Page 33 of Enticed

Ever since I lost my control and kissed her at Kane’s party, all I’ve been able to think about is feeling her lips on mine again.

“No kidding. So, what’s on the agenda now? I could really use some coffee.”

“Wanna walk down to the Starbucks on the corner, grab some coffee, and then come back so Roark can play?” I ask as I bend down to offer the last of my water bottle to Roark, pouring the liquid into his mouth so he can lop up what he can.

“Sounds perfect.”

I place my hand on the small of her back, guiding her towards the break in the sidewalk that will lead us towards the street. I’m well aware she knows where she’s going, but I’m trying to find any excuse to touch her right now and the trees lining the pavement provide ample privacy. I want to reach for her hand, clasp her fingers in between mine—but there are cars and people passing by left and right as we exit the foliage, and I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. Besides, that would draw unnecessary attention to us and the last thing I want is to give people something to gossip about even more. As far as everyone is concerned, the only reason we’re together right now is to fulfill the terms of our contract. No one needs to also know that I’m enjoying the shit out of this right now.

We order our coffees and I pay with some cash I stuffed in my pocket earlier, like the intelligent gentleman that I am—and then head back to the park. I retrieve Roark’s ball from the bed of my truck before cruising to the dog park so I can unhook him from his leash and let him run until his heart’s content.

“Does he ever get tired?” Clara asks, taking a seat at one of the benches before I join her.

“It takes a lot to get him there, which is why I do this with him every chance I get.” Taking a sip of my coffee, I survey the fenced-in area and the three other dogs in here, raising my cup in greeting to their owners.

“When did you get him?” Clara turns to face me, tucking one of her feet up under her on the bench.

“I got him a year ago. He’s only two, and still very much a puppy. But I kinda got lonely coming home to an empty house after my shifts and I’ve always wanted a dog I could run with and take everywhere. German Shepard’s are loyal and intelligent, so when I saw him at the pound, I knew I had to have him.”

“Aww, you two have your own little bromance, huh?” She teases.

“Definitely. He’s my best friend.”

Clara’s eyes seek Roark out as he jumps and plays with one of the other dogs. “So, you got a dog since you were lonely. Any women to keep you company?” She slips in the last question, avoiding my face.

“Not for almost a year,” I answer honestly. “The last serious relationship I had was in college. We ultimately wanted different things and I don’t think she could handle being with someone in my line of work. I’ve dated a bit, but that’s usually a deal breaker for some women.”

“Yeah, I can see that being tough.” Her entire body shifts so she’s facing me now. “God, Cooper. I feel like I don’t even know you. I mean, my memories of you involved me calling you Twiggy,” she laughs, and I join her. “The last time I saw you was the week before I left for college, and then briefly over Thanksgiving breaks each year. But you’ve lived this whole life in those years where we didn’t see each other, and now you’re this man and… it’s just so crazy. I feel like I’m sitting with someone I’ve known forever, yet don’t know at all.”

I reach out to stroke her cheek with my thumb, her eyes wide at my gesture. “I’m still that same person—though, not so Twiggy anymore,” I wink, which makes her grin. “But I get what you’re saying. I feel that way about you too. You were my sister’s annoying friend who teased me, never left my house, and who I secretly had a little bit of a crush on…” I say, alerting myself instantly to the confession I just let slip.

Clara swats my chest playfully. “You had a crush on me? How did I not know this?” She’s grinning from ear to ear, and I’m cursing myself in my head.

“It wasn’t a huge crush, just a little notice of how you looked in a bikini, is all…” I look away, but Clara grabs my chin and redirects my face back at her.

“You pervy little boy,” she growls and fuck, if it doesn’t bring back that image of her in the teal bikini and bring my dick to standing attention.

“I assure you, I’m not a little boy anymore, Clara,” I rest my hand on her thigh, careful not to push my limits too far in public.

She releases my face, but is still fairly close to me. “Oh, I’m well aware, Cooper.”

We stare at each other, the desire between us escalating again as I fight with myself on not closing the gap to kiss her, when Roark appears before us and barks to get our attention.

“Are you ready for your ball, bud?” I reach for his neck, roughing him up a bit before standing and launching his ball across the field as he chases after it. He triumphantly returns, dropping the ball at Clara’s feet.

“He wants you to throw it this time, it looks like,” I encourage her as she bends down, grabs the ball, and throws it out for Roark. Seeing her relaxed and smiling, spending time with my dog and just enjoying being—it makes me thankful she bid on me, even though she says it was a favor.

When Roark is finally spent and the sun is glaring almost directly above us, Clara’s stomach growls beside me as we’re walking to my truck.

“I think it’s time I feed you by the sound of the monster rumbling in your stomach,” I tease.

“I think you’re right. What sounds good?”

“You pick,” I say once we’re buckled inside and I exit the parking lot.

“Up for some sandwiches from The Corner Bakery?” She tilts her head at me in question.

“Sounds perfect.”

---