Cooper: A Clean Billionaire Romance (The Billionaire Boyfriend Series Book 2)

by Christina Benjamin

  “I love taking my dogs out here for a walk,” I say, jerking my chin toward the water. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”

  Cooper’s eyes are caught on me and not the water, warming my face like a spotlight. “Gorgeous is one word that comes to mind,” he muses.

  Even though I’m sure he’s talking about the pond, I blush. I quickly duck my head to hide how much is gaze affects me, focusing on the spunky Corgis trotting round us. The pups go every which way as we walk side-by-side, moving like a furry, frenzied cloud around our ankles.

  “I can see why you needed help,” he laughs, watching them tangle the leashes around us like kids on a maypole.

  We try to circle one another and get free of the winding leashes, but it’s useless. Watching the spirited dogs trip up the billionaire as he tries to organize them leaves me laughing so hard that tears well in my eyes. I can barely focus on the darting Corgis. Their leashes wrap around us even as we try to untangle them, and before I can comprehend what’s happening, Cooper and I are suddenly thrust together.

  The wind blows off Turtle Pond, cool even in the heat of summer. Cooper’s chest presses to mine, one of his arms wrapping around my waist. His body is more marbled with hard muscle than I expected. It makes my breath catch. His cologne tingles my nose, adding to my feeling of dizziness.

  At first we both try to pull away and free ourselves of the yapping creatures twining us together, but our struggle soon falls short as the rest of the world melts away. The sun, the dogs, the pond, it’s all gone when I look up into Cooper’s eyes. He laughs uncertainly, but his eyes churn with emotion. All I can think is that there is so much to this man before me that I never could’ve guessed . . . and his lips look so utterly kissable.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” I manage to stammer out, my tone oddly breathless.

  “If I wasn’t before, I am now,” he whispers back.

  I’ve never felt this nervous around a man before. I’ve never felt as though I’m walking on air in their presence either. My entire body is hot and cold and tingly and numb all at the same time. My heart races in my chest, a battering ram against my ribs.

  Cooper’s arm around my waist tightens, though not because of the dogs’ leashes, but because he’s pulling me against him. I give a faint gasp, a tremor rolling up me. We’re so close that I can’t tell where my body ends and where he begins. The inches between our faces begin to melt away and I’m not sure which one of us is moving, or if it’s both, all I know is that I can feel the heat of his breath on my lips and then . . . then his lips capture mine.

  Electricity bursts in my core, blazing heat surging through my veins. My eyes close, my body straining to press even closer to him though not even a wisp of air would fit between us. We cling to one another, lips moving in perfect time, hearts beating together. I have no idea what this means, but I never want it to end.

  In a whirl of summer heat and barking dogs I have the most marvelous kiss I’ve ever imagined. The kiss deepens, Cooper’s fingers running through my hair and the world pauses just for us.

  Chapter 11

  Cooper

  There’s never been a more perfect fit in my arms than Summer. Even with the dogs playfully struggling to pull us every which way, I could tell how flawlessly she would rest in my embrace. In fact, I eagerly awaited it, not trying nearly as hard as I could have to untangle us from the leashes. I wonder if she noticed or if, possibly, she allowed herself to be led to me as well.

  Either way, standing here with Summer in my arms, gazing down into her gorgeous eyes, I know that I never want to let her go.

  It was easy to kiss her, to be drawn in by the allure of her pink, plump lips. The way she’d been looking at me, her eyes venturing down my nose to my mouth—it was irresistible. Her lips had pursed just slightly as though she was imagining what it might be like to drink a kiss from my tongue. And I was all too happy to oblige.

  Like I could have resisted for a second longer . . .

  It’s been at least an hour since our kiss, if not a year, and I’m already dying to kiss Summer one more time, and then at least ten times more after that for good measure. It’s the single most exhilarating, delicious, captivating kiss that I’ve ever experienced. It’s one I could savor forever, if she’d let me.

  But it’s not like I got a chance to tell her any of this.

