Cooper Read online

  My eyes widened when his hands unbuttoned my jeans. Then I gasped when he slid a hand in and began to finger me.

  I was so wet, and I was so aroused, that I couldn’t keep still. I boldly rode his finger while he thrust in and out. He pushed my pants down, and I frantically pushed his, too. Then I held my breath as he guided his hard shaft, gasping when his tip pushed into my entrance.

  His pulsing cock vibrated inside me, making me pulse, too. He lifted my butt up and slid halfway out, then thrust back in with such precision and power that all I could do was stifle my moans and cling on. My butt bumped against the wood at every thrust back in, but it didn’t matter because I was intoxicated by Cooper’s tongue against mine and his cock brushing against my bud at every single turn. The risk of getting caught should have made me panic, but panicking was beyond me as a certain thrill ran up my spine and vibrated all over my skin. Then before I knew it, my body was bucking, unable to take hold of the pleasure anymore as it shattered me and had me seeing more than stars. I saw flashes of light, then darkness, as electric tingles filled me and had me biting his shoulder.

  Cooper grunted, never stopping his pace. He fucked me endlessly until I felt the pleasure build up again, his stamina was unstoppable. The powerful surge of his hips against mine showed his strength, and soon I felt his muscles strain and tense.

  I leaned over and whispered in his ear.

  “Come for me, Cooper.”

  He uttered a low growl, one that was primitive and so deliciously male. I sucked on his earlobe, then scratched my nails lightly down his back.

  And I rejoiced when he finally let go.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  COOPER

  “So Sara, tell us more about yourself. Cooper mentioned you have two kids?”

  My family finally felt comfortable enough to start asking personal questions I guess. They were usually really upfront and blunt, but perhaps took it easy on her. It showed that they were really interested to learn about her, but also respected her enough to give her time to adjust to the atmosphere first. I wasn’t sure how this would go because my family is so outgoing while Sara was more reserved.

  But she proved me wrong and surprised me along the way. Sara got along with my father as they talked about business, obviously of the same wavelength when it came to principles. She got along with my brothers and their wives and their teasing, responding with a light jab or two that had everyone chuckling. Even my mother was smiling and ushering more food towards Sara’s plate, and beaming when Sara ate everything with enthusiasm.

  Of course, Jane took the cake in the getting along department. I could only raise my brows as she began to grill Sara about us, then almost choke when Jane began to tell Sara all the dirty details about my old dating life. I didn’t have that many stories but I wasn’t a damn saint either, and I started to sweat a bit as Sara’s eyes gleamed whenever Jane got to something juicy.

  Now, it was her turn to be grilled as everyone waited for her response attentively. Sara lit up at the mention of her children. Then she began to speak of their activities in a relaxed, affectionate manner, one that had a look of approval settling in my mother’s eyes.

  “Has Cooper met them yet?”

  Okay, kind of a shaky question there.

  “I’ll be meeting them soon enough,” I said before Sara could respond, keeping my voice firm and calm. She glanced in my direction, and I snuck a hand under the table to squeeze hers.

  She smiled.

  After dinner, we all gathered around the fireplace and just chatted while my dad took out a bottle of whisky. Sara wandered off to where the women and kids were sitting, and the way they brought her in warmed my heart. Then it had it beating faster as an ache spread, one that wasn’t connected to any type of lust at all.

  Shit. I really was in deep.

  And I didn’t want to get out.

  The house went relatively quiet as everyone drifted up to their respective rooms, with my mother giving Sara a room of her own. I stayed in mine for a little bit before sneaking down the kitchen and gathering the necessities for my plan: strawberries, chocolate, and red wine. Then I went back upstairs as quietly as I could and knocked on her door, keeping it soft until she opened it a fraction.

  Her brow rose when I held up what I brought. Then she was ushering me in and closing the door with a quiet click.

  “Your mother will be upset when she finds you in my room,” she scolded softly.

  I grinned. “More like she’ll rejoice.”

