Page 25 of The Off-Limits Rule: Extended Edition

I sputter a laugh because it feels way too good to hear someone else think and say that same thing about Brent. “Yeah. He kind of is. I mean, I don’t want to paint too bad of a picture, because he really is a good dad to Levi, which I think is why I held out hope for so long that we’d be a couple one day. Well, that and because he would, every now and then, say subtle little things that would make me think he was coming around to the idea and he’d like to be a family one day too. But then, in the next moment, he’d start dating someone new, and I finally realized his words were all just hot air.”

He nods and hums a quiet understanding sound. “Do you still hope you’ll get together one day?”

I don’t have to consider this for even a second. In fact, my words probably come out with a little too much force. “God, no. That’s actually why I moved away. I needed some space from Brent, and honestly, even though it was the hardest thing being away from my family and having to manage everything on my own, it was the best thing for me. I needed a new start, a town far enough away that if Brent asked me to go to dinner, I wouldn’t drop everything and say yes, only to have him stand me up when someone else became available.”

“Did that happen?”

“More times than I’d like to admit.”

I don’t want to, but I peek at Cooper, admiring the way his broad shoulders glisten as they hover above the surface of the water. This moment feels so intimate, and I can’t help but wonder why he’s asking all of this. Friendship? Intrigue? Something more? I swirl my finger on the surface of the water and dare another glance at him, taking note of his pinched eyebrows and mouth pressed into a line.

“Do you think less of me now…after hearing all that?”

My words seem to snap him out of his thoughts. His brow clears, and his eyes catch on mine. “No, not at all.” A soft, sad chuckle rolls through his chest, and I watch his Adam’s apple move up and down. “I was just thinking how similar our stories are, actually.”

“Really? Which part?” Suddenly, I’m nervous he’s going to tell me he has a son somewhere, which is so hypocritical of me to feel nervous about, but here I am, asking anyway. “Do you…have a child?”

“No, but I do have an ex-girlfriend I eagerly left behind in another state.”

Why does that make my heart sink a little lower? Is hecontemplating going home? Going back to her? I have to ask. “I see. So this is your temporary stop? Will you go back when you find closure?”Like I did.

Although…I also had to come back because I lost my job and was evicted. Cooper doesn’t seem to have monetary issues, judging by this incredible house and pool.

He lifts an eyebrow, looking slightly mischievous. “Is that a little dejection I hear in your voice? A hint of jealousy maybe?”

I sputter a laugh and shove him because, for some reason, that smile tugging the corner of his mouth up makes me feel flirty and light. And yes, it was most definitely a flirty shove. The kind where my hand lingers a little too long on his biceps, liking the way his muscle flexes under my touch.

One thing is certain: there’s some kind of chemistry between Cooper and me. I just don’t know if he feels it with whichever woman he’s with at the moment or if this is something different.

“Not in the least. I was just wondering if I should save all my moving boxes for you or not.”

He smiles at me over his shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere.”

And then my eyes take in the very moment he runs his teeth across his bottom lip. I track the motion, feeling mesmerized and buzzed even though I haven’t had anything to drink. In this dream, it feels like real life is far away—unreachable. Cooper is thrilling, sweet, inviting, and a little dangerous. Just looking at his lips makes mine tingle. They know he would be the most devastating kisser. Suddenly, I have to know. My heart pounds almost painfully, trying to remind me with obnoxious thuds that this is probably not something I should be doing. But I’m already living dangerously tonight, so what’s one more tiny bit of adventure?

I’m staring at his lips and, before I realize it, leaning in. Because my eyes have not left his lips, I see when he releases themfrom his teeth and they part, his chest expanding with air. My insides are burning, and all I want is to kiss him and be kissed by him.

I press forward, and he stays perfectly still…until I get about an inch from his mouth, then he pulls back. He doesn’t turn away, but he leans back from me ever so slightly, enough to get the message across that this kiss of mine is not going to be received. It takes my mind a second to fully register what is happening.

But when it does, realization crashes into me like I jumped out of a plane without a parachute.

He’s turning me down. Embarrassment slaps me in the face, and I’m afraid to give rejection a name. So instead, I play it off like I don’t care one bit that he doesn’t want to kiss me and shoot up to my feet. Water sloshes down my legs and cascades from my shirt, making it sound as if I’m peeing a waterfall. It only serves to remind me that I’m not like the exciting women in movies, who, when placed in this situation, would have taken off their clothes and had a delicious night of skinny-dipping with this hot man. No, I had to stay fully clothed and bare my entire soul to him instead. Wonderful.Such a cute look, Lucy.

Drew will be happy to hear that he has nothing to worry about with Cooper. He’s just like Levi’s dad—in other words, interested in everyone besidesme.

I need to get away from him.

I turn and step up onto the ledge, but Cooper reaches out and wraps his hand around my calf. It’s warm and possessive and makes me want to cry because I know he doesn’t mean the gesture the way it’s coming across. “Lucy, wait. Let me explain—”

“You don’t have to explain anything, Cooper. We’re good. All good! I’m fine. Really fine. Awesome, even.”

He squeezes my calf. “Just listen to me—”

I shut my eyes tight and smile tensely. “Seriously, please, I’m begging you—can we not talk about it? Will you just take me home, please?” I’m so close to crying, which makes this even worse.

He hears the plea (and wobble) in my voice, sighs, and lets go of me so he can stand. “All right, fine.” He looks away and whispers a curse under his breath, then looks back at me. “Let’s at least go inside first so I can get you a towel.”

Inside? His house? Ugh. I’d rather die of hypothermia right about now than have to endure any more awkwardness with Cooper.

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