Page 12 of Touch Me (Complete Collection)

“What? I just explained. I had a reason- ”

“Just go, Jason. I need you to go. I need to think this through.” Her mind was constantly just glued to one detail and it wouldn’t budge. Cooper had overheard everything. He knew she had Jason at his apartment. Would he care? I don’t care if he cares. He’s not my boyfriend, Jason is. Or was. Or still is. She was confused. Was there any reason to break up with Jason other than the money she had thought he had stolen? Why didn’t she feel ecstatic that he was the man she had once thought he was – the one she had planned to marry some day?

He sighed. “I'm staying at the Crest Hotel. You can reach me there.”

She closed the door behind him and trotted back slowly to the sofa. She could leave in three weeks. As soon as Jason’s check cleared she could leave Cooper’s apartment and be independent again.

She closed her eyes and rested her head against the back of the couch. A sharp knock made her jump and she strode to the door, opening it wide. Cooper stood in the doorway and his expression was…furious.

“How did you...you were in Australia thirty minutes ago!” she cried, her heart warming at the sight of him.

He strode in and walked forward, his eyes scanning the place woodenly. “Who said I was in Australia? I was calling you from the airport.”

“You were? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“There wasn’t enough time.” He turned, staring at her meaningfully. “Because you put me on hold to welcome your boyfriend, and then forgot about me.”

She chuckled, blushing. “I didn’t forget about you.” His eyes narrowed and she blushed. “I was shocked to see Jason here. It was…I forgot.”

“My point exactly. So are you going back?” He had to force the words through his lips.

“Back? No, no. Of course not. I have a job here now. Can’t go back.”

He relaxed instantly. “Job. Right. At least something’s keeping you here.”

“Why are you being so cranky? It’s been ten days since I saw you!” she blurted out, and regretted it instantly as his gaze flicked to hers inquisitively.

“Did you miss me?”

“Of course not. I mean sure, but…not miss miss. Just …” She trailed off as he smiled knowingly. Flushing red, she plopped herself onto the couch. “How was your trip?”

He chuckled at her attempt to change the topic. “It went well. Where is he anyway?”

“He who?”

“Your boyfriend. “

“He’s not my boyfriend!” she said forcefully, trying to convince her own cluttered, mixed feelings.

“Are you sure? I heard the whole conversation you know.” He motioned with his eye toward the check lying on the table.

She laughed. “Couldn’t you have just hung up after you realized I had forgotten you were on hold?”

“Of course. And miss out on all the details? Never.”

She laughed, enjoying the normal friendly banter. Ten days away had certainly dulled the distracting longing she had developed for him. The impromptu make out, and aborted attempt at sex had certainly messed up her head. “You’re incorrigible.”

“And you’re beautiful,” he said in the same casual tone.

Bloody hell! He did not just say that! “Why do you have to do that again?”

He didn’t reply. His lips pursed as if he was deep in thought and he glared at her meaningfully, before striding toward his room.

**

Jenny stood in the shower, hot water cascading down her body. She felt pathetic and helpless. In the past, she would’ve never been in this situation. She would’ve never had to live with a man who she didn’t want to live with.

Her utter trusting nature, and precarious financial state had propelled her from one preposterous situation to the next. She had left her own apartment because she cringed at sharing a place with Jason, albeit over a misunderstanding. And now, she was here, helpless and at Cooper’s mercy, and she didn’t want to live with him.

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