Chapter 29
ALLY
Quinn: How was your date?
Me.
Me: Perfection.
Quinn: Tell me EVERYTHING!
Quinn: Please?
Me: I’m not telling you while we are at Cooper’s—tomorrow morning?
Quinn: UGH fine.
Quinn: You do know patience doesn't run in our DNA, right?
Me: OH. I’m aware, sis.
Who would have thought that a simple movie night at the drive-in would go down as my favorite night in history?
If you would have told me that a night like that would be my favorite date a year ago, I would’ve told you that you were a liar.
But back then, living in California, I definitely had a different idea of what a date was.
I was always going to the clubs, or dressing up and going out to get a fancy ass dinner wearing heels that I secretly hated and eating food I couldn't pronounce. But that’s what Wilson wanted to do when he came into town to visit, and I was too afraid that if I said no, it would just be another reason for him not to like me.
But Cooper? He doesn't care about any of that; he took me out and made sure to let me know beforehand to dress in something I was comfortable in.
It was my choice to dress up this time, and it was because I wanted to feel pretty, for myself, not because some man wanted arm candy.
Although, I'd be lying if I said I didn't like the way he lit up as he watched me in this dress. It made me feel some kind of way. I felt powerful, confident, desired.
This is a man who could have any woman he wants out on a date with him, and it's me he's looking at like that.
That alone is the greatest confidence boost, but the words he said, the way he made me feel. That just solidified that this man is taking over my mind and invading my heart, and I don’t want to stop him.
So many little things he did throughout the night, the planning he put into the date, and the little details, even though he planned it quickly—he left no stone unturned when looking for information.
It didn't go unnoticed.
Little details like the sunflowers he brought me, even if he admitted Quinn told him they were my favorite.
He still cared to know. He listened to her, and he still brought me flowers—something I've never received before. But it was more than that. Remembering I loved movies, old movies at that. And then to top it off, he danced with me in the rain.
I'm definitely impressed.
He always pays attention, and it shows. When we came home last night, our date wasn't over. He made us a drink, and then we went for a late-night swim—a naked swim. Who knew sex outside, under the stars, could be so fun. And now?
Cooper is up at ten in the morning mixing up pancakes because Quinn, Levi, and Lucas are on their way over for breakfast, and instead of letting them stop and bring us all breakfast, he wanted to make it for everyone.
He planted me out in the backyard, with a book and a cup of coffee to read in peace while he cooked on the black stone.
But I haven't read more than a page since I've been out here.
My eyes keep drifting to Cooper. To tell him I'm ready for him to talk to Lucas—for us to make this, whatever we are, official.
I want him to know how happy he makes me, even if it also makes me so nervous.
This is the moment in every past relationship where I would bolt, if I hadn’t already.
This is when I’ve been known to sabotage a relationship—refusing to let anyone get too close.
The second feelings start to really blossom past lust and into something real, I run, taking off in the other direction.
Because Levi and Wilson were the two times I let myself get “trapped” and they ended poorly.
But with Cooper, instead of being scared, I'm only getting more and more excited. What does this say about me?
My phone buzzes on the table as I watch Cooper flip pancakes, a text from Quinn popping up.
Quinn: Are you sure you won't tell me, sis?
Me: Positive. Tomorrow
Quinn: Why tomorrow? Why not today?
Me: You guys are here for breakfast then you have plans, no time without the boys.
Me: Plus. I'd like to talk to Cooper first, so I actually have more to tell you.
Quinn: It's a date.
Me: It won't be the best one I've been on this week.
Me: Or ever…
Quinn: Someone's down bad
Am I down bad? I mean, yeah, I definitely have a crush on Cooper. That much is obvious. But is it more? And if so…how much more are we talking about.
“Hey,” Cooper says as he walks over to me with a plate of bacon, freshly cooked, and my mouth immediately starts watering. “I know we haven’t talked about plans for the rest of the day, but, if you aren’t busy later, you could always stay the night again.”
Perfect. This is the opening I need to find a time to really talk to him…figure out whatever this is, or what it can be.
“Yeah, I think that sounds good,” I tell him with a smile, one he returns before offering me the plate.
“Want a piece of bacon?”
“Do idiots ask stupid questions?” I ask with a smirk as he holds out a piece of bacon, but he pulls it back quickly and takes a bite.
“Are we really sassing and calling the chef an idiot?”
“You did just ask if I wanted bacon, and I'm sorry—there's never a time I'm turning down bacon. Unless it's undercooked. Limp bacon is a crime,” I tell him, scrunching my nose as I think of soggy, non-crispy bacon.
That would not go on my BLT.
“Stop being a pain in my ass and open your mouth,” he grins, knowing exactly what I'm thinking about right now.
Dickhead.
But I listen, opening my mouth, taking a bite of the perfectly cooked deliciousness as he watches me, a little twinkle in his eye as I take the bite. Unable to help myself, I moan, watching the way his eyes change from innocent to feral.
“That's a damn good piece of bacon,” I tell him, wiping my lips with a smirk.
“You’re trouble, Ally Cat,” he says as he shakes his head.
“Enough trouble to earn me a spanking?” I ask, batting my eyelashes at him as his eyes narrow, the corner of his lips turning up as he watches me. I had a feeling he would like that.
Just then, the back door opens, and Lucas comes running out, completely bypassing Cooper, who’s still standing there with his jaw on the ground, and tackles me, bear hugging me against the chair. “Miss Ally! I missed you!”
“I missed you, too, buddy!” I tell him, looking up to see Quinn, Levi, and Cooper now all sharing a look. “What?” I ask them.
“Just didn’t think there would be a time where I saw Lucas run to someone besides his dad first,” Levi says, wide eyed.
“Me either, but I’ve gotta admit, I don’t mind it,” Cooper says, and my heart swells.
It feels an awful lot like acceptance, something I’ve always wanted in a partner.