Page 49 of Dangerous Secret

His phone rang as he headed for the kitchen. He pulled it out of a pocket, looked at the screen, then returned to her. “It’s Grayson. Why don’t you talk to him while I make your tea.”

She took the phone. “Grayson?”

“Hey. Are you okay?”

“Yes…no, not really. Cooper said you’re on the way here?”

“I’m a half hour out. Pressley’s gone?”

“Yes, thanks to Cooper. I…” She didn’t know what she wanted to say. Only that she needed him.

“We’ll talk when I get there.”

“Okay.” Just hearing his voice calmed her, and she didn’t want to hang up. But she was being silly. Anthony was gone, and nothing had happened. Other than her ex-husband scaring her to death. Cooper brought her the cup of tea, and she handed him back his phone.

“Your lip’s still bleeding.” He held out a wet paper towel. “Gray’s going to go ballistic if he sees blood on you.”

Was it wrong to like the idea of Grayson going ballistic on her behalf? She took the wadded-up paper towel and put it on her lip. It was cold from the water and soothed the stinging from Anthony’s bite.

Einstein peeked around the corner from the hallway. For once, he was silent. “Come here, sweet boy. The bad man’s gone.” Was he hurt? He studied Cooper for a moment and apparently decided he wasn’t a bad man and ran to her.

“Last time I saw him, he was talking my ear off.” Cooper settled in the chair across from her.

“He’s confused. He’s never met a bad man before.” Sheran her hands over him, checking for any swelling. “Maybe I should take him to the vet.”

“Did something happen to him?”

“He tried to be a hero and attacked Anthony. Anthony threw him against the wall.”

“Just another reason your ex needs to be taught a lesson.”

“One of many.” Einstein hadn’t flinched or made a sound when she’d pressed her fingers against him, and she hoped that meant he was okay. He made a tiny chirping noise, then curled up on her lap and went to sleep.

“Gray told me that you’re designing us a new website. We need one. I slapped up something, but it’s not great.”

“It’s not bad, but I can do better.” It seemed as if he understood she needed a break from thinking about Anthony and what had almost happened. “Want to see what I have so far?”

“I’ll wait until you’re finished and be impressed all at once.”

“Give me a few days, and I’ll have it ready for you guys to see.” There was something really sweet about Cooper, and she wondered if he had a wife or girlfriend. He wasn’t wearing a wedding ring, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything. He was going to be a great husband or boyfriend to some lucky woman.

A ding sounded from Cooper’s watch, and he glanced at it. “Your man is here, so I’ll take myself off.”

“Thank you for—”

“No thanks necessary.” He shook a finger at her. “No more opening your door to that scuzzbag.”

“Good word for him.”

“I have more, but they’re not as nice as that one.”

She chuckled, surprised that she could find something amusing after what had almost happened.

After looking through the peephole, Cooper opened the door. He and Grayson talked for a minute, their voices too low to hear. As he spoke with Cooper, his gaze slid to her, and he winked. And whoa, her stomach had more butterflies fluttering their wings than she had room for. Like thousands. Millions maybe.

She didn’t know what to do with the happiness his being here gave her. Was it a good thing or not? But she needed to remember that being with him was only a temporary thing. That meant she had to guard her heart. Keep it tucked away where it wouldn’t be vulnerable. Her time with Grayson was simply something she was selfishly taking for herself while she had the freedom to do so.

Cooper gave her a smile, and then left.

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