Bittersweet Symphony (The Damaged Souls series Book 2) (21 page)

“She would’ve come herself but she’s watching Lola while I worked.” My sweet dog was recovering wonderfully. If anything, Lola was as impatient as I was to be up and about. She’d looked longingly at her leash the other morning, missing our trips to the local park where we played fetch. “I thought about bringing Lola with me but thought it might be better to wait.”

Caylee nodded. “Yeah, last thing I want is for her to get sick, too. Can a dog catch a cold?” Shaking her head, she squinted her eyes tight and grimaced. “This damn headache is driving me nuts.”

“I have no idea, but I was thinking more about you. She’d want to jump up and give you kisses. Then she would’ve hogged your bed.” There were medications on her bedside table—a severe cold and flu treatment and ibuprofen. Popping open the later, I shook out a few pills and handed them to her. “Here, this should help.”

Again, she took them without question. “Is her leg doing better?”

I pointed at the warmed soup again. “Lola had her check up yesterday and so far, so good. The break is healing nicely. She’s got maybe another three-four weeks and the splint can come off. Keep drinking.”

Caylee poked out her tongue. “Wow, you’re bossy today.” Her mouth curled into a cheeky smirk. “I like it.”

Her response surprised me and I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She drained the cup, leaving a few leftover noodles at the bottom. I gently took it from her and placed it beside the pill bottles. “I put the container in the fridge so you can have more later if you like. Mom made a big batch so you have at least another two servings.”

“You spoil me, Cooper. Thank you. You both do. I appreciate it.” Caylee snuggled back down and pulled the covers up over her chest. When she shivered, it almost broke me. Stubborn or not, she needed to come home with me where I could keep a better eye on her.

Damn, my protective streak was on hyper drive. She was more in danger of me smothering her with worry than the sickness ravaging her body.

“I can’t be sick. I just can’t. Finals are less than a week away and I don’t have time for this. If I don’t study, I’m going to fail and lose my scholarship.” The anxiety in her voice filled the room. I knew how much school meant to her and how seriously she took it. I’d half expected to find her in bed, her nose buried in a textbook as she struggled to read.

That gave me an idea.

“Where’s your books, sweetheart?” I glanced about the room, trying to spot her backpack. Maybe it was out in the dining room where she usually spread everything out to do homework.

“Be back in a second,” I fired, racing from the room again and returning shortly with her school stuff. “Now, I know it’s not ideal, but would it help if maybe I read your notes? That way you can listen and I can relax knowing you’re not stressing out.”

Her eyes widened and love shone back at me. “You’d do that for me?”

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Caylee. All you ever need to do is ask.” And just because, I leaned in and kissed her—this time squarely on her lips.

Germs be damned.

“Cooper!”

“Caylee!” I retorted, cocking my eyebrows. “I meant what I said. You’re totally worth getting sick over. Now, is there a particular class you’re focusing on or can I pick?” I unzipped the bag and peered inside. I’d forgotten how heavy textbooks could be. The weight Caylee carried around was enough to turn her into the University’s very own hunchback.

“Start with my Psych notes. It’s the stapled packet in the red folder.” Glancing at me again, she reached out and touched my arm. “Thank you.”

Her gratitude was unnecessary but it made me smile anyway. I could already see the tension fading from her features.

“Okay, let’s begin.”

For the next little while, until her soft snores filled the room, the world disappeared and class was in session.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Caylee

There was a good chance I might melt under the warm sun, but any worthy cause deserved an equally worthy sacrifice. Although some might argue, I was definitely the one who benefited from the afternoon's activity.

Locked away in my bedroom, studying to all hours of the night, Cooper had been adamant that a change of scenery was necessary. He’d pointed out that getting some fresh air and not cramming notes into my exhausted brain would actually work in my favor.

He'd made a convincing argument, one I'd feebly tried resisting until he mentioned Lola would be there and his mom had asked after me. I'd come along easily after that and now, I was left wondering why I’d even hesitated to begin with.

Yes, the break had done wonders refreshing my weary mind, but in all honesty, it had been worth it solely for the view I'd been appreciating for the last ten minutes.

The Hensley's immaculately maintained yard was a beautiful array of vibrant colors and flowers. Whenever I came to listen to the guys rehearse, I liked to slip outside and spend a few quiet moments just soaking in how pretty it was.

But that wasn’t what held my attention.

