Temporarily Yours(45)

This was the first time she didn’t want to run in the opposite direction at the thought of a guy uttering those words, and it was thrilling. She’d let him speak first. Maybe he even had some big romantic speech planned, like in the movies—Cooper was good with the big gestures like that. She tried to calm her racing heart and sound casual. “Sure. What’s up?”

“This whole thing between us…it moved really fast.” He pushed off the door and crossed the room until he stood directly in front of her. “We met in an airport, and before the plane landed, I already knew the little sounds you make when you come. Ever since, it’s been a whirlwind of craziness. I think we need to take a step back and reevaluate our plan. I think we need to talk—as much as I hate talking about this shit.”

“I think I know what you’re trying to say, and I agree wholeheartedly.” She grabbed his hands and squeezed them reassuringly. “I’m not going to lie. It’s been on my mind a lot, too.”

He blinked at her. “It has?”

“Yep.” She smiled at him. “I never thought I’d say this in a million years, but here I go. I…I…”

She couldn’t finish. She could feel herself chickening out.

“You can say it.” His voice was hollow, but he didn’t seem upset, by any means. He seemed…relieved. “I’ve been thinking it, too, so it’s a huge relief. You want me to leave, and I think that’s for the best.”

And just like that, the world crashed around her.

“Wait. What?” She dropped his hands, shock ricocheting through her body. “That’s not what I was going to say. You want to leave? Why?”

“What do you mean why? I thought that’s what you were going to say. You said you were thinking the same thing as me…” Then his eyes went wide. “But you obviously weren’t. What were you thinking?”

“Well…” She hesitated. Should she really confess her feelings after he admitted he wanted to leave, for the love of God?

But it was Cooper…

He shifted on his feet. “It can’t be that bad. Just tell me.”

She took a deep breath. There was nothing to be afraid of. The worst case scenario? He said no. She’d be fine. The rejection wouldn’t break her. “All right…I wanted to keep in touch with you after this weekend. I wanted…more.”

She saw his body tense. “What do you mean, keep in touch? You mean as friends?”

“Well, no, not exactly. I mean, maybe at first.” She fumbled over her words. “But I’d like to be…more. Maybe? I don’t know. We could text or email or Face Time. I mean, I know there’s an eighty perfect chance of failure, but if we both worked hard at it—”

“You’re babbling again,” he said, his voice flat. “I don’t understand what you’re asking for.”

“I know. I’m making a mess of this.” She covered her face with her hands. “Forget it. Forget I said anything.”

“It’s too late for that.” She heard him pick something up off of the floor and set it on the bed. Kayla lowered her hands and looked at him. But then she wished she hadn’t. It was his suitcase. “You really want more than what we agreed upon?” He sounded as if he couldn’t believe it.

“I do.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “But something tells me that you don’t. Am I right?”

He laughed harshly. “You’re right.” Suddenly, he looked different. He looked…cold. “I thought we were perfectly clear on where we stood from the first day. Jesus, Kayla, I’m leaving the country in a couple of days. Why the fuck would you want to start a relationship now, of all times?”

“I know you’re leaving. I’m not an idiot.” She clung to her forearms so tightly it hurt. “And I don’t know what you make me feel. I just know that I feel something. I like you a lot. And I’d like to know you even better.”

Cooper opened the top of his carry-on. “You know how we said this was temporary, and that I could leave at any time if I changed my mind?”

“Yeah. Of course. You want to leave early?” She thought she might throw up at the thought.

“I don’t, but I’m going to anyway.” He was staring at her, but he wasn’t really looking at her. It was as if she wasn’t even there. “I’m not going to the wedding with you, and I’m not going to any more parties. It’s over. We’re done.”

She froze, her heart twisting. “Is it because I want more?”