Page 45 of Summer Nights

"How do you know?" No one called me out like Cooper did.

"I can practically hear your thoughts from over here. You're worried about what people will think. What people will say. But you've decided that you'll overcome all of that."

I blew out a breath. "It's frustrating how well you know me."

He smiled. "I've been paying attention to you for a while now."

"Are you saying you liked me before we hooked up?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I was attracted to you. But I'm not sure I would have made a move if we hadn't been alone together."

I nodded. "Being alone together like this is how we got into trouble."

"And there's no reason why we shouldn't continue to take care of each other's needs," he said softly.

"Are you suggesting a physical relationship?" I asked him.

"I wouldn't be opposed. Dalton mentioned once how horny Oakley is, now that she's pregnant."

"Damn pregnancy hormones." I hadn't experienced that yet, but I'd read it on one of my online searches.

"We can be as much or as little as you want us to be. I'm just asking that you let me be there for you and the baby. Labels don't matter to me."

I thought about it while he moved around the kitchen. For once, I wasn't paying attention to his work. "Okay."

"Okay, what?" Cooper asked to clarify.

"We can do it your way." I had a feeling I was going to regret this.

His eyes lit up. "You're okay with a physical relationship?"

I swallowed hard. "We might as well enjoy ourselves. I'm pregnant. Not dead."

Cooper crossed the room, turning my stool so that he stood in front of me. I let my legs fall open as he stepped between them. "I'll always take care of you," he murmured before he lifted my chin and kissed me. The worries, doubts, and what-ifs fell away as I gave in to the familiar sensation of his mouth on mine. My hands ghosted over his shirt, feeling the hard muscles underneath.

"I wish we had a bed. I want to take my time with you. I want to taste you." His eyes flashed with desire as he stepped back, holding his hand out to me.

When I put my hand in his, he tugged me to stand. He kissed me again, his hands ghosting over my ass, then tugging the zipper down.

He removed my skirt and then dropped to his knees in front of me. He guided my panties down my legs, and then off.

"Take off your blouse and your bra. I want to see you."

I was wet just standing there with him on his knees. He waited while I slowly unbuttoned my blouse. I let the shirt fall to the floor. Then I unhooked my bra. I was naked in front of him.

His gaze roamed down my body. "Gorgeous." Then he nudged my legs apart as he parted my folds. He placed one leg over his shoulder, opening me up to him.

I was vulnerable in this position. I usually preferred to be on the giving side of oral sex, but I had a feeling Cooper would make me feel good. He'd probably ruin me for all other men, and I didn't want to miss a minute of this. My fingers tangled in his hair, holding him to me.

He lifted his head long enough to say, "Tweak your nipples for me."

I nearly moaned at his naughty words, but I followed his directions. I wanted his mouth on me too much to argue.

He hummed his appreciation under his breath as he leaned closer to lick and suck. My knees immediately softened and went weak. I wobbled on the one leg, so I leaned against the stool, giving him more control over my body. I was opening myself up to him.

I'd never felt more exposed. But I pushed those thoughts away and let my eyes drift closed.

He nipped my clit with his teeth, my eyes flying open. "I want you to look at what I'm doing to you."

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