Cooper (The Family Simon #6) - Juliana Stone Page 0,78

swollen. And so damn ready for him.

It made him feel like a king.

What are we going to do?

He smiled savagely, eyes on the prize. “We’re going to eat.”

28

October 30, 1951

We did it. I can’t believe I’m really a woman now, but I am. WE DID IT. I’ve wanted to for so long, but I was scared. Why, just last week, one of the Colter girls, Evelyn, according to my mother, got herself in the family way. It’s quite the scandal around these parts, and she’s already been sent to her auntie in North Carolina. I feel bad for her because her reputation is ruined. At church service, I heard Moxie Daniels wonder how on earth she’d be able to show her face in town again.

Honestly, it makes me a little mad. Everyone knows it was Biff Chamberlain who ruined her. And he’s already got two other girls in the family way. Why does he get off scot-free?

But Thomas and I were careful, and he promised me he’d never put me in that position. We’ve done it three times, and it’s not so bad. Can’t lie, the first time hurt, but I could tell he felt real good. Last night was much better, and I think I’m starting to see what some of the fuss is about. I felt funny and hot, and now it’s all I can think about.

I’ve never felt so close to a person before. It’s like when Thomas was inside me, we were one person. It was so weird and beautiful and scary. And he kept telling me he loved me and that one day we’re going to get married.

Gosh, can you imagine? Mrs. Thomas McLaren?

V.P.

Morgan smiled, tracing the little hearts drawn all over this latest journal entry.

“What’s that?” Cooper came up behind her and dropped a kiss to her neck. Never failed. Instant reaction. Shivering, Morgan closed the book, wanting more. She was sprawled on the sofa in front of the fireplace and turned over onto her back, watching Cooper as he squatted beside her. God, he smelled good. With his hair damp from the shower and curling around his collar, she wanted nothing more than to sink her hands into the waves and kiss him until they ended up naked.

Again.

He tapped the journal in her hands, and she glanced down at the book.

“It’s like a diary. I found it in the attic when I first came here. I think it belongs to Thomas McLaren’s wife. Or at least someone he was involved with in the fifties.”

Together they’d spent the entire week cleaning out the rest of the attic, and now everything was in boxes in the shop. The space up there was incredible, and just the day before, they’d spent hours online shopping, outfitting the entire attic with new furniture and art. It would be beautiful when finished.

“My lawyer called me today. He thinks he’s found some of the McLarens.”

She sat up. “That’s wonderful. Where?”

“Rhode Island and South Carolina. He’s reaching out and will get back to me once he knows more.”

She noticed a large envelope in his hand. “What’s that?”

“Nothing.” Cooper tossed the envelope on the coffee table and got to his feet. “Just something for work.” His tone was light, but the look on his face told her it wasn’t “nothing.” “You ready? The car will be here soon.”

Right. The hockey game. Envelope forgotten, her stomach took a dip at the thought.

“Hey, we don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” His hands crept up along her jaw. “Just say the word, and I’ll tell Maverick to give the tickets to someone else. I’m sure he won’t have a problem.”

“No, I’m…I’m just being silly.”

She wanted to go. A) she loved hockey and B) it was the playoffs. But watching the game from home snuggled on the sofa with the hottest man she’d ever known was one thing. Sharing a box seat with him in a very public place was something else entirely. The thought made her nervous and scared and mad that she felt nervous and scared.

“Will people take our picture?”

His eyes darkened, and he dropped a kiss to her mouth. “Not if I can help it, but, sweets, I can’t promise they won’t.” He gave her a crooked smile. “The Simons always attract attention, and for some reason, they seem to like my face.”

She pushed at him. “Could have something to do with the fact you look a hell of a lot like your cousin Beau. And he just happens to