My gaze hadn’t strayed far from the shirtless boyfriend putting together the final touches on his parent’s fire pit.

Cooper was magnificent—his hardened body inspiring wanton daydreams.

When he looked up and caught me staring, the smile that erupted across his face sent a tornado swirling in my chest—shaking up my insides.

“Looking good,” I called out, more a comment about him than his almost completed project. I couldn’t wait to sit around its open flame making s’mores under the stars. “Maybe Rebecca and I should hire you to build us one for the summer.”

Bending over to grab his discarded t-shirt, Cooper wiped his brow with the fabric. “Just say the word and I’ll make it happen.”

There was a lightness dancing across his features that was wonderful to witness. For a while, with Lola’s injury, his brow had set into a deep furrow, his eyes dark with worry. It seemed like I wasn’t the only one profiting from this afternoon. I now understood why Cooper loved working with his hands.

It provided him an outlet—a way to be active.

Man, did it agree with him. I could watch him all day—shirtless or otherwise.

“Need a hand with the rest?” I pointed to the remaining grates that would fit within the brick structure and threw him a hopeful smile for extra measure. “After all, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it? To be your assistant.” That had been one of the things he’d said in the speech he’d given me this morning when he’d shown up at the house. I was a vital part of the process and he couldn’t finish the task without me.

Beneath his words, I knew another reason he liked my company. He’d confessed having me close quieted his thoughts, and frankly, I felt the same way.

We worked. Things were good. We were both happy.

It’s funny how life could change so much in such a short period of time. It hadn’t made it perfect, but who the heck needed that anyway?

“And that’s exactly what you’re doing, sweetheart.” From where he stood, Cooper winked. It just added to his sexiness.

“How’s that? You haven’t let me touch or lift anything.” When we’d first arrived, I’d made the mistake of attempting to move some of the bricks he had in the back of his truck. That had earned me a swift scolding. “You’d be surprised by how strong I am, Cooper. I’ve got muscles.”

Suddenly it got hotter—the heat overshadowing the sun—the sensation beginning deep within me as it spread out. My toes curled inside my shoes. The look he gave me was filled with promise, with desire.

“I’m well aware, Caylee.” His voice had deepened, barely concealing his lust. The sound of it gave me a familiar thrill—the same one I felt every time he zeroed his attention on me. That was another addictive trait Cooper held—his ability to make the world fade away to where it was only the two of us. It didn’t matter where we were or what we were doing.

It was the stare of a man who knew just how breathless he made me feel. But that was mild compared to the power it brought because I knew, just knew, right this moment, he was experiencing the exact same thing.

Cooper might not be as forthcoming with his emotions, but he never failed to show me in other ways.

What that man could do with a mere glimpse . . . it made me wish I could forget his parents were inside the house and take what I wanted.

Cooper—he wouldn’t refuse me.

He wanted me, too.

Speaking of which, the back door banged loudly against the frame, signaling that we were about to have company. Cooper mouthed the word
later
and I nodded.

We were absolutely going to continue this in private.

“Oh, Cooper. That looks wonderful!” his mother gushed after placing the tray of drinks she’d carried out onto the leftover pile of bricks. Walking over to where the fire pit was, she quietly exchanged a few words with her son. Her whole countenance glowed with pride. “I can’t wait for your grandparents to see it.”

I glanced at Cooper. They were coming for a visit?

He must’ve understood my silent question, because he nodded. “They called earlier and announced they were coming to spend some time with us.”

Heather smiled as she continued for her son, “Initially we wanted to throw a BBQ in your honor, seeing as how you’re just about done with this semester. It seemed like a great opportunity for everyone to get together.” She patted Cooper’s arm affectionately before letting him return to his task.

I gulped, hoping against hope the panic bubbling up inside me didn’t appear on my face and reveal my nervousness. Was I ready to meet the infamous Lt. Colonel Edward Hensley? The stories Cooper had shared about his grandfather and the huge impact he’d had on Cooper’s childhood made my knees shake a little. Meeting parents was one thing—this was something bigger.

“Stop worrying, sweetheart. They’re going to love you as much as I do.” His reassurance did a lot to soothe my anxiety, but it didn’t completely squash it. It might’ve also been because every time I heard Cooper say that word . . . love . . . it gave me a huge case of sappy romantic swoon, like that sentiment coming from his lips held all the power in the world to render me boneless.

“But?” I answered, nevertheless.

