Page 109 of Craving Cooper

“Exactly. And because I love you, it’s my job to keep you safe. I wasn’t making it up just now when I said I’d walk through fire for you. Fights with Meredith can be a bit like that, and I didn’t want you to be a part of it. Those weren’t just words, you know? I meant everything I said back then… if it meant keeping you safe, I’d give my life for you.”

“I know. And that’s why I’m crying. Obviously I don’t want you to die… for me, or anyone else, but no-one ever cared about me before. Not like this. It’s a little…” She stops talking as her tears overwhelm her again and I stare at her, taking in her tear-stained cheeks, her shining eyes, the smile that’s playing on her lips, and how beautiful she looks… and I have to admit, I’m more confused than ever.

“Sorry… I don’t get it. Aren’t you happy that I love you, and care for you, and want to make you safe?”

She giggles. “Of course I am,” she says, and rests her head on my chest.

“I see.” I don’t. In reality, I’m utterly bewildered, but I stroke her hair, and she nestles against me. “Does this happen often?” I ask and she looks up.

“Does what happen often?”

“Crying because you’re happy.”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been this happy before.” A smile touches my lips and I bend my head and kiss her. She’s still sniffling, but she takes a breath and I lean back, looking down at her. “I’m not renowned for crying,” she says. “Which you’ll probably be relieved to hear. I suppose it’s one of the things about growing up alone, with no-one to love you… it makes you very unsentimental.”

“Okay, but you’ve got me to love you now.”

She smiles. “I know, but I guess what I’m trying to say is, this behavior isn’t normal for me. In fact, it’s completely abnormal. I’m not a hearts and flowers kind of person. I’ve never needed them.”

“That’s fine. But if you don’t need hearts and flowers, what do you need?”

“I just need you, Coop. That’s all.”

I kiss her again, keeping it brief, and whisper, “I’m yours, babe.”

“I’m so… I’m so happy,” she wails and bursts into tears… yet again.

I don’t claim to understand, but I hold her close to my chest and let her weep for a while, until her sobs subside and she sniffles and looks up at me.

“Sorry,” she murmurs.

“You don’t have to apologize.”

“Can we… Can we go upstairs?”

“Of course we can.”

She turns, grabbing her purse from the step above us and I stand, bringing her with me, and carry her up the stairs. I have to set her down at my front door, to unlock it, but once I have, I take her hand and lead her inside.

Saffron jumps down from her spot on the couch and comes straight over to me.

“What is it with you and other women?” Mallory says, her eyes sparkling, although it’s with mischief, not with tears, which is a relief.

“There are no other women for me… only you.”

“And our cat, it would seem.”

“She’s our cat now, is she?”

“It looks that way.”

I bend, lifting Saffron and tucking her under my arm. She gazes up at me, and I rub under her chin. “She’s certainly made herself at home.”

“Yeah. Your couch will never be your own again.”

“It’s our couch, and if we move things around a little, there’s probably enough space to squeeze in the one from upstairs, so we don’t have to share.”

I dump the cat back on the couch again, although she flips around, clearly displeased with my move and sits up on the arm, glaring at me. I glare back, then turn to Mallory, who puts her purse on the floor, then looks over my shoulder.

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