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  Coop looked down to see Meagan had the same goofy smile on her face, as he did on his. It was great to see Cory and Ashley together. He watched them fight their attraction for quite awhile and was glad Cory finally manned up and did something about it.

  “Aw, they are so cute together.” Meagan sighed, as she gestured towards them and looked up at him with such a beautiful smile. Momentarily everyone else seemed to disappear, and it was just the two of them. He reached down to caress the side of her face with his hand. Her skin was so soft and inviting, he pushed his luck some more once his thumb made its way to her chin, not stopping until it touched her plump bottom lip. He nearly groaned. So soft, so inviting...

  But, then Mike cleared his throat and he snapped out of it, Chris patted Cory on the shoulder interrupting them, and Brett grinned bigger than Coop had ever seen him do before. Only, Brett was looking at him with Meagan, not Cory and Ashley. Bastard, I’m never going to hear the end of it.

  He stepped away from Meagan before he took up where he left off, knowing he’d take it further and taste those tempting lips next time. He clapped his hands together and approached the other couple. “Congratulations you two, it’s about time Cory wised up and saw the good thing he had right in front of him for so long, but I suggest you two get out of here before you really put on a show.”

  “Good idea.” Ashley smiled, dragging Cory with her to the door. “We’ll see you all tomorrow.” And with a quick wave they were gone.

  “I should probably get going too. Same time tomorrow?” Meagan cleared her throat and stood. She reached behind her to put on her jacket and grabbed her purse before turning towards him again for her answer.

  “Same time tomorrow,” he repeated. “Will you be all right to get home on your own? It’s pretty late.”

  “The house is only five blocks away, but Nathan insisted I take my car anyway. I’m parked just outside the door, so I should be just fine.”

  Coop nodded, while he watched her approach the door behind him. Stopping on the way, she placed her hand on his shoulder. Giving him a shy smile, Meagan thanked him allowing her hand to linger momentarily, she turned one last time waved good-bye to the rest of the guys, and then left for the night.

  Coop smiled to himself liking that he had some new inspiration, looked forward to the next time he saw her again, period. Meagan Morales was full of surprises, intriguing, and an inspiration. She was chemistry and she brought out his creative side. He felt a new song coming on and looked forward to writing down the lyrics she’d inspired from him. Maybe he’d play it for her one day too, when the timing was right, but for now there was much to look forward to.

  It was a good night.

  Chapter Five

  She’d been working at the bar for a few weeks, and it still amazed her how packed Tuesday nights where. Her feet were killing her, people kept bumping into her, and she was due for a break anytime. The drinks were half price, and Coop’s sexy voiced filled the bar. It was no wonder the place was so busy. Women scantily clad trying to get attention, while men were eager to give it. There were even a few groupies stuck to the front of the stage. Meagan bit her lip. Coop still maintained a respectful distance from her. Oh there was a little flirting here and there, the occasional touch, and she knew the attraction was still strong between them but it didn’t matter how much they had in common or, how much chemistry sparked between them, she knew he was waiting for her to make the first move.

  Not only had Meagan been burned by a past love, and he knew it, but he was also her boss so he had to stay professional until he was sure she really wanted him for something more.

  The ball was in her court, and if she was being perfectly honest, she was finally woman enough to admit she wanted him. She wanted him for so much more than her friend, and boss, she wanted him for the man he was, hardworking, caring, talented, and completely gorgeous in every way. Over the last few weeks she was well on her way to falling in love with him. How did that happen?

  Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Meagan deposited her next drink order to Cory, and waited for him to fill it. Nathan, Heidi, Rafe, and Zoey were there tonight and as soon as she could she’d stop by their booth and say hi, if she could.

  “Here you go, Meagan,” Cory said as he placed the drinks she ordered on her tray, plus a few extra bottles of water. “Lyric is about to go on break in a minute, would you mind giving the guys these waters after your next table?”

  “Sure thing.” Meagan winked, and gave him a smile as she walked away.