  She smirked. Sara was wearing a button-down plaid shirt that was too loose on her, and her hair was up in a loose bun. Curls fringed at the sides, and I was torn between finding her so adorable and thinking she was the most delectable treat in this room. My mouth watered almost instantly, and I had to put the bowl of food and the bottle of wine on the bedside table as my hands went unsteady.

  Shaken, I tried to distract myself by giving her a challenging look. “Who’s up for some strawberry truth or dare?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Truth or dare, only I feed you strawberries while you tell me all you secrets.”

  Her cheeks flushed a beautiful pink, and my mouth ached to kiss it. So I did, leaning in as she held her breath. She sat down on the edge of the bed, and I did the same, and I had a feeling she was half-expecting me to trace my kiss down to her lips.

  Feeling wicked, I took a strawberry and dipped it in chocolate. Then I placed it near her mouth, watching those plump lips part as she took a bite in.

  Her eyes fluttered closed. A mmm’ing sound came out of her throat, one that was innocent but had my cock throbbing. I kept feeding her the piece until she shook her head, right before she snatched the remaining piece out of my hand and shoved it in my mouth.

  I choked, then coughed. Sara giggled and opened the wine, looking mischievous as she poured some in a glass for me.

  We didn’t play the game. We ended up sitting together enjoying our wine while trying to keep it quiet even when something funny almost had me doubling over in laughter. I explained about my family’s nosiness and told her Jane was probably knocking on my door to check up on me and demand some details. Sara’s eyes widened with worry when she realized the implications of that, especially when Jane wouldn’t find me in my room.

  “Oh, my God. They know I’m a widow with kids. What will they think…?”

  “They’ll think we’re two healthy adults who are dating each other and can’t get enough of each other.” I leaned in. “At least, I can’t get enough of you. You’re so addictive, Sara.”

  “And you’re too smooth with words. No wonder they call you a flirt.”

  “Oh? Who did?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Everyone and anyone.”

  I shrugged. “I flirt with everyone, and it doesn’t mean anything.”

  “Then what means something for you?” she asked.

  There was genuine curiosity in her expression, and I tried to scan my mind for the right words to say. You was already at the tip of my tongue, but something held me back and had me backpedaling before I could say it. I’d never been the type to back out of feelings if they were there. But I also didn’t want to pressure Sara, who obviously just wasn’t in that direction yet.

  In response, I took the glass from her hand, then dipped my finger in it. I placed the finger on her lips, smearing it with red wine and making Sara snort out a soft laugh. But the laughter died when I leaned forward and licked her lips, tasting the wine and her essence and feeling its richness fill my tongue. Her mouth opened, but I teasingly backed off, then urged her down until she was pressed flat on her back on the bed.

  It didn’t take me long to unbutton her shirt, then part it open. The sight of her bare breasts had me inwardly groaning, especially those ripe pink nipples that just begged to be sucked. She had the perfect size to squeeze, and the perfect size to suckle in my mouth. I dipped my finger in the wine again, then trailed droplets on her pointed tips that were already hardeni
ng further under my gaze. Then I bent down and licked every inch, hearing her soft gasp that turned into a delectable, throaty moan. I kept trailing wine drops downward, my mouth and tongue following the trail to her stomach, where it heaved with fluttering nerves. Her hands gripped my shoulder, pushing me down, and I chuckled darkly against her skin as I gave in to her silent plea. I removed her panties, which were white lace and positively tempting. I then kissed her thighs, spreading them wide as I slid my tongue up and whispered at her entrance. She was swollen and glistening already, and lust boiled inside me at the sight.

  I looked up. Blue eyes were wide and flaring, dark in color as they watched me pause. She was already high in that feeling of desire, her gaze cloudy as her body strained.

  Still looking at her, I gave her a slow lick and watched her lips part and tremble. Her hands slid from my shoulders to my hair as I pressed the flat of my tongue inside her and kept licking, and moans slid out of her as I slid my fingers silkily in.