  The moment the kiss was over Summer dashed away, pretending to have other work to do at the fair. She left me dazed at Turtle Pond with the herd of fluffy Corgis who were cute and funny but no substitute for her.

  I made sure the dogs got plenty of exercise before helping them back into their cages. One of them, the tiniest of the bunch, was the only one to put up a fuss when it was time to return to his kennel. He seemed to cling to my hand, wanting to be petted and played with. I even let him romp in the sun for a while longer, watching his tiny legs carry him around until he was tuckered out and I could sneak him back into his cage without him noticing.

  In the time since Summer’s disappearance most of the herd has been adopted. It’s amazing to see people’s faces light up when they meet their perfect dog partner. I’m happier than ever that Summer invited me to come and help out. She brings out the best in me.

  Now if only she’ll give me a chance to tell her that . . .

  The tiniest Corgi gives an excited yap and I glance up noticing Summer shyly approaching. In her arms she’s carrying a small box. She smiles at me, her lips still slightly swollen from our kiss, the sight of which makes my core go taut. It’s hard to be this close to her and not pull her into my arms. I’ll give anything to feel her body pressing against mine, her soft lips crashing into my own. Her tongue is sweet velvet, the taste of which lingers on my own, deliciously.

  Summer holds up the box, the logo of Sam’s shop is embossed on the lid in red and blue. She pops open the lid just slightly, showing me an assortment of pizza-shaped treats inside.

  “I got these for Rosco, Sadie, and Lola,” Summer explains, not fully meeting my eyes.

  “They’ll certainly be excited to see that,” I answer lightly, making sure that my tone is smooth and cool.

  I don’t want to give away the tornado of emotion that’s churning in my chest. I don’t want to lay my heart out on the line when I’m not sure that it will be reciprocated.

  I wish I knew what she was feeling. Hell, I wish I knew what I was feeling . . .

  Do I have time for something like this?

  Do I even want it?

  A resounding YES bursts from my chest.

  Summer is everything I never knew I wanted.

  Confusion hits me just as quickly as the answer to my unvoiced questions.

  What is it about this woman that makes me want to change everything?

  Suddenly, when I look into Summer’s eyes, my tech firm seems to move down my list of priorities. And for the first time in my life, I think I’m truly terrified.

  Summer sets the box down atop her purse after carefully moving my suit jacket out of the way. When she straightens, her eyes meet mine before dropping to her feet again. Her cheeks are flaming red, the crimson stain of which creeps down her neck.

  Even though I don’t want to put myself out there, I can’t just stand here when she looks so visibly uneasy.

  I inch closer, running my fingers under her chin and tipping her face toward mine. As my hand brushes the sensitive flesh of her neck, she sucks in a tiny gasp, her eyes closing then slitting open to gaze up into mine.

  Now’s my chance.

  “Summer, if what happened made you uncomfortable in any way—”

  “No! It’s just . . .” she pauses, biting her lower lip. She sinks slightly closer to me, the warmth of her body enveloping my own. My other hand twitches, yearning to touch her. “Cooper, It’s just . . .”

  “Is this the last one?” Sam suddenly asks from behind us, cutting Summer off.

  She pulls away, whirling to look at the shop owner who’s staring into one of the kennels.


  “Is this really the last pup we have left?” Sam asks. “He’s so cute. I wonder how he got overlooked?”

  “He’s small,” Summer manages to say looking at the tiny Corgi. She tugs at her shirt, straightening it, her blush ever deepening. “Runts don’t get as much attention.”

  Sam sighs. “Poor fella. I guess that means I’ve got to take him back to the pet shelter. Hopefully he’ll get adopted soon.” He shakes his head. “Well, we still did great today. Almost a hundred dogs found new homes. The rescue shelter is ecstatic.”

  Sam opens the kennel door, leaning in to scoop out the Corgi. I see it’s the feisty one I’d been playing with. He’s yapping and squirming in Sam’s hands. Finally leashed, Sam sets the dog down. The instant the Corgi’s paws hit the grass, he bolts toward Summer and I, leaping up against my leg and leaving little muddy footprints on the black fabric of my pants.

