Lib Novel Page 83
She closes the gap between us in her bare feet and straightens my tie, looking up at me with those wide blue eyes and a coy little pout. “You don’t like my dress, Daddy?”
“That dress looks amazing on you, but I’m going to have to deck anyone that even thinks about you inappropriately. And trust me, any guy and potentially a handful of women will have inappropriate thoughts about you.”
She shakes her head and grabs my lapels. “You overestimate my desirability.”
“And you underestimate it.” I lower my mouth to hover over hers. “Can I kiss you, tiger?”
Her eyes search mine for a second before she whispers, “Yes.”
I close the distance and capture her lips. With a little sigh, she gives in, opens for me. Careful of her hair, I slide my hand behind her neck and my other hand around her hip to pull her closer.
She comes willingly, but this has never been our problem. The chemistry between us is off the charts and explosive, but she needs to know that emotionally I’m here and that I can trust her.
I end our kiss and smooth my thumb over her jaw as I lift my head.
“My past is a mess of users and women trying to get something from us. You shouldn’t have to pay for their crimes. You and I are so much more than any of them.” I release her neck and step away. “I knew that from the moment I met you.”
Her hand catches mine. “We are more. But something about me must be triggering these responses. I’m pushing buttons I don’t even know are there. That’s why we need to revisit the past. Because they built those buttons. We just have to tear them out.”
I hold her hand. “You’ll get first row seats to two of the women who tried to destroy us tonight. We can talk about that part of my story later. You need to finish getting ready.”
She smiles and releases my hand. “Are you going to stay and watch?”
“Absolutely.”
Chapter 150
Low-Hanging Fruit
Coop
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Sara says, walking with Madison ahead of Noah and me. The outside of this restaurant is a mess of flashing lights and security holding photographers back. It’s the perfect place to make sure that when these women make a scene, it’s everywhere by the time we leave.
“I promised Hope I’d tell her all about it,” Madison says.
These women need to be taken down a notch. Elizabeth’s a snake waiting to strike. Leighton’s interference jeopardizes my relationship with Madison, which is unacceptable.
I draw Madison against me as we’re shown into the private dining room. Her eyes smile up at me as I escort her to our chairs. My hand goes to the small of her back. She looks fucking edible in the outfit Seth put her in. If I thought I could get away with dragging her off somewhere to find out if she’s wearing panties, I would.
But that’s not on the program for tonight. Or at all in public until we find her stalker. Tonight, we spay two stray cats. Then I’ll be free to mess Madison up with the others in celebration.
The table is set for eight and ready for the fireworks to begin.
After seating Madison, I take the chair next to her and bring her hand to my lips. “Be strong, goddess.”
Her strength shines in her blue eyes. This woman makes me want things I’ve never imagined for myself. Lazy Sundays, hectic weeknights, even babies. She cups my jaw with her hand. “I love you.”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but there are no take-backs now. You’re mine, goddess. I love you.” As much as my heart feels full, fear lingers beneath the love. That this can all be taken away from me so easily. That someone hovers in the shadows, waiting to rip her from my arms.
As if she can sense my fear, she kisses me softly and rests her forehead against mine. “I’m always yours, Coop.”
“I didn’t realize we were having a show along with dinner.”
My gaze lifts at Elizabeth’s snide tone and Madison straightens. With Noah beside Madison and Sara on his other side, we’ve manufactured the perfect situation. We know Leighton and Elizabeth won’t want to sit next to each other. Leighton will choose to sit beside me, which will put Drew and Elizabeth together. We’re hoping that’s all it takes. But these women were raised to stay calm in any situation.
Fucking etiquette.
“We figured it’s time to clear the air.” Seth’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes as he holds out the chair for Elizabeth. She smiles at him like he’s this devoted man who will do anything for her. I’ve only seen one woman Seth would do anything for, and she’s beside me tonight.