  She sucked me in immediately, clamping down like a vice and making my dick react down below. My lips fastened on her little bud, which was practically begging for me, and I sucked on that until the begging became vocal from her lips. Her hands tightened on my hair, almost to the point of pain, and I only sucked harder until I felt her body start to vibrate.

  Before she could reach that climax she was seeking out, I removed my head and pushed her further to the bed, startling her. Then I urged her to turn around, watching her eyes widen before she followed and knelt down on all fours, presenting me with a sight of the tightest ass ever.

  Damn it.

  She was going to be the death of me.

  I could feel the nerves from her still, but didn’t say anything as I removed my clothes. Then I crawled into bed behind her, my hands sliding all over her hot skin as I whispered kisses down her shoulder blades.

  She writhed below me, obviously restless. Her scent filled me, a mix of the wine and the strawberries and her drugged heat.

  Spreading her legs wide, I slid in from the back in one smooth move. My body surged forward, hearing Sara gasp. Not missing a beat, I leaned until my chest was pressed against her back and swallowed that gasp with my mouth as we exchanged wet, open-mouthed kisses.

  I didn’t know who moved first. But I honestly didn’t care anymore as we both began moving against each other, setting a rhythm that suited us both and the atmosphere at the moment: slow, firm, steady. There was no rush this time as we both sank in the moment and forgot everything else existed.

  I would never have pegged Sara as adventurous, but here we were—doing it inside a room with hushed voices, with her below me and me making love to her from behind. It was no longer just fucking, and the thought slid in like dewdrops on grass inside my mind and clung there. It couldn’t stay slow for long as desperation overtook us, and soon I was pounding into her for all I was worth and trying to seek that pinnacle of pleasure before I gave over.

  My hands went to her breasts and squeezed. Then I leaned and almost toppled over when my senses heightened and had me overwhelmed with too many emotions at once, bucking my body and making me come right then and there. I could feel Sara shudder below me and knew she came, too, and I held on to her as I viciously pumped a few more times and let myself spill inside her.

  We both crashed in the bed after, breathing hard as the exertion of our lovemaking finally took its toll on us. But it didn’t erase the feeling of satisfaction and bliss, especially when Sara shot me a sleepy, satisfied smile before snuggling against me. A few minutes later, she made a move for me to leave—I should...

  “But…”

  “No buts. I’m staying.”

  She didn’t protest, much to my surprise. But I could sense the wariness before she relaxed bit by bit. I kept my arm steady around her, neither tightening nor loosening as I felt her go still beside me before she finally fell into a deep sleep.

  I could sense many doubts between us, but one thing came crystal clear: that I wanted her in my bed for a long, long time.

  Maybe even permanently.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  SARA

  The trip back to Florida was a rather bittersweet one, as I wasn’t quite ready yet to leave. It was surprising how I’d gotten so close to Cooper’s family in a short amount of time. I felt at home. I found that their presence made me loosen up more and relax. It only made me realize how little friendships I made save for Kate, and made me vow to myself to reach out more. Honey came to mind, and I looked forward to more interactions with her and seeing where it led.

  It was also amazing how things changed between me and Cooper. We were (and still are) so new but the quick Thanksgiving trip changed any idea of what we had being casual at all. I didn’t think any of us were still at any point to call ourselves seriously dating, but wherever this was leading, I didn’t want to think too much about it or ruin it by worrying.

  Why worry when you could just enjoy?

  One thing that changed my mind about the Texas trip was the idea of living in such a big space all alone, something that I brought up with Cooper as soon as we landed. I half-expected him to offer his place for me to stay in, sort of like moving in, but I was relieved when he didn’t. I would have refused, as I just wasn’t ready yet for any of that.

  “Any chance you know any decent apartments near where we live? Or at least near the race track? I want something that’s not too big. Cozy, with maybe a balcony view.”