  “Sorry about that!” Sam apologizes, trying to gently guide the puppy away. “I think he knows I’m going to take him back to the shelter. Guess he’s trying to make a friend first.”

  Summer bites her lip again, leaning down to pet the small dog. He licks her hands eagerly, eyes closing when she scratches his ears, which are too big for his tiny face.

  “Sorry, buddy,” she whispers. “I would take you if I could, but I just don’t have the room for another pup right now. You’re a sweet little thing. I’m sure you’ll find your home soon. I’ll come visit you—”

  “Could I take him?” I ask abruptly, before my mouth can catch up with my mind. “Maybe foster him so he doesn’t have to go back to the shelter?”

  Summer goes silent, staring at me in surprise.

  Sam’s eyes widen just slightly, but he gives an eager nod. “Of course, Cooper. I’m sure this little guy would love to have a break from the shelter. They do what they can, but it’s still hard on the dogs there to stay in good spirits.”

  Sam passes the leash to me. As he does, the energetic dog slowly sits and stares up at me. His tiny tail wags, a doggish smile lighting his face. The moment he looks at me, I know that this isn’t just a foster situation. This pup belongs with me. It’s the same exact feeling I got when I saw Rosco for the first time. That instant connection reminds me of something else . . . something that I felt the first time I saw Summer sprawled out on her bathroom floor in a towel.

  It’s the feeling of my life changing.

  “We’ll need to get you some supplies,” Summer says gently, her palm resting on my arm.

  Warmth centers on the place where she touches me, my heart’s pace growing faster and faster. “Okay,” I manage to say, pushing past the tension in my chest.

  “Prepping for a new puppy is so much fun. I’d love to help. If you have time to swing by my place and get the dogs then all of us can head over to your place together and get you set up. Sound good?”

  I nod, loving the sound of her voice and how easily she uses words like us and together. I want to convey that, but her hand is still on my arm and I’m unable to trust the words I might say.

  “Yes,” I finally manage.

  As if I could ever tell her no.

  As if I would ever want to.

  I’m finding that every second with Summer is the best spent second of my life.

  Chapter 12

  Summer

  Toting bags of new toys, special puppy chow and other dog products to help the new puppy transition into his life with Cooper and Rosco, we march towards Cooper’s apartment, four dogs trotting happily along in front of us.

  We decided it was better for the new puppy to get settled there instead of at my home. Cooper had yet to pick a name for him so we were currently calling our new friend ‘Pup.’ Until Cooper could settle on something more fitting, the simple name would have to do.

  The initial meeting between the four dogs had gone exceedingly well. Sadie and Lola had accepted the puppy instantly, taking turns licking his tiny head until he was covered in slobber. Rosco had been slower, sniffing Pup and inspecting him carefully. After a few minutes, Rosco seemed to have decided that he would be the new dog’s protector. He kept one eye on the Corgi at all times, guiding Pup around gently.

  Now, scurrying beside Sadie, Lola, and Rosco, the new puppy looks tiny and delicate though he can easily run circles around them with his endless energy. Still, it’s comical to watch. For every single stride they take, Pup seems to take ten.

  My own steps were unhurried. I don’t want to rush our arrival to Cooper’s. We’ve yet to discuss our moment of passion in the park beside Turtle Pond and I’m not sure what that means.

  Does he regret it?

  I know I don’t.

  Just the thought of it now is enough to make me blush. I glance up at the night sky hoping it hides my glowing cheeks. The moon is high in the sky, lighting our way, the breeze warm as the stars endlessly twinkle. What a strange day. I never imagined it would end with me walking four dogs on the arm of a billionaire.

  I just can’t seem to wrap my head around the idea that Cooper is actually interested in me. He’s so successful and ambitious and I’m . . . I’m just me—average in every way.

  Am I just imagining the sizzling sparks between us during that kiss?

