Page 37 of Rebels and Roses

“That’s what I told him when he asked my advice.”

“It sounds like good advice.”

“Honey, I don’t think I’m qualified to be giving anyone life or love advice. What the hell do I know?”

“More than you think.”

“You know things,” Cooper said, turning toward her as his other hand cupped her cheek. “You’d be good at advice. I’m sorry that I’m here whining about my life. I guess?—”

Cooper broke off, his gaze skittering away.

“You guess what?” she prompted.

Jane held her breath. This moment was different than so many before. She couldn’t put her finger on how, but she only knew that the tension that had suddenly risen was real. Yet, it wasn’t awkward or strange. It felt like it was supposed to be there in some sort of good way, like their emotions had reached out to one another and touched. The tension wasn’tbetweenthem, however; it wasaroundthem like a cocoon, sheltering them from whatever was outside of this moment on her couch.

“I wanted you there tonight,” he finally said. “I wanted to be here with you tonight. I just want you with me.”

She had questions after a declaration like that. So many questions, but she didn’t get to ask any of them.

Instead, his lips touched hers, and she was immediately lost to the maelstrom of emotions and feelings that only this man could seem to evoke. As always, the world turned blurry as she lost herself in his kiss.

The scent of him curled around her, teasing her nostrils with its citrus notes. The feel of his warm and inviting arms lured her closer until they were pressed together on her tiny couch. She pressed a kiss to his stubbly jaw, her tongue picking up on the slight tang of salt on his skin. Her senses were overwhelmed, and her world had narrowed to just the two of them. The rest of humanity simply melted into the background, ceasing to exist in any real way.

Tom, Fiona, and everyone else would have to wait. This moment was the only thing that mattered, and it was just Cooper and Jane. The world could go up in flames, and they’d never notice.

Their clothes seemed to dissolve into thin air as they made their way into the bedroom, falling back on the mattress. Jane couldn’t seem to get enough of him, her hands touching here and there, trying to draw even the most subtle of reactions.

He was the same, pressing kisses to her neck and shoulders, especially that one spot that made her throw back her head and almost scream his name. His far too-talented fingers had winnowed their way between her legs and were doing naughty things that had white-hot flames licking at her flesh. He was taking his damn time, however, and she didn’t have the patience for it. Not tonight.

Pushing at his shoulder, she pressed him down onto his back and then threw her leg over his hips. Bracing herself with her palms on his chest, she slowly lowered herself down until he was into the hilt. Hissing with pleasure, she didn’t move for a long moment, allowing herself the utter ecstasy of being so supremely filled.

When they finally moved together, his thick length rubbed all the sensitive spots inside of her with every delicious stroke. It was good…so good. They were familiar enough with each other to know what pleased the other. No guessing or fumbling. It should have lessened the pleasure and excitement, but in fact, it did the opposite. It was hot to be with a man that cared enough to remember what she liked, what sent her into orbit.

If it wasn’t good for Jane, then it wasn’t good for Cooper. He’d made it clear that if she wasn’t satisfied, then they’d done it wrong. It was a heady combination to have a lover and a friend in the same person.

When her climax slammed into her, she stiffened as the heated pleasure zipped through her veins and all the way to her curled toes. Cooper went over right after, his own head thrown back, showing off the muscled cords of his neck. She couldn’t resist the urge to lean down and press a kiss to his damp skin.

Less than graceful, she tucked herself into his side as the world stopped spinning and the fireworks quieted down. Her gaze was caught by the lazy ceiling fan - going around and around - that was quickly drying the sweat from their bodies.

Her eyelids were heavy, and she could feel herself slowly sliding into sleep. Cooper must have already been there because he was softly snoring in her ear. She cuddled closer, reveling in the feeling of not sleeping alone for once. She didn’t need a man to make her feel safe or happy.

But she wasn’t about to kick him out of bed tonight. Maybe not tomorrow night either.

9

“Can I ask what was going on last night?”

It was the next morning at the bookstore, Jane and Lucy were getting the store ready for opening. It was just the two of them, and Jane had felt the weight of her best friend’s gaze the entire time they were working.

“Last night? What do you mean?”

Jane would simply play dumb. She’d act like she didn’t have a clue as to what Lucy was referring to.

Sure, that will work.

Except that they were like sisters and could practically read each other’s mind. Lucy had been watching Jane and Cooper during dinner. No one else had a clue, but Lucy? She wasn’t dumb, and she was damn observant. She wasn’t going to be fobbed off easily.

“Last night,” Lucy repeated. “There was something in the air, something going on. I don’t suppose you want to tell me what it is? And no, I’m not talking about Fiona and Tom.”

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