She’d watched him work the computer and knew enough to be helpful, so she eased up beside him. “If you need to work out there, I can do this.”
He surveyed her outfit and cocked an eyebrow. “You sure?”
“Very.” She patted his chest, mostly for her own enjoyment. “I’ll call you if I need you.”
For the next hour, she helped customers and answered the phone.
When the last bay door closed, Mario and Seth waved as they hurried to leave.
Coop sauntered in and led her back to his office. “You okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” Nellie couldn’t bear to tell him about what her grandfather had said.
Coop shook his head and scratched his beard. “I was asking because the last hour was crazy. You aren’t answering because of a completely different reason.”
She shrugged. “I was thinking that maybe you could get what you needed from your apartment and then come over. You could shower at my place. Each guest room has its own private bath. You could choose whichever room you like. I’ll stop on the way home and grab us some dinner.”
“There are so many ways I could tease you—getting my own room, jokes about moving in together—but you don’t seem like you’re much in the mood for teasing. He was rough on you today, I’m guessing.”
She didn’t even have to pretend she didn’t know which ‘he’ Coop was referring to. “I love you, Coop.”
He gave her a quick peck. “Let me lock up, and I’ll head to your house.”
Nellie grabbed his hand. “I want you to have this.” Pressing a key into his palm, she watched his reaction.
“Next thing you know, I’m going to be buying us a kitten.” He yanked out his key ring and slipped the key on the loop. “If your suit didn’t cost more than my truck, I’d be hugging the daylights out of you.”
Nellie stepped closer. “I could really use a hug.”
He pulled her close. “I love you, Nellie Davis. And I’m sorry. I said I’d take on a bear for you, but I can’t even protect you from your grandfather.”
“I’m not asking you to do that, Coop. I can handle it, or I’ll quit.” She kept her tone even, hoping he didn’t catch the hint of disappointment.
“That’s what you’ve wanted to do as long as you can remember. The company has been in your family for years. You can’t walk away from that.”
Nellie hated being told what she couldn’t do. “Let’s not talk about it.”
“I’ll meet you at the house.” He lifted her chin and smiled. “Am I on whatever list I need to be on so that I’m allowed into the neighborhood?”
“Since about two days after we met.”
“I didn’t know where you lived.”
“You had my address on the work order.”
Coop grinned. “I guess I did. You knew that.”
“Just in case you decided to surprise me, I wanted you to be able to show up at my door and not be stuck at the gate.”
Rubbing his temples, he chuckled. “You are confusing.”
“But you love me anyway.”
“I do.” He yanked his keys out of his pocket. “See ya at the house. I’ll be quick.”
Nellie carried the food inside and wandered down the hall toward the downstairs guest rooms. The shower was running. It was nice not coming home to an empty house. She tucked the pizza rolls in the oven and poured herself a glass of wine.
After a quick change, she hurried to the kitchen when she heard whistling in the hall. She popped the top on a pale ale and picked up her wine.
“I was thinking . . .” His deep voice accelerated her heart rate.
She whirled around. “Ye—”
Both drinks hit the floor.
Coop stood in the doorway, wearing only athletic shorts. He was probably wearing more than that, but she couldn’t see it.
“You okay?” He took a cautious step forward.
Nellie studied every inch of his chest. Being a mechanic kept him in shape, apparently. Her gaze swept over his six pack and up to his arms. She never dreamed his shirts hid so much attractiveness.
A water droplet fell from his hair onto his shoulder and sliced a path down his chiseled pecs and abs. If there hadn’t been a shard-covered gap between them, her fingers would have been trailing down the exact same path.
“Uh, Nellie?”
“Sorry.” She shook her head, trying to focus on words. “Your shirt . . . is missing.”
He scratched at his beard. “Is that gonna be a problem? I somehow made it over here without a clean shirt. Too much of a hurry, I guess. I can put on the nasty one if it’ll help you stop looking at my chest.”
Nellie’s gaze snapped to his face. “I don’t mind, not a bit. Watch your step.”
“Please tell me that wasn’t the last beer.”
“It wasn’t. But it was your fault I dropped them.” She watched for his reaction.
He skirted the mess and came up beside her. “I will gladly take that compliment. And I’ll clean up the mess I made.”
“Good looking and you clean. I struck gold.”
“Don’t ever forget it.” He winked and grabbed the broom.
She picked up a rag and wiped up where he’d swept the glass away. “I’ll help. It’s more fun working together.”
Chapter 16
Coop waited until they were snuggled on the couch to bring up his suggestion. “I was thinking. If you aren’t busy this weekend, we could drive down to the coast.”
She blinked, a smile slowly spreading across her features. “To meet . . .”
“My parents. They know about you, and they’d love to meet you.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “They’re gonna love you. I just know it.”
“I’m not sure Cara likes me.” Her gaze fell.
He wracked his brain, trying to remember if Cara had said anything at all about Nellie. “Why do you say that?”
She fidgeted with her wine glass. “Before Grandfather’s shindig, I had my nails done. I requested Cara because I thought it would give us a chance to talk.”
“And?” Worry poked at his insides.