  The hair on the back of my neck lifts, one of my hands moving absently to follow the curve of my lower lip. I can still feel Cooper there. Every warm gust of air reminding me of the way his tongue felt against mine.

  No, the passion of that kiss certainly wasn’t imagined.

  “New dogs, sir?” the doorman asks, interrupting my musing, as we approach the tall building that Cooper calls home.

  I’ve seen the building in passing a handful of times when I’m in the area for a client, but I’ve never imagined going inside. I can see the ornate décor on the walls from out here. I almost feel as though I’m trespassing, like I don’t belong here.

  Cooper just laughs and nods at the man, pausing when he notices my hesitation. From within the doorway, he reaches out a hand toward me. Timidly, I take it, his fingers warm and smooth against my own. My heart almost bursts out of my chest.

  Once inside, Cooper slowly drops my hand to fish out his key as he guides me to the elevator. We soar up higher and higher, my stomach dropping to my feet. I’ve never been a fan of heights. When we step out of the elevator at the penthouse suite, tall glass windows line the hall. I can see everything from up here, the other buildings looking more like toys than actual structures made of stone and steel.

  “Here we are . . .” Cooper announces, swinging open the door and letting me in.

  His home is as gorgeous as I expected. It’s been professionally decorated with a sleek black leather furniture, beautiful paintings strung along the ivory painted walls accented with décor in shades of crimson and gold. It’s beautiful. If I were him, I don’t think I’d ever be able to leave.

  The only real personal touches I notice are photos of Rosco hanging proudly on the walls as well as a few expensive dog beds and toys strewn about. Every earthly pleasure a dog could want has been bought by the billionaire. He clearly doesn’t skimp when it came to his best friend.

  It warms my heart knowing that Pup will be treated so well. Though I know that dogs place no value on material things it’s sweet to see Cooper does his best for his four-legged companions.

  As I look around the palatial home, I wonder if Cooper knows he could purchase his dogs their own island to romp around on and at the end of the day they only care about the time spent with their treasured owner and the attention they receive.

  “You have a lovely home,” I murmur, running my fingers delicately along the accent table by the entrance.

  “Thanks,” Cooper replies as he unhooks the dogs, letting them roam free.

  Sadie and Lola instantly jump on the couch as they normally do at my own house. I rush at them, trying to get them back down to the floor and off the expensive leather, but Cooper’s fingers brush my elbow, stopping me.

  “It’s just a couch, Summer,�
� he chuckles warmly. “And Rosco has been all over it. There’s no damage they can do that he hasn’t.”

  Relaxing, I nod and glance at the dogs. They roam together, exploring every inch of the sprawling home with Rosco leading the way as though he’s giving them a tour. The amount of comfort that they’ve already found with one another is astounding. It’s as though all four dogs have known each other for years instead of just a short time. Even Pup has taken right to them, chasing their tails and leaping on them playfully. Sadie and Lola treat him as gently as Rosco does while they play. They all seem to take turns letting Pup win his playful games.

  Together, Cooper and I feed the dogs and then pour some wine for ourselves once the tired canines have collapsed together on one of Rosco’s huge beds. The hours have passed quickly, twilight approaching as Cooper and I recline on opposite ends of his couch. Our legs brush as we face one another, sipping our wine in peaceful tranquility.

  For a long moment, we bask in the silence. It’s not a heavy quiet, but a relaxed and content one following a long and pleasant day.

  “Today has been the best day of my life,” Cooper says unexpectedly from behind the rim of his wine glass.

  His deep voice rouses Rosco, who opens one eye to check everything over and then sleepily dozes off once more.

  “Mine too,” I answer honestly.

  The wine settles in my stomach, warming me through like a softly flickering fire.

  “I never expected when I woke up today that so much would happen,” Cooper continues, eyes going distant. “The dog fair, the new puppy . . .” he starts to say something else then quiets.

  The kiss, I want to finish his statement for him, dying to know his thoughts on it.

  I’m too shy to bring it up, not wanting to face the swift rejection that I’m sure will follow.

  But why had he kissed me?

  Why had he held me like that?