Page 21

CHAPTER 21

COOPER

I ’m not sure if it’s my throbbing shoulder that wakes me or the morning wood situation between my legs. It could also have something to do with the angel lying on my chest with her shiny, dark hair splayed over my skin.

Scarlett is still sound asleep, her body molded against mine and her breath warm against my neck. Her arm is draped over my stomach, and one of her legs is nestled between mine. I can feel the soft rise and fall of her chest with each breath she takes. The intimate position fires off conflicting emotions in me. It’s impossible not to feel desire for her and want to explore that further. But in addition to being beautiful and sexy, she’s also intelligent, kind, funny—the list of her positive qualities could go on infinitely. And those traits make me enjoy her company and want to be in her presence as much as possible.

My mind drifts back to last night and how she listened to me and comforted me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her. She helped me stop the spiraling dread I was feeling and reminded me this is only a temporary setback.

I try to stay still, not wanting to wake her. I can’t help but savor this moment, another first for me. I only wish my arm wasn’t in this sling so I could hold her properly. Or wake her up with an orgasm. But it’s probably for the best that I can’t, since I’m already crazy about her.

There. Finally, I’m admitting my growing feelings for Scarlett—at least to myself. I doubt I’ll confess them to her, though. Instead, I’ll make the most of our arrangement and enjoy the time we have while it lasts. When the season ends, I’ll still have Scarlett’s friendship, and that’ll be enough. Correction: It’ll have to be.

My gaze lowers to her face, gliding over the elegant contours. She looks so peaceful with the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Her thick eyelashes make dark crescent shapes against her unblemished skin. Her nose is thin and straight above dark pink lips—such kissable lips. The thought sends a jolt of desire through me, making my already hard cock twitch.

Down boy.

My legs are cramping, which is pretty standard after a hard game, but my back is also sore. I’m guessing it’s probably something to do with the beating I took yesterday. The field is not a forgiving surface, especially when you slam down onto it repeatedly.

When I shift slightly to relieve some of the discomfort in my body, Scarlett stirs, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly wakes up. There’s a moment of confusion before recognition dawns.

“Good morning,” she murmurs, her voice husky from sleep.

“Morning,” I say, unable to keep the affection from my tone. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Realizing how intimate our position is, she starts to pull away. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to use you as a pillow.”

I tighten my arm around her, keeping her close. “Don’t apologize. It was nice.”

She relaxes against me again, her hand resting on my chest. “How’s your shoulder feeling?”

“Sore,” I admit. “But having you here helps.”

A sleepy smile spreads across her face. “Glad I could help.” She props her chin on her hands, looking up at me. “Do you need anything? Pain meds? Ice?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m good for now. Just... Can we stay like this for a little while longer?”

“Of course we can.” She settles back against me, her head resting high on my chest. The familiar scent of her shampoo teases my nostrils, and I breathe in deeply. Closing my eyes, I relish the warmth of her body fitting perfectly against mine like a missing puzzle piece. Everything else fades away—the worries, the pain in my shoulder—as I find peace in the quiet intimacy of holding her. And the two of us lying here together is intimate in a way I’ve never experienced before.

After a few minutes of quiet, Scarlett props herself up on an elbow. “You know, I was thinking about your injury last night. Maybe this is an opportunity in disguise.”

“How do you figure?”

“Well, you’ve been so focused on football, as you should be, but now that you have some unplanned free time, maybe you could explore other interests.”

“I’m hoping I won’t be out more than a week or two.”

She nods. “I know, but you’re so used to having every minute of your day planned out, I think you might lose your mind with so much free time.”

“Might?” I laugh. “That’s a given.”

She tips her head and shrugs. “Well… I didn’t want to be presumptuous.”

“So what were you referencing when you mentioned me exploring other interests?”

“I was thinking the two of us could try some new activities together?”

“Such as?”

“I haven’t come up with any specific ideas. That would depend on what you’d like to do. And it doesn’t even need to be something you want to try for the first time. Or we can do some sight seeing. Unless you did that when you first moved here.”

I shake my head. “I didn’t even have a chance.”

“Then that’s a possibility too.”

“I’d like that.”

Her eyes brighten with excitement. “How would you feel about being a guest on my podcast this week?”

I wasn’t expecting that . “For real?”

“Yep.”

“What would I have to do?”

“Just converse with me. You can say whatever you want. I’ve got a wrestler from World Class Wrestling on the schedule too.”

I find myself nodding. “I’d love to be on your podcast. Thank you for asking me.”

“Of course. Having you as a guest is going to make my ratings go through the roof.”

“I hope that’s the case but I’m skeptical. I’m not as well-known as Rogan, Griffin, and Thor. You should have them on sometime too.”

She looks up at the ceiling and shakes her head. “You underestimate your fame.”

“If you say so.”

She pins me with a look. “I do. And it’s not just because I know you personally. Your jersey is outselling all of your teammates’ except for Rogan. But the quarterback jerseys are often the most popular.”

“Is it really? Where did you hear that?”

“I read an article online that listed all the sales. I thought it was impressive as hell, and I meant to tell you.”

“I had no idea.”

“Now that you know, I don’t want to hear any bullshit about you not being well-known or popular with the fans.”

I smile sheepishly. “I won’t mention it again.”

”Good. Now, I’m going to get up and make us something to eat. What do you think about walking to the beach and having breakfast there?”

“I love that idea.”

She rolls off me and climbs from the bed. I stare at her ass until she disappears inside the bathroom. My phone buzzes, and it takes me a few seconds to realize it’s still in my pants pocket. Sitting up, I shove the covers from my legs and place my feet on the floor. My shoulder is throbbing like a toothache now that Scarlett is no longer in my arms. Reaching down, I grab my pants from the floor and tug my phone from the pocket. There’s a text message from our group chat.

Rogan: Cooper, how are you feeling today?

Me: Like I got run over by a bus.

Thor: Wear your sling and you’ll be better before you know it. I had the same injury a few years ago.

Me: How long were you out for?

Thor: I think a couple of weeks.

Me: That’s the impression I got from Dr. Smith.

Griffin: Don’t forget to ice it. That helps too.

Me: I will.

Rogan: Will we see you this week?

Me: I need to find out from Coach what he wants me to do. I have to follow up with Dr. Smith on Wednesday morning, so I’m sure I’ll see you guys then.

Rogan: You seem to be in much better spirits than last night.

Me: I am. Scarlett talked it all through with me.

Griffin: Aww, our boy’s in love.

Thor: I feel like a proud dad.

Rogan: That’s great. Just be careful and take it easy.

I receive the hidden meaning in his message. He’s telling me to tread carefully with Scarlett and to go slow, but it isn’t going to make a difference. She could be wrapped in caution tape and it wouldn’t be enough to keep me from her.