Page 20 of Love in Overtime

My phone buzzes again.

Fine.

I’m sure he isn’t thrilled about this party, but he’ll have to deal with it. It’s my job to encourage him to get out of his comfort zone whether he likes it or not.

I look through my clothes, trying to find something to wear to this party. The temperatures dip in the evenings, and there was even a freak snowstorm a few nights ago.

Tonight’s event will be held in the estate’s massive garden, so I decide to go with a black, fitted, sweater dress and black boots.

Just as I finish spritzing perfume on my wrists, there’s a knock at my door. When I open it, my stomach does a flip. It’s Cooper.

His eyes run over me, and then he shifts around uncomfortably.

“You didn’t tell me what to wear to this thing. I’m not changing, so this better work.”

I have no complaints about what he’s wearing. He looks as dashing as ever in his black button-down shirt and gray slacks that hug his legs to perfection. I catch myself looking at his legs and quickly avert my attention before he notices.

“You look great,” I blurt out. “I mean, great for the party.”

Cooper twists his mouth to the side. “Thanks … so do you.”

We both grow quiet as he lingers in the doorway of my room.

“Are you ready to go?” I ask finally.

“No.”

I shrug. “Okay, we can stay here.”

He raises his eyebrows. Ha. Does he think I’m serious?

“I’m kidding,” I say, sliding my room key into my clutch purse. “Let’s go.”

Cooper holds the door open for me, and we make our way to the elevator.

“It’ll be fun. Don’t worry.”

The Harrisons’ home is unreal. The backyard looks like a scene out of a movie, with fairy lights illuminating the gardens. Music from the live band fills the air, setting the stage for a fun evening. The cobblestone paths are lined with bright purple, red, and orange mums, and there are pumpkins everywhere, giving all the Hallmark fall movie vibes. I quickly snap a few pictures to send to Sophie.

There are tables of food set up on the massive patio, and they are full of every kind of fall-themed treat imaginable.

“This party is so dreamy,” I say to Cooper.

“Sure, dreamy,” he repeats.

“Come on, you know you want to try some of this food.” Without thinking I grab on to his arm to pull him toward thetables. Naturally I’m met with solid muscle, which makes me slightly dizzy. One thing is for sure, Cooper is in tip-top physical condition.

He doesn’t protest my suggestion, so maybe food will help him loosen up a little.

As we browse the selections, Cooper hands me a small plate and our fingers brush each other’s, shooting an electric current through my body. How is it possible this man can make me have such strong reactions with such simple, unintentional acts? We’re standing at a food table in the middle of a party.

“Um, I think I’ll grab a drink first,” he says. “I see my teammate Dawson at the bar.”

He starts to walk away and then stops and turns around. “Can I get you a drink?”

Hmm … a shot of something strong might be a good idea.

“Just a Diet Coke for now,” I say.

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