Page 133 of Falling for the Grinchy Bad Boy

We sat there for a long moment, letting the words settle between us. The admission felt momentous and simple at the same time—like something that had always been true, finally spoken aloud.

“Come here,” Cooper said softly.

I shifted closer until I was practically in his lap. “We’re going to break these chairs,” I murmured.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”

“Cooper,” I said, turning in his arms so I could see his face.

“Yeah?”

“Take me home.”

Cooper stood and extended his hand, pulling me up from the folding chair. His fingers intertwined with mine as we walked across the snow-covered square toward his truck.

Anticipation hummed between us like electricity. His thumb traced circles on my hand where it rested on the center console. Every touch sent warmth shooting up my arm.

We walked inside. Cooper took off his work boots. I took my boots off and left them by the door.

“Do you want something to drink?” he asked, hanging our coats on the rack. “I’ve got coffee, beer, or⁠—”

I turned and pressed myself against him, cutting off his nervous hospitality with a kiss. His arms came around me immediately, pulling me closer as months of tension and uncertainty finally found their release.

“I don’t want coffee,” I whispered against his lips.

His hands tangled in my hair, and I could feel his heart racing beneath my palms where they rested on his chest. We kissed like teenagers, desperate and eager, making up for lost time and all the moments we’d held ourselves back.

“Joy,” he breathed.

I jerked at his shirt and then attacked the shirt underneath until he was bare chested.

I guided him backward until he hit the edge of his couch, then gently pushed him to sit. The position put me at the perfect height to continue my exploration. I took my time trailing kisses along his collarbone, tasting salt and soap and something uniquely Cooper.

His hands found my waist, holding me steady as I worked my way lower, pressing open-mouthed kisses to his chest and stomach. When I dropped to my knees between his legs, his breath caught audibly.

“Joy, you don’t have to⁠—”

“I want to,” I said firmly, looking up at him through my lashes. “Relax.”

The rest of our clothes disappeared in a blur of eager hands and whispered endearments. When I finally took him in my mouth, Cooper’s head fell back against the couch cushions, a low groan escaping his throat that went straight to my core.

I took my time, learning what made his breath hitch and what made his hands tighten in my hair. The sounds he made were better than any symphony. The way he whispered my name made me feel powerful and cherished all at once.

“Joy, I’m close,” he warned, his voice strained.

I hummed my encouragement, but he wasn’t having it. He tugged at my arms before he finally lifted me up by my armpits and brought me into his lap.

I straddled him, feeling the heat of his skin against mine. Cooper’s hands roamed my body with reverent touches. When his thumb brushed across my nipple, I arched into him with a soft gasp.

“I’ve wanted this for so long,” I whispered, positioning myself over him.

“It hasn’t been that long.” He grinned. “But I missed it too.”

“You know what I mean. This. Us. Real. Not just sex.”

“Ah, but I want so much sex with you,” he murmured. He bent down and took one nipple into his mouth. I cried out, gasping and arching as he sucked. He moved to the next one and drove me wild.

Instead of answering with words, I sank down slowly, taking him inside me inch by inch. We both groaned at the sensation. Cooper’s hands gripped my hips tightly. His fingertips were bruising my flesh, but I didn’t care.