Chapter 40
RYAN
One year ago I was at my lowest. Desperate, lonely, and looking for something—anything—to be a distraction, to fill the emptiness inside. That’s when I met her. Taking her back to my hotel room felt like a way to forget—a quick fix for the lonely desire raging inside me. But little did I know, she would change my life in the best possible way.
I deepen our kiss, pouring everything I have into her. My fingers slip under the thin fabric clinging to her hips, the memory of the pool months ago flashing through my mind. How hard it had been not to untie that bikini string, to resist the temptation of pulling her closer, kissing her deeper. But now? Now there’s nothing holding me back.
Being here, in the pool with Cooper, is a goddamn dream. The feel of her wet skin under my hands, the soft gasps she makes when I tease her like this, my fingers inching closer to where I know she wants me—it’s exhilarating. Her hand slips into my boxer briefs, wrapping around my cock, still throbbing from the way she dry-humped me earlier. Jesus, that was the sexiest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Watching her move like that, so lost in emotion, and then erupting on top of me.
And then she told me she loved me.
She strokes me harder, and it feels like the building force in my cock might actually knock me out.
Her hands push at my waistband, her voice breathless. “Ry, take these off.”
I peel my boxer briefs off, then slide her panties down to her thighs, my hand immediately finding its place between her legs. She bites down on my shoulder, a soft moan slipping past her teeth, and it drives me wild. I love how easy it is to pull pleasure from her. I plunge a finger into her, watching as her head tilts back, her eyes rolling.
“Oh, God.”
A primal hunger courses through me—I need to see all of her. My hands move to her hips, lifting her to the edge of the pool with ease.
Leaning in, I grip the waistband of her panties with my teeth and pull them off.
Her eyes widen. “Okay. That was hot.”
“Spread your legs,” I say with desperation. “I need to see you.”
She leans back on her hands, slowly opening her legs, and motherfuck. I’ve died and gone to heaven.
“Scoot closer. I want to taste you.”
She moves without hesitation, her body arching slightly in invitation. My hands grip her hips, spreading her open with my fingers as I lean in, my tongue running along her pussy, relishing every inch of her.
“How do I taste?”
“Like pure fucking sin,” I groan against her.
I spread her open wider, my mouth finding her clit. Her body reacts instantly, her back arching as a loud gasp falls from her lips. The sound resonates through me, driving me crazy as her taste and the way she writhes has me teetering close to the edge.
I move my tongue rapidly, flicking and teasing, devouring her like I can’t get enough. Her legs begin to tremble, her gasps turning into cries as she grips the edge of the pool. She lets out a sharp, breathless moan as she comes against my tongue, her body shaking beneath me.
Damn. She’s incredible.
“Fuck. Get in here.” I pull her into the water, wasting no time before I push up into her. Her legs wrap tightly around me as I thrust into her, the water lapping around us with every movement. My hips rock back and forth, driving into her with a desperation that matches my need for her. She takes my tongue into her mouth, tasting herself, and that’s it—that’s all I can take.
“God,” I groan, giving one last forceful push as I release into her. Her hand moves between us, fingers finding her clit. She rubs herself with a fervor that sends her spiraling over the edge, her cries mixing with my heavy breaths as she comes with me.
“Babe,” I say afterward, still catching my breath. “When you kiss me after I’ve gone down on you… It’s so sexy.”
She grins, her voice a soft purr. “I know… and it turns me on to turn you on.”
I look at her, completely mesmerized. Her chocolate-brown eyes stare back at me, shining with happiness, and the realization hits me like a freight train—I’m totally fucked. She has me wrapped around her little finger, by the balls, by the heart. She has me. I’m hers, completely and utterly hers.
I chuckle, shaking my head. “You own me, Cooper Bradley… Jesus.” I press a kiss to her forehead, and she tightens her hold on me, her arms encircling me like she never wants to let go.
* * * * * ? * * * * *
“Babe, we have to leave in ten minutes,” I call out, shifting on the sofa lounger. My cream pants and white linen dress shirt already making me warmer than I’d like.
“Okay, give me five. I’m almost ready.”
A few minutes later, Cooper appears, and she’s absolutely stunning.
“Whoa.” I stand quickly, needing to touch her. I steal a kiss, then step back to take her in from head to toe. Her dress is sexy as hell—low-cut, thin straps, tits out. “Jesus, babe. You look beautiful.”
“Why thank you,” she says, grinning. “Don’t get too excited in those pants. You won’t be able to hide the AK47 you’re carrying. That color won’t be forgiving.”
“Ha. Ha. Very funny,” I say, pulling her close. My hands slide down her back, and I groan. “Oh, shit. An open back?” My fingers trail over warm, soft skin, and all I can think about is dragging my mouth over every inch. “Do we have time for a quickie?”
“No.” Her hand finds mine, guiding it down to her inner thigh. “And also…” She leans in, her voice a sultry whisper. “There’s a high slit.”
My fingers brush against her panties. “Babe… That wasn’t very nice of you,” I tease, my cock straining hard against my pants.
