Page 22

CHAPTER 22

SCARLETT

I spread a blanket on the sand and then we both sit down. I hand Cooper a travel mug with coffee and take one for myself. Rummaging through the small bag I packed before we left the house, I pull out a bottle of ibuprofen and take two out for him.

He smiles. “Aww, thank you. I can’t believe you brought me pain meds.”

I shrug, downplaying the gesture. “I didn’t want you to be hurting.”

“I appreciate it a lot.” He pops them in his mouth, washing them down with some coffee.

I pull tin-foil-wrapped sandwiches and napkins from the bag and pass one of each to him.

“Thank you. I’m starving.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you like hash brown patties. I added one to your sandwich.”

“Are you kidding? What’s not to like? And why haven’t I ever thought to do this myself?” he asks.

“I guess you’re not as smart as me.” I laugh.

“Clearly, I’m not.” He unwraps his sandwich with one hand and takes a bite. He hums while chewing. I’m glad he likes it.

I stare out at the ocean while sipping my coffee, and think about what a large part Cooper now plays in my life. I love spending time with him no matter what we’re doing. He’s so easy to be around. Aside from Autumn, he’s become my closest friend. But as much as it worries me, it’s time to be an adult and admit I feel more for him than friendship.

It fucking pains me that Autumn was right. Dammit. Now I’ll have to listen to her say “I told you so.” And I really dislike being wrong.

Between now and the end of the football season, I’ll need to remind myself our arrangement has an expiration date and getting too emotionally involved will only lead to heartbreak.

“This is perfect,” Cooper says, interrupting my thoughts. “Thanks for suggesting this.”

I smile. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for your mood.”

He nods, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “You’re right. And I already feel better than I did last night.”

“I was hoping that would happen.”

“So, are you gonna eat your breakfast?” he asks.

“You already finished yours?”

“Yep. I ate that baby in like three bites.”

I laugh and unwrap my sandwich. “Yes. I was just enjoying the gorgeous view first.” I take a bite, and while I chew, he watches me with an expression equivalent to a puppy begging for a treat. When I’ve swallowed, I wash it down with a sip of my coffee. “Would you like some?”

He nods emphatically. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Laughing, I hold the sandwich up in front of his mouth. He leans forward, taking a huge bite. “Hey!” I shove his uninjured arm.

He laughs. “I couldn’t help myself.”

“Next time I’ll know to make you two sandwiches.”

“Great idea.”

I eat a little more and then I hand the rest over to him.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

“Positive. I’m not very hungry in the mornings. I just need my coffee.”

“I wake up starving. If I don’t eat breakfast, I’m screwed.” He devours the rest of the sandwich in no time. There are a few people off in the distance but no one is near us. It’s so peaceful and calming. He wraps his arm around me and we watch the tide in its endless loop of rolling in and back out again.

“If you didn’t play football, what would you want to do for work?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I’ve never indulged myself by thinking about any other career.”

“Really? Even as a little boy?”

“Oh, sure, when I was like five, I wanted to be a police officer. But from the time I was around eight and on, football was my long-term plan.”

“It’s amazing you had that kind of conviction at such an early age. I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I graduated from college. And everyone besides my grandmother and Autumn thought I was crazy.”

“Why?”

“You don’t make money without viewers, and it takes a while to gain them.”

“How did you manage? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I worked as a waitress for the first year. When my grandmother passed away she left me some money, which I used for my share of the down payment on the house and also to rent a studio where the podcast is filmed.”

“I didn’t even think about that being something you’d need. But obviously you would.”

“If we had a garage, I could’ve set up a studio in there. But it’s nice to have a place that’s separate from my home. Plus, it looks more professional for my guests.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see your studio.”

“You’re sure you want to be on the podcast?” I can’t have him changing his mind at the last minute.

“Yeah, of course I do. I get to hang out and shoot the shit with you and a professional wrestler.”

“Are you a wrestling fan?”

He nods. “I am.”

My eyebrows leap upward. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

“Because I didn’t want to sound like a fanboy.”

“But you are, admit it.” I nudge his side.

“Maybe.” He fights a smile.

“Who’s your favorite wrestler?”

“I like all the members of the Gunn Club.”

“Jesse, Wyatt, and Ronnie are my favorites too. They’re so skilled when it comes to actual wrestling moves, and they’re just as strong on the mic.”

“I agree.”

I clap my hands a few times and beam. “This makes me like you even more.”

He laughs. “Had I known I’d get this reaction, I’d have told you sooner.”

“We need to go to a wrestling event together when football season is over. I can get tickets any time I want.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I immediately regret mentioning the end of his season. I don’t want to think about what that will bring. What if we’re no longer friends at that point? I can’t imagine my life without Cooper Grind being a part of it in some capacity.

“I’d love that,” he replies. “My dad and I went a couple of times when I was a teenager.”

