Page 17 of Blow Me Away
“And what exactly is in that bag?” she wondered, her nose scrunching up slightly as a smile came to her face.
“Clothes,” Benjamin said loudly, reminding them they weren’t alone. “Now, will you two get out of here? Don’t you have a banquet to get to?”
Elliott chuckled as Cooper pulled her close, not saying anything to their friends as he led her over to the door. He walked her out to her car and opened the passenger door for her. She climbed in, smiling as he closed the door before he walked around and climbed in behind the wheel.
“Are you nervous?” He asked as they pulled down the street and began their forty-five minute drive to the event center.
“If I say yes, are you going to tease me?” She wondered, leaning her head against the seat as she glanced over at him.
Cooper shook his head, keeping his eyes on the road. “You know I’d never make fun of you for something like that, huracà. If you are, let me help ease your fears.”
“I think that’s the first time you’ve called me that outside of the bedroom,” she noted, a small smile on her face.
“I’m sorry,” he said, not noticing her smile or the teasing in her voice. “But I’m serious, love. What’s on your mind?”
Elliott watched him for a moment, admiring him. She had never been with someone so sweet and caring, so attentive and considerate. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to be honest with him, to let him know that she’d been wondering if she could keep doing this with him.
“It’s just that—”
“Hey,” he said, cutting her off as he placed a hand on her knee, looking at her for a moment. “I know what you’re going to say. Let’s talk about that after the banquet, okay?”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “But you just asked what was on my mind?”
“I meant more so regarding tonight,” he informed her, giving her knee a soft squeeze. “I know the whole ‘going out and being around people I’m close with’ is something you consider being what a couple would do, but I appreciate you agreeing to this.”
“Just because this is strictly a friend with benefits deal, doesn’t mean I don’t support you in everything you do,” she told him gently, placing her hand over his. “I’m happy to be with you for this.”
Cooper gave her an immense smile, his feelings for her growing on the spot. “Thank you. Now, there are some things I want to go over before we get there.”
“And what might those be?” She asked, raising a brow as she rested an elbow on the center counsel.
“Some boys on the team are going to attempt to get under my skin,” he admitted, removing his hand from her knee and gripping the steering wheel. “Don’t play into it, please. Just ignore them.”
Elliott nodded. “Ignoring those pompous assholes is something I’m great at.”
Cooper laughed, shaking his head as he looked over at her before another soft laugh escaped him. “You’re something else.”
“What’s next?” She asked, resting her chin on her hand.
“You are not allowed to go commando again.” A surprised laugh escaped her lips. “I’m serious. How do you expect me to focus on anything other than wanting to fuck you senseless?”
She shook her head. “Do you think of anything besides that?”
“Huracà, all of my thoughts about you are improper,” he admitted, glancing over at her once more. “What do you expect when you look like that, give amazing blow jobs, and are as amazing in bed as you are?”
“Well,” she drawled, her hand dropping from her chin as a frown formed on her face. “Glad our deal seems to pay off for the both of us.”
The change in her tone didn’t slip past him, and he immediately scolded himself. While he knew what they were, he also knew that, deep down, she wanted someone to want her for more than just sex. And the truth was, he did. He wanted her in every shape and form—he just didn’t want to scare her away.
“Don’t do that,” he whispered as he slowed down and stopped as the light turned red.
“Do what?” She asked, even though she had a pretty good idea.
Cooper turned to her, eyeing her carefully. “Doubt what I feel for you.”
“Cooper—”
“Later,” he reiterated, grabbing her hand and giving it a soft squeeze. “We’ll talk later.”
