Cooper cocked a drunk smile as he turned back around to see Nico wiping the sleep from his eyes. “Hi.”
“How drunk are you?” Nico questioned, leaning against the doorframe. “If I were in your shoes, I’d be pretty damn drunk.”
Cooper stumbled forward. “I’m drunker than that.”
Nico nodded. “Do you want to come inside and sleep it off?”
“I don’t think I’ll be doing any sleeping.” Cooper pushed Nico backward gently into the penthouse. He closed the door behind him and pinned Nico to the wall. “Take off your clothes.”
Nico held his hands on Cooper’s shoulders and sighed. “That’s going to have to wait until the morning. Later in the morning.”
Cooper pouted his lips and slid a hand into Nico’s boxers. “It’s my special night though.”
Nico landed a gentle shove against Cooper’s chest. “And in the morning, when your head is throbbing and your stomach is turning, I’ll make you feel real good. Until then, it’s time for you to take a nap.”
Nico took Cooper’s hand and guided him to the bedroom with a wide-open view of the city skyline outside. Nico tugged his shirt over his head before helping Cooper undress out of his suit that was rumpled and wrinkled from a long night of partying.
Cooper fell sideways onto the bed and Nico climbed behind him, taking Cooper into his arms. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It was Cooper who was supposed to be the big spoon for Nico, but this time it was different and Cooper couldn’t find the energy to complain.
Instead, he let the younger man hold him.
Nico whispered into Cooper’s ear, “What does it feel like to have all your dreams come true?”
Cooper meant to respond, but the words didn’t come. His eyes grew heavy and the last thing he thought about before drifting off to sleep was the deal. Cooper had met his end of the deal and it was Nico’s turn to hold up his end of the bargain. Cooper wanted Nico to win. Wanted Nico to feel the way he felt, but he also wouldn’t have minded if it took Nico another few years.
Because this right here, this was Cooper’s safe place.
Just the two of them.
Alone.
He feared the noise of the outside world would burn it all to the ground.
Chapter Twenty-Four
may 2025 - barcelona
Cooper grabbeda flute of champagne from a tray as a cocktail server walked past him, her sleek black hair blowing in the breeze. He turned to the ocean, took a sip, and placed the flute on the wooden railing. The sun beat down as quiet waves rolled onto the shore.
He checked over his shoulder at the sea of people congregated inside, all wearing white. The women wore dresses and the men wore linen suits fit for a beachside wedding. On the terrace, Cooper’s linen suit fluttered in the wind. With his back against the beach, he grabbed his phone.
COOPER
Come meet me outside.
NICO
We’re supposed to hate each other.
COOPER
Says who?
NICO
For starters, everyone knows you stole my quarterback position.
COOPER
