Say You Won't Let Go Google(17)

She smiles softly. “I like having you much more than some silly flowers.”

“Well, if they weren’t from me, who the hell are they from?”

I don’t like the idea of someone else giving her things or sending notes like this to her. I want to be the one to give her the world.

“I have no idea. Maybe it was for someone else on the tour?”

“No clue, darlin’.” I look down at my watch and groan internally. “Let’s talk about this later, we’re runnin’ on borrowed time.”

“Okay, baby.”

My arms tighten, and I squeeze her against me, where she fits perfectly.





Chapter Eight


Emily



I lied.

I should’ve told him my suspicions about the flowers being from whoever keeps sending the letters, but I couldn’t. Last thing I need is a lecture on security or to have a man overreact. Until I know what is going on, I’ve got it handled. I’d be full of shit if I said I wasn’t concerned. This is the third thing in just a few days from this person.

However, Cooper doesn’t need to be mixed up in this.

I extricate myself from Cooper’s arms—begrudgingly. I hate that he’s leaving, but I can’t be too mad since I’ll be back on the road tonight after the concert.

“Let’s go before I tie you up in my room and never let you leave,” I say, only half-joking.

Cooper laughs and takes my hand. We fit together perfectly in so many ways. Last night was everything and more. I fell hard, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to get back up.

“I may like that,” Cooper jokes.

“Oh, I know you would. I’d be very good to you.”

He laughs as I pull him forward, giving me one of those playful grins. “You’re killin’ me.”

“But what a way to go,” I say over my shoulder.

We exit the bus, and there’s a small line of fans standing over to the side. It’s crazy how early they come just for a glimpse of Luke. Hours they stand outside in the rain and heat for autographs, but it’s the coolest thing ever. One day, I pray I’ll have devoted fans like that.

“Emily!” A deep voice booms from the gate. “Emily!”

I smile and wave to my one fan; I swear I’ve seen him before.

Cooper wraps his arm around my middle. “You have a fan.”

“I do,” I smile, looking up at him with my fingers resting on his chest.

His green eyes stare down at me. “A man.”

I shake my head. “I know. You’re observant this morning.”

Cooper’s lips find mine, and he holds me tight. “I’m feeling a lot of things this morning.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, and protective is clearly at the top.”

Cooper’s eyes turn serious as his honesty pours through each syllable. “I’ll do whatever I can to keep you safe. It’s what a man should do, and more than that, it’s what I’ll always do.”

That is exactly why I’m hiding things from you, Coop.

We walk, and I keep quiet, trying to wrestle with the conflicting emotions I’m struggling with. I like that Cooper feels protective of me, which is very unlike me.

Cooper, though, he is that kind of guy. The one who wants to be the rock in the relationship. You can feel it all around him. He emanates dominance, but not in that do-as-I-say kind of way, it’s more of the I’m-here-and-no-one-will-hurt-you kind of way, but I also don’t trust men to stay that way. I watched it with my father too many times.

“You’re quiet,” Cooper notes as we get to his truck.

“I know. I just want you to know there will be more male fans, Coop.”

He nods. “I know. Doesn’t mean I like it.”

“And what about the girls who dream of the sexy and eligible Cooper Townsend?” I raise a brow while leaning against the truck.

Cooper and the Hennington brothers were every girl’s dream in that town. He has no idea just how many dreams he’s starred in. Which may just be a very good thing.

“Like who?” he scoffs.

I lean forward and grin. “Felicia?”

Cooper’s face says it all. “Hell no. That girl is a bloodsucking viper.”

“Hmm.” I pretend to think. “Oh, Betsy.”

His hips press against my torso, pinning me to the car. “Now that isn’t even funny.”

The giggle that comes from my lips is light. It’s actually very funny because Betsy’s mother has been trying to set the two of them up forever. It’s a running joke between Grace, Presley, and me. Poor Cooper went on a blind date, only to find out Betsy’s family had finally tricked him. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall.

“I’ll make it up to you.” I grin as I trail my finger down his chest.

“Damn right you will.”





“Do you promise to call?” I ask, vying for one more minute with him even though we’ve been saying goodbye for ten minutes. Breakfast was great, and now he has to leave, which is tearing me up inside.

“I don’t think you could stop me.”

“Good.”

“Now go on inside, and I’ll see you soon.”