“Sounds to me like you’re the one who needs a hug,” he says.
I focus on the nick in my desk that’s suddenly very interesting. “That sounds really nice.”
“I wish I could come and give you one.”
“I think you have quite enough on your plate,” I say.
He sighs and rubs a hand over his face. “It’s good to hear your voice.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, and don’t let your head get too big, but I missed talking to you.”
Cooper grins wildly as if he won. “Too late, stubborn, maybe you should come here and pop it.”
“I’m not worried about it. I’m sure Naomi will bring you down to size.”
He huffs and the tone drops. “Yeah, she will.”
“Is she okay?”
“We’ve had a rough couple of days,” he says. I can see that he wants to say more, but maybe it’s too painful.
“I’m sorry, Coop.”
“Me too, but it’s just a blip; gotta keep moving.”
I start to ask him if he’s taking care of himself, but yet again I’m not sure it’s my place. We’re dating, we’re not married, and I’m still leaving.
“Maybe you need some sleep.”
He huffs. “Bubble popped. I need some sleep, but I wanted to talk to you, see if you listened to the song I sent, and ask when I can see you again.”
“That sort of depends on you, doesn’t it?” Heat builds in my chest and the butterflies swarm. “And I liked the song, by the way. A little presumptive, though, isn’t it?” I ask him, referring to Randy Travis’sForever and Ever, Amen.
“I mean, it’s a classic. When are you available?” he asks.
“Tomorrow,” I say, a little too eagerly.
Cooper chuckles and pushes his hair out of his face, and I ogle his bicep flexing with the motion. “I think I need to be with Naomi another day, so maybe the day after tomorrow?” he asks.
“Yes.”Wow, take a chill pill, Mae.
Cooper smirks at me.“Sounds good, and maybe we can do more than hug.”
I gasp as if I’m offended. “Cooper Hayes, I thought you were a gentleman.”
“No, baby, I’m beginning to think I’m just a dirty cowboy.”
***
Tossing my phone onto the table, I puff out a breath and rest my forehead on the cool counter. I need to get to the shop. I’m already late. But my boss really decided to throw a wrench in things.
When I got an email this morning to call him, I was so nervous I nearly dropped my phone because my hands were shaking so hard. I’ve never done anything wrong before, so I thought I messed something up. But instead, he called to offer me a promotion … back in Denver.
I told him I’d need to think about it, but I made a commitment to my aunt. I can’t leave her high and dry. That’s not who I am.
And then there’s my parents.
And then there’s Cooper.
