Chapter Five

Mallory

Cooper wasn't wrong. Today has been more than I'd bargained for. It's been absolutely exhausting.

Once we'd finished moving Laurel's furniture and belongings into the new property – most of which went into the garage – we drove to Brady's house and did exactly the same thing there. Fortunately, although Cooper had moaned about Brady not moving his things to Laurel's old house before today, he had at least already packed them, so it took less time to load the truck. I guess the fact that he hasn't been living there for a while made all the difference to that, and his house had a feeling of being empty even before we moved his things out.

The new house is nothing like that. Even when we first arrived, it already felt like somewhere happy and loving… somewhere they could make a fresh start, and although I don't know them, I get the feeling they need that.

It took us a lot longer to unload Brady's furniture, because everything had to be put into the correct rooms, but once the beds were in place, I helped Laurel to make them up. Addy decided that was boring and went to see what Brady and Cooper were doing, which gave me a chance to repeat what she'd said outside Laurel's old house.

"Oh, God…" She bit her bottom lip and gazed at me across Brady's enormous bed. "Did Cooper say anything?"

"No. I don't think he or Brady understood the significance."

She nodded her head. "I should have realized Addy would mention it. She repeats practically everything that gets said within about a mile of her."

I had to smile, although I couldn't help recalling how it had felt when she'd blurted out those words about falling for someone. I dreaded Cooper or Brady asking what she meant, or where she'd heard the phrase, and her repeating my conversation with Laurel. Luckily for me, Addy chose that moment to complain that Brady's t-shirt was damp, and he removed it, revealing a beautiful tattoo of roses and leaves, which started on his chest and wound its way over his shoulder. It provided an excellent distraction, especially when Laurel came out and started talking about it. That gave me a chance to hide my blushes… because I was definitely blushing. After all, not only had Addy nearly given away my secret, but I'd practically fallen over my tongue when I'd brought out the drinks and seen Cooper's bare chest. I know that's superficial of me, but honestly, the man is divine.

I don't think he's noticed the fact that I can't take my eyes off of him. He certainly hasn't said anything, and I have to say, he's been quite attentive himself. Not that I'm reading anything into that. He's only doing it because I work for him, and these are his friends. It's a natural way to behave. But I've noticed how relaxed he is around Brady. I guess that's to be expected, but it was good to see him unwind like he has today. Work can get pretty intense at times, and his personal life seems to be fraught with arguments – well, sex and arguments – based on what I get to hear from my apartment. So, I think it did him good to be himself.

I've enjoyed it too, even if it has been hard work, but I'll admit I'm relieved when everything is unloaded, the beds are made, the kitchen is vaguely organized, Addy's playing happily with her toys, and we can all take a breather.

"Let's order in from Archer's place, shall we?" Laurel says. "I'd planned to barbecue something, but I'm too tired to even think about cooking."

"Good idea." Brady seems to agree and Cooper's nodding his head, both of them turning to me.

"Archer's place?"

We're sitting on the two enormous couches in their living area. These are Brady's, but they're not overly masculine. They're covered in pale gray leather, and are very comfortable to sit in, and although the furniture probably isn't arranged how they'd like it, I can see the appeal of this place. It's open-plan, with the addition of a sunroom at the back, which is where Addy's playroom is clearly going to be. Most of her toys are still packed away in boxes, but she seems happy enough with the dolls she's found, and is sitting on the floor, mumbling to herself.

"Yes." Cooper's right beside me and he turns, tilting his head to one side. "You know? The French restaurant next door to the clinic."

"Oh." I feel foolish now for not realizing. "Is that owned by someone called Archer?"

"Yes," Brady says, smiling across at me. "Archer Steel. He's not a native of Hart's Creek, but we're getting used to him." There's something friendly in his eyes, which suggests they might be getting used to me, too, and I smile back, even though I'm panicking on the inside.

It appears the decision has been made, and I can hardly say ‘no'… especially when Brady gets up and goes to fetch his phone from the island unit that separates the dining area from the kitchen, while Laurel follows him.

"We've got some beer and wine in the refrigerator," she says, pausing by Brady, the two of them embracing, and gazing through to the sunroom at Addy. They're clearly thrilled to be here, and while that's lovely to see, I'm getting more and more anxious by the second. What can I do? What can I say?

"Is something wrong?" Cooper's voice is a mere whisper, but it makes me jump and I turn to see him gazing down at me.

