"No, I'm good. Thanks." Coop's gaze tracked Jimmy as he moved around the kitchen, awkward now, cleaning up, trying not to look at Cooper's face. Coop felt a small, soft smile form on his lips and grow bigger. "Everything was great."
"I'd better drive you home so you can get some sleep. It was a long day." Jimmy's voice had risen a little, and he was trying waytoo hard to sound casual.
"Sure," agreed Coop.
He bit his lip. They were on the edge; if one of them suggested sex, the other would probably go for it. That clumsiness, that avoidance of his gaze—Jimmy was trying really hard to be a gentleman. He wasn't going to be the one to suggest it, but he sure as hell seemed to be thinking about it.
Coop got up and walked over behind him, puttinga plate into the sink, and let his hand rest on Jimmy's lower back. "No rush."
Jimmy cleared his throat again. He didn't look at Coop, but he didn't move away. "You shouldn't wear yourself out. Tomorrow might be even worse."
"It might," agreed Coop. Then he played his final card, the last pass he'd make, one way or another. "I'd rather let you wear me out. If you want to."
"Oh," saidJimmy. "I want to."
He turned around and took Coop into his muscular arms in one smooth, possessive move. It felt good to be held in those strong arms, against that big warm chest, and kissed so utterly thoroughly.
No regrets; this felt right. He was safe in this man's hands, and, oh, it felt good to be wanted by someone beautiful, strong, and kind.It's my lucky day.Night.Whatever.Coop kissed back with everything he had. He wasn't going to regret this.
Then he hesitated. Drew back. "This isn't going to get you into trouble, is it? With the studio, or your pack, or anything?"
Jimmy traced fingers down Coop's neck, looking mesmerized and fascinated. "No. Why would it?" He lifted his gaze to meet Coop's, and his blue eyes were clear and calm despite everything, fullof utter acceptance, and such gentleness shone out of him. It took Coop's breath away. "If you don't want to do this, it's okay. But I don't have any doubts."
That was enough for Coop. He sank into the comfort of the big, strong, gentle man, with his strong hands and warm mouth. He'd been so down, discouraged and in a place of darkness. Now, he surrendered easily to a night of passion, wantingto shut out all the stress and sorrow, his character's pain and his own, wanting to pretend he could have this forever.
Coop was very good at pretending.
