Page 50 of Dream Weaver

Hot, pulsing need filled my veins, and Cooper made a little choked sound. I pressed forward, feeling him go hard. Wanting that, exactly that. Needing it…

Then I stiffened, remembering Claire waiting for me at home.

I dipped my chin slightly, breaking the kiss but staying close. I panted into his chest for the next minute or so, and he held me the whole time.

“Claire…” I whispered, wondering if it was an excuse.

Just a little longer,a man like Jay would say.She’ll be fine.

Cooper nodded, proving he was not that man.

“Got to tuck her in, huh?” he said, respecting the sanctity of that. Encouraging it, even.

I eased away, nodding. “And read her a story.”

He grinned. “Then another, then another…”

I laughed. Boy, did he know the deal.

“Always one more for her,” I said.

He smiled, then pulled me in for a quick hug. “Well, read her one for me. Maybe something about a bear?”

I thought over our options. “Goodnight Moonhas a bear.”

“That’ll do.” In the muffled universe of his hug, I felt his chest rise and fall in a sigh. Then he gently released me. “See you tomorrow.”

My heart stuttered at that reminder of the real world, where I would have to stay on guard. A place where I had to be impatient and annoyed. Where I had to make cutting remarks to ensure everyone knew I was not to be messed with. Where I would have to—

I trailed off there. Did I really have to? This parallel world was a much kinder, gentler place. A dangerous place, too, because the pain set off by letting down my guard was much, much worse.

I stepped away quickly and all but jumped into my car.

“Bye,” Cooper whispered, pivoting aside.

I waved, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Then I drove off.

* * *

“Well, that was fun,” Pippa said once I’d arrived back home. Claire was already in her mermaid pajamas and in the bathroom, getting ready for bed. Then Pippa waggled her eyebrows. “And, wow. If Ingo didn’t exist, I wouldsogo for Cooper.”

“Yeah? I guess I didn’t notice.”

She snorted. “Ha. You noticed, and you know it. I saw your whole body notice, in fact. And those goo-goo eyes you made at him—”

“I did not make goo-goo eyes!”

But, damn. My cheeks heated, and my inner vixen was still yowling for him.

“I nearly called you to offer Claire a sleepover at our place. You know, so you and Cooper could—”

I cut Pippa off before she verbalized precisely what I’d fantasized about.

“Not necessary. Not now, not ever,” I growled.

I hated how Pippa’s eyes pitied me.

“All good, all good,” she covered up quickly, aiming for a lighter tone. “Have a good night.” She bid Claire goodnight, then headed for the door, where she paused.

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