Page 11 of Cooper

“I will. Talk soon.” I disconnect and hold the phone against my chest, taking long, deep breaths.

Cooper is okay.

Ryanis okay.

I’ll do almost anything to see it for myself. But there’s no way I’m getting any time off.

But he’sokay.

I sink onto the bed and burst into tears.

I have a good cry and then wash my face and guzzle a bottle of water.

He’s okay.

I keep repeating it to myself.

On top of that, no matter how tired I am, I still can’t sleep, and the never-ending insomnia is starting to frustrate me. Dr. Saluga recommended half a dozen tried and true natural therapies, but nothing has worked thus far. Meditation isn’t helpful, warm milk only makes me gain weight, and the soothing noises app I downloaded on my phone is useless. I didn’t know what’s wrong with me, but it probably has to do with Cooper.

I close my eyes, thinking about him.

Six-feet-two inches of military hotness.

Aqua-blue eyes and cropped blond hair

Broad shoulders.

And that mouth.

God, I would do almost anything to kiss him just one more time.

I yawn.

I really have to start sleeping or I’m going to start missing things at work, which is unacceptable.

I turn over for the tenth time when my phone rings, and I reached for it worriedly because no one calls this late unless it’s an emergency. “Yes? Hello?”

“Hey, beautiful.” The voice on the other end is tired but achingly familiar.

“Cooper?!” I sit straight up in bed. “Is that you?”

“It’s me.” He sounds exhausted but his voice is the most wonderful sound I’ve heard in a long time.

“Are you in Germany? Are you okay? Talk to me!” I can’t help but jump to my feet and start to pace.

He chuckles. “I’m okay. Few busted ribs, lost a tooth, some stitches, bruises on my bruises, and dehydration, but I’ll be fine with some rest and rehab.”

“I’m so glad.” I sink back onto the bed, exhaling loudly. “I was so fucking scared, Cooper.”

“I heard you were determined to break me out.”

“Well, I was determined to make sure someone did.”

“Anyone ever tell you you’re sweet?” he asks.

“Not in a long time.”

“Well, you are.” He pauses. “I don’t suppose there’s any way you could get away for a couple of days? Germany’s not that far from Limaj, and I’ll probably be here at least a week.”

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