The Final Temptation, page 2
I tense. “What? Why?”
“Because you were speeding and I’m going to give you a ticket.”
My mouth drops in shock. “You can’t be serious.”
Now it’s his turn to smirk. “I’m very serious.”
“Give me a break, Coop, I was going seven over. You have to at least be going ten over to get a ticket.”
He stares at me like I’m an idiot. “I can give you a ticket for going one over the legal limit.”
I try to gauge his expression, still thinking he can’t be serious. He wouldn’t give me a ticket, would he? No, he wouldn’t, he’s just screwing with me, I know it. “All right, Officer Romeeooo,” I croon, dragging out the name. “Let’s be honest here, you really pulled me over because you missed my pretty face this morning. I missed yours too, but this,” I gesture between us, “will have to wait because I’m late for school.”
Julia snickers again, but unfortunately Cooper doesn’t find it as funny. “You’re going to be even later if you don’t stop stalling. Give me your license and registration, Kayla. Now.”
I gape at him as I realize he’s completely serious. With a huff I pull out my license and registration then hand it to him, knowing I need to get my ass to school. He takes it with a smirk then walks back to his squad car.
I look over at Julia. “I can’t believe he’s really going to give me a fucking ticket.”
She shrugs. “Maybe he’s just messing with you to prove a point and he won’t actually give you one.”
I shake my head, knowing he’s going to. He wouldn’t do all this then not follow through. Sure enough, he walks back a couple minutes later and hands me back my license and registration. I don’t bother to look at him as I rip them from him. When I go to snatch the ticket out of his hand his grip tightens on it, not letting go.
My irritation quickly vanishes when he bends down and leans in my window. His delicious, masculine scent penetrates my senses and completely short-circuits my brain. My heart pounds wildly and my breath catches in my throat as he trails his nose along the side of my cheek until his lips are at my ear. “You need to be careful of the games you keep playing with me and my dick,” he whispers, his tone as smooth as whiskey. “Because next time, Kayla, I will not be responsible for my actions, and believe me when I tell you, you are not ready for me, baby. Not yet.”
With that he presses the softest kiss to my cheek and drops the ticket on my lap before strutting his sexy ass away, as if he didn’t just completely tilt my world on its axis. I sit stunned for a long moment, wondering if I just imagined his words.
“Whoa.” Julia fans herself. “What the heck was that all about?”
She couldn’t have heard him, but I’m sure she felt the sexual tension. She had to; it still lingers heavily in the car. I pick up the ticket and see the amount for one hundred thirty dollars. Instead of feeling pissed like I ought to, the biggest smile takes over my face. I think today is going to be a great day after all.
CHAPTER 2
After school lets out Julia and I grab an ice cream then head over to the ball diamond. “Tell me again why we’re coming here?” she asks as we get out of the car.
“Because it’s the baseball game of the year—the sheriff’s department against the fire department. Sweaty, shirtless hotties with bronzed skin and toned muscles.” I shiver just thinking about it. “This is shit we do not want to miss.” Although, my eyes will be for one guy only.
My heart rate kicks up in anticipation at getting to see Cooper again. His words have been replaying in my head all day since our run-in earlier. Next time, Kayla, I will not be responsible for my actions, and believe me when I tell you, you are not ready for me, baby. Not yet. Oh boy is he wrong. I’m more than ready for his sexy ass. I’ve had a throbbing between my legs since this morning, hell, for the last three years. He is close to cracking, I can feel it. I just have to figure out what is holding him back.
I used to think it was our age difference; it’s almost three years, which is squat in my opinion. He never came right out and said it, but he would make the odd remark about it. I turn eighteen in a few weeks, the day after prom, so there is no way it can be that. But what the hell is it then?
Julia and I grab a seat up high on the metal bleachers with our ice creams and soak in the incredible view before us. My eyes sift through the shirtless hotties and immediately find the man I came to see, instantly recognizing his body and the tattoo that marks his defined shoulder blade. The American Flag, with the overlying script—To Serve With Honor—suits him perfectly. Cooper is the most honorable guy I’ve ever met. His integrity is what made me fall madly in love with him and I know he’s going to make an incredible sheriff one day.
