“Sweetheart, you’re worth getting sick over. Besides, I brought you some homemade chicken soup that’s been curing my family for generations. A bowl of it and you’ll be on your way to feeling better.”
That seemed to perk her up. “A miracle cure, huh? And you made it yourself?”
It was tempting to take the credit, but Caylee would see right through the lie; she knew when it came to cooking, I could only be relied on for the basics. Her delicious chicken noodle soup came courtesy of my mom.
I gave her a bashful grin. “When I mentioned it to my mom that you were sick earlier, she ordered me to swing by and pick up a fresh batch for you. She’d have come herself, but I didn’t want to miss the chance of taking care of you.” My admission caused my face to heat, but I didn’t care. She needed me and there was nowhere else I’d rather be.
“Soooo . . .” Caylee drawled, peering around me. “Where is this nectar of the Gods? I’m ready to kick this crud to the curb!”
“Let me go put it in a proper bowl and get you a spoon. I was given strict instructions not to let you drink it from the plastic container like the heathen Mom accuses Bryce and me of being.” Chuckling, I slipped out just as Caylee exploded into a flurry of sneezes. She really did sound like crap. There was a slight wheezing rattle in her chest. What I hadn’t told her was that I was given orders to kidnap her if I believed over-the-counter medications wouldn’t cut it.
It horrified my mother a little that she couldn’t come and simply bring Caylee home and nurse her back to health. It was the reason why my father groaned every time she spotted a stray animal or saw people giving away free kittens and puppies in the grocery store parking lot. Mom had a tender heart—big enough to want to help everyone and everything. She had a hard time walking away. She was always threatening to adopt all my friends so she could mother them as well.
To the guys, she was their second mom. As her son, it was a never-ending source of pride. I loved that others loved her as much as I did.
“I hope this is okay,” I said, returning with a cup in my hand. When I’d reached for a bowl and seen the chicken designed mug, I couldn’t resist. “I heated it for a minute in your microwave so it still might be too hot.” I didn’t pull away after carefully setting it into her hands—scared that she might spill it.
Caylee lowered her face to the soup and inhaled. “I wish I could smell this. I bet it’s delicious.” She dipped her spoon into the flavorful liquid and blew a few times before tentatively taking a sip. “Mmmm, this is good.”
“It’s got a special ingredient in it that makes it perfect.”
“Let me guess, love?” Caylee rested the bowl in her lap and propped her back against the pillows. She looked so small and fragile.
“How’d you guess?” I teased, watching her like a hawk. She needed to drink more, especially the broth. It was hard not to simply take it from her and feed her myself. I could only imagine her reaction.
“Your mom is such a sweetheart. Please tell her thank you for me.” When I gestured for her to try another mouthful, Caylee obediently brought the cup to her lips. “I know I can’t taste this as well as I normally do, but it’s seriously good. Just the warmth going down my throat is soothing.”
“She would’ve come herself but she’s watching Lola while I worked.” My sweet dog was recovering wonderfully. If anything, Lola was as impatient as I was to be up and about. She’d looked longingly at her leash the other morning, missing our trips to the local park where we played fetch. “I thought about bringing Lola with me but thought it might be better to wait.”
Caylee nodded. “Yeah, last thing I want is for her to get sick, too. Can a dog catch a cold?” Shaking her head, she squinted her eyes tight and grimaced. “This damn headache is driving me nuts.”
“I have no idea, but I was thinking more about you. She’d want to jump up and give you kisses. Then she would’ve hogged your bed.” There were medications on her bedside table—a severe cold and flu treatment and ibuprofen. Popping open the later, I shook out a few pills and handed them to her. “Here, this should help.”
Again, she took them without question. “Is her leg doing better?”
I pointed at the warmed soup again. “Lola had her check up yesterday and so far, so good. The break is healing nicely. She’s got maybe another three-four weeks and the splint can come off. Keep drinking.”
Caylee poked out her tongue. “Wow, you’re bossy today.” Her mouth curled into a cheeky smirk. “I like it.”
Her response surprised me and I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She drained the cup, leaving a few leftover noodles at the bottom. I gently took it from her and placed it beside the pill bottles. “I put the container in the fridge so you can have more later if you like. Mom made a big batch so you have at least another two servings.”
“You spoil me, Cooper. Thank you. You both do. I appreciate it.” Caylee snuggled back down and pulled the covers up over her chest. When she shivered, it almost broke me. Stubborn or not, she needed to come home with me where I could keep a better eye on her.
Damn, my protective streak was on hyper drive. She was more in danger of me smothering her with worry than the sickness ravaging her body.
“I can’t be sick. I just can’t. Finals are less than a week away and I don’t have time for this. If I don’t study, I’m going to fail and lose my scholarship.” The anxiety in her voice filled the room. I knew how much school meant to her and how seriously she took it. I’d half expected to find her in bed, her nose buried in a textbook as she struggled to read.
That gave me an idea.
“Where’s your books, sweetheart?” I glanced about the room, trying to spot her backpack. Maybe it was out in the dining room where she usually spread everything out to do homework.
