.
Summer felt her skin prickle as his warm mouth caressed her. The man certainly knew all her pleasure points. “I had back-to-back appointments all day,” she said, her voice cracking. She gripped the edge of the counter as he nibbled an earlobe. “We should go,” she said halfheartedly.
Cooper turned her around in his arms. His dark eyes probed hers. “I think we should clear the air first. I don’t know why you got upset yesterday, but I just want you to know what we shared was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I don’t want you to have regrets.”
Summer was touched by his words. “I don’t know what to say, Cooper. Everything seems to have happened so fast between us.”
“Maybe because it was meant to be. We can’t always analyze our feelings.”
“Perhaps I’m more cautious than most,” she confessed, “but I have my reasons.”
He slid his hands up her arms. He could feel her pulling away. Once again he told himself not to push. “I hope one day you’ll trust me enough to tell me.” He released her, took a step back, and held out his arm. “Shall we go?” He saw the relief in her eyes and knew there were some things she simply wasn’t ready to share, and he couldn’t blame her because he had the same problem. He suddenly realized they were very much alike when it came to trusting someone. He might come off as a badass, but he was as much afraid of being hurt as she was.
Summer slipped her arm through his, and they made their way into the foyer. She pulled a white faux fur jacket from the closet and handed it to Cooper, who held it while she slipped it on. She grabbed her satin clutch and exited the condo, pausing briefly for Cooper to lock the door behind them.
Inside the limo, Summer was greeted with soft mood music and chilled champagne. She sipped her drink slowly as the driver took the interstate and headed north to the Pettigrew estate. She tried not to stare at Cooper, but it was next to impossible. He was so stunningly virile that it was hard to tear her gaze away. He took their champagne glasses and placed them on the cocktail table that sat between the two seats facing each other. Summer looked up in question.
“I just thought of a better way to kill time until we reach your grandmother’s place,” he said, slipping his arm along the back of the seat and pulling her closer. He touched a button at his side, and a panel rose from behind the seat opposite them, giving them complete privacy. Summer felt her pulse quicken as he pulled her into his lap. She glanced around, anxiously at first, but the tinted windows assured her that nobody could see them. “Why don’t we play a game?” he said.
She felt breathless as he looked into her eyes. “What kind of game?”
“Tell me what color panties you’re wearing beneath your dress.”
She chuckled. The man never let up. “Okay, I’ll give you a hint. Everything I’m wearing tonight with the exception of my jacket is black.”
He placed his hand on her knee and rubbed his thumb back and forth. His black eyes glittered. “Won’t work, babe, I need details.”
She debated telling him the truth, then decided it couldn’t hurt after how they’d spent the previous afternoon. Besides, she had to admit it gave her a delicious thrill to know that she was able to get him all worked up discussing her lingerie. “First, I have a confession to make,” she said, trying to appear coy. It was so different from the woman she presented at the office. “I have this thing for lingerie.”
“Mm, I like the sound of it already.”
His husky voice almost made her shiver. She was unable to break eye contact. It was as though he were hypnotizing her. “Well,” she began somewhat breathlessly, “tonight I selected a lace-up bustier and … matching panties.”
“Details, details,” he whispered enticingly.
“Okay. The lace is very delicate and intricate.” She felt his palm move upward, sliding ever so slowly beneath the hem of her dress. Her breath caught in the back of her throat.
Cooper closed his eyes. He inched his hand higher.
The satiny touch of her inner thigh aroused him instantly. Cooper sucked in his breath sharply. “You’re a naughty girl for torturing me like this,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I’m afraid I have no choice but to punish you.” Without another word he pulled her head down and captured her lips, forcing her mouth open with his tongue so that he could taste her. As he took her mouth with a savage intensity, his hand moved higher on her thigh. In a matter of seconds his deft fingers had worked their way inside her panties.
The touch of his fingers sent a shock wave through her. He dipped one finger inside her, and she was embarrassed to find she was already wet. He searched for the little bud and drew circles around it with his thumb until she gasped with pleasure. He knew just how to touch her, so lightly that she wanted to press his hand against her. The circles grew smaller and smaller, the pressure in her lower belly more intense. She ached for release. She arched against his hand and whimpered as a sensation of white-hot pleasure spiraled through her. She felt it lift her high and carry her to the edge, then, as she slowly floated back, he quickly brought her to a second orgasm. Once she was sated, he pulled his hand free and fixed her dress into place, and Summer curled against his body and closed her eyes.
“You remind me of a soft kitten,” he said, pressing his lips against her forehead. “I think I’ll keep you.”
#
Summer and Cooper were the perfect picture of propriety as they sat across from Henrietta on the ride to the benefit. Nobody would have suspected what they’d been doing only moments before.
They arrived at the hotel, and their driver parked and hurried around to assist them. Cooper offered his hand to Henrietta, who climbed from the limo looking chic in an emerald gown with a diamond choker and matching earrings. Summer was next. As the three of them stood together for a moment, they were blinded by flashbulbs. Although the area was roped off, the media snapped pictures and tossed questions in their direction.