“She told me I wasn’t your type. Then a lady came in for a minute and Cara told me all about the princess who kept coming to the shop, hoping you’d ask her out. I felt so stupid.”
“Because you kept coming to the shop, hoping I’d ask you out?” He braced for the jab to the ribs. “I’m kidding. You aren’t anything like that other woman.”
“You remember her?” That was a loaded question.
“She came in fifteen times. I never asked her out because I didn’t like her, but I liked you from the git go.”
Nellie’s eyes twinkled. “It’s because I kicked your boot, huh?”
“I think maybe falling into my arms was the tipping point.”
“That wasn’t on purpose.”
“I believe you.” He pulled her into his lap before she could tickle him. “I just made you so weak in the knees, you couldn’t stay upright.”
She rolled her eyes. “What do I need to know about your family?”
Coop wasn’t sure how to answer that. He wasn’t embarrassed of his family—most of the time—but to his mom, fancy meant having the salt and pepper shakers match.
“My mom will offer food twice after the first refusal. Dad is better company when there isn’t a football game on the television. My sisters—all younger—are excited to meet you. They weren’t sure anyone would put up with me.”
“Cara told me about the girls you dated in high school.”
“She was eight when I graduated. Whatever she remembers is suspect.”
“I bet there were times when we were at the same football games, when my high school played yours.”
“I never saw you.”
“How can you know that?” She cocked her head, one eyebrow raised.
“I would’ve remembered.” He pulled her to his lips. “I’m sure of it.”
After finally closing up shop at seven,
Coop texted Nellie: Busiest Friday ever. Just leaving the shop.
Dinner is on its way. She followed her message with a kissing emoji.
Coop hopped in the truck. After having dinner at her place every night of the week, he’d planned ahead and packed a duffle bag with clean clothes—including a shirt—so he didn’t have to take extra time and swing by his apartment. He’d packed enough for the entire weekend.
In the morning, they were headed to Galveston. He couldn’t wait, but it also made him nervous. Unlike Nellie’s family, his wasn’t rolling in money. Instead of margaritas and steaks, his family was more beer and hot dogs.
This weekend would be the real test of their relationship. Impatience pecked at him like a chicken.
When he stepped into the house, the robust, savory aroma of steak met him at the door. “I thought you got take-out?”
“I did. Nice restaurants do take out, too. I wasn’t sure if you preferred a ribeye, a New York strip, or filet mignon. I went with the porterhouse.”
His mouth watered even though he couldn’t tell one cut of meat from another. “It’s all steak to me, Nellie.”
Since the steak took up his whole plate, roasted vegetables and a baked potato sat on a separate plate.
They sat down, and Nellie tossed her napkin in her lap. “I may not be able to cook, but I can order with the best of them.”
He only nodded, a chunk of steak already in his mouth.
She chatted between bites. “I’m so excited about tomorrow. I have no idea how I’ll even sleep tonight.”
“Let’s leave after dinner.” He heard the words come out of his mouth but hadn’t planned to say them.
Surprising his parents early might not be the best idea in the world.
“Awesome. I’m packed.”
Conversation ceased while they devoured their food.
After dinner, they cleaned up and tossed the bags in the truck.
“You ready?”
She gripped his hand. “I’m nervous.”
“No reason for that.” He kissed her fingers before pulling onto the street.
They walked out of the mega-sized convenience store with snacks and sodas, and Coop opened Nellie’s door.
“This place is amazing. All that beef jerky!” The lights of the parking lot lit up her eyes like candles on a chocolate cake.
He loved being able to surprise her, but he hadn’t expected the 24-hour convenience store to be what did it. “Which kinds did you get?”
She pinched her lips together and pink crept up her cheeks. “All of them. I got a piece of each.”
Laughing, he backed out of the parking space. “I hope you’ll share.”
“Maybe.”
As he drove, Coop’s concern about Nellie fitting in with his family dominated his thoughts. Even at night, traffic made the road crowded. He should have called his mom. It would be well after midnight when he and Nellie arrived.
His mom was a night owl. She’d be up, right?
Chapter 17
Full from eating too many samples of jerky, Nellie leaned her head on Coop’s shoulder. He’d gotten very quiet and hadn’t said a word since they’d gotten to Houston.
“Coop, what’s bothering you?”
“Hmm?” He wasn’t fooling anyone acting like he didn’t know what she was talking about.
“You are never this quiet.”
“I am when I’m sleeping.”
“Actually, no. You talk in your sleep.” She’d held on to the tidbit she learned on the camping trip. “In the middle of the night, we had a full conversation.” She could make out the terror on his face in the lights of the dash.
“What did I say?”
“The gist—you like me.”
He grinned. “I do.”
“So, what’s wrong?” She was concerned his parents wouldn’t like her, and his silence only added to that.
“I have no doubt my parents will like you. I’m just not sure—I grew up in a very different situation. My dad has never even worn a tuxedo, not even to his own wedding.”
Sometimes money felt like a disease. When people found out she had it, they kept their distance, afraid of getting too close. She could reassure him until she was blue in the face, but what if she didn’t like them? What if visiting his family was culture shock? Framing the question that way made it easier to answer.