“Be back in a second,” I fired, racing from the room again and returning shortly with her school stuff. “Now, I know it’s not ideal, but would it help if maybe I read your notes? That way you can listen and I can relax knowing you’re not stressing out.”
Her eyes widened and love shone back at me. “You’d do that for me?”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Caylee. All you ever need to do is ask.” And just because, I leaned in and kissed her—this time squarely on her lips.
Germs be damned.
“Cooper!”
“Caylee!” I retorted, cocking my eyebrows. “I meant what I said. You’re totally worth getting sick over. Now, is there a particular class you’re focusing on or can I pick?” I unzipped the bag and peered inside. I’d forgotten how heavy textbooks could be. The weight Caylee carried around was enough to turn her into the University’s very own hunchback.
“Start with my Psych notes. It’s the stapled packet in the red folder.” Glancing at me again, she reached out and touched my arm. “Thank you.”
Her gratitude was unnecessary but it made me smile anyway. I could already see the tension fading from her features.
“Okay, let’s begin.”
For the next little while, until her soft snores filled the room, the world disappeared and class was in session.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Caylee
There was a good chance I might melt under the warm sun, but any worthy cause deserved an equally worthy sacrifice. Although some might argue, I was definitely the one who benefited from the afternoon's activity.
Locked away in my bedroom, studying to all hours of the night, Cooper had been adamant that a change of scenery was necessary. He’d pointed out that getting some fresh air and not cramming notes into my exhausted brain would actually work in my favor.
He'd made a convincing argument, one I'd feebly tried resisting until he mentioned Lola would be there and his mom had asked after me. I'd come along easily after that and now, I was left wondering why I’d even hesitated to begin with.
Yes, the break had done wonders refreshing my weary mind, but in all honesty, it had been worth it solely for the view I'd be
en appreciating for the last ten minutes.
The Hensley's immaculately maintained yard was a beautiful array of vibrant colors and flowers. Whenever I came to listen to the guys rehearse, I liked to slip outside and spend a few quiet moments just soaking in how pretty it was.
But that wasn’t what held my attention.
My gaze hadn’t strayed far from the shirtless boyfriend putting together the final touches on his parent’s fire pit.
Cooper was magnificent—his hardened body inspiring wanton daydreams.
When he looked up and caught me staring, the smile that erupted across his face sent a tornado swirling in my chest—shaking up my insides.
“Looking good,” I called out, more a comment about him than his almost completed project. I couldn’t wait to sit around its open flame making s’mores under the stars. “Maybe Rebecca and I should hire you to build us one for the summer.”
Bending over to grab his discarded t-shirt, Cooper wiped his brow with the fabric. “Just say the word and I’ll make it happen.”
There was a lightness dancing across his features that was wonderful to witness. For a while, with Lola’s injury, his brow had set into a deep furrow, his eyes dark with worry. It seemed like I wasn’t the only one profiting from this afternoon. I now understood why Cooper loved working with his hands.
It provided him an outlet—a way to be active.
Man, did it agree with him. I could watch him all day—shirtless or otherwise.
“Need a hand with the rest?” I pointed to the remaining grates that would fit within the brick structure and threw him a hopeful smile for extra measure. “After all, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it? To be your assistant.” That had been one of the things he’d said in the speech he’d given me this morning when he’d shown up at the house. I was a vital part of the process and he couldn’t finish the task without me.
Beneath his words, I knew another reason he liked my company. He’d confessed having me close quieted his thoughts, and frankly, I felt the same way.
We worked. Things were good. We were both happy.
It’s funny how life could change so much in such a short period of time. It hadn’t made it perfect, but who the heck needed that anyway?
“And that’s exactly what you’re doing, sweetheart.” From where he stood, Cooper winked. It just added to his sexiness.
“How’s that? You haven’t let me touch or lift anything.” When we’d first arrived, I’d made the mistake of attempting to move some of the bricks he had in the back of his truck. That had earned me a swift scolding. “You’d be surprised by how strong I am, Cooper. I’ve got muscles.”
Suddenly it got hotter—the heat overshadowing the sun—the sensation beginning deep within me as it spread out. My toes curled inside my shoes. The look he gave me was filled with promise, with desire.
“I’m well aware, Caylee.” His voice had deepened, barely concealing his lust. The sound of it gave me a familiar thrill—the same one I felt every time he zeroed his attention on me. That was another addictive trait Cooper held—his ability to make the world fade away to where it was only the two of us. It didn’t matter where we were or what we were doing.
It was the stare of a man who knew just how breathless he made me feel. But that was mild compared to the power it brought because I knew, just knew, right this moment, he was experiencing the exact same thing.
Cooper might not be as forthcoming with his emotions, but he never failed to show me in other ways.
What that man could do with a mere glimpse . . . it made me wish I could forget his parents were inside the house and take what I wanted.
Cooper—he wouldn’t refuse me.
He wanted me, too.
Speaking of which, the back door banged loudly against the frame, signaling that we were about to have company. Cooper mouthed the word later and I nodded.
We were absolutely going to continue this in private.
“Oh, Cooper. That looks wonderful!” his mother gushed after placing the tray of drinks she’d carried out onto the leftover pile of bricks. Walking over to where the fire pit was, she quietly exchanged a few words with her son. Her whole countenance glowed with pride. “I can’t wait for your grandparents to see it.”
