Yes, it was childish, but she hadn’t been in this nice of a place, well, ever. The picture of her parents was already set up on her nightstand, and she smiled at the people she loved so deeply. She’d have slept on the cold, hard ground for the rest of her life in exchange for another minute with them both.
She was glad of the values they’d taught her. They wouldn’t have approved of her living with a man—especially a man she felt something for, a man she’d already slept with. But they also had always told her to make her own choices—even if those choices weren’t the smartest ones.
Her father had always told her that people were shaped by the decisions they made. There was no such thing as a wrong decision, just a path you were meant to travel and grow from. She hoped the path she was now choosing wasn’t a bad one.
The sharp sound of a car door slamming grabbed her attention away from the picture and to the open window. Reluctantly, she got up and moved across the room. With one hand, she drew aside the drapes and peered down on the driveway.
The sight of Cooper with a hose in his hand pointed at a sleek silver Jaguar had her mouth watering. He hadn’t taken a very long shower. But she knew she was in a bit of trouble as she found herself once again appreciating his incredible physique. Staring at him for who knew how long, Stormy found herself trying to be more confident.
The man wasn’t kicking her from his home. Maybe she should try to make a friendly gesture. After all, the two of them hadn’t exactly been the best of friends up to this point. Who cared if he didn’t remember sleeping with her? She had to get over it.
Matter of fact, it was probably much better for all concerned if he had no idea that they’d been lovers for a night. It had been incredible for her, but it wouldn’t be wise to repeat that night, so at least they wouldn’t have to deal with the sexual tension from it, right? Right!
But she could say thank you to the man for offering her a place to stay. Her decision to seek him out had nothing at all to do with the fact that he was in his driveway—half naked. Nope. It had nothing at all to do with that, she assured herself.
Moving quickly now, she practically ran down the stairs to the kitchen. Searching around, she located a large container of iced tea, grabbed a couple of glasses, and poured them each some before squaring her shoulders and moving to the side door. She stepped outside.
Looking up at the bright, sunny sky, she felt she could get used to this tree-lined area. The crisp sea breeze blew gently across her cheeks as she carried the drink to Cooper. She thought about rubbing the icy glass against her flushed body. Of course, it was only the heat of the warm day, not the fact that she was feeling anything else as she came closer to the man who could work magic with his hands and mouth.
Only a few feet away from Cooper, she had to admire how good he looked in nothing but a pair of shorts, his firm upper body gleaming with a splash of water and maybe a trickle of sweat. A trail of soapy water was slowly making its way toward the waistband of his wet swim shorts.
She must have made a noise, because suddenly Cooper turned in her direction. She really wished he weren’t wearing sunglasses because she had no idea what he was thinking as he set down the hose he’d been holding and then trailed his fingers through his damp hair.
“Settling in okay?” he asked. It took her a moment to process his words.
“Um . . . yes, I am,” she finally murmured. “It’s hot out, so I thought I’d break the ice and bring you a drink.”
Maybe she should have just stayed in the house, dang it.
Giving her a smile that could melt butter, he thanked her and then took the glass. She watched as his throat flexed while he downed half the tea. “I was thirsty,” he said, wiping the moisture from his lips.
Her stomach clenched with need unlike anything she’d ever felt before.
“Well then, I guess I’ll let you get back to it,” she told him, taking a step back and nearly falling on her ass.
He chuckled then reached out. Before Stormy knew what was happening, he was wrapping his arms around her and tugging her against him.
“What in the world are you doing?” she asked, her voice trembling.
The sudden fire that ignited in his eyes was making her far too warm. She couldn’t figure out what else to say as he gazed down at her.
“You looked a bit hot. I thought I’d cool you off,” he told her.
She’d been warm, but him pulling her against him had instantly overheated her.
“I’m good,” she said, tugging from his wet hold.
With a chuckle, he released her. Stormy was fully out of sorts, but looking down, she saw the hose at her feet. Bending, she picked it up, a twinkle in her eyes.