Chapter 15
Chapter fifteen
Cooper
I glance down to the sheet of notebook paper in my hand before I look back up at Dakota who’s sitting cross legged on the couch.
She changed into those fucking yoga pants that show off her shapely ass and I’ve yet to forget how her tongue felt against mine less than two hours ago.
So, focusing is a challenge at the moment.
“What exactly is this?” I ask, tossing down the paper with a list of rules halfway down the page.
After she brought the last of her things from the trailer, she must have conjured this list while I was in the barn checking the horses.
“Our marriage rules.” She picks it up. “You know, to keep things in line.”
I narrow my eyes. “Ok…...”
She holds up a finger. “Number one on the list. I will pay a monthly rent.”
“No,” I say instantly.
She lifts a brow. “Excuse me?”
“I said no. My wife will not pay me rent to live in our house.”
“Cooper,” she grits out.
“This is not up for discussion,” I fire back, relaxing into the oversized chair.
“Ok fine. But I will contribute to the household. I can pay the utility bills.”
“We have well water.” I hold up a hand as she begins to argue. “You want to contribute? You can focus your time on Ari. Contribute to making her feel welcome and comfortable.”
She stares at me for a moment before clearing her throat. “Fine. Number two.” She points her blue eyes at me. “I will not crowd your space or take over your room. I can sleep on the couch, while Ari makes the guest room hers.”
“No.”
She slams the paper down on the sofa. “You can’t just say no to every rule.”
“Oh, I can, Birdie.” I grin. “We’re a team. Meaning, we make decisions together.”
“Why can’t I sleep on the couch?” She asks, crossing her arms.
“Because I’m not making you sleep on a couch while I’m in a warm bed,” I scoff.
“I’m not kicking you out of your bed, Cooper.” She rolls her eyes. “That’s inconsiderate.”
“You're right. You’re not.” I lean forward, planting my elbows on my knees. “You’ll sleep with me.”
Her shoulders go ridged. “Yeah, no.”
“We’ve slept together before.” I shrug. “It’s no different than when we were kids.”
Lie. It’s totally fucking different. She knows it and I know it. But I want her next to me. Period.
“And if memory serves me correctly, you’re a total cover hog.”
“I think you are mistaken. It’s you who always rolled up like a tortilla. I nearly got frostbite that Christmas.”
She laughs, her hands flying to her face before she shakes her head. “Ok then. We can share a bed.”
“Good.”
“On one condition. I get my own comforter.”
“Done,” I agree.
“Number three.” She holds up three fingers.
“How many rules do you have?” I ask.
“Just a few more.” She picks the paper back up. “Number three. I understand we need to show some PDA. Being married means affection is normal.” She hesitates before she shifts on the couch. “I think holding hands and a quick peck on the lips is fine in public.” She lifts a brow at me. “No tongue.”
“Why not?” I smirk.
She squirms again.
Oh, she liked the tongue.
“I don’t think it’s necessary.” She points at me. “You snuck it on me today.”
“Like you didn't enjoy it.” I wag my brows.
“Oh stop,” she scoffs. “I’m not backing down on this one. No tongue.”
“In public. Got it.” I nod.
She said nothing about in private.
“Which leads me to number four.” She moves to place her feet flat on the floor.
“I understand you have…. needs. I don’t expect you to be celibate for however long this takes.
It could be months. If you feel the need to…
get female attention. Do it away from Mayson Ridge.
Last thing we need is rumors of you having an affair one month into the marriage. ”
For some reason that last rule just pisses me straight off. Not only at the fact she thinks I would sleep with another woman while married to her, but that she might want to sleep with another man.
Not fucking happening.
“Let me be clear on this, Kota.” I push to my feet, staring down at her. “While my ring is on your finger, and my last name attached to yours, there will not be any other women. Period.”
She gulps, her eyes widening. “Coop…”
I lean down, gripping her chin between my fingers. “And there will be no other men while you are my wife. Understood?”
Her jaw slacks, before she nods. “Understood.”
“Alright. I need to run an errand. I’ll be back.” I drop a kiss on her head, before striding to the door.
When I make it to my truck, I blow out a breath before cranking the engine.
I’ve got my work cut out for me. I may have had an ulterior motive for marrying Dakota Sterling.
Yes, I want her to get custody, but I also want to prove to her that she doesn’t have to be afraid to let go anymore.
I’ve got only a handful of months to prove to the woman I love that she’s right where she was always meant to be. With me.