  I was the one driving, which had Cooper shooting me a smirk. “The unit next to mine is vacant.”

  I groaned. “If we stay next to each other, we’d never get any work done.”

  “Too true,” he said with feeling, laying his head on the headrest and closing his eyes. He took out sunglasses and put them on, making him ten times hotter and making me lose my breath a little. “I’ll help you find a place.”

  “Are you free today?”

  “Hmm. Wait, you’re going to look today?”

  I shrugged. “I might as well get started.” In fact, I thought it was the perfect way to start the week since I still had a few days off before I needed to head to the office.

  Cooper was a sport about it as we drove to my house, where he ended up cooking lunch for the two of us while he teased me about my own cooking skills. After eating, we both took a shower separately—or at least, we tried to. It was difficult to keep it that way for long as Cooper slipped in while I was just soaping myself and snatched the soap right out of my hands. Before I could make some weak attempt at protesting, he was already using his hands to soap me up and do other intimate things, seducing me on the spot until I was a puddle of vibrating pleasure. We did it standing up, our bodies sliding slickly against each other as we sought out our release. It started out awkward, but like Cooper always did, he navigated our bodies in a comfortable position until awkwardness was the last thing on our minds.

  After that adventure, I got dressed and ready for the day. Thinking about the possibility of a fresh start. A new place and a new lover. It was all so thrilling.

  We both went downstairs. I led the way towards the front door, already giddy at the thought of apartment hunting and hoping I wouldn’t go home empty-handed. I took the keys out of my jeans pocket as I opened the door, intending to toss them at him and tell him to drive this time.

  “Mom?”

  The smile stilled on my lips.

  I froze at the sound of the familiar voice, one I hadn’t heard in a long time other than on the phone. I stared at Carla, who was eyeing my smile in surprise before her gaze shifted.

  And it zoned in just above my shoulder, and I knew without a doubt who she was looking at.

  I stepped back to let her in, trying to keep the smile pasted on my face.

  “Carla! You’re here. What a surprise!”

  Carla beamed. “Yes, mom. I’m here. Surprise!”

  Then all the feelings of missing her came rushing back to me, and I was dropping my purse and stepping forward again to en
compass her in a warm hug. Carla hugged me back, and we stayed like that for a long time before I remembered that we weren’t alone.

  Obviously, Carla didn’t forget, either. She turned to look at Cooper again, speculation in her eyes. “I came to surprise you. I finished my project by Thanksgiving Day and felt so bad for missing our tradition that I thought I’d spend the next few days with you. But…”

  “No buts,” I said before she could have any doubts. I took her hand. “I’m happy you’re here. You have no idea. And…” I took a deep, inward breath. Then I let it out and did what I should have done from the beginning.

  If Cooper could introduce me to his family without any hesitation, then so could I.

  “This is Cooper. I actually just got back from Texas with him for Thanksgiving. We visited his family for the holiday.”

  Surprise filled Carla’s blue-green eyes, followed by more speculation. I didn’t have to say anything more for her to get it, and she didn’t ask or clarify in front of him. Instead, she turned to give him a smile, one much more reserved than the one his family gave me.

  “It’s nice meeting you,” she said, a touch of coolness in her tone. Still, it was polite, and it reminded me so much of myself that I had to stifle a laugh.

  Cooper wasn’t fazed at all. He smiled warmly at Carla, that dimple showing again as he held out his hand and shook hers. He kept it light, but kept the drawl heavier as he told my daughter it was very nice meeting her. While he didn’t flirt with her per se, he kept that natural charm of his turned up until Carla was near blushing. I barely stopped myself from rolling my eyes, but ended up blushing too when he said how great it was to meet the daughter of such a beautiful woman.

  Cheeky man.

  “I guess you guys need to catch up, so I’ll be going. Will you let me know when you’re free for that apartment hunting?” he asked, cutting the conversation short. I tilted my head, not missing the way Carla’s head snapped immediately in my direction, though she didn’t say anything.