One-Amazing-Night Baby!. Heidi Rice

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СКАЧАТЬ the adolescent fires of love.

      Which brought to mind her and Cooper’s flames.

      They hadn’t discussed what intimacies would be involved should she agree to a trial. Sex or no sex? That was a doozy of a question. Did living together include sleeping together?

      In her mind she relived the captivating hours they’d spent enjoying each other, and a familiar warm compression kicked off a delicious pulse low and deep inside. The simple truth was, she wanted to experience those thrills again—what sane woman wouldn’t? But if she allowed Cooper to make love to her, he wouldn’t hesitate to use that power to manipulate her. Their kiss today had almost knocked her senseless. What defence would she have against him if a kiss turned into a night, a week, or months of mind-blowing sex?

      She crossed her legs. As much as she adored the idea of getting naked with Cooper again, it simply was not wise. She’d feel continually drugged. In zero time she wouldn’t know what the heck she was agreeing to.

      A trial wouldn’t make a fig of difference to how they fundamentally felt about each other. He would still be insufferably autocratic, and she would continue to tell him so—which in turn would make him more insufferable. But if she should decide to live three months under his roof—if only to prove irreversibly that his marriage suggestion was madness—she would need to keep both her head together and her clothes firmly on.

      Best get that straight now.

      She filled her lungs. ‘Cooper, I was thinking—’

      The muffled sound of a cellphone rang out. Cooper held up a finger, found the phone on his belt and inspected the screen. ‘I need to get this. Excuse me.’

      Resigned, Sophie sat back. ‘Of course.’

      The maître d’ showed up again. ‘The gentleman and yourself are our only patrons as yet. Are you warm enough? Would you like the fire lit?’

      Sophie sized up Cooper—head down, finger in his ear. She smiled over. ‘A fire would be lovely.’

      As the maître d’ breezed off, Cooper disconnected. ‘Did I miss anything?’

      She eased off her cardigan. ‘Nothing important.’

      He settled the phone on the table. He nodded. ‘I’m all ears.’

      ‘Just for argument’s sake, say I do agree to a trial live-in.’ She ignored the assured gleam in his eye. ‘We’d need to work out sleeping arrange—’

      The phone buzzed and vibrated. Cooper peeked at the screen. He thumbed the answer button. ‘Do you mind?’

      Sophie lifted her chin to the phone and outwardly acquiesced. ‘Go ahead.’

      Was this a taste of what life with Cooper would be like? Dynamic men were busy men, oftentimes with lonely wives. Wendy was already finding that out. Noah had cut short their honeymoon in Singapore due to urgent business. Wendy said she understood; when a woman was married to a diligent and successful businessman, she more or less had to.

      Cooper disconnected. His eyes roamed over her. ‘You were saying?’

      About to answer, Sophie held back as his gaze drifted over her shoulder and his brows buckled with enquiring surprise. His smile, a moment later, was close to reverent. ‘Look who the cat’s dragged in.’

      Wondering, Sophie swung around in her seat. Her heart jack-knifed to her throat as a rush of disbelief and panic hurtled through her nervous system.

      ‘What’s she doing here?’ she hissed, spinning back. Her eyes narrowed. ‘Did you set this up?’

      He kept his attention on the new arrival. ‘No, but I wish I had. This is going to be fun.’

      Pushing back his chair, he stood to address pretty Penny Newly, who had spotted them from the entrance. Finger and thumb to his temple, Cooper feigned a poor memory.

      ‘Do we know each other?’ He snapped his fingers. ‘Of course. The wedding.’ He spoke to Sophie. ‘You know each other, don’t you, sweetheart?’

      Sophie’s felt each corner of herself fold in on the other. This was an important, never to be repeated moment in her life, in which Penny Newly and her tactless remarks could play no part. She could throttle Mr Theatrical for instigating an encore to their exit that night.

      But, to be fair, she couldn’t snub Penny in this barely populated condensed setting. Perhaps taking the advantage and facing her insecurities head-on wasn’t such a bad idea.

      Finding her new, less mousy self, Sophie rotated towards her sometimes friend.

      ‘Penny!’ she exclaimed. ‘I didn’t know you visited this side of town.’

      Her expression a study in curiosity, Penny glided over. She smelled great. Looked great. That white designer dress looked sensational against her spray tan and glossy, ash-blonde, perfectly ironed mane.

      Penny barely acknowledged Sophie before offering her hand to Cooper. An admiring smile graced her full lips. ‘I remember your departure very well, but I don’t believe we’ve actually met.’

      Cooper accepted Penny’s hand. ‘Time we did.’

      Sophie held her breath.

      Don’t you dare say too much.

      ‘Cooper Smith.’ He gazed down at Sophie. ‘Sophie and I were just about to enjoy a leisurely lunch. We missed breakfast.’ His grin exuded charm. ‘You know how it is.’

      Penny arched a brow and considered Sophie. A beat too late she laughed, as if she understood perfectly. ‘You met for the first time at the wedding?’

      Cooper leant in to Penny. ‘Do you believe in fate?’

      Penny’s perfect bosom rose and fell as he held her with his best bedroom-eyes gaze. ‘I think so … yes,’ she said, a little breathlessly.

      ‘So do I.’ He looked at Sophie with adoring eyes and she rolled hers. What a ham. He winked just for her, then spoke to the attentive Penny. ‘Care to join us?’

      Penny chewed her lip, as if considering, but shook her head. ‘I’m meeting someone. But we can catch up at my party next month.’

      She slid a considering look Sophie’s way. Sophie grinned. Penny’s pink lip-liner was too dark.

      ‘I’m sure I put your invitation in the mail …’ Penny said.

      What would the newly released Sophie say? She pretended to think. ‘You might have. Can’t remember if I’ve seen it.’

      But Penny’s attention had skipped back to Cooper. She all but gushed. ‘No problem. I’ll drop off another.’

      Cooper tipped his head. ‘I look forward to seeing you there.’

      As Penny moved off, slim hips swaying, Cooper grinned across at Sophie. ‘That should set the tongues wagging.’

      ‘I’m surprised СКАЧАТЬ