She glances down, smirking. “Better get that boner in check, Ry. Come on, we’ve gotta go, or we’ll be late.”
“Jesus.” I reluctantly follow, adjusting myself as I walk to the door.
These past few days with Cooper have been some of the best of my life. This vacation—being here with her—I’ll remember it forever. This place is beautiful, romantic as hell, and we’ve had so much fun. Not only have we had an insane amount of mind-blowing sex, but we’ve also connected in ways that make me love her even more. The laughter never stops. It feels like a crime to be this happy, almost surreal.
Thirty minutes later, we’re seated on white folding chairs lined up along the sand, Stella, Michael and Adam next to us. The ocean stretches out in front of us.
Vivian’s mother walks arm-in-arm with Leo down the aisle, hugging him briefly before he turns to face the crowd. A string quartet begins to play, and cute little Isla makes her way down the aisle, tossing flowers with the utmost concentration. Cooper squeezes my hand, and I glance at her, catching the soft smile on her lips.
Then Vivian appears, her arm linked with her father’s, and the entire crowd rises as she walks down the aisle.
“Oh my God, Vivian looks so beautiful,” Cooper whispers.
And she does. She looks absolutely gorgeous—every bit the bride she deserves to be.
Leo and Vivian face each other, hand in hand, grinning at each other. The officiator welcomes everyone and gives a short speech, thank God. I hate when these things drag on. Finally, he hands the microphone to Leo for his vows. They agreed to keep them short and simple, but knowing Leo, I’m sure they’ll still pack a punch.
Leo takes a deep breath, his eyes locked on Vivian’s. “Vivian… I thought I knew what life was all about, that I had it all figured out before I met you.” He chuckles softly, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “I thought I couldn’t get any happier.”
He pauses, glancing down for a moment as if to gather himself. Vivian’s gaze doesn’t waver, her soft smile encouraging him on.
“But then you showed up, practically on my doorstep, and flipped my world upside down. Every day since, I wake up thinking, ‘ This is it. This is the happiest I’ll ever be. The best it can get… ’ Somehow, you keep proving me wrong. Every day with you just gets better.”
Leo crouches down to Isla’s level, his voice softening as he meets his daughter’s eyes. “And Isla… your mum and dad love you so much. You’ve made us happier than we ever thought possible.” He presses a kiss to her forehead before standing again, his gaze returning to Vivian.
“Babe, you complete me. You’ve made me whole. I promise to love you, to live for you, and to cherish the beautiful family we’ve built together—for as long as I live.”
Vivian dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief, her lips trembling with a smile.
“Damn,” Cooper whispers beside me, wiping her own eyes. “That was beautiful.”
I glance at Cooper, her eyes shining as she smiles at the couple. “You’re beautiful,” I whisper, squeezing her thigh. She places her hand on top of mine, and our fingers weave together.
Leo passes Vivian the mic, his eyes never leaving hers.
“Great. I have to go after that,” she says with a watery laugh, dabbing at her tears. She’s already crying. She probably should have gone first.
“Leo,” she begins, her voice trembling slightly. “There was a time when I didn’t know if I would ever truly be happy again.” She pauses, letting the emotion settle. “Until I landed on your doorstep. And oh my God, you put me through hell.”
The crowd chuckles, and Leo grins sheepishly.
“But it was worth it,” she continues. “Because with you, every day feels like a gift—a beautiful, unexpected gift.” She shakes her head, her voice softening. “I didn’t just find love when I found you—I found my best friend. And I’ll choose you, every single day, for the rest of my life. I love you to the moon and back. And I promise to love you, and our children, always. Forever.”
She holds out the mic for the officiator, but Leo steps forward, cupping Vivian’s face, and kisses her softly.
“Not yet, not yet!” the officiator scolds, his tone light. “Sheesh.”
Leo steps back, grinning unapologetically. “Sorry,” he mutters.
They exchange rings, and finally, the officiator announces that Leo can kiss the bride. I watch as my best friend pulls Vivian into his arms, kissing her like he never wants to stop. She wraps her arms around his neck, and they kiss again and again, in a way that makes everyone watching believe in forever.
“Woot!” Cooper cheers beside me. I glance at her and grin, my chest tightening as I take her in. She’s incredible. The thought hits me like a wrecking ball: I want this. I want her. Not just now, not just for tonight, but for always.
The ceremony ends with applause and cheers, guests scattering to mingle as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. By the time night falls, the reception is in full swing. A dance floor has been set up on the sand beneath strings of lights. Music fills the air, and the rhythmic crash of waves nearby is a soothing contrast to the storm of emotions swirling inside me—my love for Cooper.
I tighten my hold around Cooper’s waist, pulling her closer, never wanting to let go. Our footsteps slow, barely moving as we sway together, lost in each other. Her gaze holds mine, and everything else fades into the background. The crowd, the music, the chatter—it’s all just noise. It’s just us.
