If I hadn’t ambushed him last night, he never would’ve touched me.
Warmth floods my chest at the memory of our kiss.
It was rough. Commanding. Incendiary.
Everything I’d expected, and not at all what I’d expected because I’d been the one driving it, not Cooper.
It meant nothing.
I know it on a cerebral level, but the knowledge didn’t stop my body from reacting with deep-seated desire, need radiating from my core the instant our lips touched. The press of Cooper’s soft lips on mine? The way his tongue caressed mine with sure, sensual strokes?
It was even better than my wildest fantasies.
“Maybe,” Haley says, pulling me back to the conversation. “But the guy isn’t exactly hurting for friends.”
She’s right, but what other explanation could there be?
“Whatever. It doesn’t matter anyway. Despite Cooper’s cockblocking, my goals haven’t changed. Operation Spontaneous Hookup is still a go.”
Haley bites her lip, eyes softening. “It’s been five weeks, Quinn. Maybe it’s time to take a break. Some things can’t be rushed. It’ll happen when the time is right.”
Her words hit me like a sucker punch to the gut.
She means well. I know she does—know she only wants the best for me and doesn’t want to see me hurt—but I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet.
I’m a lot of things, but a quitter?
Not in this lifetime.
“I’m not taking a break.” There’s been an idea percolating in the back of my mind for weeks, and sure, it’s a little out there, but it’s like Coop said. What do I have to lose?Nothing. “I’ve got a new plan.”
I grab my phone off the nightstand and unlock the screen.
It’s now or never.
I open my texts and scroll to the last message from Frat Boy Yoda.
“What are you doing?” Haley asks, pushing herself into a sitting position.
“Propositioning the rando.” I tap out a message. “The one with the eastern PA number.”
“You can’t be serious.” She crawls over and positions herself so she can read the message over my shoulder. “Shit. You’re really doing this.”
I can’t decide if it’s shock or awe in her voice. Maybe both. I’m not exactly known for making big moves, but I’m tired of riding the hot mess express.
It’s time to take control of my life and stop letting fate decide my path.
This new plan isn’t exactly spontaneous. It’ll take some planning. Maybe even some travel, but I’ll make it work.
Desperation or inspiration?
Only time will tell.
Heart slamming against my ribcage, I reread my text and press send.
21
COOPER