“I love you. They raised you. I expect I will like them.”
“What if you don’t?”
“I’ll be nice and respectful and happy that you live four hours away.”
“Nellie!” Laughter broke the tension of the conversation. “I can’t believe you said that.”
“I figured I could be honest with you.”
He dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head. “And I’m glad.”
When they pulled up to a modest brick home, which was blanketed in darkness, Nellie grabbed his arm. “Didn’t you tell them we were coming?”
“Figured I’d surprise them. Mom is probably still awake.” He yanked out his phone and tapped on the screen. “I let her know we’re here.”
The porch light came on, and the front door swung open. A woman in a house dress stepped out, her hair knotted above her head.
Coop jumped out. “Hi, Mom. Hope you don’t mind that we showed up so late.”
“Why would I mind?” She hugged him then looked at Nellie. “Hi. Is it okay if I hug you, too?”
“Sure.” Nellie hadn’t expected such a tight hug. “It’s good to meet you, Mrs. Cooper.”
“Cindy. Call me Cindy. I was shocked when he texted me. Shocked! Come on in. David’s already asleep.”
Coop grabbed the bags and followed them into the house.
Cindy whispered, “Head on back.”
Nellie stepped aside and let him lead her through the dark living room down the hall. He set the bags down and opened a door.
“One of us can sleep in here.” He flipped on the light, revealing shelves stacked with fabric, a large table with a sewing machine on top and fabric scraps scattered everywhere. Quilt squares were stuck to large pin boards. “Or maybe not.”
Cindy walked up carrying a stack of sheets. “No bed in there anymore. I needed a sewing room. It’s not like we needed two guest rooms. I’d kinda given up hope you’d bring someone around.” She bounced her shoulders. “But I was wrong.”
Coop shook his head. “This way, Nellie. I’ll just sleep on the sofa.”
“No.” Cindy pointed down the hall. “Your dad’s on the sofa because—it’s a long story—you can’t sleep out there. The bed in the guest room is big enough for the both of you, or there’s an air mattress in the closet.” She patted Nellie’s shoulder. “Night. Oh! Here are clean sheets for the bed.”
After dropping the bags in the guest room, Coop closed the door and reached for the sheets. “I can do that. I’m so sorry about all of this. If I’d had any idea, I would have booked us hotel rooms. She didn’t say anything about not having enough beds or about Dad sleeping on the sofa or—” He wrung his hands then raked them through his hair. “I’m so sorry. This is so embarrassing.”
Nellie set the sheets on the bed and wrapped her arms around him. “It’s okay. Really. She didn’t even mention grandkids.”
“That’s not funny right now.”
“Your mom seems very nice, and hearing that she’d almost given up on you tells me all I need to know.”
His shoulders relaxed, but only a little. “Is that so?”
“I’m not just someone else on a long list.” She wished she could interpret the look in his blue eyes. “Am I?”
“Just you.” He brushed her cheek. “Let’s get these sheets on.”
They wrestled with corners, tugging at the sheet until they finally got it in place. Nellie noticed how much smaller that queen-sized bed was compared to her king at home. Without asking, Coop pulled out the air mattress and started the pump.
“Bathroom is across the hall.” He poked at the mattress. “
This should be full pretty quick.”
“It doesn’t look like it’s working.”
He cocked his head and poked again. “Probably just takes time.”
“I’m going to change.” Nellie hooked her bag on her shoulder and headed across the hall.
She changed into flannel jammies, thankful she hadn’t packed something else. Flannel wasn’t what she typically slept in. After brushing her teeth, she washed her face then stared at the mirror.
Nothing about the place felt like home except the man across the hall. Seeing him embarrassed broke her heart. She wiped her face again before going back to the bedroom.
He kicked the deflated mattress as she walked in the door. “You were right. There’s a hole.”
“Good thing the bed isn’t a twin, then.”
He folded the useless mattress. “Are you sure? I can just sleep on the floor.”
“We shared the bed of your truck.”
“But I didn’t bring our sleeping bags. How will you know where to keep your hands?” His teasing didn’t mask his frustration. He grabbed his bag. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
“One request.”
“Whatever is in my power to do.”
Nellie couldn’t look at him as she made her request. “Wear a shirt.”
His bag hit the floor, and Nellie stifled a squeal when he scooped her up.
“Shhh. Mom will get the wrong idea.”
Nellie popped him on the arm. “That’s not fair.”
“What’s not fair?” He tickled her neck with his beard.
She squirmed, choking back laughter. “Stop, please.”
He dropped her on the bed. “Choose your side.”
She slid under the covers, wondering how she’d sleep. Waiting, she shot off a text to her mom: Made it to Galveston safe & sound.
Dang it. That was an unexpected reply from Mom. Your dad bet me that y’all wouldn’t wait until morning. He wins. Dang it. Dang it. Dang it.
Sorry, I guess. I’ll tell you all about it when I get home. Nellie tucked the phone away when Coop returned.
He switched off the light and crawled in next to her. “I have a shirt on.”
Dating the Billionaire's Granddaughter Page 8