The Girl Next Door. Cynthia Eden

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      Chapter Three

      Gabrielle took a deep breath. She squared her shoulders, smoothed her skirt. Then she lifted her hand and knocked soundly on Cooper’s door.

      She had a proposition for him, one that she very much hoped he’d accept. She wanted—

      The door swung open. Only Cooper wasn’t the person standing on the other side of that door.

      A very pretty woman with glass-sharp cheekbones and shoulder-length black hair stared back at Gabrielle.

      A date. He’s on a date. The kiss—the one she ridiculously thought about far too much—had been fake. As good-looking as Cooper was, of course, the guy had a pretty girlfriend.

      “Can I help you with something?” The woman asked. Her voice was smooth. Friendly. Her smile was a little uncertain.

      “I was looking for Cooper.”

      “He’s in the shower—”

      The floor could truly open up and swallow her. She’d been indulging in some serious fantasy time with Cooper, and he’d been...busy...with this lady.

      “—but you’re welcome to come in and wait for him, if you’d like.” The woman backed up, pulling the door open a few more inches. “You’re his neighbor, right? The reporter?”

      She didn’t want to cross that threshold. She didn’t want to, but Gabrielle still needed Cooper’s help. “Yes. I am.” She offered her hand. “Gabrielle Harper.”

      The woman’s shake was firm and warm. “I’m Rachel.”

      You weren’t supposed to dislike people you didn’t know. She’d just met pretty Rachel. Rachel seemed friendly. Rachel also seemed to be eyeing her with a gaze that was a little too assessing.

      Then Cooper appeared. He strode down the hallway, a pair of jeans hanging low on his hips. No shirt. His hair was wet. Fresh from the shower.

      When he saw Gabrielle, he came to a very fast and hard stop.

      “Company,” Rachel murmured as she dropped Gabrielle’s hand. A faint smile curled her lips. “I was just getting acquainted with your nice neighbor.”

      Cooper’s blue gaze narrowed. Then he started walking again, a determined stride that carried him right to Gabrielle. “How’s your head?” His hands lifted, as if he’d touch her head. “I’m sorry I left you at the hospital—I’m not family, so the doctors wouldn’t let me stay with you.”

      She caught his hands, flushed. “I’m fine. My dad always did say that I had a hard head.”

      He didn’t smile. “You were unconscious in that alley. When I first saw you, I was afraid that you were dead.”

      She was still holding his hands in front of his girlfriend. This scene was so awkward. She stepped back. “I didn’t mean to interrupt when you had company. I can come back later.” She sidled toward the door. “It was, uh, nice to meet you, Rachel.” Total lie.

      Cooper gave a rough bark of laughter. “Rachel isn’t company. She’s—” But then he broke off, frowning. “Wait, who do you think she is?”

      That was a weird question, but Gabrielle blurted, “Girlfriend?”

      Rachel was the one to laugh then. “He should be so lucky.” She bent and scooped up a designer bag. “We’re just friends. No worries on that score.” She winked at Gabrielle. “Maybe that makes it nicer to meet me?”

      It did.

      Rachel inclined her head toward Cooper. “And maybe you can meet up with me and Dylan later? I know he’d love to get an update on you.”

      Cooper gave a quick nod. “Will do.”

      It had to be her imagination, but Gabrielle could have sworn the enthusiasm in his voice was faked.

      Rachel slipped away a few moments later, and Cooper locked the door behind her.

      Gabrielle’s hands twisted in front of her. It had been almost two days since she’d last seen him. She’d thought about him plenty during that time.

      Especially when the flowers arrived at the hospital—lilacs, her favorite. There hadn’t been a card, just the flowers.

      “You sure that you’re okay?” He took her elbow and guided her to the couch.

      She’d be better—less distracted—if he put on a shirt, but Gabrielle nodded. “I needed to thank you, both for finding me in that alley and for the flowers. I, um, lilacs are my favorite.” She wore a lilac-scented body lotion, because she loved the smell so much.

      His blond brows lifted. “How do you know they were from me?”

      She blinked. Embarrassment burned through her. Since she wasn’t dating anyone, she’d just assumed they were from him. “I—”

      He laughed. “You sure are pretty when you blush. And, yes, they were from me.” His fingers brushed back a lock of her hair. “I’m glad you liked them.”

      She had those lilacs upstairs, sitting in a vase on her kitchen table. Every time she looked at them, she smiled.

      But you’re here on business. Don’t get distracted. Gabrielle cleared her throat. “I need to ask you a few questions.”

      His hand lowered. She was hyperconscious of the strength of his body next to hers. “Sure. Give me just a minute, okay?” He rose and disappeared down the hallway.

      She didn’t move. She wanted to move. She wanted to pry and search—

      Hold that curiosity back.

      She stayed locked to the couch. He returned quickly, pulling a black T-shirt over his head. The man certainly seemed to enjoy wearing black.