  Her next table was surrounded by a bunch of guys, ones that placed their orders with her earlier, and others who just arrived. “Here you go, gentlemen.” Meagan reached over to place the pitcher of beer in front of them, and she almost dropped the frosty mugs when one of them spoke.

  “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Coop’s little Meagan,” Greg sneered. “Careful boys this one’s a tease.”

  “First of all, I’m not Coop’s anything, nor am I a tease. I wasn’t interested plain and simple. Now what can I get for you?” Chuckles erupted all around the table and Greg’s eyes narrowed at her again. She’d seen him a couple of times since their first encounter, if you could call it that, and every time he seemed to look at her she could feel the hate rolling off of him. It was a little creepy.

  “I like the feisty ones.” Another one of his buddy’s moved closer, but she managed to step around him safely, and thankfully unlike Greg he hadn’t pushed his luck.

  She didn’t bother to reply. Instead, with a slight wave she took a few steps back before saying, “Well you guys think about those drink orders some more and I’ll have someone here to check on you in a minute.” And, she hurriedly made her way towards the stage.

  She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath, until she met Coop’s gaze as she approached and let out a big breath of relief. He must have seen Greg talking to her because he looked concerned. He maintained eye contact with her as the song ended, but as soon as he stepped off the stage he was surrounded by women.

  Smiling shyly, Meagan walked past him momentarily and hopped onto the stage to give the rest of the band their water bottles. “Thanks, babe, you’re a lifesaver.” Brett smiled, before chugging half the bottle, and then pulled her into a hug after she tossed the remaining water to the others, minus one, Coop’s. He was still busy fending off his busty entourage.

  “Anytime.”

  Brett chuckled, and looked over at Coop. “Think we should help him out? I don’t know about you, but I could sure use some company later on.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “What do you say we let Coop off the hook? You bring him that water, and lure him away while I wreak the benefits of having a bunch of lovely ladies to choose from. He looks a little uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, you are bad.”

  “I am. You just let me know if you’d ever like a taste of a bad boy and I’d be happy to oblige my lovely, Meagan. Hell, if I didn’t have so much respect for Coop, I would have already tried to win you over, sweetheart, but any fool could see that would be a lost cause. You two are perfect for each other. I just wish you’d both wise up to it.”

  “Thanks—I think.” Meagan looked over to the man in question, and smiled as he mouthed the word help, then making her laugh. “I believe Coop just gave us the cue to go ahead. Shall we?”

  “After you, beautiful.” Brett reached for her hand to pull her forward with him, hopped off the stage, and then cut in between the small crowd depositing her right at Coop’s side.

  He immediately wrapped his arms around her, and placed her in front of him. Moving his face to the side of hers, Coop then whispered, “You’re a lifesaver, have I ever told you that.”

  “Really?” Meagan smiled, and then turned around to face him, breast to chest. “Then hang on to your life raft, and follow my lead.” He felt too good against her, and she just couldn’t bring herself not to play along. It was kind of fun.

  “I think I like were this is heading.” Coop smiled wide,
and then winked at her. “I think I’d follow you anywhere, Meagan, anywhere at any time.”

  She liked his confession, but wasn’t sure how to reply, feeling kind of off guard momentarily. Then a whiny voice interrupted them, and saved her from replying back, and she wasn’t sure whether to feel annoyed or laugh about it. “Hey, Coop, when you going to let go of her and come give me some of your attention.”

  Coop and Meagan both shifted to look at the source behind it. A busty bleach blonde woman stood in front of them feigning a pout. Piles of make-up covered her face. She wore a shirt so tight it barely covered her doctor enhanced double D chest, a short mini skirt barely covered her lady bits, followed by six inch heels that made her pretty bare legs look much longer than they actually were. Is this the woman he usually goes for? She’s definitely a rock star type. I am so out of my league here.

  Meagan wasn’t sure what to do anymore. So she turned to Coop again then said, “What do you say, Coop?” She nodded towards blondie. “She says she wants some of your attention.”

