spring rain began to pound against the window, he shoved his fists into his pockets, uncaring that they were still covered in blood.
I need to get this right.
Cooper woke with a start, eyes bleary, head killing him. Subdued, he grabbed the stuff he needed and headed out into the blinding sunlight. It was just after ten in the morning, and the fresh air and warm breeze promised a gorgeous spring day. Birds chirped from the trees overhead as he trudged up to his house, and in the distance, the cry of the gulls as they swooped low over the Atlantic was shrill.
He paid no attention. He had things to do.
His house was quiet, and after a quick shower and change, he threw a bag together and headed for the stairs. His phone rang, the sound shrill and sharp, and after a moment of hesitation, he pulled his cell out of his pocket.
It was Isabel.
“Hey, Mom,” he said quietly, glancing out toward the road. The paparazzi still lined the edge of his property, but Maverick must have called security in, because several private hires kept them at bay.
“How is Morgan?” Leave it to his mother to cut to the chase.
“Not good.”
“Oh, Cooper. I’m so sorry for the both of you. And for Holly. That girl is really screwed up, and the press is all over her.”
A twinge of regret hit Cooper, and, face tight, he nodded. He’d felt a lot of things yesterday, one of them being compassion for the other woman at the center of this storm.
“I want you to know that I love you and that every member of this family is behind you.”
“I know.” The Simons always had each other’s back. Even when they didn’t deserve it. That’s what blood meant.
“What are you going to do?”
He reached for his bag. “I’m going to see Morgan.”
There was a pause. “You love her, then.”
“I do.”
“Then fight for her, honey. Love is precious and scary and fleeting. Grab it and hold it close. Treat it like the treasure it is.”
“Love you, Ma.” He opened the front door. “I’ll see you in England.”
He tossed his suitcase and garment bag in the back of his Land Rover, carrying a large manila envelope with him to the front. The engine roared to life, and Cooper zipped past the photogs, eyes on the road, ignoring them completely.
The drive to town was uneventful, though the closer he got to Morgan’s place, the more congested the streets became. He drove past a group of paps camped out at the end of the Campbell driveway and parked behind Morgan’s car. Her father’s truck was pulled to the side and offered Cooper a modicum of privacy as he jumped from the truck and took the front steps two at a time.
Behind him, voices swelled, some calling him by name, others taunting him for information. He ignored them completely, his gaze on the house, and knocked on the door.
No one answered. He knocked again. And again. And again. Eventually, it slowly cracked open.
“She doesn’t want to see you.” Sara stared back at him, face dark with anger and a whole lot of other stuff he deserved.
“I know.” He squared his shoulders, not afraid to play dirty if he had to. “But I’m not leaving until I see her. I have something to give her, and then I’ll go.”
“You’ve got your nerve.”
“I do.”
Sara was clearly surprised at his response. Her eyes narrowed; her dislike showed in the disdainful curve of her lips. She pushed on the door, but he shoved his foot inside enough to stop it.
“Are you kidding me?” Her head jerked up, but he didn’t budge. Hell, they’d have to arrest him before he’d leave without seeing Morgan. But Sara was pissed, and he had nothing to lose.
“Please.” It was a plea torn from the depths of his heart, and as he stood there feeling the early spring sun on his back, he would have gotten onto his knees to beg if that was what it took.
“Let him in.”
Morgan’s voice slid from behind Sara, and after a few moments, the door opened enough to let him inside.
The house was dark, but he found her immediately. She stood alone in the room to the side, the one with all the family photos. Sara glared at him and then looked toward her sister.
“Are you sure you want him here?”
Morgan didn’t reply, and with a disgusted shake of her head, Sara retreated to the back of the house.
Morgan stood near the window,