"Um… no. I mean yes…"

"Which is it?"

I stare into his molten brown eyes and realize there's no point in trying to hide the truth. "I don't have my purse with me," I murmur, keeping my voice low.

"Your purse? Why do you need your purse?"

"Because it has cash and credit cards in it."

"And you need those…?"

"To pay for dinner." I would have thought that was obvious, although his smile surprises me.

"You seriously think anyone here is gonna expect you to pay for your own dinner, after everything you've done today?" He shakes his head, still smiling. "Believe me… it's covered."

"Seriously?"

"Absolutely. Stop looking so worried."

I let out a sigh, just as Brady comes back over, handing me his phone and telling me to choose anything I want.

"You've earned it," he says, going back out to the kitchen to help Laurel with the drinks.

"See?" Cooper says, leaning in to me and making my breath catch in my throat. "Told you so."

I can't help giggling and although he seems to tense, his muscles stiffening, I ignore that for a second and focus on the menu. It's confusing to start with. There's a lot to choose from and I'm not used to this kind of fine dining, but because it's online, they've simplified it, using tick boxes and I just find something that sounds appealing, ignoring everything else… except for the perfect man beside me.

Dinner was superb. I chose the halibut, which was served with a risotto of chorizo, and clams. It tasted every bit as good as it looked and smelled, but so did everyone else's meal… including Addy's. Hers was evidently a toned-down version of the chicken dish they usually offer, served with gravy instead of a creamy white wine sauce, and accompanied by honey roasted carrots and green beans. It was something Brady had requested specially, and Archer had been happy to oblige.

We found enough plates and silverware, and Laurel had already unpacked the glasses, so we sat at the table, taking our time and relaxing over our food.

"Have you seen any episodes of McKenna's Mill?" Brady asked, tucking into his duck.

"Not yet," Cooper said, and Brady looked at me.

"I don't even know what it is," I said, shrugging my shoulders.

He smiled. "It's a new TV show that started two weeks ago."

"Is it any good?"

"I should hope so. It was written by Walker Holt."

"Oh… I know that name."

"You should," Cooper said with a smile. "He's a patient of mine, and so is his wife."

"You mean he lives here?"

"Yes. In one of the big houses on the other side of town."

"And what Brady isn't saying," Laurel said, "is that his name was mentioned in the credits as a technical adviser."

Cooper laughed, almost dropping his fork. "Seriously? How did Walker swing that?"

"I don't know," Brady said. "I didn't even realize he was gonna do it. But he called me the day before yesterday and told me the production company wants him to write a second season, so I'm thinking of charging for my time now."

"What's the going rate for technical advice these days?" Cooper asked, trying not to smile.

"I don't know. Why? Are you thinking of asking if he needs any ideas from a washed-out dentist?"

"Less of the washed-out, if you don't mind. I'll take has-been, but not washed-out."

They both laughed, and we all joined in… even Addy, although I don't think she understood the joke. It was nice to feel a part of their friendship, and I looked around, relishing the idea of belonging for the first time in my life. It was warming, and I couldn't help enjoying the moment, although it was only transient, because I knew I didn't belong there… not really. I was a temporary guest. On any other day, my place would have been taken by Meredith, and that thought made me sad… sadder than I would have thought possible.

"Are you okay?" Cooper said, leaning a little closer to me, and lowering his voice.

I nodded my head, unable to speak, knowing I meant nothing to him, while he meant everything to me… and that life could be brutally unfair sometimes.

Addy's tired after we've finished eating, which isn't at all surprising, and Laurel takes her straight up to bed, returning by the time we've cleared away the dishes.

"She's already asleep," she says, letting out a sigh.

"We should go, too." Cooper puts down the glass he's been holding and turns to me, raising his eyebrows. I'm not about to argue. Aside from feeling tired, I've intruded long enough.

"You'd don't have to," Brady says.

"Yeah, we do. You guys need to be alone, and we're both exhausted."

Brady smiles. "We can't thank you enough," he says, Laurel coming over to stand beside him. He puts his arm around her, looking down at her before he turns his attention to me. "Especially you, Mallory. I'm sure you didn't sign up for this when you offered to help."

"No, she didn't," Cooper says, giving me a friendly nudge, which hurts more than he'll ever know. He'll never understand why, though, so I smile up at him.

"We're really grateful." I turn to Laurel as she speaks and notice the kindness in her eyes. It makes me wonder if she's seen through my fa?ade. "Don't be a stranger, will you?" I shake my head, wondering how I can be anything else.

