Page 76 of The Purest Fake

“Don’t apologize for getting turned on around me. I’m flattered. If you weren’t injured, I’d be taking advantage of the opportunity.”

“He shoves his pants down, kicks them free from his legs, then peels his socks off with one hand. “Fuck. Can you please help me for a second?”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“I have to take this sling off to remove my jacket and then I have to put the damn thing back on.”

“Yeah, no problem.” I slip from the bed to stand in front of him. I carefully maneuver the sling from him and help him remove his jacket, leaving him in a t-shirt and boxers.

“I wish I could sleep without that torture device on.”

“It’s not that bad,” I say.

“Have you ever worn one?” he challenges.

“No, but at least it’s not a cast that can’t be removed. Let’s get the sling back on you so you can get some sleep.” I position it around his arm, then fasten the Velcro to hold it in place. “All set.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Do you need anything else before I get in bed?”

He shakes his head. “I’m good.”

I climb onto the mattress and crawl over to my side. When I glance at Cooper, he’s looking at my ass, and I realize I’m wearing sleeping shorts that leave little to the imagination. Oh well, I’m not taking the time to change now. Drawing back thecomforter, I slip beneath, and he does the same on the other side. I reach out, turning off the lamp.

“Thanks for letting me crash here,” he says.

“You’re welcome. Now, get some sleep.”

“Night, Scar.”

“Night, boytoy.”

CHAPTER 21

COOPER

I’m not sure if it’s my throbbing shoulder that wakes me or the morning wood situation between my legs. It could also have something to do with the angel lying on my chest with her shiny, dark hair splayed over my skin.

Scarlett is still sound asleep, her body molded against mine and her breath warm against my neck. Her arm is draped over my stomach, and one of her legs is nestled between mine. I can feel the soft rise and fall of her chest with each breath she takes. The intimate position fires off conflicting emotions in me. It’s impossible not to feel desire for her and want to explore that further. But in addition to being beautiful and sexy, she’s also intelligent, kind, funny—the list of her positive qualities could go on infinitely. And those traits make me enjoy her company and want to be in her presence as much as possible.

My mind drifts back to last night and how she listened to me and comforted me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her. She helped me stop the spiraling dread I was feeling and reminded me this is only a temporary setback.

I try to stay still, not wanting to wake her. I can’t help but savor this moment, another first for me. I only wish my arm wasn’t in this sling so I could hold her properly. Or wake her upwith an orgasm. But it’s probably for the best that I can’t, since I’m already crazy about her.

There.Finally, I’m admitting my growing feelings for Scarlett—at least to myself. I doubt I’ll confess them to her, though. Instead, I’ll make the most of our arrangement and enjoy the time we have while it lasts. When the season ends, I’ll still have Scarlett’s friendship, and that’ll be enough. Correction: It’ll have to be.

My gaze lowers to her face, gliding over the elegant contours. She looks so peaceful with the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Her thick eyelashes make dark crescent shapes against her unblemished skin. Her nose is thin and straight above dark pink lips—such kissable lips. The thought sends a jolt of desire through me, making my already hard cock twitch.

Down boy.

My legs are cramping, which is pretty standard after a hard game, but my back is also sore. I’m guessing it’s probably something to do with the beating I took yesterday. The field is not a forgiving surface, especially when you slam down onto it repeatedly.

When I shift slightly to relieve some of the discomfort in my body, Scarlett stirs, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly wakes up. There’s a moment of confusion before recognition dawns.

“Good morning,” she murmurs, her voice husky from sleep.

“Morning,” I say, unable to keep the affection from my tone. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

---