Page 15 of Wrecked

“Man, that smells good,” I say when he places a steak on my plate. Suddenly, I’m starving.

Cooper smiles like I just personally complimented him, which I guess I did. I mean, he’s the cook. “Dig in, kid.”

When I take a bite of my steak, I moan in appreciation. It’s seared to perfection on the outside, tender on the inside. “This is so good! It’s better than most steaks I get at restaurants.”

He smiles. “I’m glad you like it.”

I take a bite of the mashed potatoes. “Why do these taste so good?”

“I used a generous amount of butter and sour cream, as well as garlic powder.”

“Don’t tell my mom I said this, but these are the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had.”

He takes a swig of his beer, and I swear he’s trying to hide his smile. “My lips are sealed.”

My fork freezes halfway to my mouth when he mentions his lips. I risk a glance at him, and I’m not surprised to find he’s watching me. Did he mention his lips on purpose?

“I hear you have new hire orientation on Monday,” Cooper says.

“Yep. I can’t wait to find out what my first assignment will be.”

“If you need anything, let me know.”

“I will.”

After we finish eating, we clear the table together. He rinses off the dishes, and I put them in the dishwasher.

“Thanks,” I say. “It was an excellent meal.”

He nods. “You’re welcome. Since you like steak, maybe I’ll take you to Tavern on Rush sometime. It’s a steakhouse restaurant nearby. One of the best in the city.”

My heart skips a beat. It almost sounds like a date.

When we’re done cleaning up, he says, “I’d better get going now.”

I walk him to the door. “Thanks again, for everything. For helping me with the grocery shopping. For dinner.”

“No problem.”

Cooper turns to face me, and for a moment, we just stare at each other. But he doesn’t say anything more, and frankly I’m just as confused as before.

When his gaze drops down to my mouth, my stomach clenches hotly, and I’m back to that mental image of me on my knees for him.

God, I want that.

Cooper’s jaw clenches and a muscle tics in his cheek. He’s scowling now as his eyes return to mine. “I’ll drop off the cookies sometime tomorrow.”

“Okay, thanks,” I say, feeling like an idiot. I don’t know how to read him. One minute, I think maybe we’re connecting. Thenext, he couldn’t be more distant. I’m getting whiplash trying to keep up.

“Goodnight, Sam,” he says as he opens the door and walks out.

“Goodnight, Cooper,” I say to thin air, because he’s already gone.

* * *

After Cooper leaves, I sprawl out on the sofa and watch a movie on TV. Apparently, my apartment comes with free Internet and all the main streaming services.

Nice touch, Shane.