Making a Comeback. Kristina Mathews

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СКАЧАТЬ don’t want to wake your sister.” But he knew he’d give in.

      “It’s okay.” Sophie stirred in her light blue and yellow bed. “I had bad dreams, too.”

      “I know a song you might like.” Cooper positioned himself on the floor between the two beds. He sat cross-legged with his guitar in his lap. He sang softly, in the words of Bob Marley, entreating them not to worry about a thing.

      He sang as many uplifting, hope-affirming songs as he could think of off the top of his head. Mostly classic rock ballads he was sure the six-year-olds had never heard of, but they seemed to enjoy the music. Then, after the girls had fallen asleep, he plucked at a melody that had been playing around in his head. A song that sounded like longing for something just out of reach. He had no lyrics yet, but knew the song would be titled “Annabelle.”

      Chapter 6

      Was that bacon she smelled? Annabelle woke feeling stiff and sore, but a little more clear-headed than yesterday. And she was definitely hungry. She pulled her hair into a quick ponytail, brushed her teeth, and headed downstairs.

      Cooper was helping Olivia and Sophie make breakfast. Both girls were covered in flour and standing on a chair at the stove making pancakes. Cooper even had a spot of flour in his hair. Who would have thought a pink and white polka dot apron could make a man look so sexy?

      “Good morning.” He offered a sleepy smile as he turned off the gas burner. “I hope you’re hungry.”

      “I am.” Annabelle made her way toward her daughters and kissed each of them on the top of their heads. “Did you girls help make breakfast?”

      “We made pancakes,” Olivia said proudly.

      “And bacon and chocolate milk.” Sophie also beamed with pride.

      “I made coffee, too.” Cooper went over to the coffee maker and grabbed the pot. “Would you like some?”

      “Yes please.” She got the half and half out of the fridge. She’d given up the sugar, but not the cream. A dash of cinnamon helped.

      “Did you sleep well?” he asked.

      “Mostly.” When she wasn’t reliving the kiss and the way he’d pulled away so quickly afterward.

      “Did you take anything for pain?”

      “No. I’m afraid of feeling even more fuzzy-headed. And the over-the-counter stuff doesn’t really help.” She took a sip of her coffee, sighing at the rich flavor and aroma. “Besides, it’s mostly just muscle aches. I’ll feel better in a few days.”

      “I have this lotion I’ve used for sore muscles. It’s all-natural, safe, and legal.” Cooper’s lips curled slightly at the last word. “It’s got lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and a few other essential oils. I can run next door if you’re interested.”

      “That would be great.” Annabelle smiled at his never-ending thoughtfulness. “But eat first.”

      He helped the twins plate the pancakes and arranged the bacon on a paper towel-covered platter. The syrup was already warmed and placed on the table with the butter. After pouring himself another cup of coffee and waiting for Annabelle and the girls to sit down, he took the chair across from her.

      “This is delicious.” Annabelle savored her first bite. “Oh my goodness, you didn’t make them from scratch did you?”

      “Yeah.” Cooper shrugged, as if it was no big deal. “I try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. I used whole wheat flour, organic buttermilk, and cage-free eggs.”

      “You’ll have to give me the recipe. Or else come by every morning and cook for us.”

      “I do need a job.” Cooper winked at her. “But I don’t think you could afford me.”

      Something crackled between them. Attraction, sure, but there was something more. He had a secret. And it wasn’t about the stack of magazines he kept by his bed.

      “So how much do you charge?” She took another bite of the delicious whole-wheat pancakes.

      “I recently turned down an offer for three million.” He said it in such a way that she didn’t think he was kidding.

      “That’s a little pricey for pancakes.” Maybe he was a celebrity chef, and that was why he was so comfortable in her kitchen.

      “Well, I’ll start on the cleanup.” Cooper rose, taking his empty plate and cup to the sink. He loaded the dishwasher and set the skillet in the sink to soak.

      She watched him, fascinated by this man and his mysterious background. Judging by his build, he could be an athlete, but why would he keep that hidden from her? Most of the athletes she knew were only too happy to brag about themselves.

      Olivia, who was happily licking syrup off her fork, would suggest that he was a prince, in hiding from being forced to marry a girl he didn’t love. Oh dear, she really needed to wean that girl off her princess fantasies. They were becoming contagious.

      “Mommy, can we go to the beach today?” Sophie asked. She was finishing off her third piece of bacon.

      “Maybe this afternoon.” If she felt up to it. But she didn’t want to keep the girls inside all day, watching TV.

      “Can Mr. Cooper come, too?” Sophie asked.

      “I have some things I need to take care of.” He turned from the sink. “Maybe some other time.”

      “Oh, okay.” Annabelle hated to hear the disappointment in her daughter’s voice. She hated her own disappointment even more. She was getting far too used to having him around.

      “But I’ll be at the bus stop when you girls get home from school tomorrow.” Cooper offered a sincere smile. “I’m sure your mom will need to take it easy for the next few days. I’ll be here as backup, okay?”

      “Okay.” Sophie’s smiled widened.

      Olivia stood and carried her plate to the sink. She handed it to Cooper with such admiration in her eyes, Annabelle was starting to think the princess obsession would quickly turn into a Cooper obsession. Or maybe that was her own fear. She could get attached to this man far too easily.

      “I’ll run and grab that lotion for you.” Cooper wiped his hands on a dishcloth once the last of the dishes were loaded into the dishwasher. “You can use it after your shower.”

      “Yeah. Thanks. Are you going to stay and make sure I don’t drop the bottle?” Annabelle swallowed, tempted by the thought of him rubbing the lotion on her sore muscles.

      “I think you can manage.” He folded his arms across his chest. “You did make it through the night just fine.”

      “Yeah. Just fine.” Except for the longing that had kept her from getting enough sleep. He hadn’t come into her room during the night. Was he also afraid of the sizzling attraction between them? That kiss. If it wasn’t for her injuries, it could have easily burned out of control.

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