Page 13 of Cooper & Jake (Gomillion High Reunion #2)

COOPER

Holy shit. So much has happened today, and it’s not even over yet.

When I first met up with Jake for breakfast, I had no intention of dragging him back to my room.

Did I want to get my hands all over him?

Of fucking course I did, but I wasn’t planning on it.

Then, after he took me apart, he worked my body deliciously by giving me a massage.

I rub at my wrist, remembering the tie he used to secure me to the bedframe. God, he was perfect. The way he handled me with dominating care, and how it felt every time he struck my ass. Fuck, if I don’t stop thinking about earlier, I’m going to get hard as hell with no way to take care of it.

My mind drifts to just a little while ago, after our group picture.

Even in high school, Jake got jealous so easily.

He never reacted badly, oh no, he would just remind me who I belonged to.

Shoving me up against the lockers to make out with me, grabbing me around the waist from behind, and glaring at the person who was talking to me, or taking my hand and dragging me away as I called out a goodbye to whoever I was speaking with.

Of course, as soon as he got me alone, he would kiss me wildly, not letting me come up for air until I was a whimpering mess in his arms.

I squirm in my chair, my mind coming back into focus when Taylor says my name again. “Hmm?” I ask, glancing around the table.

Jake and I ended up meeting up with Taylor and Peyton at one of the restaurants on Main Street.

I didn’t realize how hungry I was until we walked into the place and the aroma of delicious food hit me full force.

But after stuffing my face, I started thinking about the whole day, and I completely drifted off from the conversation.

“Did you hear what Peyton was saying?” Taylor asks, widening her eyes dramatically in my direction.

“Oh shit, no. I zoned out. Sorry, what were you saying?”

“I just said, Jake decided he might stay behind a few extra days and see the rest of the town without having to worry about all the reunion things happening.” I look at the spot next to Peyton, noticing Jake is no longer sitting next to him.

“He went to the bathroom when you started daydreaming. But anyway, as I was saying,”—he leans across the table, getting up close and personal with me—“I convinced him he should remain for a few days. See what other things in town have changed. Taylor mentioned you might have some spare days up your sleeve as well.”

I look over at Taylor, who smiles widely and then shrugs her shoulders. “Hey, you don’t have to come back right away. It’s not like you have a husband and kids waiting for you.”

“I can’t just stay behind,” I tell them, looking from one to another. “Isn’t that creepy? To be like, ‘ We haven’t seen each other in years, but hey, wanna stay and hang out longer ?’”

“What’s wrong with that? I told Jake he should stay behind, and he was all for it.”

“He was?” I ask a little too excitedly. “Like he wasn’t planning to stay longer before, but he is now?”

“Yep,” he says, popping the p dramatically. “I might have brought up how you both could hang out for a few more days and get to know one another better.”

“And he said yeah?”

“Duh. That’s why I’m bringing it up with you.

To see if you wanted to. But I’m not going to say anything to him, so you don’t have to if you don’t want to.

If you just wanna leave tomorrow, that’s fine.

That’s the reason I waited until he was gone to say something.

So don’t feel like you have to. Just know he’s planning to stay a few days. ”

“Thanks,” I tell him, shutting up when I see Jake walking back to the table.

“Jake-O, you didn’t tell me Little Dude was a veterinarian. That’s so cool. Ya know our town could use another vet. All we have is Doc Scott, and he’s probably going to retire soon.”

“Oh yeah, isn’t that awesome? We’re sitting with a doctor,” Jake says, sliding into the seat beside me.

“Why do you call me Little Dude?” I inquire, noting it’s about the millionth time he’s referred to me by the name.

“I have nicknames for everyone. It’s usually just the initial thing that pops into my head when I meet someone. And the first time I met you, you were sprawled out on the floor after falling on your ass.”

“Thanks for reminding me,” I mutter, my cheeks heating when I remember seeing Jake sitting at the table at the coffee shop and crashing on my ass.

“Always,” he winks, taking a sip of his drink.

Jake, Peyton, and Taylor start talking about the mojito margarita Taylor’s drinking, each of them taking a sip, then trying to guess what’s in the drink.

My mind wanders to what Peyton said about Jake staying a few extra days.