Summer happened to glance up at Cooper as they started for the entrance and saw that he was doing his best to avoid having his picture taken. The thought that he might be hiding something suddenly nagged at her. Once again she asked herself, what did she really know about the man? He hadn’t shared one single detail of his life; if it weren’t for Warren, she would know zip.
Summer and Henrietta checked their wraps, and they entered the ballroom a few minutes later, where an orchestra had already begun playing. Henrietta was greeted by a large number of guests who quickly inquired about her health.
A woman named Helen, who was one of Henrietta’s closest friends and had helped put the benefit together, chuckled. “We heard you received so many flowers that you ended up sending them to a nursing home,” she said.
She spoke to Summer, then glanced in Cooper’s direction. “And who is this handsome young devil?”
“Oh, forgive me,” Henrietta said. “Helen, I’d like you to meet Summer’s friend, Cooper Garrett. Cooper, this is Hel
en Fry.”
“What kind of business are you in, Mr. Garrett?” Helen asked.
He hesitated. “I sell motorcycles.”
The woman looked intrigued. “Oh?”
Cooper suddenly glanced around. “Can I get anybody a drink?”
“I wouldn’t mind something light,” Henrietta said. “Helen, would you join me in a glass of white wine?”
“Certainly, dear.”
Cooper excused himself. “I’ll help him,” Summer told the women, then hurried behind him. She touched the sleeve of his jacket. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”
Cooper motioned to one of the many portable bars set up in the room. “I’m going for drinks.”
“I know that,” she said, “but why are you rushing? And why did you walk away in the middle of a conversation?”
Cooper stepped in the line leading to the bar. “Why are you asking all these questions?”
“Because you’re acting weird.”
He shrugged. “These events make me uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t have to come. In fact, I tried to talk you out of it, if you remember.”
The line moved up. “I came because I wanted to be with you.” He tweaked her nose playfully, but his dark eyes were sincere. “What would you like to drink?”
She shook her head. “I’m not thirsty right now.”
Once they reached the bar, Cooper ordered two glasses of wine and a scotch and water for himself. He handed one of the glasses to Summer, and they crossed the crowded ballroom in search of Henrietta and Helen. Once they handed them their wine, Henrietta pointed out their table. “It is number seven,” she said, “Right next to the dance floor.”
Once they arrived at their table, Cooper pulled the chairs out for Henrietta and Helen. He and Summer had barely taken a seat when the orchestra began a slow number. “Would you like to dance, Miss Pettigrew?” he said in a pronounced drawl.
“Well, but of course, Mr. Garrett,” she replied in a nasal tone.
He turned to Henrietta and her friend. “Would you ladies excuse me while I escort this beautiful young lady to the dance floor?” They smiled and nodded.
Cooper wasted no time pulling Summer into his arms. Their eyes locked in surprise at how perfectly they fit together. “Wow,” he said.
“You’re holding me too close,” she said, hoping no one would notice.
He leaned his head down and whispered in her ear. “That’s because I suddenly have the urge to take you to bed.”
His warm breath made her shiver. “Behave yourself, Cooper,” she said, trying to smile as though they were having a normal conversation.
Although he gave her the space she wanted, she was still aware of his broad chest and large hand. It suddenly occurred to her that his hands were smooth. A man who worked on bikes should have tough, calloused hands. Why hadn’t she thought of that before? Not only that, he was an excellent dancer.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“How well you dance,” she said truthfully.
“You can thank my sister for that.”
“I’m impressed.”
He shrugged. “I don’t mind dressing up for your fancy parties now and then if that’s what it takes to make you happy. But right now I have other things on my mind, and I don’t think I have to tell you what they are.”
She forced a smile to hide her discomfort. “It always boils down to sex with you, doesn’t it?” she whispered.
“Is that so wrong?”
“That’s not all there is to a relationship, Cooper. What about trust and friendship? What about love and devotion? That’s the glue that holds a marriage together.”
He looked amused. “I didn’t realize we were talking about marriage, Summer. Is that what you want from me?”
Her cheeks flame, and she stumbled. Cooper caught her easily. “I didn’t say that,” she replied, irritated that he could provoke her so easily one minute and bring her to ecstasy the next. “Besides, a woman would be a fool to marry a man like you.”
“And why is that, love?”
Her stomach fluttered at the endearment. “I know your type, Cooper Garrett. You’ll do or say anything to get what you want out of a woman. Then, once you’ve stolen her heart, you’ll grow bored and seek your pleasures elsewhere. Mr. Love-’Em-and-Leave-’Em.”
“Have I stolen your heart, Summer?”
She was almost tempted to tell him the truth. Not only had he stolen her heart, he’d made her ache for his very touch. Even now, with his lips a heartbeat away, she wanted to taste him, drink him in. She wanted to know his every thought, touch his soul. He’d done more than steal her heart; he’d made her fall in love with him.
