Page 79 of The Riskiest Move

I shrug, downplaying the gesture. “I didn’t want you to be hurting.”

“I appreciate it a lot.” He pops them in his mouth, washing them down with some coffee.

I pull tin-foil-wrapped sandwiches and napkins from the bag and pass one of each to him.

“Thank you. I’m starving.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you like hash brown patties. I added one to your sandwich.”

“Are you kidding? What’s not to like? And why haven’t I ever thought to do this myself?” he asks.

“I guess you’re not as smart as me.” I laugh.

“Clearly, I’m not.” He unwraps his sandwich with one hand and takes a bite. He hums while chewing. I’m glad he likes it.

I stare out at the ocean while sipping my coffee, and think about what a large part Cooper now plays in my life. I love spending time with him no matter what we’re doing. He’s so easy to be around. Aside from Autumn, he’s become my closest friend. But as much as it worries me, it’s time to be an adult and admit I feel more for him than friendship.

It fucking pains me that Autumn was right.Dammit.Now I’ll have to listen to her say “I told you so.” And I really dislike being wrong.

Between now and the end of the football season, I’ll need to remind myself our arrangement has an expiration date and getting too emotionally involved will only lead to heartbreak.

“This is perfect,” Cooper says, interrupting my thoughts. “Thanks for suggesting this.”

I smile. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for your mood.”

He nods, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “You’re right. And I already feel better than I did last night.”

“I was hoping that would happen.”

“So, are you gonna eat your breakfast?” he asks.

“You already finished yours?”

“Yep. I ate that baby in like three bites.”

I laugh and unwrap my sandwich. “Yes. I was just enjoying the gorgeous view first.” I take a bite, and while I chew, he watches me with an expression equivalent to a puppy begging for a treat. When I’ve swallowed, I wash it down with a sip of my coffee. “Would you like some?”

He nods emphatically. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Laughing, I hold the sandwich up in front of his mouth. He leans forward, taking a huge bite. “Hey!” I shove his uninjured arm.

He laughs. “I couldn’t help myself.”

“Next time I’ll know to make you two sandwiches.”

“Great idea.”

I eat a little more and then I hand the rest over to him.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

“Positive. I’m not very hungry in the mornings. I just need my coffee.”

“I wake up starving. If I don’t eat breakfast, I’m screwed.” He devours the rest of the sandwich in no time. There are a few people off in the distance but no one is near us. It’s so peaceful and calming. He wraps his arm around me and we watch the tide in its endless loop of rolling in and back out again.

“If you didn’t play football, what would you want to do for work?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I’ve never indulged myself by thinking about any other career.”

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