Page 298 of 5+Us Makes Seven

Would he even want me as a girlfriend? A million questions went through my mind as I rushed to my bedroom to pick out something to wear. I wanted to look sensual not slutty.

As I got dressed and freshened up, I thought about what to tell him. The truth is best, I told myself. Even if he wants nothing to do with you after it. But what is the truth about my feelings?

I told myself I was only going over to his apartment to talk and explain my actions the other night, but I wore my special red panties just in case things got heated. With a man like him, how could they not?

In the cab on the way over, I sat with my legs pressed firmly together, wondering if the skirt I’d chosen was too short. He probably already thought I was using him for sex.

Did he think that’s why I was coming over? The questions spun in my brain, causing me to become even more nervous. Ever since losing my job as a freelance journalist, I lacked the confidence I once had.

My father had said I was crazy and needed to work harder, but after not even a week in Afghanistan, my life had changed dramatically, one thing crashing after another. And Cooper was connected to that.

Was that why I wanted to see him again so desperately? A hope he would have answers I’d not been able to find on my own? Only one way to tell. He’s either going to understand or be an asshole.

The cab arrived at his apartment. I paid the driver then got out, the wind whipping up and sending my hair in every direction. I rushed to his front door where a man in a nice blue uniform opened it.

“Welcome to Rosary Tower,” he said. “Are you here to see someone?”

He held a tablet in his left hand.

“I’m here to see Mr. Anderson. He’s expecting me.”

“Hold on a minute,” he said, scanning the tablet screen. “I don’t see your name.”

“Can you call him? I just talked to him half-an-hour ago.”

“Sure. Hold on.”

I watched nervously as he walked over to a desk and picked up a phone. Maybe I should just go. Like that night in Afghanistan and the other night, this is yet another bad idea.

He walked back over with a smile on his face.

“Sorry about that, ma’am. I’ll walk you to the elevators.”

“Thank you,” I said. “What room is he in?”

“He’s got the entire top floor. Mr. Anderson is the king of the tenants here.”

I nodded.

“That’s right. I get so confused.”

He smiled politely, stopping as we reached two elevator doors.

“Here you go, ma’am. You have a wonderful evening.”

“Thank you again,” I said then walked into the elevator.

After the door closed, I took a deep breath. It was too late to turn back. Or was it? Mixed emotions made me dizzy as the elevator car rose toward the top of the three-story building.

When the elevator door opened, I stepped off into a small foyer. A door opened, and Cooper walked out, a smile on his face and a robe covering his body.

“I stayed in the hot tub too long. Come in.”

“Hot tub, huh?”

He nodded, putting his hand on my back and leading me inside his opulent apartment.

“Nice place,” I said, glancing around.

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