A smile creeps onto her lips. “Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”
Her laugh bubbles out, and I can’t help but grin. “Are you seriously recycling BDR jokes?” I tease, raising an eyebrow.
“Sorry.” She shrugs, still laughing. “Are you getting sick of them?”
“Men don’t get sick of hearing their girlfriends tell them how big their dick is.”
“Good. Because I feel like I’m walking around with my own personal 007.”
I suck a breath in through my teeth. “Well, unfortunately, I don’t think my skills using a weapon quite measure up to James Bond’s.”
“That’s okay, babe. That weapon’s only meant for me… and so far, you’re nothing but a straight shooter.” She grins, standing on her tiptoes to press a kiss to my lips.
I laugh against her mouth. “Well, it took months of me chasing after you before I perfected my aim.”
She grins. “Well, you got me. Right in the bullseye.”
I cock a brow, letting a teasing grin tug at my lips. “The vagina?”
Her jaw drops as she playfully shoves my chest. “God, no!” She shakes her head, though she can’t quite hide her smile. “I was thinking more like my heart.”
“Oh… Yeah, that would’ve been the better answer.”
A beat of silence passes, her expression softening, her fingers tracing along my neckline. “I can’t believe I didn’t want to get to know you,” she says, her voice quieter now, almost wistful. “Thought I’d only want one night with you… God, I’ve made a lot of stupid decisions in my life.” Her thumb strokes my neck, and her eyes meet mine, filled with regret. “But that might’ve been the dumbest one of all.”
My eyes wander over her face, taking in every detail like I’m memorizing it. “When you told me not to ask you anything personal.” I scoff, grinning. “Damn. That almost killed me.”
“Do you think if I’d agreed to go on a date with you, we’d be here right now? That things would’ve worked out?”
I pause, considering her question, my thumb grazing the bare skin on her back. I’ve been fighting back a hard-on all damn night, but right now, it’s the furthest thing from my mind. “I don’t know,” I admit. “But I wouldn’t change a thing if it meant there was even the slightest chance we wouldn’t be here right now.”
She smiles softly as she leans into me, resting her head on my chest. “Me neither.”
The moment stretches, quiet and comfortable, before her voice seeps through. “Ry?”
“Hmm?”
She tilts her head up, her eyes searching mine. “Will you take me to Rome?”
I pull back slightly, my brows lifting in surprise. “Yeah… Hell yeah, I will. Let’s go this summer.”
“Really?”
“Really.” I lean down, kissing her like it’s a promise.
She pulls back just enough to grin, biting her bottom lip. “Do you have a special permit to travel?”
I raise an eyebrow, confused. “What?”
Her expression turns serious. “You know, to be able to take a gun on an airplane.”
A laugh bursts out of me, louder than I expected.
“Too much?” she asks, her grin widening.
I shake my head, still laughing. “Never.”
The song fades, the DJ seamlessly blending it into something more upbeat. “I’m going to grab a drink. You want anything?”
“Will you get me another Chardonnay, please?”
“Yep. Be back soon.”
“I’ll just be out here dancing my little heart out.”
I make my way to the bar, glancing over my shoulder to catch Cooper finding Vivian and her friend, Sarah, on the dance floor before they let loose, dancing wildly.
When I return, drinks in hand, I take a seat at a nearby table, setting her glass down and sipping mine. My gaze is immediately drawn back to her. “The Time” by Black Eyed Peas blares from the speakers, and I can’t look away. She’s stunning—so alive and unapologetically her. Her laughter carries over the music, her dance moves full of carefree energy as she, Vivian, and Sarah, jump up and down, completely lost in the moment.
I smile, my heart full of love and gratitude. Seeing her like this—happy and free—fills me in a way I never thought possible. It’s impossible not to reflect on how far we’ve come. All the shitty things we went through, the pain, the uncertainty. Somehow, it all feels like part of the journey, the cracks that let the light in, necessary steps to reach this point. To come out the other side smarter, stronger—happier.
She catches me staring. Her eyes sparkling, her lips curving into that smile that never fails to knock the air from my lungs. She’s so perfectly right for me.
Cooper makes her way over to me, and I rise to meet her, unable to stop the grin spreading across my face.
“What are you staring at?” she asks amused.
“You.”
“Well, come dance.” She grabs my hands, tugging me toward the dance floor, but I plant my feet firm. I can’t resist her. I never could. Instead, I pull her into me. “I love you,” I murmur.
Her hands slide up my chest and around my neck, sending a shiver through me. “I love you too, Ry.” She kisses me, and the world around us disappears. It’s just her—her touch, her love—anchoring me to the purpose I didn’t know I was missing.
I brush my thumb along her cheek, my brows knitting together with concentration. “One day, I’m going to marry you, Coop. And it’ll be the best damn day of my life,” I whisper.
Her grip tightens, taking a deep breath as she takes it in, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You’d better,” she whispers back. Then her lips find mine, and the love in that kiss is unlike anything I’ve ever known.
She’s it.
She’s the one.
She’s my everything.
And I love her—all the way down to her bones.