Page 60 of Claws and Feathers

“Youknow,” she said with obvious undertones.

“Did we have sex? Like, twelve feet away from you and James with the door wide open? Is that what you’re getting it?”

Kate nodded with enthusiasm.

Cooper sauntered up beside her. “What now?”

“I was asking if you guys bumped uglies,” Kate explained. “Abby’s acting like I’m out of my mind for thinking such a thing, despite walking in on you two practically humping each other in the middle of the room.”

Abby held up her hand. “I tripped into his arms, okay?” She furrowed her brow, realizing how absurd that had sounded.

Kate shook her head with pity. “That was just sad.”

“I know,” Abby agreed with a sigh.

James walked up behind Kate, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll give you a ride.” He turned to Cooper. “You ready, McAllister? If not, I can come pick you up later.”

They had driven together. Abby glanced at Cooper, awaiting his response. Was he ready to go? If he wasn’t ready, what did that mean? She held her breath.

Cooper stuffed his hands in his pockets with all the nonchalance in the world. “I’m good. I’ll walk home later.”

Abby’s heartbeat picked up. He wanted to stay. With her.

Andnot go there.

Why?

James nodded. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow then.”

Abby gave Kate a nudge with her elbow, cocking her head towards James with clear implication. “Yeah?” she asked with a cheeky smile.

Kate grinned. “Oh, yeah.” Then she mimicked Abby’s elbow jab, nodding at Cooper. “Yeah?”

Abby glanced at Cooper. He was staring at her with his eyebrow raised.

“You know we’re both standing right here. You’re not being subtle,” Cooper noted.

Kate cleared her throat. “Okay, so, we’re going to go now.” She winked dramatically. “You two have fun.”

James and Kate disappeared out the front door and Abby and Cooper were left with the not subtle remnants of her exit.

Abby dared to spare Cooper another look as she folded her arms. The silence wrapped around them, making her feel oddly nervous. “Are you hungry? I can cook something.”

Cooper shifted on his feet, his hands still in his pockets. “I was thinking that while you have me here, I could do some more house projects for you,” he offered. “I’m sure I didn’t exactly inspire you with my painting skills, but I blame the day drinking for that.”

“Oh, that’s really nice of you.” Abby shrugged with a smile. “There’s not much left to do except for my photography space. I’m turning the garage into a studio and building a carport. I have some professionals coming out this week to work on it.”

“Can I see?”

Abby studied him, charmed that he was interested. “Sure. There’s not much to see yet. It’s kind of a mess.”

He didn’t seem to mind, so she led him outside through the back door. The pre-dusk air was intoxicating as she sucked it into her lungs. Cooper was walking beside her, his eyes thoughtful, and she wondered what he was thinking. She was sharply aware of his proximity while they stepped in similar time, making their way to the two-car garage. There was no electricity yet, so the only source of light was the setting sun and her cell phone flashlight. She shined it into the garage, pointing to different areas of the space and explaining her vision.

“I still need to order my lighting equipment and backdrops. I’ll need soft boxes and props. There’s a lot that goes into it.” Abby stepped inside, enjoying the smell of sawdust in her nose. It was the scent of possibilities. New dreams coming to life. “I’m going to make a little office space over there,” she said, gesturing to a far corner.

Cooper trailed behind her, taking in the scene. “There’s a lot of potential here,” he told her. “I’m impressed.”

She smiled. “Well, thanks. I’m impressed you took down an armed gunman yesterday and then showed up to help me paint today.”

---