Page 21 of The Riskiest Move

“Who is she?” I ask.

Cooper laughs. “You don’t know?”

I shake my head. “I have no idea.”

“Her father owns the Silverbacks.”

“Oh.” I cover my mouth and laugh. “I’m glad I asked you. At least I’ll know for future reference.”

The bartender slides our drinks across the bar. Cooper hands me my espresso martini, and we clink glasses before taking a sip. The rich coffee flavor mingles with the vodka, providing a much-needed boost after our dance and encounter with Mrs. Wilkins.

“That went well,” Cooper says, his voice low. “Thanks for playing along.”

I smile. “No problem. That’s what I’m here for. I guess we should expect more of that tonight, huh?”

He nods, looking around the room. “Probably. These events are always full of people looking for the latest gossip.”

“Then we’ll have to give them something to talk about,” I say with a wink, surprising myself with my boldness. Not that I’ve ever been shy when it comes to men. But with Cooper it’s different. There’s something about him that makes me hold back.

Cooper raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh yeah? What did you have in mind?”

Before I can respond, we’re interrupted by a flash of light. A photographer stands a few feet away, lowering his camera.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he says with a grin, suggesting he’s not sorry at all. “Mind if I get a few more shots of the happy couple?”

“Sure, no problem.” Cooper sets his glass on the bar behind us. Tightening his arm around my waist, he rests his hand on my hip and plasters on a smile.

Leaning into his side, I tilt my head toward him and smile. The camera flashes a few more times.

“Perfect,” the photographer says. “You two look great together. How about one with a kiss?”

Cooper tenses beside me. We haven’t discussed how far we’d take this charade in public. But before I can overthink, Cooper turns to me, his blue eyes searching mine for permission. I give a subtle nod.

He cups my cheek gently and leans in, pressing his lips to mine in a soft, chaste kiss. It only lasts a moment, but I feel a tingle of electricity buzz through me. When Cooper pulls away, his eyes are slightly wider, as if he felt it too.

The photographer snaps a few more shots, oblivious to the moment we just shared. “Thanks. These are all fantastic.”

As he walks away, neither of us knows what to say. I take a large sip of my martini, needing something to do with my hands.

“Well,” Cooper says, clearing his throat. “That should convince everyone we’re a couple.”

I nod, forcing a laugh. “Definitely.”

He grins, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

We’re saved from further awkwardness by the arrival of Autumn and Rogan.

“There you two are,” Autumn says, her curious gaze darting between us. “We’ve been looking for you.”

“Dancing makes me thirsty, so we stepped away to grab some drinks.”

“And to give the paparazzi a show, apparently,” Rogan adds with a smirk. “That photographer seemed pretty excited about getting shots of you two.”

Cooper shrugs. “Just playing the part.”

“Mrs. Wilkins is already telling everyone about what an adorable couple you are,” Autumn says.

My hand tightens on my glass. “Damn. Word travels fast here, huh?”

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