Page 56 of The Fiancé Hoax
I put the dishes in the dishwasher and wiped the counter. Even though Monica had left it spotless, I wanted something to keep my hands busy. I thought about pouring a glass of wine but thought against it.
You’re trying to stay out of Cooper Pierce’s bed, remember?
Instead, I made a cup of chamomile tea. Right after I poured the water into the mug to steep the tea, Lily called down from the top of the stairs.
“Felicity?”
I went to the bottom of the staircase. She was standing in bumblebee pajamas, looking adorable and holding her stuffed rabbit.
“Yes, Lily?”
“Will you read us a bedtime story?”
My heart melted. “Of course.”
Upstairs, I sat in the chair between the two beds. Cooper tucked them both in and sat in the chair in the corner and handed me a copy of The Princess and the Pea.
As I read to the girls, that comfortable feeling settled over me again. I loved to see the girls’ reaction to the story—their giggles and smiles—and their heavy eyelids as the story came to a close.
I stood as Cooper kissed them each goodnight, and we left the room and headed downstairs together.
I followed him to the kitchen, where I grabbed my cup of tea. He busied himself collecting the girls’ schoolwork and putting it in their backpacks. Then he turned to me, his eyes smoldering and intense.
“Thanks, Felicity. For everything.”
“Thank you, Cooper. It’s been nice being here.”
My eyes shifted away from his. I didn’t know where to look. If I lost myself in his gaze, I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist him.
I covered my mouth as I yawned. “Those kids wear me out. I think I’ll hit the sack, too.”
He nodded. “Yeah, another busy day tomorrow. I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”
Yes, I do need something, Cooper. I need your hands all over me, now.
“Okay. Goodnight, Cooper.”
“Goodnight, Felicity.”
I left him in the kitchen, forcing myself not to turn back for one last look.
15
COOPER
“Antoine’s?” Felicity raised an eyebrow as I pulled my car up to the valet area of the restaurant. “Color me impressed.”
I chuckled as I got out and jogged around the car to open her door.
“Nothing but the best,” I said as I held out my hand to help her out of the vehicle.
Her diamond sparkled on her finger. It was big and gaudy—just what I wanted. I needed a big flashing sign that screamed, Engaged. And that rock on her finger was as close as I could get.
Antoine’s was the current hot restaurant where all the well-connected dined in LA. I hardly ever came here without running into someone I knew. Businesspeople, investors, attorneys, even celebrities were regulars. I wouldn’t be surprised if Judge Graves ate here.
Luckily, Marsh hated the place.
Felicity looped her hand around my bent arm, and we walked in.