“Miss Pettigrew?”
Summer was only vaguely aware that someone was tugging on her sleeve. She glanced to her side and saw Helen Fry’s husband standing beside her. She tried to pull herself out of her drugged state. “Hello, Mr. Fry,” she managed to say.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he said quickly, “but I’m afraid your grandmother is ill.”
Summer glanced around frantically. “She’s ill? Where is she?”
“We’ve taken her to the lobby. There’s an ambulance on the way.”
Without a word Summer hurried from the dance floor and crossed the ballroom.
Cooper was beside her. “Don’t panic,” he said. “We don’t know if it’s serious.”
“It’s her heart. I just know it is.”
He grabbed her wrist, bringing her to a dead stop. “Summer—”
“Let me go,” she demanded. “I’ve got to see her.”
“You’ll scare her to death if you go out there looking like that. You’re going to have to calm down first.”
Summer felt as though she were hyperventilating. She pressed her hands to her cheeks. “You’re right.”
“Take a deep breath,” he said, rubbing the small of her back in an attempt to calm her. She did as he said. “Another one,” he ordered gently.
She felt some of the stark fear leave her body in a gush of hot air. “I’m okay now.” She took his hand and they moved toward the lobby.
Henrietta was lying on a sofa with a coat covering her legs when Summer and Cooper managed to squeeze through the crowd circling her. They could hear the siren of the approaching ambulance. “Back away and give her room to breathe,” Cooper shouted.
Summer rushed to her side. “How do you feel?”
“I’m better now,” Henrietta said. “I told Helen it was indigestion, I always get it when I have a little wine. She insisted on calling an ambulance, worrywart that she is.”
The siren was louder now. The ambulance couldn’t have been more than a block away. Cooper leaned forward and scooped Henrietta off the sofa and started for the double doors leading out. “I’m perfectly capable of walking,” she protested.
“You’re not in charge right now, dear lady,” he said.
The ambulance pulled in front of the entrance, and the paramedics scrambled out and opened the back doors so Cooper could slide Henrietta onto a cot. As one of the men went about checking her vital signs, Summer held her grandmother’s hand and explained her heart condition to the first responder. “May I ride with her to the hospital?” she asked as the other paramedic started to close the doors.
“That’s fine.”
“I’ll meet you there,” Cooper said.
In a matter of seconds the ambulance was on its way, its siren wailing loudly.
“I’m so embarrassed,” Henrietta said. “I’m sure it’s nothing more than indigestion. I don’t know why everybody’s making such a fuss.”
“Please try to relax, ma’am,” the attending paramedic said as he checked her blood pressure.
“I can’t relax,” she said. “My granddaughter has cut off the circulation to my hand.”
“Oh, sorry,” Summer said, loosening her grip.
“Perhaps you should give her something to make her relax,” Henrietta told the man. She
smiled at Summer. “You and Cooper looked awfully nice on the dance floor tonight. I’m beginning to think it’s serious between the two of you.”
Summer noted her anxious look, and knowing how much the woman wanted her happily married, tried to put her mind at ease. “I suppose you could say that,” she said, trying to affect a coy smile when her insides were quaking. “Actually, Cooper has asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
At first Henrietta was speechless. “When did all this come about?” she finally asked.
“While we were dancing,” Summer replied. She realized she had just told an enormous lie, and it would take several to cover it up, but she was more concerned at that moment with making her grandmother happy. If Henrietta were to die tonight, God forbid, at least she could go in peace, knowing her granddaughter would have someone to look after her. But her grandmother didn’t look especially pleased; in fact, her eyes were troubled. “What’s wrong?” Summer asked. “I thought you’d be happy for us.”
“Of course I’m happy, darling,” the woman said. “But sometimes I worry that maybe I pushed you into this relationship.”
“Don’t be silly,” Summer said lightly. “Cooper and I are head over heels in love. Now, I want you to stop worrying about us and concentrate on getting well. I can’t imagine trying to plan a wedding without your help.”
They arrived at the hospital shortly after, and Henrietta was whisked away into emergency. Summer paced the waiting room while the minutes seemed to drag. Cooper rushed through the door looking harried.
“Sorry it took so long. Traffic was bad. Do you know anything yet?”
She shook her head. “Nothing.”
He put his hands on her arms and gazed at her in concern. “How are you doing?”
She glanced away, not wanting him to see how close to tears she was. “I’m okay. I don’t think a person can ever be prepared for losing a loved one. I know she’s seventy years old, but—” She paused as a lump filled the back of her throat and her eyes stung. “I just can’t imagine life without her.”
“Seventy is not so old in this day and time, sweetheart. Ninety is old.” Cooper pulled her into his arms and held her tight as she silently cried. “You want to grab a cup of coffee while we wait?” he asked.
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