Page 57 of You Can Make Me
Denny had to maneuver around an accident and some road construction, which would have had me laying on the horn, but all he did was get the slightest crease between his brows.
The old women’s words had been running through my mind a lot more lately. Honestly, I didn’t know why I could remember them so vividly when my thoughts tended to be murkier now that my brain was broken.
I don’t think I’m ready for this.
I’d been tempted to run back into the cabin when Denny told me the car was ready to go. I’d contemplated shutting the door and locking it against the world, but it was time. I couldn’t hide in the mountains forever, although I’d grown quite fond of our hideaway. I’d mentioned to Denny that perhaps we could go back there or find another hideout to escape to. Outdoor sex in the city, even in West Hollywood, was frowned upon.
Once we’d gotten in the Mustang, though, I’d focused on the gorgeous picture Denny made driving the muscle car; his elbow on the door, his fingers keeping the wheel steady as he whipped in and out of LA traffic like a pro. No road rage for my man. He was just as calm about assholes on the freeway as he’d been about my temper tantrums.
He frowned again and downshifted as he made a right onto Hollywood Boulevard. “I forgot that you really are smack dab in the middle of everything, huh? I was so focused on getting to you when I came before, I hadn’t paid attention to my surroundings.”
I turned to face him. “Is that going to bother you?”
He glanced at me, shifted gears, and then took my hand firmly, holding it against his thigh. “I want to be where you are. I can make it work anywhere. Come on, I’ve lived in Bakersfield for almost twenty-five years.”
“God, I love you. I really hope you don’t regret this, Denny. Any of it. I promise, I’ll keep?—”
“Hey, hey, what’s going on?”
I blew out a breath, pulled my hand away and rubbed my palms on my thighs. I looked at all of the familiar sights, all the things I loved about my town. I mean, what’s not to love? I had the Whisky right around the corner from my condo. The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. The best cafes. My Jiu Jitsu studio and gym. All of them were within walking distance. The KTLA studios, where Sam and I got our start, were down the street, and my current position at KCAL CBS studios, in Studio City, was just on the other side of the canyon from my condo.
“It’s overwhelming,” I murmured, as he turned onto Sunset for the short drive to my place. “Turn here. Hopefully there’s a visitor spot open on the left.”
It was midday Monday, and traffic had been moderately heavy, so it took us just about three hours to get to my place. There was indeed a visitor spot open, and Denny pulled in. I spotted my Mini Cooper in the partially underground garage in one piece, and the relief that flooded me was palpable. I didn’t know who had brought my car back from the scene of my attack. I’d have to ask Denny. Probably it needed a jump, but that was a problem for another time. I didn’t know if I was ready for driving.
Denny turned off the engine, but neither of us moved.
“Ginny texted. She had the movers put your stuff into the spare room for now. We can get everything settled?—”
“Baby?”
I burst into tears, cursing at myself, and Denny pulled me into his arms.
“I don’t know why I’m crying.”
Denny held me and kissed my forehead.“You’ve been through so much, Cooper. Give yourself some grace. Take a breath.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.” I took a couple more breaths and sat back. “I don’t know how to be here. I don’t feel like this Cooper.”
“Which Cooper do you feel like?”
I held his gaze for a long moment, then swallowed. My lips turned up in a little smile, and I sniffled. “The Cooper who has the best boyfriend in the world. The Cooper who is ecstatic to be moving in with said boyfriend?”
Denny blushed. “Haven’t been anyone’s boyfriend in a long time.”
I leaned forward and kissed him softly. “I love that you’re mine. Last chance, though. If you want to drop me off and?—”
Denny yanked me forward by the neck and kissed me hard, just how I liked it.
“Get that fine ass out of this car and show me my new home. Shit, am I going to have to get a new wardrobe and everything to fit in here? Definitely need a haircut.”
I licked my lips, swooning over this man.
“Whatever you wear, you’re going to turn heads, Retired Detective-slash-Marine Staff Sergeant Dennis Hamilton. Man, you have a lot of titles.”
He rolled his eyes. “Cooper’s Boyfriend is the only title I care about. Now come on, baby. Let’s drop off our stuff, and then I need to feed you.”
“I like the idea of christening the place right away. Good call.”
