Page 16 of Summer Nights

But if I was right about Ivy, she wouldn't let herself feel anything more than desire for me. If she did, she'd break things off. Was it too much to hope for, that we could continue as is?

Chapter Five

Ivy

As much as I wanted to enjoy the sexy interludes with Cooper, I couldn't help but feel like I was being incredibly reckless. I never got involved with someone as intense as him. I stuck with guys that were looking for a good time, more like his twin, Shepard.

Cooper had taken control of our interactions, and I was powerless to stop it. I couldn't resist the way he handled me, easily lifting me and pressing me against the door. With him, I was able to block out everything: my worries, concerns, and the niggling self-doubt that were never far from my consciousness.

It was like he was wrestling the demons from my soul while simultaneously giving me the most intense orgasms I'd ever experienced.

Even though fucking against a door wasn't intimate, I still felt oddly vulnerable when I was in his presence. It felt like my walls were flimsier than usual. Like he had X-ray vision and could see through my fortifications.

I intended to confront him when I opened the door, but he'd immediately pressed me against the nearest solid surface and had his way with me. I'd forgotten my good intentions and all my objections. I was sure that was his goal. Instead of using words, he used his body.

Not that I was complaining, but I needed to put a stop to whatever we were doing and soon. The only problem was, my body was constantly humming with desire now, and I needed my next Cooper fix. He'd primed me to crave what only he could give me.

It was completely unprofessional, and if anyone had walked in on us, that would be the end of my career. But so far, the houses were vacant and under contract, so no one was booking showings.

The riskier proposition was my heart. I had never let anyone in outside of family. My father didn't stick around long enough to meet me. Why would anyone else care about me?

That was the cruel reality of life. My friends might have had softer upbringings, but I couldn't ignore where I came from. It shaped who I was today.

I prided myself on being smart and making good decisions. But somehow, Cooper erased all of that. I needed to take back control of the situation somehow. But I still wanted him. It was so infuriating.

On Friday night, I went out with the girls, dancing to the music and enjoying the flirting of the men at the bar. But I hadn't felt a flutter of desire because Cooper wasn't there.

Now it was Saturday, and there was a possibility I'd see Cooper. He'd texted to say he was planning to play basketball with his brothers, and he was looking forward to seeing Duncan again. I didn't pass that message along to Duncan.

I knew what it was like to wish and hope for something and never have it happen. I dreamed of my father coming home and apologizing for not being there sooner. That he loved me and never wanted to leave.

But it was a dream, not reality. I'd never even met my father. But if he showed up now, I'd have a few choice words for him. None of them would be welcoming. I didn't need him then, and I certainly didn't need him now.

"Will Cooper be there?" Duncan asked from the back seat as we drove toward the park.

"I don't know. He works as a contractor, so he might have had to go in to work. Or something could have come up."

He looked out the window. "He's busy."

"It will be a nice surprise if he is here." As we pulled into the lot, Duncan pointed and said, "It looks like Cooper's here."

Sure enough, the lot contained a few Kingston Construction trucks.

"Hold up," I said, but he'd opened the door and jumped out before I could caution him. I waited for Rae to get out and took her water bottle from her. "Are you going to the playground?"

She nodded. "Yup."

"I'm going to check on your brother."

"Okay," she said as she ran into the fenced area that surrounded the playground. A few years ago, they'd added sunshades, so I didn't have to worry about her getting too hot.

I followed Duncan at a slower pace. He came to a halt at the edge of the court, watching the men play. Half weren't wearing shirts, and of course, that was always Cooper's team. It was ridiculous that men this hot would play shirtless to drive all the ladies in the vicinity crazy.

But only one man had my attention, Cooper Kingston. He ran up and down the court, his muscles straining as he jumped to block a shot and bunched as he recovered the rebound and tucked it into his side until the rest of the players ran down the court.

"I think they're still playing. You want to play on the playground until they're done?" I gestured toward the structure behind us.

"I want to watch."

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