We make our way to the front door, where we say goodbye, their thanks becoming profuse, before Cooper shows me to his car, helping me into the passenger seat. I watch him as he walks around to the driver's side, checking his phone as he does, before putting it away in his back pocket. He calls out something to Brady, who laughs, putting his arm around Laurel, and giving us a wave.

"That was a tiring day," he says, sitting beside me and fastening his seat belt. I do the same with mine and smile up at him. "Thanks for helping, though."

"I didn't mind. I enjoyed it. Although I'm looking forward to a shower and sleeping all night, and for the entire day tomorrow."

He laughs. "Me, too."

"So, you're not seeing Meredith?" The words leave my lips before I can stop them, and I'm grateful it's too dark for him to notice the blush creeping up my cheeks. "Sorry," I mumble. "It's none of my business. I shouldn't have…"

"It's fine," he says, starting the engine and turning the car around. "We had a big fight this morning, and based on her stony silence, I'd say she's not talking to me at the moment."

"You could talk to her, couldn't you? I mean, you could make the first move."

He shrugs his shoulders, checking the traffic and pulling out onto Main Street. "That's not really my style."

I'm surprised by that. He seems like a ‘first move' kind of guy to me, but I'm not about to say that out loud and embarrass myself even further.

"I guess at least you'll get some rest tomorrow."

He glances at me, and I'd swear there's something of a twinkle in his eyes, which could be the streetlights, I guess. Although it occurs to me that my words might have implied that Meredith doesn't let him get any rest when she's with him, and I feel my blush deepening.

Fortunately, he has to concentrate on pulling around behind the clinic and parking his car next to mine, which is an achievement in itself in the dark. He manages it easily, though, turning off the engine.

Neither of us says a word, and I make a point of getting out of the car before he has the chance to come around to help me.

"Brady and Laurel seem very happy together," I say as we start our walk around to the front of the building. It seems like a safer topic than anything related to him and Meredith… or me. "It was like they belonged there."

"In a way, I suppose Laurel does," he says, looking down at me. "She grew up in Cedar Street."

"In that house?"

"No. And they haven't moved back there because of any sentimental attachment. It just happened that the house came onto the market at the right time."

I nod my head. "So it all worked out?"

"Yeah, and at least now they should be able to put the past behind them and build a future together. It's what they both want." I look up at him, surprised by how serious he sounds, and he glances down at me, tipping his head. "I seem to be telling you everyone's secrets today, don't I?"

"I don't know. Do you?"

"It looks that way, but I know you won't let it go any further." I smile, relieved he's not repeating his mistake of this morning.

"Let what go any further? Do you mean Laurel's story? About her husband?"

"No. I mean, that Brady and Laurel are trying to get pregnant."

I can't help smiling, although I'm not altogether surprised. "That's lovely, isn't it?" Cooper seems unsure and I feel I have to ask, even if it's none of my business.

"It would be, if Brady could stop stressing about it."

"Why is he stressing? Doesn't he want them to have a baby together?"

"Yeah… more than anything. But it's not happening, so…"

"Oh, I see. And he's surprised? With everything they've had going on?"

He looks down at me, slowing the pace as we come up to the door of the clinic. "That's roughly what I told him."

"Then hopefully he'll listen."

He smiles, letting us inside.

The change of atmosphere, coming in out of the chilly night air, makes us both shudder slightly, and as there doesn't seem to be anything more to say about Brady and Laurel, we head up the stairs, Cooper letting me lead the way.

I by-pass his door, but he stops me after just a couple of paces.

"I know Brady and Laurel have already thanked you for everything you did today, but I wanted to say I'm really grateful, too."

"You don't have to be… although the thought of climbing another flight of stairs is a little depressing."

I take a breath and raise my eyes upward before smiling back at him.

"We can't have that," he says, and pockets his keys, closing the gap between us, before he bends and lifts me into his arms.

"What are you doing?"

"Carrying you upstairs. It's the least I can do after all the hard work you've put in today."

I know I should object, but I can barely breathe, and I certainly can't think straight. Being held this close to him, feeling the strength of his arms, and resting against his hard chest… it's almost too much for me.

Unfortunately, he makes quick work of the climb and deposits me at my door in no time at all.

"Th—Thank you," I murmur, and he smiles down at me.

