He nods his head yes. “Um, Mom, how much longer do I have to go to Dad’s?”
“What do you mean, honey?”
“I mean, I don’t want to go there anymore. I want to stay here. The only reason I go is because of Allison.”
“Buddy, your dad will miss you terribly if you stop going there. Imagine me not seeing you. It would kill me.”
“I guess I’ll go. I had fun tonight, Mom. You think we can go back to the restaurant again with Cooper?”
“I could ask him and see what I can do.”
“Okay, Mom. I’m glad you’re happy now.”
“Honey, I was always happy.”
“No, Mom, you’re really happy now.”
I look at my boy, thinking he is growing up way too fast. “Matthew, you know we really haven’t talked about what is going on with Cooper and me.” I wring my hands, suddenly nervous. Why, I have no idea. It’s almost like I’m asking my parents for permission to be with him, and in a way I am. “This with Cooper and me, I don’t know where it’s going. I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but I know this. I smile more with him. I feel happy, I feel calm with him, but most of all I feel like myself. No pretending. No sugarcoating who I am. But I need you to know that if you or your sister are not comfortable with having him here, you need to tell me, and I’ll make sure we don’t stay here. This is your house as much as it’s mine.” I look at him, hoping he understands that I’ll never make him feel like he’s second choice to a man.
“Mom, he’s cool. I like him. In the end I just want you happy.” He smiles a crooked smile, showing me his one dimple. My boy is almost a man. “If he hurts you, I’ll kick his ass.”
I tip my head back and laugh. “I’m sure you could, and to answer your question I really am happier. Good night, baby. I love you.”
I think about how much happier I’ve been lately, and there is really only one reason. Cooper Stone. Which scares the ever-loving shit out of me. If there is one thing history has taught me, it’s not to count on happily ever after.
Chapter Thirteen
I can’t believe I’m going to have sex with Cooper. I’m really fucking nervous. I practically ran out of the rink today.
I had to do some serious bra shopping, and calling Meghan wasn’t the brightest idea I’ve ever had. If it were up to her, I’d be going there in a French maid’s outfit complete with crotchless panties. Although I do want him to rip my clothes off, I kind of want to do it with class.
So here I am in my car, on my way to Cooper’s house. My bag is packed in the back, burning a hole in my seat.
I got home, showered, shaved—fuck, I was even exfoliating! I had my hair a little wavy today, my makeup smoky.
So now I sit in my car in the driveway in my Michael Kors trench coat. I know it’s tacky as hell. But I’m tired of beating around the bush. I want to get laid. HARD.
I get out, leaving my bag in the car, because I’m going with the whole sexy lady in a trench coat. If he looks out all he will see is me in my coat. He will see the fishnet nylons topped with my black Christian Louboutin stilettos.
A gift to myself when we were in Vegas. Who knew I would actually be wearing them to have sex.
I fluff my hair, then ring the doorbell, hoping that my lip-gloss is still glossy and that I don’t leak sweat onto myself. I’m so fucking nervous, I feel like I’m going to throw up. The door swings open to show me Cooper just like I want him. In shorts and nothing else.
I walk past him, trying to do it as sexy as I can, but at this point my knees are weak. I don’t know if I can do this.
“Babe, it’s hot outside, what’s with the jacket? Where is your bag?”
He looks at me while closing the door. I take my time untying my belt. I wish I were smoother at this. I wish I’d practiced it before I got here. I’m seriously channeling my inner stripper, but I realize that inner stripper is on fucking vacation because she’s not here. I can hear my heartbeat all the way in my ears.
“My bag is in the car. I figured we could get it after.” I finally manage to untie the knot in the belt and shrug off the jacket, leaving me in my outfit.
I’m standing here in his living room, wearing a lace demi cup bra covering just the tips of my nipples, the underwire pushing them up, making them look fuller than they are. I am wearing a little black ruffled skirt that covers the lace thong that is underneath. I go to turn around to show him the skirt that just barely covers my ass. The skirt is holding up the fishnet stocking with garters.
He says nothing. His blinking is evident, and he licks his lips.