“It is.” His gaze never left hers. “I laid it all out. Told you all the reasons this makes sense, despite all the rest of it, and you still said it wouldn’t work.”
The more he talked, the angrier he got.
“So yes, Mac. That’s exactly how it is. Except all of a sudden, you’re here telling me I should ask you to marry me again. All I want to know is why.” He took a step closer. “Whyare you doing this? Why would you ask me to go through that again? Would seeing me humiliate myself for the second time today make you feel better about yourself? ’Cause I’ve got to hand it to you, Mac. You did a damn good job the first time. Not sure a sequel could top it.”
Stunned, Mac realized she had her ownwhyto ask him. Like why the hell was he making this so hard?
Couldn’t he see she was already beating herself up over the way she’d reacted to his proposal? Yes, she screwed up before, but damn it, she wastryingto make things right.
And he was fighting her every step of the way.
Her own insecurities and frustration began to take over, along with the barrage of emotions from everything else she’d been going through.
Mac threw her arms out to her sides and let her fury fly.
“No, you stubborn ass! I’mnotlooking to humiliate you. I’m standing here telling you to ask me again! Does it really even matterwhy?”
A flash of hurt crossed over him, the spark in his eyes dimming as it passed. He shook it off, the look of resignation tearing a hole through the center of her soul.
Coop cleared his throat, and for the second time that day, he pulled the damn rug right out from under her.
“You should know I’m leaving town for a while. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, but Mike’s coming back to see his new niece, so Jake’s going to try to talk him into taking my place while I’m gone.”
Screw the rug. The whole freaking ground felt like it was caving in.
Shock from what he'd just said nearly knocked her on her ass.
“Y-you're leaving the team?”
He’s leaving me?
“Jake’s looking to expand R.I.S.C. to other parts of the country. He’s got some possible recruits in Chicago and on the east coast he wants scouted out. Trevor needs to stay here to run things while Jake’s home with Liv and the baby, so he asked if I'd be interested. With the case on Doyle pretty much wrapped up, we’re free and clear to go back to business as usual, and Mike’s more than qualified to partner up with you.”
“I don’t want Olivia’s brother as my partner. I already have a partner.”
Acting as though she hadn’t spoken, Coop said, “Plus, it's not like there's anything for me here, so…”
Her brows dropped. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Of course there’s something here for you.I’mhere!” Mac’s desperation grew.
“Right. As my partner.”
“We’re more than that, and you know it.” Fearful she’d lost her chance with him, she tried to understand what he was asking of her. “I meant what I said, Sean. What more do you want me to—”
He reached up, halting her words as he cupped her cheek with his strong hand. Hazel eyes bore deep into hers, and even though he was the one deciding this for the both of them, he looked utterly heartbroken.
“The why matters, McKenna.” Coop leaned down and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering against her furrowed skin there a little longer than normal. He pulled away with a sad smile, his eyes shining with unshed tears when he whispered, “It’s theonlything that matters.”
Without another word, he stepped around her, got into his truck, and drove away.
Alone in the quiet parking lot, Mac stood there, ignoring the tears rolling down her cheeks and feeling like she’d lost the most important thing in her entire world.
