Page 67 of Enough
“You thought I felt forced to call you?” He crosses his arms and attempts to focus on me like I’m hard to read.
I notice the muscles in his arms ripple when he crosses them, and I lose my train of thought as I stare at his chest. He catches me and a slow smile spreads across his face.
“You didn’t sound very sincere,” I add for good measure as I move my purse to my other arm.
His brows dart upward and he shifts his posture. “I didn’t sound sincere?” He laughs.
His laugh is musical even though I know he’s laughing at me. “Nick, I’m not the same girl you knew fifteen years ago.I’m not young and innocent. I’m not perky and fun. I’m a divorced mom of two who’s just trying to get my life back together. I don’t need a man in my life, and I especially don’t need a man who reminds me that I was never enough for him.”
“You thought you weren’t enough for me?” he asks with disdain.
Coach Dawson approaches. “Hey, Nick, sorry to interrupt. We’re you able to find a ride home?”
He runs his fingers over his masculine, stubbled chin as he shifts his gaze from me. “Um, yeah. I have someone.”
My head drops and my heart aches at his words. Of course he has someone to take him home. He isn’t single after all. He did just want to catch up with me. There are no lingering feelings and I’m acting stupid. I want to sprint away and I don’t know why. The sudden realization that Nick is in a relationship hurts more than I thought it would.
“I’ll let you two get back to coaching business.” I manage a small smile and turn to walk away, and Nick reaches out and takes my arm.
“Ever, hold on a second.” There’s concern etched on his face as he holds me tightly in place. The feel of his hand on my arm sends a chill through my entire body, and I stand motionless.
Coach Dawson seems to sense the tension between us. “I’ll see you next practice.” He gives us both a small nod before he heads back to the parents by the bench. Before Nick can say another word, I hear a familiar voice.
“Hey, pretty lady. Long time no see.” I turn to see Cooper standing behind me in full police uniform. He holds out his arms to me for a hug, and I can’t help the genuine smile that spreads across my face. I bite my lip and fallinto him. He lifts me off the ground and I shrill lightly. I hear Nick clear his throat and Cooper sets me down.
“How are you,NurseEverly?” he asks. He twirls me around and I pose for him. He laughs his deep Cooper laugh, and I’m reminded of how much I adored having him for a friend. My eyes land back on Nick’s, and he’s smirking at me. It sends a chill through me. One smile and I fall to pieces. Dammit.
“What’s this stuff on your face?” I ask as I place my hands on his bearded cheeks.
“You don’t like it?” he questions, miffed.
I laugh. “I do like it. It suits you! I’m just impressed you were able to grow one.”
“Ha-ha! So I guess I’m taking this son of a bitch home,” Cooper says with a rumbling laugh. He swipes his hand over his beard and nudges Nick lightly. “Dumbass has his car in the shop.”
“I thought you worked days.”
“Oh, so Gwendoestalk about me?” he asks with a wink.
“Yes. Well, she did.” I smile back.
“Make sure you tell her I said hello and that she needs to text me back sometime soon.”
I laugh. “You have your work cut out for you.”
“The good ones are always worth the effort. Any help on that matter would be appreciated.”
I think for a moment as I stare at him. “You didn’t hear this from me, but I have a close friend who runs the trails at the park on 5thevery day around noon. Probably today too.”
Cooper grins, and I see what Gwen means about his smile. “Interesting. I’ve been thinking about that park. I might have to check it out. Oh, and on the day shift thing, in casesomeoneis wondering, I worked OT last night and was just finishing up some paperwork this morning. I’m off today. Lucky for Nick here or else he’d be on his own.”
My eyes lift to Nick’s, and he signals lightly to me with a nod of determination. Did he know I thought he had a girlfriend at home? Was his nod supposed to make sure I understand he doesn’t? I can’t help but stare at him. Why does he have to look so good?
“Gwen’s here, you know,” Nick says, gesturing toward the cars.
“No shit?” Cooper turns and I watch him search for her. I see her standing next to my car. She’s watching us closely. As soon as Cooper spots her, he smiles. “Be right back.” He takes off running and Gwen immediately turns her back to him. I laugh as I rotate back to Nick. He’s watching me cautiously.
“Cooper said you’re divorced. I assume Mike’s the ex?”
