Cooper (New York Players #2)

by Lulu Moore

“Baby, it doesn’t matter who stares, I only have eyes for you.” Cooper Marks was being cheesy, never thought I’d see the day.

“I’m not used to feeling like this.” “Like what?” he pressed. “Like I need you,” I sighed. He brushed his thumb against my cheek. “It’s the same for me. And I’m not used to it either.”

She tried to take her hand away, but I held fast. “Nope. Everyone is going to know you’re mine today.” I expected an argument and got nothing. She looked up, batting her long, thick lashes. “Best kiss me again then, so I don’t forget.”

My darling Francesca, I can call you that because you are, mine. Even though you might not feel it right now, you are. And I am yours. I belong to you heart and soul.

And the week we spent together was undoubtedly my happiest. Being with you made me feel more alive than I’ve ever been; more alive than every time I lace up my skates and get on the ice, more than every puck drop, or goal scored. You’ve given me life beyond hockey.

In French we say ‘Tu me manques’, but this means more than I miss you, its connotation is ‘You are missing from me’, but I actually think it’s more accurate.

January 27th was the day you sent me my first ever playlist. It was made up of your favorite British bands. The first song on there was Wonderwall by Oasis. We had a big game that night against Philly, and I listened to it all day. I scored four goals. I’m not saying it was because of the playlist, because I know it wasn’t. It was because of you. You’re my Wonderwall, Tiny.

I never realized how much I loved you until I left. It took me a little bit of time to get there, but I’m here now, and I’m never leaving again. Please forgive me. Please come back to me and make me whole again. I love you with all my heart and soul, forever. Coop xxxx

“I love you, Francesca Danvers. I’m so sorry it took me so long to realize, but I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you.” It was all I needed. He was mine as I was his.

Because her job was easily transportable, she rented out her house and moved over immediately into mine, or ours as it was now, the fact that we built it together made it all the sweeter.