I glanced at Cooper. They were coming for a visit?
He must’ve understood my silent question, because he nodded. “They called earlier and announced they were coming to spend some time with us.”
Heather smiled as she continued for her son, “Initially we wanted to throw a BBQ in your honor, seeing as how you’re just about done with this semester. It seemed like a great opportunity for everyone to get together.” She patted Cooper’s arm affectionately before letting him return to his task.
I gulped, hoping against hope the panic bubbling up inside me didn’t appear on my face and reveal my nervousness. Was I ready to meet the infamous Lt. Colonel Edward Hensley? The stories Cooper had shared about his grandfather and the huge impact he’d had on Cooper’s childhood made my knees shake a little. Meeting parents was one thing—this was something bigger.
“Stop worrying, sweetheart. They’re going to love you as much as I do.” His reassurance did a lot to soothe my anxiety, but it didn’t completely squash it. It might’ve also been because every time I heard Cooper say that word . . . love . . . it gave me a huge case of sappy romantic swoon, like that sentiment coming from his lips held all the power in the world to render me boneless.
“But?” I answered, nevertheless.
Heather’s eyes contained a knowing emotion. “I remember the first time I met Cooper’s grandparents . . . my boyfriend’s parents. The very thought of that first meeting left me feeling sick to my stomach. I think I walked around for days beforehand with the sensation of a huge boulder lodged in the pit of my gut.”
I shouldn’t have laughed, but I did. That was exactly how my body was reacting and I’d only just found out. “So any advice . . . one nervous girlfriend to another?”
Hugging me with one comforting arm, Heather pulled me close so she could whisper in my ear, “Just be you. Don’t think you have to pretend to be someone else so they’ll like you. I agree with Cooper, they’re going to love you the moment they set eyes on you. How can they not? I know I did.”
Tears began filling my eyes. It was hard not to feel a little foolish. “Okay, I trust you both.” Nodding, I took in a deep breath, determined not to let any further self-doubt linger. From everything I’d been told, they were amazing people who loved and adored their family.
Cooper fitted in the metal gate, completing the final part in the construction process. “And, voila. Your fire pit’s done, Mom.” He stood dusting his hands off and, as he admired his work, I gave him one last lingering, appreciative perusal before Cooper slid his shirt back on. Only then did he hug his mother and apologized for getting her dirty.
“You want to stay for dinner, maybe shower beforehand? There’s a spare change of clothing in the guest bedroom.” Heather glanced over at me, adding to her invitation. “That offer includes you too, Caylee. You’re always welcome here.” She reached over to squeeze my hand and I felt a rush of love for the woman in front of me. “You are family, after all.”
Cooper jumped in before I could open my mouth. “Thanks, but I think Caylee and I need to head out soon. We already have something planned for tonight.” The heat blazing from behind his gaze proved how good his memory was. All kinds of images raced through my mind.
In my head, we were already halfway home.
Kissing us both, Heather thanked her son again and made him promise to come by the next day to test the pit out.
As we finally left, Cooper’s arm draped around my shoulder. I couldn’t help the contented smile that graced my features.
Life was good.
And it was about to get even better.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Cooper
“Took you long enough.”
The sound of Caylee’s voi
ce shot impatient lust straight to my groin. I wasn’t a weak man or someone who admitted to being vulnerable, but in that moment my hands shook with desire.
Slipping into the shower behind her, I murmured closely in her ear. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” My fingers instantly reached for her, the need to feel her soft skin beneath my touch impossible to deny. Each movement was instinctual. My arm curled around her waist and I dragged her gently against me. We were a perfect fit.
“Mmmm.” She sighed and rested her head back. Her long blonde hair dripped with water. I took the evocative noise as an invitation to nuzzle her neck, savoring the way she tasted on my tongue.
“I’ve wanted to do this all day, sweetheart,” I whispered between heated kisses across her shoulders.
“Me too, although, staying to eat was a tempting offer. All that hard work left me famished for . . . something. ” There was no need to ask what she meant. As Caylee turned around and placed her hands over my chest, her nails grazed hard enough to leave subtle red marks. She was nothing short of being a seductress. Her lips curled into a coy smile, signaling that her thoughts were far from pure and it took all the restraint I possessed not to take her right then.
“Will I enjoy this . . . something?” My hands caressed up and down her sides, my fingers longing to clench her hips.
“Yes,” she purred, leaning forward to lick away the droplets streaming down over my chest. The second her mouth made contact, I groaned loudly. I couldn’t help it. With her, I held nothing back—I couldn’t.
I was on sensory overload. Between Caylee and the blissful heat from the shower hitting my naked body, the tension I’d been carrying melted away. If this was just a hint at what she’d meant by something, I was more than appreciative.
As my insides liquefied, I couldn’t keep still. I wanted to return the pleasure I was feeling. I wanted to make her feel like putty in my hands.
“Mmmm,” I murmured, tilting my head back on the tiled wall.
Bittersweet Symphony (The Damaged Souls series Book 2) Page 22