I snort and he spins me around.
“Hey, Cooper,” a woman calls.
I glance over my shoulder, and a woman with long, straight brown hair is giving him a look I’ve seen far too many times, and I bristle.
He acknowledges her politely and spins us again.
My throat tightens, and I shake the feeling from my mind. I don’t ask because it doesn’t matter. Right?Right.
“I’m thirsty, are you? Let’s grab a beer.”
I nod absently, holding his hand as he leads us to the old, sticky bar.
He lifts a hand to a blond, curly hair woman and holds up two fingers. But I can’t stop looking at the woman who was staring at Cooper.
A minute later a long neck is shoved into my hand, and I take a sip.
“I hope you know I enjoy dancing with you,” he says.
I smile and look up at him. “I’ve never enjoyed it so much.”
He grins and kisses my cheek. “I’m thinking I might have to be more clever about our next date because I don’t want to wear you out too quickly.” His hand slips around my ribs and he tugs me to his front to stay out of the way of other people coming up to the bar.
“We could do a movie next time?” I suggest.
“I can see if they’re playing anything in town.”
Cooper stoops down and kisses my shoulder, sending shivers over my skin.
“So, what’s one of your favorite things about Paxton?” he asks.
I hum, watching people smile and dance, play darts and talk to each other.
“I know it’s cliché if I sayyou. So I’m going to say that time you took me out to see Hayes land. Or simply the people. Everyone is different here.”
“Or maybe you are,” he says.
I shrug and take a sip. I think I am.
“Hey Coop,”anotherwoman says in a sultry voice.
He glances over my shoulder, and I study him carefully.
He spreads his hand wider on my side. “Mary-Beth,” he mutters and dips his chin.
I take a gulp of my beer, hoping it takes the edge off my irritation. The elephant in the room is pressing on my chest.
“You alright?” he asks in my ear.
I nod and stare at the label.
He pecks my cheek and rubs his thumb over my ribs. I take a deep breath and gaze up at him. He’s not trying to talk to these women. His attention is fully on me. I have no reason to be angry.
Standing up a little straighter, I slide my hand over the back of his neck and pull him down to me. He hums into my mouth. The vibration making my skin pebble.
I pull back and he tilts his head. “What was that for?” he asks.
“Because I can,” I rasp.
