Page 20 of Interception

“You want more sex. I’m sure you have a few guys on speed dial who would happily service you.” His words sting.

“I’m not good at this, okay?”

“No fucking shit, Sherlock.”

“I want you to hang out. We can order takeout and drink beer. Watch movies or play the Switch.”

“You want to hang out with me? Me? Cooper Danford?” He strides around to my side of the bed and places his hand on my forehead. “Are you feeling okay? You don’t have a fever.”

“Sure. I have nothing better to do today. We can have some more sex and hang out.”

“Well, how could I refuse such a heartfelt and romantic offer? I need to grab some stuff from my place. I don’t relish the idea of spending the rest of the day in last night’s clothes. How about I head to my place and change, then I can pick us up some food and movies on my way back?”

“Sex, and you bring food? I might need to have you over more often.”

He slyly winks at me. “Favorite food, snacks, and movie genre? Go.”

“Chinese. I could eat noodles and fried rice all day long. Orange chicken is yummy, but I’ll try anything on the menu. Snacks, not a popular choice when you plan on kissing, but I love Funyuns. Twizzlers and Milk Duds are movie must-haves. Movies. Action, superheroes, anything Marvel. I also have a bit of a lady boner for Wonder Woman, so if you want to venture into DC territory, I won’t say no. Please don’t bring anything sappy or romantic.”

“So that’s a no on The Notebook?”

“Ugh. Shoot me now.”

“Okay. You’re my kind of girl. Superheroes, Wonder Woman, Funyuns, and Chinese food. Got it. I’ll be back in an hour or two.” He shrugs on his shirt and leans in, giving me the softest kiss before making his way to the door as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“Text me if you think of anything else you want from your super-secret burner phone.”

“Will do. And Coop…” He turns to face me, and he just looks so stunning. Freshly fucked but with a playful grin.

“Yeah, beautiful?”

“It wouldn’t be the worst thing if you brought a change of clothes for tomorrow morning.” I leave it hanging in the air between us, and he doesn’t answer. He disappears out of my bedroom, and a few seconds later, I hear the front door close.

As I lay back in the bed, my head is spinning. What am I doing? Normally, I’d call Faith and give her some dirty details, but she’s the one person I can’t talk to about him. She’s been riding my ass all week to talk to him. If she found out we were hanging out, she’d be incessant, expecting forevers when I just want to take it a day at a time.

He wanted to take me for a drink. That’s all. Not so scary. He’s not exactly playing hard to get, and from what I know of his reputation, he isn’t a relationship kind of guy. We can have some low-key fun, no strings, and the sex—oh my God, the sex is unbelievable.

I shower and make sure everywhere is shaved to perfection in anticipation of a long day and an even longer night. I can’t be bothered with sexy lingerie, so I throw on some Wonder Woman underwear, a pair of comfy shorts, and my favorite hoody. I was expected to come back sooner rather than later, but as time ticks by, I’m starting to wonder if I scared him off with the overnight clothes comment.

It’s official. I’m the lamest woman on the planet. I pull out my phone and tap out a quick text.

Me: Can you get extra fortune cookies at the Chinese place? They are the only acceptable dessert after some high-quality takeout.

No answer. Of course, he may have just keeled over somewhere because I contacted him from my actual phone number.

Ten minutes later, the doorbell rings. Butterflies take flight in my stomach, and it’s not something I’m used to. Taking a deep breath, I open the door, and my jaw drops to the floor.

“Honey, I’m home.” Coop is standing in the doorway with a suitcase. A suitcase!

“What the hell are you doing?”

“You said bring clothes for some sleepover action. I brought a few weeks’ worth.” My pulse begins to race as panic rises in my chest.

“I said one night. That’s a pair of boxer shorts and a new t-shirt.” I’m gripping the door for dear life when Coop suddenly doubles over laughing.

“You should see your face right now. Totally worth it. Shift out of the way so I can pull in this suitcase full of movies and snacks, your highness. I don’t know if I should be pleased with myself that I managed to freak you out or offended that you think I’m that guy.”

“Seriously, you brought a suitcase just to make a joke? That’s commitment to the prank.”

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