Page 63 of Cooper's Command

She tilted her head, and he swore she’d followed his train of thought. Read the truth from how his breath stalled as his heart raced. Triple digits from nothing more than the promise of her spending the rest of her life with him.

“Something tells me we might need to talk before we get to the screaming part.”

Cooper grinned. She definitely knew he loved her. “I thought actions spoke louder than words?”

“Then, stop stalling, slugger and make love to me.”

He dipped down, kissing her as he reached for the hem of the tee she’d borrowed when Whiskey jumped on the bed, barking twice as she twirled around. Cooper stopped cold, wondering if he’d actually missed some tango hiding in his bushes when someone pounded on his door.

Nova groaned as she pushed her head into the pillow. “When I said I wanted to pick up from that first night, I didn’t mean this part.”

“I’ll kill them. It’s that simple. I’m just going to shoot whoever’s on the porch and we can get right back to riding each other into oblivion. Worry about cleaning up the blood later.”

He eased off, pushing out his next breath through clenched teeth before rising and offering her his hand.

She arched her brow, accepting his help. “Aren’t you going to ask me to come with you?”

“Not setting myself up to disappoint you, again, but yeah. You will be. Soon.”

He led her down the hall, her hand fitting perfectly in his as Whiskey raced ahead. And since the dog didn’t growl or freeze, Cooper knew it was another interruption that wouldn’t be easy to ignore.

He peered through the window, shaking his head before flipping the lock and swinging it open. “I’d say I’m surprised, Hawk, but this seems to be a habit, now.”

Hawk laughed, eyeing them both. “As is the way you both answer the door. Have you considered starting all the action before the clock hits midnight?”

“And eliminate the chance of you interrupting us? That’s crazy.” Cooper sobered. “Everything okay?”

“Aces, as Nova said last time. Except where the DEA doesn’t seem to understand the concept of time zones.”

Nova paled. “Oh god, please tell me Shaughnessy isn’t taking a play out of Cartwright’s book and calling at some ungodly hour.”

“Heisa director.”

“I don’t suppose you’re willing to tell him I’m too injured to make the drive to your office?”

“I can. Or you guys can slip on some clothes, actually have a shot of Glenfiddich this time, and follow me back to the ranch so you can deal with this before it becomes a nightly occurrence.Just do us all a favor and bring Cooper’s truck, in case you decide to go on another sight-seeing tour across the wilds of Hawai’i.”

Nova flipped him off, but they were dressed and pulling up to Hawk’s office in record time. Just like before only this felt different. That elephant they hadn’t discussed weighing down the air.

Cooper snagged her hand before she had a chance to jump out. “Nova, I…”

How did he tell her he loved her without it coming across as a desperate act to convince her to alter her desires to suit his?

She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss. “I know. So, let’s get this over with.”

Then she was out and walking up to the door, waiting until he found the nerve to join her. She took his hand, heading inside as if she wasn’t the least bit afraid this would be the thing that broke them. That, no matter how much they cared, their professional lives just didn’t fit.

Seeing everyone who’d been involved in the op already standing in the room didn’t boost his moral any. Especially, when it meant they’d all witness whatever decision Nova made, first hand.

Nova nudged him. “You okay?”

He worked up a smile. “Aces.”

“Jackass.” She gave his hand a squeeze then took a few steps, glancing back at him with an arched brow.

He nodded, a genuine smile lifting his lips, this time. “Don’t worry. Your ass is still stunning.”

“Excellent. Showtime.”

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