I watch him tense suddenly then, as if feeling the weight of my stare, he turns around. I can’t see his eyes because of his aviators but I feel them as if it were his hands. We watch each other, a long moment stretching between us. He keeps his expression schooled, but it doesn’t last long. Giving him a flirtatious smile, I lick my ice cream the same way I want to lick his delectable, hard body.
Even from here I can see his nostrils flare and his jaw flex. I give him a sassy little wave with my fingers, enjoying his torment. He shakes his head in frustration then turns back around, dismissing me.
I look over at Julia and we both laugh. “Lord, girl, one day you’re going to push that man too far.”
“That’s the plan,” I tell her truthfully, without feeling an ounce of shame.
“So I heard Matt Greenwood asked you to prom today,” she says, quirking an eyebrow in question.
“Yup, but of course I said no. Which probably wasn’t a smart idea, considering I haven’t been making any headway with you know who.” I nod to where Coop is throwing a ball back and forth with another guy from the police department. “I may just end up dateless if I don’t think of something soon.” The entire thought is depressing. I’ve thought about just straight out asking Cooper, but I want to be certain of his feelings for me before I do. However, I’m running out of time and I may need to just bite the bullet and do it regardless.
“Well at least you have been asked. No one has even attempted to ask me,” she says sadly. “I don’t know why, I mean, I know I’m not a knockout or anything, but I’m a pretty nice girl and I can be a lot of fun to hang out with. Can’t I?”
“Of course you are,” I tell her truthfully; the girl is full of shit, she’s a knockout but she doesn’t know it, which only makes her more attractive. “I keep telling you, no one is asking because they’re terrified of Jaxson.”
“Why would Jaxson care?”
I roll my eyes. I love this girl to death but she is incredibly naive. “Because he wants you to himself.” She shakes her head, dismissing my theory right away. “Yes, he does. I tell you this all the time, Julia. The guy has it bad for you, but he’s too fucked up to admit it. Why do you think any guy who has ever remotely tried to ask you out never looks at you again? I’m telling you, Jaxson has laid claim, you just don’t know it.”
“I wish,” she mumbles.
“Trust me, I’m right. Either way, I thought you were going to ask him to go to prom with you?”
“I really want to but I know it’s not his thing. He didn’t even go to his own prom so I doubt he would come with me.”
I shrug. “You don’t know unless you ask.”
“Yeah, but I’m a coward. The entire thought of his rejection stings a little too much.”
I nod in understanding because I feel the exact same way with Cooper. “Well, if all else fails we can go together?”
She smiles. “I love that idea.”
Before we can say more, Mark Stevens climbs up the bleachers and takes a seat between us. Great!
“Well hello, ladies,” he greets as he throws an arm around each of us, his clothes reeking of marijuana.
“Mark,” I acknowledge, before glancing nervously over at Cooper. I see him watching us, his entire demeanor looking downright lethal. Crap! I was hoping he wouldn’t notice, he hates Mark and I don’t want him in a pissy mood after this. Looking away, I bring my attention back to Mark. “What are you doing here? Came to scope out the hotties like the rest of us?”
He grunts. “Fuck that! Like I want to be around a bunch of pigs.” I tense, taking offense to that term. The only reason he doesn’t like cops is because he deals with them often over his alleged little side business. The asshole’s only savior is his dad, who’s a high profile lawyer. Most of the girls in our school play up to him because of his money and status, when in reality he’s nothing but an arrogant jerk. “I’m actually here to meet up with Scott, but since I saw you two beautiful ladies sitting here I decided to personally invite you to this.” He hands each of us a printed postcard.
I read it and see it’s an invitation to a party this coming weekend in the next town over. “A party in Callingwood?” I ask.
