Page 71 of Enough
“He ran with me the rest of the time. He did the full five miles and even chatted with me while we ran. It was nice to have company for once. We ran side by side at times. A couple of times I slowed just so I could look at his ass as he passed by.”
I laugh loudly. “How was it?”
“Let’s just say he made me more out of breath than I should have been.”
My shoulders rise excitedly as I bite my teeth together. “Did he know what you were doing?”
“Oh yeah, we laughed about it. He asked me how his form was. I told him he had a good stride and nothing to worry about. After that, he did the same to me. When I asked him aboutmyform, it took him a bit to respond and it made me laugh. I said, ‘Hey, Coop, are you watching my form or just my ass?’ and he said, “I’m watching the form of your ass. I think I’ll hang out back here for a while and take in the view.”
“Yay!” I can no longer hide my enthusiasm, and I’m pleasantly surprised when she seems to appreciate it.
“I don’t know about that man,” she states through an obvious smile.
“Then what happened? Then what happened?” I shout in excited repetition.
Gwen laughs. “After we finished the run, we walked for a bit. He asked me again if my phone was broken and I gave him the look.”
“Oh boy. I know that look.”
“Yep, the one that says I don’t do games. Anyway, he asked me why I never write him back when he texts. I told him I’m busy. Then he asked me if I’m really busy tonight or if Ijust lied to him to get him to back off. I told him I lied, and he rubbed his sweaty beard and laughed. Then he lifted his shirt to wipe his face and I got a heated view of his six pack and tattoos.”
“I’m not sure which I want to know more about: the abs or the tats!”
“Both were FINE! In true Cooper form he pushed onward. He said, ‘I’ll give you one more shot to go out with me. I’m going uptown to the shooting range at three, and I thought maybe you’d like to tag along.’ I forgot that I told him how much I wanted to learn to shoot. I’ve been meaning to go since I got my permit and…”
“Wait.” I stop her. “You have a permit? For a gun? Why is this the first I’ve heard of it?”
Gwen sighs into the phone and I glance at the clock. I only have a few hours to get ready for dinner with Nick and I still don’t know what I’m going to wear.
“I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you to worry. I’ve always wanted to learn to shoot, so I got a gun a few months ago.”
“You bought a gun? So you have one?” I stop suddenly. I thought I knew everything about Gwen. I can’t believe she never told me.
“I’ve had it locked away. I was trying to find someone to take me, and I mentioned it to Cooper when we went to dinner. He knew I wanted a lesson. Who better to teach you than a marine-slash-cop?”
“So what did you say?”
“I said I might be able to squeeze him in for that.”
“Yay!” I screech.
“Why are you so happy about it?” she asks skeptically.
“Because, Gwen… Cooper is a good guy and I’m glad you’re giving him a chance.”
“I’m not giving him anything. It’s not a date.”
“Okay…” I roll my eyes as I fold my last towel.
“Are you ready for tonight?” she asks.
“No,” I laugh nervously. “I have no idea what I’m going to wear and I have no idea how to behave.”
“I can help with the clothes, and as far as your behavior, just be yourself. He likes you just the way you are.”
I wish I could believe her.
GWEN DROPS OFF several of her nicest outfits for me to try on before she leaves to meet Cooper at his house. She calls me on the way there and I can sense a difference in the way she’s approaching him.
