Page 81 of The Riskiest Move

“What’s she like?”

“She’s loving and kind. Growing up, she was always baking something, so our house always smelled like a bakery.”

“She sounds like the epitome of motherly,” I say.

Smiling, he nods. “She’s the best. While my dad is strict, my mom is less so. She’s always been more understanding of my shortcomings.”

I snort. “Shortcomings? You don’t have any.”

He chuckles. “Sure I do. I’m just hiding them from you to make a good impression.”

My head tips as I gaze into his eyes. “Why do you care what I think?”

“Because I care about you.” Leaning in, he presses his forehead to mine. “You’re important to me.”

My stomach falls and rises like I’m riding a roller coaster.

“I am?”

He gives a tiny nod, rubbing our heads together. “You’ve seamlessly slipped into my life, and now I can’t imagine you not being a part of it.”

Cue the butterflies. And not just a few. It feels like a whole kaleidoscope of them took flight in my gut.

“You’ve done the same with me. I look forward to hearing from you and spending time with you.” I rub the tip of my noseagainst his and contemplate kissing him. His arm that’s hooked around my waist draws me closer.He wants to kiss me too.

“Rocky!” I hear a woman’s voice shout and then a large golden retriever runs onto our blanket.

Cooper and I break apart like children with their hands caught in the cookie jar.

“I’m so sorry,” the attractive owner apologizes, hooking the dog’s leash. “Oh my God. You’re Cooper Grind.” She beams at him.

He smiles back. “I am.”

“You’ve been such a great addition to the team.”

“Thank you.”

“I never miss a game.” She bends over, patting the dog, exposing her cleavage. “And neither does Rocky.”

I find myself leaning into Cooper, and his arm folds around my back once more.

“Well, I won’t interrupt you two any longer,” she says.

Hmph. Nice of her to notice me.

“Have a nice day,” he says.

“You too.” She sends a final appraising look his way before she and her perfect boy jog off.

“That was some rack,” I say.

Cooper barks out a laugh. “I didn’t notice.”

“How could you miss it?”

“All I was thinking about was her leaving so I could do this.” He eliminates the small distance between us, closing his lips over mine. I sink into him, my hand cupping his cheek. His warm lips are insistent in their gentle exploration. I part mine, deepening the kiss. When our tongues meet, I release a soft sound of satisfaction. Threading my fingers through his hair, I pull him to me as the moment’s urgency takes over.

When we finally part, I’m breathless and can barely form a coherent thought. My eyes open to find Cooper looking just as affected as I am.

---