Page 63 of Rebels and Roses

She hadn’t. It had never occurred to her to do that. Cooper was a straightforward man. If he wanted to cheat on her, he’d just let her know that he wasn’t exclusive.

“Why would I do that? We’re not a couple.”

Cooper didn’t reply right away, picking up and eating another french fry, taking his own sweet time, too.

“I took you to a family dinner last night. Couples do that.”

He wanted to play that game? Nope, she wanted him to say it out loud. Directly. None of this pussyfooting around about it. If they were together, he needed to acknowledge it.

“You took me because you didn’t want to be there all by yourself.”

“True, but I also took you because I like being with you.”

C’mon, Cooper.

“I like being with you.”

“If your parents came to town, would you introduce me to them? Would we all go out to dinner together?”

She gave him her best challenging look. It was put up or shut up time.

“I don’t know. How would I introduce you?”

The gleam in his eyes showed that he knew exactly where this was going.

“Not as a boyfriend,” he denied. “I think I’m too old to be called that. As your lover? That’s probably too much information. Maybe as your significant other? How do you feel about that?”

“Significant other,” she dutifully repeated. “It sounds sort of dull. Like we’re both working in an office, processing insurance forms.”

“What about…partner in adventure? Is that better?”

“I kind of like that.”

“Good,” he said, his tone firm. “Because there’s no one else I’d rather have adventures with than you.”

“I like you, too, Cooper,” she said softly.

“I’m a pain in the ass,” he warned. “Are you sure you want to deal with me? I’m no day at the beach.”

“I know, but it’s okay.”

“Then it’s official. We’re together. I told my dad last night that you were too good for me,” Cooper said. “I’ll say it again today. You really are too good for me, Jane. You could do better.”

We’re together.

Her heart was beating faster at the simple, no-nonsense words. Somehow, Cooper had wormed his way into her life, and she wasn’t a bit sorry about it.

“I think you and I probably deserve each other. At least that’s what Lucy said.”

Jane’s hand flew to her mouth, her cheeks warm in embarrassment.

“I take it you told Lucy.”

He didn’t sound angry, more amused than anything.

“A few days ago. I’m so sorry. I know we agreed?—”

“Don’t sweat it,” he said. “I figured you would have told her long before that. You two are like sisters. Honestly, I’m shocked she didn’t catch us. Remember that time?—”

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