Turbulent Intentions(60)

“What made each of you choose such different avenues of flying?”

“I don’t know, to tell you the truth. When I decided to do it as a profession, I wanted to fly bigger and bigger planes, though I’m telling you it’s not as much of a joy as flying my personal aircraft. Mav always wants adventure and speed, and I think Nick likes being a hero,” he said.

“You are quite the trio,” she said. She desperately wanted to ask about Ace, but he wasn’t speaking of his youngest brother so she didn’t want to pry.

“Do you want more wine?”

“I think I’m good,” she told him, knowing she didn’t want to lose her wits.

The darkness of the room, the warm fire, and the wine were quickly sinking her resolve. And the look in Cooper’s eyes nearly burned her alive.

“Good, then I’m going to hold you.”

He didn’t give her a chance to refuse him; he simply stood up, picked her up, and then sat back down, pulling her onto his lap.

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Cooper,” she said, though she wasn’t trying to pull away.

“A lot of things in life aren’t a good idea,” he replied.

His hand trailed down her back and Stormy leaned into him without even realizing it. This man was affecting her more than she wanted him to.

He said nothing else and she felt her eyes drooping as her head rested against his chest. She struggled with whether to take this to the next level, to make love with him again . . .

Soon the decision was out of her hands. She drifted peacefully to sleep.



Cooper glanced down, realizing Stormy had relaxed enough in his arms to let her guard down. Smiling, he gazed at her peaceful beauty. He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“We’re getting closer,” he whispered.

He slowly stood, cradling her in his arms. He was falling for this woman in a way he’d told himself he never would. And it was both terrifying and exciting. But even being shaken to his bones, he still couldn’t manage to take her to her own room.

He slipped inside his door and laid her on the bed, not even letting her go for a moment as he clasped her in his arms and held on tight.

For the first time in a long while, he fell asleep with his lips tilted up.





CHAPTER THIRTY

The ringing of the doorbell startled Stormy as she was putting the finishing touches on a new bouquet on the kitchen table. She’d never had access to beautiful flowers, and now that she did, she decided it was a luxury she would continue when her time at Cooper’s was over. She loved how bright they were and how they left a subtle scent in the air.

She turned toward the door. It was the first time someone had come to the house with just her there. She didn’t know why she was concerned.

Obviously whoever was visiting had the code to the gate to get in, so there was nothing to worry about.

When she peeked out the side window and found Sherman standing outside, she immediately unlocked the house and threw the door wide open.

“I’ve missed you,” she said, not hesitating as she threw her arms around him.

“I was going to say the same thing, young lady. I thought you promised to call me when you were free for a visit.”

“Oh, Sherman, I’m so sorry. I’ve been busy with work, and well . . .” She trailed off.

“What are you hiding from me?” He was on instant alert.

“It’s nothing. But I did want to ask you what is happening with the cottage. There are guys there, but they don’t seem to know what they are doing. And then no one will be there for days at a time. One time I even saw three men sitting out there on the cottage porch drinking beers,” she finished in a hushed voice.

His cheeks flushed, and she figured he was probably upset. She didn’t want to get anyone fired, but she also thought it fair to let him know what was happening.

“I will have to check in on that,” he finally murmured. “Now tell me what it is that you’re hiding. I know it’s something.”

Should she tell this man she was dating his nephew? What if he thought she was using Cooper? That would break her heart. Still, the way he was looking at her made her feel like she had to confess.

“I’ve sort of been dating Cooper, if you could call it dating, but I probably shouldn’t say we’re dating. It’s more just . . .”

She trailed off. Had she really just been about to tell Cooper’s uncle that she and Cooper were friends with benefits? What in the heck was wrong with her?

“Cooper sure talks about you an awful lot,” Sherman said with a secret smile she couldn’t quite understand.

“Yeah, well, we are living under the same roof,” she easily explained.