  “I’m kind of liking the attention I’ve already got.” He smiled playing along, and then laughed as Meagan turned her body around so he was behind her again, as if to protect him.

  “Sorry.” Meagan shrugged. “He’s good where he is, and I’m not in the sharing kind of mood at the moment. If you’ll excuse us.” She grabbed his hand as she walked away, pulling them away from blondie, and smiled as she looked back, seeing blondie huff before making herself comfortable beside Brett.

  “Well it certainly didn’t take her very long to move on.” Meagan chuckled and let go of his hand. She needed a little space between them before she did something stupid, like kiss him senseless right then and there. There was a time and a place for that, and she didn’t want to regret anything when it came to Coop. It hadn’t helped she was a little nervous. Her previous experiences weren’t all that great, and she secretly wondered if it was all her fault. Get a grip, Meagan, Coop is nothing like David. “Water?” She held out the bottle, and exhaled to settle her nerves.

  “It usually doesn’t.” Coop shook his head and smiled as they watched Brett work his magic on the women around him. “She’s a regular.” He shrugged not elaborating on anymore where blondie was concerned, and thanked her as he took the water bottle.

  “So what about you?” he asked looking concerned. “I saw you talking to Greg. He’s not being an ass again is he?”

  “He is a natural ass, but not in the way you’re referring. He wasn’t bothering me, I was just bringing the table their beer and he happened to be there.” Meagan shrugged. “And, now that your saved from your entourage, I think I’m going to head back to the bar and get Cory to give me a couple of Corona’s. Nathan, Heidi, Rafe, and Zoey are here, and I’d like to see them before they leave.”

  “Why don’t you let me handle the drinks, and go ahead to their booth? You’re due for a break anyway, and I don’t have to go back on stage for a few more minutes.” Coop rested his hands on each of her shoulders, stepping closer. “You deserve it, besides it also gives me an excuse to spend mine with you too.” He leaned down to brush his lips across her forehead, and then stepped aside before pushing her in the opposite direction towards the booth her family occupied. “Go on, I’ll see you in a minute.”

  Meagan walked across the bar in a slight state of shock. He kissed her. Not the way she wanted him too, but it was a start. His soft plump lips felt better than she dreamed it would and couldn’t imagine how good they would feel pressed against her in other spots. Okay she definitely could, but now wasn’t the time to fantasize. One thing was for sure, she needed to make her move on him, and soon.

  When she approached the booth Nathan and Rafe were nowhere to be seen, but the two heads connected were hard to miss. With a pretty shade of red hair facing her, Meagan watched the open display of love between the two women and slid in the booth unnoticed. Bodies were pressed together, with arms wrapping each other tight, Heidi and Zoey kissed with such a passion it was beautiful. Teeth nipped playfully, tongues entwined into a playful dance as they tasted each other, and it made her sigh loudly, breaking up their moment.

  Heidi and Zoey both smiled as they turned to her. “It’s about time you came to see us.” Heidi teased, “I was beginning to think we were being ignored.”

  “Never.”

  “So what’s with the long sigh?” Zoey asked with curiosity. “Is everything okay?”

  “Just peachy.” Meagan smiled. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I envy what the four of you have and finally long to find that kind of passion for myself, I guess.”

  “Really?” Heidi squeaked with delight, making Zoey and Meagan laugh. “You’re finally ready to spice it up.”

  “I can take a guess, but I’m going to ask anyway. Who’s the lucky guy?” Zoey teased.

  “Is it that obvious?” Meagan rolled her eyes, but chuckled as she leaned back to get comfortable.

  “Oh yeah, I could tell from the first moment you walked into this place. Coop’s a great guy though so what’s not to like, and the two of you seem to get along pretty well.” Heidi playfully elbowed Zoey who wiggled her eyes brows and agreed.

  “Definitely, I’ve known him for years and haven’t a bad thing to say about him. It doesn’t hurt that you’re both so cute together either.”