Is he really staying to see the sights, or is he staying for me?

Could I stay some additional days for him?

Hell, what do I have to lose, right? I can close down the clinic for a few more days.

How often does your high school sweetheart come back into your life?

“Okay, so I’m sorry Peyton bombarded you with staying a few days longer, but what are you thinking?” Taylor whispers, locking her arm through mine as we walk down the street.

Jake and Peyton are a few feet ahead of us, not paying us any attention.

“I can’t stay longer. That’s crazy, right? Who fucking does that? Stays behind to spend more time with someone after twenty-four hours?”

“Why is that crazy? Why can’t it be spontaneous? When was the last time you did anything spontaneous? Honestly?”

“I’m not sure,” I reply, trying to think of when I did something just for the hell of it. “Shit, am I really considering this?”

“God, I hope so,” Taylor says, a dreamy lilt to her voice. “Take a chance, Coop. You never know what might be on the other end of it.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to him about it later and see where his head is at.”

“This is so damn exciting. And if something happens between you two, I want all the credit.”

“Don’t get too far ahead of yourself,” I say, hip checking her. “I deserve some credit.”

“Some but not all.”

“Hey! Do y’all want some ice cream?” Peyton yells, standing next to the entrance to an ice cream shop. “They also have board games. Sounds like a fun way to kill some more time.”

“What are the activities for tonight?” Taylor asks me as we reach Jake and Peyton.

“There’s a cocktail hour, then the formal dinner, and then the rest of the events are after that. I figure we can hang out here for cocktail hour, then start heading back there while they’re having dinner. Maybe sneak in a little bit of food.”

“Why did we eat if they were having a formal dinner?” Jake asks, looking at all of us.

I shrug my shoulder, “I don’t know. You all wanted to eat. It’s fine; we can just hang out while they’re doing the formal dinner thing. I really just wanted to go for the awards and the dance party.”

“Board games and ice cream it is!” Peyton says excitedly, pulling open the door and ushering us into the shop.

After ordering our ice cream, we take a spot at one of the high-rise tables in the back. Peyton walks over to the shelf of board games before coming back with Trouble. “This is one of my favorite games, so we’re playing this first. I’m green.”

Jake shakes his head, glancing at Taylor and me. “Fair warning, Peyton is competitive as fuck. No one wants to play games with him anymore.”

Peyton rolls his eyes, passing out all the game pieces. “Which is dumb as hell. I don’t even get that bad. Plus, you all cheat. Am I not supposed to call out a cheater?”

“It was Go Fish, Peyton. How the hell do you cheat at Go Fish?”

“I don’t know, but you did. So, I called you out.”

“Shouldn’t you have let him win?” Taylor cuts in, placing her yellow pieces in their slots. “If Jared kept winning at every game and never let me win, I wouldn’t want to play with him anymore either.

“Blasphemy,” Peyton blows a raspberry, shaking his head. “I won’t go easy on any of you. Buckle up, buttercups.”

“Oh god,” Jake says sheepishly. “I’d apologize and say he’s never like this, but y’all have known him for two days now. I’m sure you’ve figured out that he’s exactly like this.”

“Let’s play,” Peyton tells us, rubbing his hands together.

Peyton is on the edge of his seat throughout the entire game, his eyes bouncing from one person to the next to make sure none of us are cheating.

I can’t even focus on the game because I’m laughing so hard, tears are streaming down my face.

I have never in my life met someone who was as competitive as Peyton is right now.

He’s so close to winning, but Jake is on his tail and could easily pass him up.

The moment I was dreading happens, and Jake slides his final piece into his home base, and Peyton’s mouth flops open like a fish. “You had to have cheated.”

Jake laughs loudly, tapping the table. “Fuck you are the biggest sore loser I have ever met in my damn life. Just take the L, Peyton.”

“I demand a rematch.”

“Let’s play something else,” I say, laughing as Peyton stares at the game board.

“Fine,” he mumbles as he starts to pack up the game. “I’ll just win the next one.”

“You’re kinda ridiculous,” I tell Peyton, chuckling again when he pouts.

“I’m competitive and probably ridiculous. But it’s what makes me, me.” He winks before grabbing the game and walking over to the wall.

