Intercepting Love (Second Chances #5)(17)

“I know it has to be a shock to come here and be reminded of everything,” Lara explained. “I don’t talk to Mason and Claire, but my sister does. When Mason moved to California, he let my sister move into his house. Summer and Claire talk to each other a lot, and my sister usually tells me what they talk about. Although, I will admit I had no clue you were moving to North Carolina.”

I scoffed. “Well, it wasn’t by choice.”

Lara’s head snapped up and she glared at me. “Hey, it’s not that bad here. I think our team has a shot at winning this season. Besides, you came here with one of my good friends, who was hesitant on bringing you until I persuaded her. I believe a thank you is in order.”

Smugly, she crossed her arms at her chest and pursed her lips. “Thank you,” I said with a smile.

“You’re welcome.” Grinning, she uncrossed her arms and pointed to the menu. “And just so you know, Mason and Claire were the ones who helped me and my sister get this restaurant running. We get all of the wines from Claire’s winery, and we also had her give me some ideas as far as entrees. Do you recognize any of them?”

Scanning the menu, my eyes went wide when a couple of the dish selections popped out at me. “Holy shit,” I said. “You have some of my ideas in here.”

The selections were Cooper’s Calamari, and Cooper’s Grilled Chicken. The descriptions were exactly the way I used to cook them. Claire wasn’t the best cook, so I always made our food when I was in town.

“This is amazing,” I remarked in awe. “She never told me she did this.”

“Well, it’s not like you two really spoke after you broke up. You kind of went on a downward spiral after that. This time, however, I’m rooting for you,” she added slyly. “I know Kate is a hard person to crack, but if you’re anything like Claire says then you’ll have no problems winning her over.”

“Speaking of Claire, I can’t help but wonder … if she’s been in here several times and Kate’s your best friend, have they by any chance met?”

Sheepishly, Lara stood from the table and pushed in her chair. “Actually, they have,” she confessed. “Kate knows everything about Claire, Cooper. We talked about it today when she told me who you were. She just didn’t realize until today that her wine buddy was your ex-girlfriend.”

So that’s why she asked me questions about Claire today.

“Oh, and to give you a heads up, Luke has been trying to get Kate for months. He’s already worn her down enough for a date this weekend. Trust me, it hasn’t been easy for him. Don’t get me wrong, I like Luke, but I honestly don’t see them working out.” Pausing, she bit her lip and sighed before saying, “Whatever happens just bear with her, okay? She’s had a rough two years and it’s taken its toll on her. She may not know what she wants now, but she will if you show her the right way. I think you both have been through enough to understand each other.”

She smiled one last time and strolled out of the back room. To get to Kate, I needed her to open up to me and vice versa. We weren’t going to get anywhere if we didn’t. I wonder if she trusts Luke. Does he know her intimate secrets? Does he know what happened to her in her past?

Over the rim of my glass of water, I watched as Kate walked in with Luke, her gaze unreadable. Luke, however, was ready to play the game by the smug expression on his face. Bring it on, cocksucker.

Lara waltzed back in with a bottle of wine and set it on the table, along with some wine glasses, acknowledging Kate and Luke with a smile. She winked at me and nodded before walking off. I was glad to have her support because I knew her opinion would matter to Kate.

Kate took the seat across from me, and Luke took the one to my right. She almost looked pale, but brightened as she grabbed the bottle of wine and poured herself a glass. After she took a large gulp, she motioned from me to Luke. “Cooper, I’d like you to meet my friend, Luke, and Luke, I’d like you to meet Cooper.”

Extending my hand, Luke shook it firmly and said, “It’s nice to meet you.”

Wish I could say the same, I thought. Instead, I said, “Same to you.”

We both knew that was a f*cking lie. “So how is it playing for the team?” Luke asked. “It must suck coming from a bad ass one to ours.”

Kate’s head snapped up and she glared at Luke before turning to me. Our team needed a lot of work, but even then, Kate had great pride for her team and she didn’t like anyone saying they sucked. I hadn’t known her very long, but even I knew not to say anything like that.

“Actually,” I informed him, “it’s not that bad. The guys are really smart and quick on their feet. With a little more team work, I feel that we’ll be just as good as any of the top teams out there.”

In all honesty, I did believe that. A few days ago, I didn’t, but being with the team and working with them made me see them in a whole new light. They had what it took to win.

Satisfied with my answer, Kate smiled and turned to Luke. “So what was the good news you wanted to tell me?”

Moving his chair over, he put his arm around the back of hers, and smiled wide. “I just got a sponsorship with Red Bull. They’re one of the top motocross sponsors in the world, and they want me. Can you believe it?”

Kate squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh my God, that’s great.” Smugly, he smiled at me over her shoulder, but I knew better than to let him get to me.