  “Well, thanks. It’s nice to know that I have your support. Moving here had to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Now comes the hard part, spicing it up.” She moved her index and middle fingers up and down as if to quote.

  “I know where you’re coming from, Meagan. I was pretty shy once upon a time ago too, but believe me, it pays to open up sometimes, and Coop is going to be worth it.” Zoey held up her beer bottle with one hand and reached over to place her other hand on top of Meagan’s as it rested on top of the table. “To the best advice ever given to either of us.” Heidi smiled and followed suit by finishing the toast and placing her hand on top of Zoey’s.

  “To spicing it up.”

  “I think I like the sound of that, but why aren’t you two still locked together? You were supposed to make it hot for us before we left.” Rafe looked at Nathan and shook his head. “They disobeyed us partner. As soon as we finish these drinks I think we need to take our naughty girls home and bring out the toys.” Smiling mischievously he turned to Meagan as Coop helped her up to let them pass. “Would, Meagan, care to join in?”

  Coop didn’t say anything but he put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him, making her smile. She liked his protective side. “I’m flattered, Rafe, really but I’m afraid I’ll have to decline yet again. You’re like family to me, and that’s just not going to happen.” She shuddered, and then laughed as he pulled her out of Coop’s embrace and into his own. Rafe laughed with her as he spun her around.

  “I know, but I like getting a reaction out of Nathan. He’s much hotter when I piss him off.” He winked before he set her down and took a long swig of his beer before beckoning Zoey next to him.

  “Yeah, and wait till we get home and I’ll show you how hot I can get.” Nathan growled, “I’ll get Heidi to show me where she put that paddle and swat your ass good too.”

  “I don’t know about the three of you, but I think I’m ready to go now.” Heidi stood and spoke as if she was breathless, looking completely turned on and ready to pounce. Rafe and Nathan both smiled, and Meagan and Coop stood speechless as they watched the foursome get ready for more action.

  Before she knew it, she received four bear hugs before they departed and she wanted to groan knowing it was going to be a long night ahead.

  “I hope you got those ear plugs.” Coop laughed as she playfully swatted him, and sat as he watched her clear the table. “Sit for a minute would you?”

  Sliding in the booth, she sat directly across from him. “I’ll manage. What they have is a beautiful thing. I think I’m beginning to get jealous.” She grinned and continued, “Heidi thinks Nathan is quite wise.
He apparently gave her some great advice. It pushed them together after secretly loving each other for years before they actually admitted how they truly felt. Have they told you the story about how they finally gave in?”

  “Not in so many words, no, I’ve heard bits and pieces, but not the whole story of it.”

  “They’d been roommates and best friends for years. Anyway, Heidi hit a rough patch in her love life, and Nathan suggested that she ‘spice it up’. He completely made her over, and sent her to this club called, Drink Nights, and long story short Nathan finally decided to wise up and make his move, designating himself as that something spicy.

  Things were great for awhile, until he went and screwed it up by bringing another woman home on the night Heidi decided to surprise him with Rafe. He had a bad day, and said some awful things. Heidi was devastated. A little time passed and they were both miserable being a part. Rafe decided to help them by taking Heidi on a date, making Nathan wise up before he lost her for good.” She chuckled. “He got up on stage that night and sang his heart out for her, proposing marriage, and after they all celebrated with that promised threesome, making the duo, a trio. They were so good together they couldn’t picture life without Rafe with them, and later Zoey came into the mix when Rafe was feeling like he needed a little something extra. She was Heidi’s childhood friend and they hit it off almost instantly after Heidi introduced them. Zoey was open minded and exactly what they were looking for. She fit into their unique family perfectly, and the rest is history.” She shrugged as he eyed her with a smile.

  “It’s a great story. Thank you for sharing it with me, Meagan. I love hearing about a real life happily ever after, especially when I know the people. Is that why you guys were talking about spicing it up earlier?”