“I’m sorry about him; he gets a little overdramatic,” Jake tells me, taking up the seat next to me.

“It’s okay. It’s kind of fun to watch. Seeing him get all riled up. Makes me want to figure out something I’m really good at and challenge him.”

“You could probably pick an activity to do with animals. That man has no idea what any animal is.”

“I’m going to tuck that away for a rainy day.”

We play a few more games, Peyton only losing one more time. After looking at the clock, I realize they’re likely just starting the formal dinner, so if we leave now, we can probably get changed and be back right when dinner ends.

“All right, Taylor and I brought outfits to wear for the 80s theme tonight, so we’re going to head back and change. We’ll meet you there?”

“Sounds good. Peyton and I need to head out and change, too. I’m not much for dressing up, but I couldn’t resist the theme.”

Jake and I stare awkwardly at one another, not quite sure how to say goodbye.

I sidestep one way while Jake goes to the other, both of us laughing while we dance around one another.

Jake grabs hold of my waist and leans down, planting a kiss on my cheek.

“I can’t wait to see what you look like,” he whispers in my ear.

“Ditto,” I murmur, my heart beating wildly at the mere touch of his lips against me. “Save me a dance.”

“Always.”

Taylor and I take way too long to get ready, so we’re rushing out of the hotel and to the school like our asses are on fire.

We rush into the building, making sure to grab our name tags from the table before hurrying into the gym.

Some tables and chairs are still being put away to prepare for the awards.

My eyes scan the space for Jake, but I’m not sure if he’s here yet. For some reason, we still haven’t exchanged phone numbers, which is stupid on my part. I need to make sure I get it before the end of the night.

“Fuck, why did you let me wear spandex?” Taylor gripes, pulling on the crotch part of her leotard. “This is not comfortable at all. Why would people want to wear this?”

She gestures to her bright pink leotard-looking outfit she’s paired with bright neon green shorts and a crop top. Her blonde hair is styled so that it’s in a high ponytail off to the side. She has both warmers on her wrists and legs, and she looks fucking spectacular.

“I’m just glad you didn’t convince me to wear the spandex. It looks like you’re going to be dealing with a wedgie for the entire night.” I shudder at the thought of having a wedgie. “Yeah, no thanks.”

“It’s not that bad, but it is uncomfortable. But hell, I’m excited for Jake to see you. You look amazing,” she squeals excitedly in front of me.

“Are you sure?” I ask, looking down at myself.

I stuck with similar vibes as Taylor, i.e.

, the neon colors. I might have taken my inspiration from Ryan Gosling when he was dressed as Ken, and I love how it came out.

The fanny pack is a little annoying, though.

It keeps moving around my waist, and I have to shuffle it back into place every few minutes.

“He’s not going to be able to keep his hands off you.”

“I hope.” I scan around the gym again, my eyes widening when I finally see Jake and Peyton on the other side of the room.

I guess they beat us here because they’re standing with a group of people, a beer in each of their hands. Jake looks gorgeous, but when doesn’t he? He’s wearing blue jeans with a plaid shirt and a puffy vest on top. Peyton is standing next to him in bright neon shorts and a cut-off white tee.

“Go say hi,” Taylor says, giving me a playful shove.

“I don’t want to seem desperate,” I reply, staring at Jake from across the room.

If this were one of those eighties' movies, our eyes would lock from across the room, and the lights would dim except for two single spotlights that would guide our way to one another. Some type of love song would play, and we’d gravitate toward each other, soft smiles playing on both of our lips.

Once we met in the middle, the crowd would fall silent, and all eyes would be on us as were reunited.

Our lips would meet in a kiss, and there would be a moment when everyone watching would know the two had fallen in love with each other.

But of course, this isn’t a movie.

“Fine, I’ll drag you over there myself, but I need a drink first.”

Taylor leads me over to the bar where we each grab a drink, this time skipping the jalapeno margarita we’d gotten the night before. Once we both have a glass in hand, Taylor looks around the gym to see where Jake and Peyton are.

“Seriously, maybe we should mingle and interact with others first. I don’t want to seem too needy.”

Taylor pauses, putting her hand on her hip. “Fine, we’ll go interact with three people max, and then I’m dragging your ass over there.”

“Deal.”