Heather’s eyes contained a knowing emotion. “I remember the first time I met Cooper’s grandparents . . . my boyfriend’s parents. The very thought of that first meeting left me feeling sick to my stomach. I think I walked around for days beforehand with the sensation of a huge boulder lodged in the pit of my gut.”

I shouldn’t have laughed, but I did. That was exactly how my body was reacting and I’d only just found out. “So any advice . . . one nervous girlfriend to another?”

Hugging me with one comforting arm, Heather pulled me close so she could whisper in my ear, “Just be you. Don’t think you have to pretend to be someone else so they’ll like you. I agree with Cooper, they’re going to love you the moment they set eyes on you. How can they not? I know I did.”

Tears began filling my eyes. It was hard not to feel a little foolish. “Okay, I trust you both.” Nodding, I took in a deep breath, determined not to let any further self-doubt linger. From everything I’d been told, they were amazing people who loved and adored their family.

Cooper fitted in the metal gate, completing the final part in the construction process. “And, voila. Your fire pit’s done, Mom.” He stood dusting his hands off and, as he admired his work, I gave him one last lingering, appreciative perusal before Cooper slid his shirt back on. Only then did he hug his mother and apologized for getting her dirty.

“You want to stay for dinner, maybe shower beforehand? There’s a spare change of clothing in the guest bedroom.” Heather glanced over at me, adding to her invitation. “That offer includes you too, Caylee. You’re always welcome here.” She reached over to squeeze my hand and I felt a rush of love for the woman in front of me. “You are family, after all.”

Cooper jumped in before I could open my mouth. “Thanks, but I think Caylee and I need to head out soon. We already have something planned for tonight.” The heat blazing from behind his gaze proved how good his memory was. All kinds of images raced through my mind.

In my head, we were already halfway home.

Kissing us both, Heather thanked her son again and made him promise to come by the next day to test the pit out.

As we finally left, Cooper’s arm draped around my shoulder. I couldn’t help the contented smile that graced my features.

Life was good.

And it was about to get even better.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Cooper

“Took you long enough.”

The sound of Caylee’s voice shot impatient lust straight to my groin. I wasn’t a weak man or someone who admitted to being vulnerable, but in that moment my hands shook with desire.

Slipping into the shower behind her, I murmured closely in her ear. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” My fingers instantly reached for her, the need to feel her soft skin beneath my touch impossible to deny. Each movement was instinctual. My arm curled around her waist and I dragged her gently against me. We were a perfect fit.

“Mmmm.” She sighed and rested her head back. Her long blonde hair dripped with water. I took the evocative noise as an invitation to nuzzle her neck, savoring the way she tasted on my tongue.

“I’ve wanted to do this all day, sweetheart,” I whispered between heated kisses across her shoulders.

“Me too, although, staying to eat was a tempting offer. All that hard work left me famished for  . . . something. ” There was no need to ask what she meant. As Caylee turned around and placed her hands over my chest, her nails grazed hard enough to leave subtle red marks. She was nothing short of being a seductress. Her lips curled into a coy smile, signaling that her thoughts were far from pure and it took all the restraint I possessed not to take her right then.

“Will I enjoy this . . . something?” My hands caressed up and down her sides, my fingers longing to clench her hips.

“Yes,” she purred, leaning forward to lick away the droplets streaming down over my chest. The second her mouth made contact, I groaned loudly. I couldn’t help it. With her, I held nothing back—I couldn’t.

I was on sensory overload. Between Caylee and the blissful heat from the shower hitting my naked body, the tension I’d been carrying melted away. If this was just a hint at what she’d meant by
something
, I was more than appreciative.

As my insides liquefied, I couldn’t keep still. I wanted to return the pleasure I was feeling. I wanted to make
her
feel like putty in
my
hands.

“Mmmm,” I murmured, tilting my head back on the tiled wall.

She began nibbling higher, exploring my body. I couldn’t tell what I enjoyed more—the sensation from the water or her decadent mouth.

“Like that, huh?” Her tongue traced over the spots she’d softly bitten, creating a swirl of fiery pulses in my stomach.

My hands skimmed up her sides, hoping to leave my own trail of fire in its path. I abruptly stopped her, twirling her around so I could cup her breasts. Despite my better judgment, I decided to curb my impatience and draw out the game we were playing. It was a razor sharp edge we were riding already. All it would take was one more lingering touch and we would both shatter.

