Page 52 of The Sexy Part
“Squeeze me on your margarita.” I laugh. “I can’t believe I said that. I think that wine went to my head. I had a small dinner.”
“That’s not good.”
“I had a late lunch, and then I was caught up in work. Don’t worry, I’ll grab something at home.”
“I’m not worried.”
We get to my house, and he stops. “See you Sunday. We can catch the ten a.m. train. I’ll pick you up.”
He’s close again, kissing close. Is that me or him moving in? “Are you trying to kiss me again?”
His lips curve up, his eyes searching mine. “Do you want me to kiss you again?”
Yes. I try to be logical for his sake. “Friends don’t kiss.”
“What about friends with benefits?”
My lips part. I hadn’t considered that option.
He backs up a step. “See ya soon, beautiful.”
I stare at him, still caught up in the tantalizing idea of a friends-with-benefits situation. I’ve never had one of those. “Bye, gorgeous.”
He grins and swaggers into the night.
Ooh, boy, I’m playing with fire.
10
Cooper
I ring the bell at Mackenzie and Harper’s place to pick up Rowan on Sunday, and Mackenzie answers the door. She’s an early bird like Mom.
“Hi.” She steps outside and shuts the door behind her. “Seems like you’re spending a lot of time with Rowan.”
“Problem?”
“Coop, she’s two weeks out from her wedding. You don’t want to be her rebound.”
“Let me worry about that.”
“This is just like Brianna. You rescue her, get involved, and then you’re the one who gets hurt.” She squeezes my shoulder. “I just don’t want you to get your heart broken again.”
I shake my head. “It’s casual. No big.”
She gives me a skeptical look, turns, and opens the door for me.
I step inside just as Rowan rushes in from the kitchen, her eyes bright. She’s wearing a snug pink V-neck sweater and jeans. My pulse thrums in my veins. “Hi! Just finished taking care of Felix. Ready for a Sunday funday.”
I laugh. “Sounds good to me.” I turn to Mackenzie. “See you at Sunday family dinner tonight.”
She waves and smiles, acting casual for Rowan’s benefit. “Have fun, you two. But not too much fun.”
We head for my car for the short drive to the train station. Easier than dealing with parking in the city. I open the passenger-side door for her.
“Wow, is this more of those gentleman manners you grew up with?” she asks, standing close to me. She smells like citrus and something uniquely her.
“Get used to it. Ingrained in me from birth. You should’ve seen me opening doors for Mackenzie when I was in kindergarten. She would shut them and open them herself.”
