“Thanks, but I’m not going to take the promotion, and yeah, it’s hard to see someone you love struggle like that,” I rasp.
He frowns and slides his hands to my lower back. “Why aren’t you going to take it? Haven’t you been working for it?”
I nod.
He huffs, and I can see the lack of joy in it, but I appreciate that he’s happy for me anyway. “Then help me understand why you’re not taking it? Is it because of your mom?”
“No, I don’t want it.”
Chapter 36
Mae
“Okay,”hesays,drawingout the word. “I’m confused.”
I shiver in my wet dress, trying to gather the words. “I told my aunt I would be here for a year. I might have trouble telling my family no, but I’m also a woman of my word, and I’m not going to leave her high and dry. Plus…”
“Plus?” Cooper asks, prodding me.
“I had a meeting with Silver Spring Ranch, a venue to provide all of their flowers, which means the shop could be profitable this year.”
“Mae! That’s amazing!” Cooper says and picks me up, spinning me around. Thunder booms in the storm outside.
Even I can admit to myself that part of the reason I want to stay is because of him, and I’m taking my mom’s advice. I’m going all in.
“I’m so proud of you, stubborn,” he whispers and kisses each of my cheeks.
“Thank you, it’s not final, but yeah, thank you,” I rasp.
I search his green eyes, and my skin heats as he focuses on me.
“You earned it,” he whispers.
“Possibly,” I whisper, even though it feels like I’m screaming it.
What’s happening?
Cooper swallows thickly. Our eyes are still locked together, and the air charges as if it's noting the turning point for us.
“Mae,” Cooper croaks.
“Coop,” I breathe.
“I feel like a bull in a china shop right now. I need you to either call me off or wave the red flag.”
I take a breath, but it gets stuck.
I nod rapidly, and Cooper holds still — tense. His hard to my soft.
“I need you to say the words, stubborn,” he grits out, barely restrained.
“Yes, Coop. Yes,” I say, and his mouth smashes against mine.
He wastes no time carrying me to my room. I grab his face, falling into every graze and sip of his lips against mine.
We gasp, desperate to breathe, but I can’t stop. Iachefor him.
Cooper makes the decision for me, ripping away and dragging his mouth over my wet skin.
