mind. You’re worried he’s only telling you he’s in love with you because he doesn’t want to lose your friendship. So make him show you. It’s more than just the words; it’s also the actions.”
“I get what you’re saying, but how do I do that?”
“Tell him the truth. That you want him, that your heart wants him, but you’re scared. Leave the ball in his court. See what he does.”
“I don’t know if I can do that and still not get crushed.”
“Let me ask you this. If the two of you don’t end up together, romantically, do you still want him in your life?”
“Yes.”
“Then you have to find a way. You have to look past the fear and the hurt, and you have to give it a shot. I know you, Reese. I know he is the only man you want. You have to take a risk.”
“Take it slow,” I say, repeating her earlier words.
“Yep,” she says, popping the p. “Tell him your fears. The only way any relationship is going to work is with honesty. You never told him how bad he hurt you, and he never told you how pushing you away hurt him.”
“I know we need to sit down and talk.”
“And let him woo you.” She grins. “See just how serious he is. Sure, you kept the fact that he hurt you to yourself, but you offered yourself to him, and he refused. He needs to prove he’s ready for more.”
“Do I tell him that?”
“No. Tell him the truth. The pain you’ve been hiding and that you want to take things slow. See how he acts. If your theory of him wanting what he can’t have is true, he’ll get bored. If he loves you, like I know he does, he’s going to show you.”
“You sound pretty confident.”
She shrugs. “I am. Like I said, I’m an outsider looking in. I can see past the issues to form my own opinion. I’m right, by the way. In case you were wondering.”
“I hope so,” I say softly, just as my phone rings. I reach for it on the towel beside me and show her the screen.
“How many times is that today?”
“I’ve lost count.”
“He’s worried. You should answer him.”
I nod and hit Accept on the call, placing the phone to my ear. “Hello.”
“I miss you.” His deep voice washes over me.
“It’s been a day,” I counter, but I can’t help the way his words cause my heart to race.
“A day too long. You having fun?”
“Tess and I are on the beach.” It’s the first hint I’ve given him since our conversation yesterday at the airport.
“I can hear the waves.”
“Yeah. It’s peaceful. Nix said we can call this Tessa’s bachelorette party.”
“Is she not having one?”
“This is it.”
“Thanks for texting me to let me know that you made it there okay.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Can you do me one more favor while you’re there, wherever there is?” he asks.
“What’s that?”
“Don’t let another man steal you away from me before I’ve had the chance to fight for you.”
His words cause my belly to flip. “Is that what you’re going to do?”
“Yes.” There is no hesitation, only absolute certainty, in his voice.
“Okay.”
“Okay you won’t let someone else take you away from me or okay I’m going to fight for you?”
“Both.”
He exhales loudly. “Good. I’ll let you get back to what you were doing. I just wanted to hear your voice. If you change your mind about me being there, let me know. I can be on the next flight out.”
“You don’t know where I am.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’d be there.” We’re both quiet for several heartbeats. “I love you, Reese. Tell Tess I said hello.”
“I will.”
“Bye, baby.”
“Bye,” I say, and hit End on the call.
“Well?” Tessa asks.
I relay my brief conversation to her, and she smirks. “Told you so.”
“We’ll see.” I say the words, but inside, I’m screaming that I want her to be right. I want Cooper to fight for me. For us. I want to see this is more to him, that he really does love me. Not just the thought of me, or the me he thinks he can’t have. I want him to love all of me. One thing’s for sure. Tessa’s right. Only time will tell. I need to give him the chance to prove it to me and still hold on to the few shreds of my heart that are remaining.
Chapter 5
Cooper
Tossing my phone on the bed, I stare up at the ceiling of my childhood room. I left for college