“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
After giving her boss another quick hug, he said goodbye and headed back inside to be with his new family.
“I’m gonna go try to pull Charlie away from that baby.” Derek pointed to his truck a few rows over. “We’re parked right over there. Shoot me a text when you’re ready, and we’ll follow you out.”
Coop gave the other man a curt nod.
“Night, Mac.”
“See ya, D.”
Before he started to walk back inside, Derek gave her a funny look. Almost sad, or maybe disappointed? She wasn’t sure, and before she could figure it out, the blond SEAL was gone.
“It’s been a long day, Mac.” Coop’s gaze danced around them, looking everywhere but at her. “What did you want to talk about?”
Swallowing her pride, Mac took a deep breath and went for it.
“Ask me again.”
His eyes flew to hers, his brows raised with surprise. It was the exact look she'd imagined as she’d played the scene in her head as she’d been rushing out here.
This was it. He'd ask her. She’d say yes. He’d take her in his arm, and—
Coop shook his head. “Sorry, babe. Been there, done that. Still got the ring to prove it.” He turned away, pulling his keys from his jeans pocket.
Okay…Not the reaction she'd been expecting, but it was definitely one she deserved. She’d hurt him, and to pay her back, he wanted her to grovel.
It sucked, but she got it.
“Listen, Sean.” She grabbed his arm and pulled so he’d face her again. “I’m really sorry about before. You took me completely off guard, which you know I don’t handle well, and I got scared.” She licked her lips nervously. “I got scared and…I panicked. I’m sorry.”
He stared down at her for several seconds before pulling his arm free from her grasp. Without saying a word, he turned his back on her and walked around his truck toward the driver’s side door.
A different kind of panic began to set in, but then Coop stopped. Slowly, he turned and came back to her.
He didn’t smile. Didn’t try to pull his usual charm. He looked torn, and it killed her that she was the reason.
“Fair enough.” His deep voice vibrated through her. “You were scared, and my timing was shit. I get that.”
Mac blew out a breath and smiled. She opened her mouth to say something, but Coop started talking again.
“I just need you to answer one question.”
One question?Seems easy enough.
Of course, nothing between them had been easy up to this point. Still, she had no choice but to take the bait.
“Ok, shoot.”
“Why?”
His voice was still low and serious, but there was the slightest bit of light in his eyes when he finally looked at her again, and he sounded almost...hopeful?
“What do you mean, why?”
“Earlier today, you made it pretty clear you weren’t ready for marriage. At least not with me.”
“Coop. That’s not how it was, and you know it.”