“I thought you wanted to get cleaned up?” I teased, brushing lightly over her nipples. I felt her give herself over to me and smiled. Sooner or later, it always happened.

“Who says we can’t do both?” She chuckled low and the sound rumbled through her into me. The attention I was giving her caused another sigh to escape her lips. I stoked the fire burning between us, knowing exactly what to do and how it made her feel.

We’d been together long enough to sense when the other’s pleasure was building—our desires heightening to the point where everything disappeared and all that remained was incredible passion.

Caylee slipped around and wrapped her arms around my neck. With our bodies pressed firmly against each other, I marveled again at how wonderfully we fit. When she dragged her fingers down the edges of my back, it was my turn to growl.

“I like it when you do that,” I whispered and I licked my lips. That’s when I realized I hadn’t kissed her yet. In my need to hold her, I’d neglected something important.

Water sprayed down over us, dripping through her hair and down the side of her face. It didn’t stop Caylee from staring at me with hunger in her eyes. I liked seeing that look, loved knowing I’d put it there.

“Am I forgiven for not letting you help earlier?” I asked, knowing the moment was fast approaching where things would explode between us. There was only so much teasing either of us could handle.

Caylee shook her head and shrugged her shoulders slightly. “Nothing that a little loving from you couldn’t fix.” Her lopsided grin made my heart race. It always had that affect.

“Just a little?” I bent my head, my focus on her mouth.

“Or a lot.” She stretched upward and placed the lightest of kisses over my lips. That was all it took—just the briefest of touches and the passion that always lurked beneath the surface erupted in a molten explosion. Taking hold of her hips, I crushed my mouth over hers and was met with no resistance as she opened up to me. Cupping her round behind, I all but lost my mind as her body pressed into me and another blast of heat burst through me.

I was rock hard and ready. Whatever foreplay we’d had in mind was tossed aside for what we both wanted—craved. With her now on the pill, there was no need to think . . . only act.

I couldn’t get enough of her and, judging by the intensity she poured into her kiss, Caylee felt the same.

As for me, I was careening toward my need to dominate her completely.

“Cooper,” she gasped, breaking away so she could catch her breath. “Cooper,” she uttered again. “I need . . . I can’t . . .”

She didn’t need to beg me. I knew exactly what to do—what I’d been waiting for. In an assertive move, I turned her around so her hands rested firmly against the opposite wall.

“Spread your legs. Now.” The growl in my voice instantly caused her breath to hitch. She didn’t hesitate doing what I commanded. “So beautiful,” I murmured into her ear. “And all mine.”

“Yes, all yours,” she whimpered, her eyes closing in anticipation. Kissing her shoulder, I finally connected our bodies—the perfect moment of completion, of wholeness. There was nothing else that mattered—it was just her and me.

“I need you.” Each word was paired with the powerful thrust of my hips. Each movement built upon the other and I knew it wouldn’t take long before we both crashed over the edge. “I can’t hold back.”

“Please don’t,” she moaned.

I didn’t need to be told twice. Encircling her waist to anchor her to me, I showed her why it was so good between us.

There was a split second of nothingness before we both shattered. From the water still cascading over us and the way our bodies responded to each other—the hard, relentless pounding pushed us hard over the edge.

I sagged forward, my head resting in the crook of her neck. This moment was epic—beyond epic. It wasn’t about who dominated who anymore. It was about sharing yourself with someone else and making sure they got what they needed. Judging by the way Caylee’s voice mingled with mine and how her body became languid in my embrace, she wasn’t complaining either.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my breath skating over her skin and causing goose bumps to flare.

“That was pretty amazing.” She softly chuckled.

I kissed her one more time before pulling away and I instantly missed the connection. I wanted more of her, so, after quickly rinsing us both off, I made short work getting dry before carrying Caylee into her bedroom.

Sitting in the center of the bed with her body facing mine as she sat in my lap, I knew I held the most precious thing in the world in my arms. She was everything I’d dreamed and hoped for. She was everything I would ever want. Knowing that made my breath catch—the fact that someone could affect me so completely. Caylee had broken through every defense I’d erected and settled herself deep within my soul.

This kind of love, the kind that felt so utterly familiar that you couldn’t ever pinpoint the precise moment you fell, just that you have
always
felt this way—was humbling. I just had no clue how I deserved it or whether I would be able to keep it without screwing up. What I did know was that I’d never felt like this before and I would do everything in my power to safeguard it.