“Yup, and it’s not just any party, it’s going to be the party of the century. We are combining the graduates of Sunset Bay along with Callingwood and throwing one hell of a farewell party to the life of high school. My buddy’s parents own some land buried in the bush, that’s where it’s being held. There will be kegs, music, a bonfire and best of all—me.” He gestures to himself in arrogance.
I roll my eyes, but have to admit it sounds fun. Well, except for the part that he’s going to be there. Suddenly, I feel Mark tense next to me. I glance up to see his face pale as he stares at something ahead. I look over to where his attention is and see Jaxson striding toward us with a look of intent to kill.
“That’s my cue, ladies. I’ll see you this weekend,” he says, then hightails his ass down the back of the bleachers, avoiding trouble altogether.
Jaxson makes his way over, looking pissed. Yeah right, the asshole hasn’t laid claim. Just look at the way Mark hightailed it out of here.
“Hey, Jax,” Julia greets him quietly, and moves over for him to sit next to her.
His expression softens marginally. “Hey, Jules.” He gives her the usual kiss on her forehead then takes the seat next to her. “Hey, Kayla.” He acknowledges me with a nod.
“Hey.”
He looks back to Julia. “What the fuck was Mark Stevens doing up here with you guys?”
She shrugs. “He just handed us an invitation for a big, senior class party.”
He takes the invitation out of her hand and reads it. “This is in Callingwood,” he says, stating something we already know.
“Yup,” she replies easily.
“You’re not going.”
I tense, and Julia falters slightly at his tone. “Excuse me, and why not?”
“Because I don’t fucking like that guy. He’s bad news.”
Julia stares back at him aghast and I watch her aquamarine eyes flare with irritation. “Well I’m not going for him. If Kayla and I decide to go it will be because we want to hang out with our graduating class. You do not have a say, Jaxson.”
His eyes turn downright lethal. He turns and puts his hands on either side of her hips, caging her in, then leans in close and brings his face only an inch from hers. “Don’t push me on this, Julia, I’m serious. I work late that night and I can’t be there to look out for you.”
“I don’t need a babysitter!” she snaps.
They stare each other down and I swear you can feel the sexual tension roll off of them in waves. They seriously just need to get it over with and fuck already.
“Stop being bossy,” she pushes against his forehead and moves him out of her personal space. He relents with a grunt, but we all know this argument is far from over.
Shaking my head, I turn my attention back to the ball diamond. We watch most of the game in silence, except for when I’m cheering my ass off for Cooper, using every kind of pet name I can think of, which ticks him right off. Jaxson chuckles a few times and warns me of the buttons I’m pushing. I just give him a wink, letting him know my intention, and don’t let up.
After the game we make our way down to the chain link fence. My gaze takes in all of Cooper’s hot and sweaty, half-naked glory as he strides toward us. His shaggy, light brown hair pokes out of the sides of his baseball cap while his long, lean muscles and eight pack are on full display. I get the sudden urge to lick every line and definition, wanting to know if he tastes as good as he looks. The man is seriously one sexy son of a bitch.
By his expression I can tell he’s not happy, probably about my catcalling him throughout the game. I ignore his brooding demeanor and give him a bright, innocent smile. Then I put one foot in the hole of the chain link and boost myself up. As soon as he reaches us I lean over and give him a swat on the ass. “Good game, Officer Sexy.”
He falters, obviously not expecting the love tap, but keeps his expression schooled. Jaxson and Julia both try to cover their amusement, but one of the guys from his department overhears me and doesn’t bother to hide his.
“Officer Sexy.” The guy points, proceeding to laugh his ass off.
I start to feel bad about others ribbing him; it’s only okay for me to do it, not anyone else. But then I remember the ticket in my car and my guilt fades.
Cooper shoots him a death glare and the guy quickly shuts up, then he brings his attention back at me. My heart pounds wildly as he steps closer, stopping when his face is only a mere inch from mine. Reaching up he takes his aviators off, and I suck in a sharp breath at the intense hunger in his gaze. My smile spreads, knowing my plan is working, but before I can think of anything witty to say he speaks first. “What was Mark Stevens doing with you, and why the fuck were his hands all over you?”
