Page 75 of The Purest Fake

Cooper takes a large bite of the ice cream and cake combination, closing his eyes as he savors the taste. “Mmm, this is even better than it was the other night. Thanks, Scar.”

I smile, pleased to see him enjoying it. “You’re welcome. Sometimes a little comfort food is just what you need.”

We eat in silence for a few minutes, the only sound the clink of our spoons against the bowls. I can see some of the tension easing from Cooper as he focuses on the simple pleasure of enjoying his dessert.

“You know,” he says after a while, “I’m really glad I came here tonight. I wasn’t sure if I should, but... I just needed to see you.”

My heart warms at his words. “I’m glad you came too. You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone.”

“I could have gone home and talked with Cassie, but I knew you’d make me feel better. Is that selfish of me?”

“Why would that be selfish?”

“Because I just said I came over so you’d make me feel better.”

“What’s wrong with that? When you’re in physical pain, you go to the doctor to get some relief, right?”

“Yeah.” The outer corners of his eyes crinkle as he carefully studies my face.

“Well, when you’re in emotional pain, why would it be wrong to seek out someone you know can lessen that pain? Isn’t that what we all do?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just don’t want you to feel like I’m using you.” He sets down his spoon and turns to face me. “I think you’re amazing, and I’m glad we met. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” His blue eyes are filled with a warmth that causes a flutter in my chest.

“I’m glad we met too, but you’d be fine regardless. You don’t make it to the level you play at without being strong. And I’m happy to be here for you… anytime.”

Cooper reaches out and takes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “I mean it. You always know exactly what to say to make me feel better. And not just tonight. Ever since we started this whole arrangement, you’ve been a bright spot in my life.”

I reach out and gently cup his cheek. “I’m here for you, Cooper. Always.”

He leans into my touch, his eyes softening. For a moment, we just look at each other, and the air between us becomes charged. Cooper clears his throat and pulls back slightly. “I should probably head home. It’s late and I don’t want to keep you up.”

I glance at the clock, surprised to see it’s nearly one in the morning. “You shouldn’t drive this late, especially with your arm in a sling. Why don’t you stay here tonight?”

He hesitates. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. Today has been exhausting. All I want to do is crash for the night.”

I stand up, gathering our empty bowls. “No problem. Let me just clean up here and then I’ll show you to the room.”

As I rinse the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, Cooper leans against the counter, watching me. There’s something in his gaze that makes my heart beat a little faster.

“All set,” I say, drying my hands on a dish towel. He follows me to my room. “Do you mind sleeping in my bed? We don’t have a guest room and I don’t know how Autumn would feel about someone else being in her bed.”

He shakes his head. “This is perfect.”

“I even have extra toothbrushes. Let me grab one for you.” I head into my bathroom and pull one from the drawer, along with a hand towel. When I step back into the bedroom, he looks tired enough to sleep standing up.

“Everything you need should be in there.”

“Thanks.” He toes off his shoes and pads across the hardwood floor, closing himself in the bathroom.

I tidy up a few things while he’s gone and then sit down on my side of the bed. When he leaves the bathroom he walks tothe other side of the mattress, fumbling with the button on his khakis. “Goddammit.” I can hear the frustration in his voice.

I crawl over the comforter to him. “Let me help.” I undo the button and zipper. As I back away, I notice his erection.

“Sorry. It’s unavoidable with you helping me out of my pants.”

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