“A wrestling-loving preacher? That seems like an oxymoron.”

Amused by my observation, his lips curve. “It’s entertainment, not porn.”

“True. I guess when I hear the word ‘preacher’ I automatically picture some balding middle-aged man wearing round wire-rim glasses with a ramrod straight spine casting judgment on others.”

He laughs. “I’m sure there are plenty like that, but my dad isn’t one of them. Now I can’t wait for you to meet him. And my mom.”

“What’s she like?”

“She’s loving and kind. Growing up, she was always baking something, so our house always smelled like a bakery.”

“She sounds like the epitome of motherly,” I say.

Smiling, he nods. “She’s the best. While my dad is strict, my mom is less so. She’s always been more understanding of my shortcomings.”

I snort. “Shortcomings? You don’t have any.”

He chuckles. “Sure I do. I’m just hiding them from you to make a good impression.”

My head tips as I gaze into his eyes. “Why do you care what I think?”

“Because I care about you.” Leaning in, he presses his forehead to mine. “You’re important to me.”

My stomach falls and rises like I’m riding a roller coaster.

“I am?”

He gives a tiny nod, rubbing our heads together. “You’ve seamlessly slipped into my life, and now I can’t imagine you not being a part of it.”

Cue the butterflies. And not just a few. It feels like a whole kaleidoscope of them took flight in my gut.

“You’ve done the same with me. I look forward to hearing from you and spending time with you.” I rub the tip of my nose against his and contemplate kissing him. His arm that’s hooked around my waist draws me closer. He wants to kiss me too.

“Rocky!” I hear a woman’s voice shout and then a large golden retriever runs onto our blanket.

Cooper and I break apart like children with their hands caught in the cookie jar.

“I’m so sorry,” the attractive owner apologizes, hooking the dog’s leash. “Oh my God. You’re Cooper Grind.” She beams at him.

He smiles back. “I am.”

“You’ve been such a great addition to the team.”

“Thank you.”

“I never miss a game.” She bends over, patting the dog, exposing her cleavage. “And neither does Rocky.”

I find myself leaning into Cooper, and his arm folds around my back once more.

“Well, I won’t interrupt you two any longer,” she says.

Hmph. Nice of her to notice me.

“Have a nice day,” he says.

“You too.” She sends a final appraising look his way before she and her perfect boy jog off.

“That was some rack,” I say.

Cooper barks out a laugh. “I didn’t notice.”

“How could you miss it?”

“All I was thinking about was her leaving so I could do this.” He eliminates the small distance between us, closing his lips over mine. I sink into him, my hand cupping his cheek. His warm lips are insistent in their gentle exploration. I part mine, deepening the kiss. When our tongues meet, I release a soft sound of satisfaction. Threading my fingers through his hair, I pull him to me as the moment’s urgency takes over.

When we finally part, I’m breathless and can barely form a coherent thought. My eyes open to find Cooper looking just as affected as I am.

“I’ve wanted to do that since I woke up this morning.”

“Me too,” I admit, suddenly feeling shy.

Cooper’s hand slides up my back and under my hair, cupping the nape of my neck. “Scarlett, I…” He trails off, licking his lips. I wait as my heart feels ready to pound right out of my chest.

“I… I want you to know I really love spending time with you.” He draws in a breath. “And I’m not just saying this because we just kissed. I mean in general. I enjoy your company no matter what we do.”

“I feel the same about you.”

His blue eyes search mine, and for a moment, I think he might say more. Instead, he leans in and brushes a kiss over my lips. When he draws back, he hits me with the full force of his smile. “As much as I don’t want to leave the beach or your company, I should probably get home and get in touch with Coach. I’m not sure if he expects me to be at the stadium in the morning. Just because I can’t practice doesn’t mean I can’t review film with the team.”

I rise, collecting our trash and travel mugs, placing them all in my small bag. Cooper stands, and we move off the blanket so I can shake the sand out and fold it into a neat square. He takes the bag from me, slinging it over his good shoulder, and we head from the beach.

“What time do I need to be at the studio on Wednesday?” he asks when we’re almost to my house.

“One in the afternoon. I’ll text you the address.”

“Do I need to bring anything?”

“Only yourself.”

“I have an appointment with Dr. Smith that morning, so with any luck I might be sling-free for the podcast.”

“I’ll send you good vibes.”

“Thanks. I’ll take them.” He stops beside his car. “Thank you for everything.”

I wave my hand. “Don’t thank me.”

He grins. “Too late.”

“Take it easy, and don’t forget to ice your shoulder when you get home.”

“I will.” He leans in, pressing a brief kiss to my lips. “I’ll talk with you soon.”

“Sounds good.” I walk up the driveway and pause on my front stoop to wave as he backs out and drives away. As I step inside, I close the door and lean back against it. Every minute with Cooper makes me fall for him more, but spending less time with him is no longer an option. I’m becoming addicted to his company, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.