“She’s going to, and so are you.”
“No, I—”
“It’s not up for debate. You’re suffering from PTSD, a severe case, I’m guessing. I called Dr. Croft before I came in here, and she agrees. Because you are, I’m making some decisions that are in your best interest. I made you an appointment for tomorrow with the psychologist here that Dr. Croft recommended. I also talked to your father, and he said if you come home, he’ll put you in his car and bring you right back here.”
“Who do you think you are?” She didn’t have to stand for this. Yet… And yet, there was relief that he was taking charge because deep down, she knew she needed help. It was just hard to acknowledge it and admit it.
“I’m a man who loves a beautiful woman, a man who will do anything to help her through this. You don’t have to do it alone, Kendall. Let me be here for you, let me take care of both you and Livie until you get past this. Because you will. I promise.”
Tears slid down her cheeks as she nodded. For the first time since the monster came for her, she felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find her way back from the darkness that was consuming her.
Chapter 33
Cooper waited for his bedroom door to open as it had every night for the past three weeks. Why she insisted she was going to sleep in the guest bedroom each of those nights was a mystery since she always ended up in his bed.
She’d made significant progress since the day he’d told her the way things were going to be. Because she had, he was stepping back from the heavy hand he’d felt he had to use for her own well-being. She loved Dr. Lydia Slater, the psychologist Doctor Croft had recommended, something he was thankful for. She was still having nightmares, but not every night, so also progress there.
The one thing he was hesitating to bring up was their future. Would she stay with him? She hadn’t talked about returning to Decatur. She had talked to her boss, the principal of her school, to request a leave of absence, which had been granted. So, there was a job waiting for her if that was what she wanted. He prayed that was not what she wanted.
Thinking positive, he’d secretly started house shopping. Grayson and Liam lived on the beach, which was nice for visits. Cooper wasn’t a big beach fan. He wasn’t crazy about the sand and all the tourists on the beach during the season. He wanted a house in a nice neighborhood. Four, maybe five bedrooms with a big enough backyard to play baseball with Livie and the friends she would make. He had several he’d looked at online marked to go see.
As he expected, his bedroom door eased open. He put his book on the side table, then lifted the covers for her. On previous nights, they hadn’t talked. She would slide in next to him, and he’d pull her against him, spooning her. He’d wrap his arm around her waist and hold her while she fell asleep. In the morning, she’d be gone when he awoke.
“Cooper?” she softly said after she was tucked against him.
Well, then, tonight was going to be different. “Yeah?”
“Make love to me.”
Okay, very different. “Are you sure you’re ready for that?” As much as he wanted her, he had to ask.
She turned over to face him. “I’m very sure.”
He searched her eyes for any sign of hesitation or fear, but all he saw was determination and longing. Without a word, he leaned in to capture her lips, letting his love for her speak through the kiss and gentleness of his touch on her body as he trailed his fingers to the top of her camisole.
When she pushed away and sat up, he wanted to punch himself. It was too much, too soon. “I’m sor…”
She pulled the camisole over her head and tossed it to the floor, then did the same with her sleep shorts. “Now, where were we?”
He laughed, glad he wasn’t going to have to punch himself in the face. “I believe we were here.” He pressed his mouth to hers again.
“Wait.” She leaned her face away. “I don’t want to be the only one naked. Lose your pants.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He’d always been good at following orders, and this command was one he’d happily obey. His sweatpants joined her clothes on the floor. “Now, stop interrupting me because my mouth desperately needs yours.”
She giggled, and it was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. His fear that she wasn’t ready for intimacy melted away with thatgiggle. As his lips met hers once more—and knowing she was beginning to heal—a wave of electricity coursed through him, igniting a passion that had been simmering below the surface, waiting for this moment when she came back to him.
With his kisses, he gave her a silent promise of his love. She responded by arching into him, then she softly gasped as he kissed his way down her neck to her chest. The heat between them intensified as he worshipped her breasts, fueled by desire and a connection that ran deeper than just physical attraction. He loved this woman with every bone in his body, with every breath he took.
His hands roamed over her body, rediscovering every curve and plane as if for the first time. She seemed as eager to relearn him as her hands traveled over his chest, down to his stomach, then down to his erection.
“Ahhh…” He pulled her hand away. “I’m going to embarrass myself if you touch me right now.” He hadn’t touched himself since the last time they’d made love. It hadn’t felt right for him to feel pleasure when she was in such a dark place. “Let’s save that for the next time.”
“But—”
“Nobuts. This time is all for you. Our next time I’m all for making it about me.”
She smiled. “Deal.”