I rear back, not only surprised by his question, but also shocked at how angry he sounds. I know he doesn’t like the guy but I didn’t expect him to be this mad.
“He invited them to a bush party out in Callingwood,” Jaxson responds before I can.
I glare over at him, not appreciating that he replied to my question. I look back to Coop but once again, before I can get a word in edgewise, he speaks. “You’re not going anywhere near there. Do you hear me?”
I tense at the order. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me, Kayla.”
Oh I don’t think so. The only time he can order me around is if he’s telling me to shed my clothes. I give him my best glare, not bothering to hide my irritation. “Listen here, buddy, I’m going to tell you the same thing that Julia already told Bossy McBosserson over there,” I snap, gesturing behind me to Jaxson. “If we decide to go to that party it’s our decision. You have no say.”
His eyes turn fierce and his teeth clench until I think his jaw is going to snap. “I know shit about him that you don’t. He’s not a good guy to be around.”
“I wouldn’t be hanging out with him. I’d be going to hang out with others from my graduating class.”
He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter. Anywhere that guy goes he brings trouble, it’s not safe for you.”
I soften a little at his concern. “Don’t worry, Officer Romeeoo, I can take care of myself.” I can tell he’s about to argue but I don’t give him the chance. “I need to get going, but I’ll be in the hot tub again tonight if you want to join me,” I inform him with a sassy smile. Then, leaning closer, I whisper: “Except this time I’ll give you a better show and take my top off.” A low growl erupts from his chest and the deep, sexy sound of it hits me between the legs. Being bolder than usual, I turn my face and lay a loud smacking kiss right on his stubbly cheek. Before I end up mauling the poor bastard like I really want to, I force myself to jump down.
I look over at Julia to see her and Jaxson watching us with amusement. I nod at her, signaling it’s time to go. She gives Jaxson a hug then follows me. Once we’re a little distance away I turn back around to see Cooper staring at me, his expression holding a promise for retribution, which completely excites me. I blow him a kiss then wink before turning around and heading to my car.
I’m wrapped up in my thoughts, thinking about what my next move will be tonight, when I feel Julia come to an abrupt halt. “Uh oh,” she mumbles nervously.
“What?” I look to where her attention is riveted and my good mood sours quickly when I see Brittany fucking Vail next to my car. She’s bent over, looking in my side mirror as she puts on lipstick. The sight of her has fury rushing through me. Sensing my presence she looks over at us and gives me a snide smirk. I’m so not in the mood for her shit today.
The bitch stands and leans against my car, cocking a hip and sticking her fake tits out for the world to notice. I stride toward her easily, trying to calm my angry heartbeat. I hate that she gets to me, and I hate even more to know that Coop has been with her, touched her… Ugh, don’t think about it, Kayla.
“You lost, Brittany? Your street corner is that way.” I point off to the left.
She glares at me with the same hatred that I feel. “For your information, I’m here to see Cooper, we have plans.” I try to keep my cool because I know she’s full of shit. Cooper has nothing to do with her anymore… I don’t think. “But the question is, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you two be at home getting ready for bed?”
I roll my eyes at her lame insult about our age. She acts like she’s ten years older than us rather than two. “Give it a rest, Brittany, and fuck off. Don’t you have something better to do than annoy me?”
“Actually, yes, I do. Cooper,” she retorts with a smirk, making me want to yank one of her lame pigtails right out of her fucking head.
“You’re full of shit. He broke up with you a year ago, and it’s time you move on. Clinginess doesn’t look good on you, though not much does,” I add, taking in her too short top and her barely there skirt.
“Just because we broke up doesn’t mean we’ve stopped fucking.”
Her words hit me like a painful blow to the stomach, no matter how hard I try not to let them.
“She’s lying. Don’t listen to her,” Julia whispers next to me.
Brittany releases a snotty laugh. “Oh she wishes, just like I’m sure you wish I never fucked Jaxson.”
