Page 1 of September's Bad Boy: Cooper
CHAPTER 1
COOPER
The last time I drove down Main Street, I was in handcuffs.
Now, I’m gripping the steering wheel so tight my knuckles are white, but at least I’m the one behind the wheel. The old Chevy pickup rattles with every bump, like it’s not sure it wants to carry me back into Mustang Mountain. I know the feeling. With every inch closer, the knot in my gut tightens.
My reflection stares back at me from the rearview mirror. The beard’s new. So are the lines around my eyes. I’m not the man I used to be. At forty- two, I feel every one of those years—and then some. Prison has aged me in ways no mirror can show.
Nelson Mercantile comes into view, with the same crooked sign swinging over the door. Ruby has had that sign for decades and claims it’s good luck. I’m not sure luck has anything to do with Mustang Mountain these days. Most of the guys I used to run with have either gotten married off by Ruby or fled for bigger towns. Those of us who stayed? We’ve got scars that run a lot deeper than the town gossip mill knows.
I park across from the Merc and kill the engine. For a moment, I just sit there. My reflection stares back at me from the rearview mirror. The beard’s new. So are the lines around my eyes. I’m not the man I used to be. Hell, I’m not sure what man I am now. But I’ve got a plan thanks to Ruby. A gym and a fresh start. Ruby has had my back this whole time, and now I just need the town to give me a shot.
The bell above the Merc’s door jingles as I step inside. It’s as if time stood still in here. Same wooden floors. Same shelves stocked with homemade jams and pickles. Best of all, the same Ruby Nelson, standing behind the counter like the queen of this tiny kingdom.
“Well, look what the mountain dragged back.” Ruby’s smile is as sharp as ever. “Cooper Montgomery, in the flesh.”
“Ruby.” I nod, keeping my tone neutral. But she sees through me, like she always has.
She sets down the jar of huckleberry preserves she’s labeling and wipes her hands on her apron. “I was wondering when you’d find your way back home.”
“Didn’t figure you’d be surprised.”
“I’m never surprised, honey. But I am curious. You here to stay this time?”
“That depends on how the plans for this gym go.” I step up to the counter, leaning in slightly. “And I don’t mean one of those fancy, corporate chains. A place for the kids in town. Somewhere they can hit a bag instead of getting in trouble. Thought it might be time Mustang Mountain had a place like that.”
Ruby tilts her head, eyes narrowing as though she can peer straight into my soul. “You’ve been thinking about this for a while.”
“Since the day I got locked up.”
Her expression softens, but she doesn’t let me off the hook. “And how do you plan on making this happen, Cooper? You’ve been gone a long time. This town’s changed.”
“I’ve changed too.”
“I know you have.” She reaches under the counter and pulls out a manila envelope. “This might help.”
I raise an eyebrow. “What’s this?”
“A friend of mine is investing in Mustang Mountain. I told them about you, and they're willing to anonymously invest in your gym. They want to help. Of course, you will still need townspeople on your side. You’ll need allies.”
I open the envelope and skim through the forms. Bureaucracy isn’t my strong suit, but I’ll do whatever it takes. It’s a contract for an investor. Lots of forms to read over. “Thanks, Ruby.”
She leans forward, voice dropping. “And Cooper? If you need a little extra to get started, come see me. Orville and I have been thinking about investing in something worthwhile. And you, son, are worth the gamble.”
I’m not sure what to say. Ruby’s never been one to offer help lightly. She’s got plans, but then she always does.
The bell jingles again as the door swings open. Laughter floats through the air, light and easy. It punches me in the chest.
Riley.
She’s standing there, chatting with another girl, like she owns the place. Her dark hair is pulled up in a messy bun, with tendrils falling loose around her face. She’s wearing a simple sundress, and her smile... God, that smile hasn’t changed a bit. Except now it’s aimed at Ruby as she says hi, and I’m standing here, knocked flat by it.
I shouldn’t be staring. I know it. But I can’t look away. It’s been years, but seeing her feels like getting hit by a freight train. She looks different, softer around the edges, but also stronger somehow. Like life hasn’t been easy, but she’s still standing tall.
Ruby’s eyes dart between us, a knowing gleam lighting up her expression. She’s about to stir the pot. I can feel it.
“Well, if it isn’t Riley Sanders. Just in time.” Ruby gestures toward me with a grin. “Look who’s back in town.”
