Turbulent Intentions(58)

“My dad passed several years ago, but my mom is still here, thankfully. She’s amazing. I can’t believe you haven’t actually met her yet. She comes to visit quite often,” he said with a laugh.

“You enjoy her visits?” she asked.

“Of course I do. It’s my mom,” he said.

She laughed at that. “You would be surprised how many people forget they have parents who love them. I adored my parents, but I have so many friends who never visit, never call, don’t even know what their parents are up to,” she said. “I would give anything to have them back for even five minutes.”

“I’m so sorry you’ve lost them, Stormy,” he told her while reaching out for her hand. “Family is who we can count on when the rest of the world fades away. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for mine,” he told her.

Her admiration for the man jumped up a few more notches. She didn’t need to keep looking for reasons not to fall for this man.

“Yeah, I agree. I wanted to get out on my own and prove I could do it, but there are so many times I want to just run home and cry on my mother’s shoulder before I remember she’s not here anymore,” she admitted.

“I wish there was something I could say to make your pain go away.” His fingers continued rubbing her hand, which made her fidget with the silver bracelet she was wearing so she wouldn’t reach out for him. “That’s beautiful. I see you wear it a lot,” he pointed out.

“I love it,” she said with a smile. “My mom and I went to a class and made the bracelet then designed a few of the charms. Then every new place we would go, we’d add a new charm to it. It really was the thing that started my love of jewelry design.”

“It looks like there’s room for another one,” he said as he ran his finger over her wrist, making her pulse jump.

“Yep, a few more spots,” she answered with a gulp as she tugged on her hand. “It’s too bad they aren’t here to help me finish it.”

He didn’t release her right away. The longer he touched her, the more nervous she became. This wasn’t supposed to be as romantic as it was turning out to be. It was just supposed to be friends sharing a meal.

“Just remember the good times you had. And you can complete the bracelet in their honor,” he pointed out.

“When I think about making the charms, I get scared, like if I do that, then I’m really trying to go for my dream, and failing at it horribly,” she said shyly.

“I think you should go for it. Why don’t you?”

“Because school isn’t cheap and it seems like there’s never time to do it,” she told him. Yes, it was an excuse, but she didn’t believe in herself enough to make a career out of creating art.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I think you should pursue your dream,” he said as he leaned across the small table to be closer.

She was very quiet as she tried to decide if she was going to allow him to kiss her or not. But she pulled back at the last minute. It was just too intense.

Their dinner was served and it was as delicious as he’d promised. She had butternut squash ravioli with wild Maine lobster. He had the New York steak and potatoes. When they finished, both were comfortably full.

“Let’s watch the sun set,” he said.

He didn’t give her a chance to tell him no. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her over to a fire pit with benches around it. She was afraid to even breathe as they watched the sunlight dim over the creek.

“I’m glad you picked me up from work,” she told him, enjoying the feel of his arm around her. “Thanks, Cooper. The night has been perfect.”

“It doesn’t have to end now,” he said.

Something about the darkness gave her a bit of boldness. Turning to see his silhouette in the soft light from the fire, she struggled with how much she wanted to lean into him, accept the kiss he wanted to give her.

He didn’t give her any more of a choice.

He took her mouth without giving her a chance to rethink it and the kiss overwhelmed her with how right it felt, how familiar. She took pleasure in his arms, heat warming her within as his lips caressed hers, growing more and more hungry with each passing of his tongue.

Finally, she pulled back before she got to the point of no return.

“Yes, it does have to end,” she finally said.

He looked as if he was about to argue, and then he surprised her instead when he stood and helped her stand.

“Thank you for accompanying me. Now, let’s head home.”

Cooper paid the bill, hugged the hostess good-bye, and then escorted her back to his car. He played the radio on an oldies country station on the way back, both surprising and delighting her.