I wouldn’t be another asshole who ruined the best thing to ever happen to him. I would prove myself worthy of Caylee’s love. I vowed never to let her go.

Cradling her cheek with my hand, I lowered my voice, honoring the intimacy of the moment. “Remind me why I don’t drag you home with me. Why I let you stay here?”

“You allow?” Her breathless tone gave way to a playful grin as her eyebrow cocked at my question. “Are you asking me to move in with you, Cooper Hensley?”

It was amazing how natural this felt. In the past, the thought of making such a big commitment used to terrify me. But right in this moment, still surrounded by the magic we’d created together, it felt inevitable.

“Maybe?” I replied and, unable to keep my hands from touching her, my fingers traced invisible patterns over her skin.

“So, it’s not because we just had the most incredible sex ever?” There was a questioning look in her eyes as Caylee peered up into my face. I guessed I couldn’t blame her for making sure considering I was the flaky one in the relationship.

It was time for a little honestly. “I’m not going to lie, I know it’s a big step for us, but I don’t know . . . it feels right.
This
feels right. You. Me.”

There was no uncertainty in her response. “Us.”

The word sent a shiver through me. I kissed her sweet lips, hovering a little with my eyes closed. There was no fear inside me. Us.

“You don’t need to answer right away. Think about it.”

I found her staring at me intently when I opened my eyes. “But what if I want to tell you now?”

“Well?” There was a sudden rush of jitters in my gut.

“Or better yet, let me show you.” It was her turn to make the next move. Caylee’s hands gently pushed me backward onto the bed and she moved to straddle my hips. Lifting ever so slightly, she connected our bodies again.

She was breathtaking.

What followed was a perfect way to say yes.

****

A week later . . .

Sitting alone with Lola snoozing at my feet, I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Caylee’s finals were over and she was free for the summer. My sweet dog only had a few more weeks left before her splint came off her now healing leg. Thanks to Marty’s gift of the gab, the band had a full schedule of gigs that would hopefully bring us more exposure. After our trip to Vegas, Cian had also called to invite us to their studio, talking about how excited he was to help us record a professional demo.

Things were definitely on the up and up. Without testing fate, I would even say life was perfect. I was content where I sat, watching the sun slowly fade and eating a hot dog.

Fuck, it felt good. It didn’t matter how many times I said it, the simple sentiment didn’t diminish how grateful I was. I’d earned this respite—surviving everything life had thrown at me.

There was none of that now. I was happy, and I owed it all to the gorgeous woman talking with my grandmother. Caylee had been a nervous wreck when I’d picked her up earlier. Her usually neat room was a complete disaster as the contents of her closet lay sprawled across her bed, some discarded in piles on the floor. Rebecca had whispered softly not to make any sudden movements, that like a skittish deer, Caylee was in full panic mode over what to wear. Personally, I thought my girlfriend would look amazing in a potato sack, but based on the gasp from Rebecca and the murderous disbelief that shot across Caylee’s features, that hadn’t been the correct response.

As a guy, I apparently didn’t understand the significance of the BBQ, so I kept my mouth shut and sat patiently while Caylee changed four or five times before she finally declared the turquoise, white, and black maxi dress the
one
. Pulling her hair back into a loose braid that fell over her shoulder, she’d slipped on some jeweled sandals and a matching bracelet.

She was stunning and, just like I tried convincing her during the drive to my parent’s home, there was no need to worry.

The instant I introduced her to my grandparents, they lit up and took an immediate liking to each other. In fact, the reason why I was now sitting alone was because my nana had kindly kidnapped Caylee with the request that she fill her in about what her favorite grandson had been up to.

All that was needed was for my mother to pull out my baby book and I’d never be able to pry Caylee away from the women in my family. She fit right in. Even she admitted earlier she’d been nuts to think differently. They didn’t even know we’d planned on moving in together, either. The second we made that announcement, I knew where their thoughts would next go—marriage.

It wouldn’t surprise me if my mother had already started collecting baby stuff. Even I caught myself during the day thinking about the future. I couldn’t help it as I listened to the sounds of Caylee laughing over something my grandmother said and the other familiar chatter of my family.

Chewing slowly, I broke off the end of the hot dog and dropped it by Lola. One whiff of the grilled meat and she gobbled it up. She sniffed around for more and, when finding none, settled back down.