Page 33 of A Scoring Chance

“Love you, too, baby girl. And happy birthday.”

I plant a kiss on the top of her head before turning to head for the door. I hesitate before opening it. It would only take a few more minutes to change before heading to lunch. Cooper has been waiting this long. What’s a few more minutes?

Decision made. I turn to head toward the other side of the house when there’s a soft knock on the door. I guess my time is up. I open the door and find Cooper standing on the porch. His hands are tucked into his jeans pockets. The sleeves of his Henley are pushed up slightly, and he has tattoos. The left arm has intricately detailed feathers wrapping around the inside of his forearm. On the right, there’s a gorgeously scriptedeverpeeking out from beneath his shirt. Forearm porn for the win. Ireally need to find something unattractive about this man, or I’m liable to do something potentially idiotic.

“I don’t mean to rush you, but we have someplace to be.”

“We do? I was just planning on heading to Nosh & Nostalgia to grab a sandwich or something before my shift at The Pit Stop later tonight.”

“Oh, Lord.” He chuckles, pulling the door open and ushering me out. “Is there any way to find someone who could cover your shift? No one should work on their birthday.”

I could lie to him and tell him no, but there’s something in his eyes that has me hesitating. He looks so excited and hopeful, and a part of me wants to know what he has in store for us today. He couldn’t have set up anything too extravagant in such a short amount of time.

I head down the stairs toward our vehicles, not bothering to turn around before answering his question. “Lucky for us, Alise already took care of that. Someone is covering my shift for tonight and tomorrow night.”

Cooper grasps my wrist, spinning me around. “Hmm, does that mean I get your full, undivided attention for two whole days?”

Cooper steps closer, leaving only a few inches of space between us. His scent surrounds me, clouding my senses for what seems like the millionth time. It wouldn’t take much of an effort to raise up on my toes and press my lips against his. His body is leaning toward me like a moth drawn to the flame. I know he wouldn’t push me away. The problem is, once I take that step, there’s no going back. So, instead of taking a leap of faith, I press my hand against his chest, dropping my forehead on it and breaking the spell.

He sighs loudly, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into his chest. I sag into his arms. “Sorry,” I mumble into his chest, not really sure what I’m apologizing for honestly.

“You never have to apologize to me, Beauty.” He releases my waist and takes a step back, but not before grabbing both of my hands. “It’s your birthday. Whatever you say goes.” He winks at me before leaning forward and planting a kiss on my forehead.

“So if I say I want to head to Nosh & Nostalgia?”

“Anything but that.” He chuckles, pulling me toward his car. “Your chariot awaits, milady.”

My lips curve up in a smile as I climb into his truck with a little more effort than I’d like to admit. Thank goodness for the running boards, or I would’ve had to make a running leap to get inside. Once I’m seated, Cooper reaches for the seat belt and pulls it over my lap before tucking me in.

“I could do that myself, you know.”

“I know, but you’re precious cargo, Beauty. Nothing bad is ever going to happen to you on my watch.” He closes the door softly before heading over to the driver’s side of the car.

Oh. My. God. Is he for real? I haven’t been on a date in years, but I don’t remember anyone treating me like I could break at any moment. I need to remember that this is nothing more than lunch between two people who share a friend who loves to meddle. More importantly, this is not a date. No matter how much a tiny part of me wants to pretend it is.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask as Cooper slides into the driver’s seat and eases his truck away from my house.

“Of course not. What kind of birthday surprise would it be if you knew where we were going?”

“You really don’t have to do all of this, Cooper. I didn’t mean to pressure you into anything by telling you it was my birthday. If I wasn’t so flustered, I’d never have said anything about it at all. It’s no big deal, honestly.”

“I fluster you?”

Out of everything I just said, that’s what he fixates on? I don’t know whether I want to smack him or kiss him right now. Probably both, but neither is happening while he’s driving me wherever we’re going.

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

I narrow my eyes at him as the corner of his mouth pulls up. He’s enjoying this a little too much. I could tell him no again, but I have a feeling he won’t let this go until I admit it. I wiggle slightly in my seat, trying to think of the best way to answer him without showing him all my cards.

“Okay, maybe a little.”

“Only a little?”

“Don’t push it, Hendrix.”

Cooper chuckles as he eases his truck onto I-5 North, toward Portland. So we’re going into the city, which makes perfect sense. Portland is where Cooper spends most of his time. I pick a wayward piece of lint off my pants before pulling my bottom lip into my mouth. I’m not really dressed for a fancy restaurant in the city, but neither is Cooper. But I doubt it matters for him at all. People are likely bending over backward, begging him to be seen at their restaurant, so he can get away with anything. But I doubt I’ll be afforded the same luxury.

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