"Sleep well," he says, and turns, making his way back down the stairs again.

I wish he'd stay, and am even tempted to call him back again. But what would I say? How would I ask without giving myself away?

It's impossible, and I let myself in.

"Saffron?" I call out, to be greeted with silence. "I know you're in here."

I switch on the light and spy the cat, sitting on the couch, glaring at me, as only she can, and I have to smile. She's cross, and letting me know it.

"I'm sorry." I go straight over and sit beside her, stroking her head, although she doesn't purr. She just sits, sulking. "I shouldn't have left you for so long, should I?"

She turns, narrowing her eyes, like she's agreeing with me, and then she jumps down, going into the kitchen, letting me know what her priorities are. She's hungry, and it's my job to feed her, so tired or not, I get up and follow her. As I'm preparing her food, she twists around my ankles, which feels like a sign of forgiveness, but the moment I put the bowl down, I'm forgotten, in favor of food. Just like a cat.

I pour myself a glass of water and watch her for a moment before my need to be seated overcomes me and I wander to the couch, falling onto it. My limbs ache and I'm almost too tired to lift the glass to my lips… but I manage. At least until Saffron jumps up, almost knocking it out of my hand.

"Careful," I say, although she ignores me and settles on my lap, forgiveness complete, it seems. She's purring now, which feels promising, and I stroke her head again, letting out a sigh. "What do you think?" I whisper. "Do you think I might have a chance?"

She doesn't even stir, and I keep stroking while I think about Cooper's words. He and Meredith have fought before… more times than I care to think about. But this felt different. Why? Because he mentioned it, I suppose. That's not something he's done in the past. My knowledge of their fights has been limited to what I've overheard, not what anyone else has told me. This time, I didn't hear a thing… but I know quiet fights can sometimes be more deadly than loud ones. And more permanent, too.

Or am I allowing myself to hope too much?

After all, he didn't say they'd broken up, did he? He just said she wasn't speaking to him at the moment.

And that feels very temporary indeed.

I wake with a start to the sound of Cooper's door opening and closing. I'm familiar enough with the noise his door makes, and even though I'm barely conscious, I know that's what I heard. Not only that, but I can hear his voice. The words he's saying are muffled, because he's doing down the stairs, but he's definitely talking to someone.

I turn and pick up my phone from the nightstand, focusing on the screen, and seeing that it's only just gone eight in the morning, my heart feeling like lead in my chest. He must have been talking to Meredith. Who else would he have got up so early for, after a day like yesterday? He may not see himself as a ‘first move' kind of guy, but if she called him, I can't imagine he'd make her wait.

No… if she apologized, he'd accept that, and go over there. I don't doubt that.

I don't feel very good about it, either.

But what can I do?

Absolutely nothing.

I put my phone back down, spying my clothes in a pile on the floor. It took all my energy to remove them last night. Putting them in the laundry hamper was beyond me… as was taking a shower, I'm ashamed to say. All I managed was to collapse, naked, onto the mattress and pull up the covers.

I pull them up again, although I'm too hot now, and I push them back down within seconds. It's not the heat of the covers that's making me warm, though. It's the thought of Cooper and Meredith having make-up sex… damn them.

There's no point in lying here contemplating that scene, so I get up. I'd like to head straight for the shower, but Saffron won't hear of it, and gets in the way, letting me know that while my absence of yesterday may have been forgiven, she's not about to let me get away with not putting her first today.

"Okay, already."

I feed her, putting on a pot of coffee, although I leave it to brew while I head for the bathroom. The shower feels good, and I take my time, only getting out when I really have to. There's no need to dress up today, so I opt for jeans and an oversized t- shirt, fixing myself a coffee and putting on the laundry before I write out a shopping list, checking the kitchen cabinets, and the refrigerator to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. Once that's done, and my coffee is drunk, I grab my keys, my purse and my phone and head out to the grocery store.

Like I said to Cooper, there's a reason I do this on Sundays, which is that it's easier to park on Main Street when most of the stores are closed. I can get all my groceries inside, without feeling like I've walked ten miles in the process, and I let out a sigh of relief when I close the door of my apartment again, knowing the groceries are packed away, and the car is parked safely at the rear of the property again. There's nothing more for me to do… and I'm mightily relieved by that.

It's still only late morning, so I fix myself another coffee, grab a pastry – one of the ones that jumped into my cart as I was pushing it around the grocery store –and I settle down on the couch with a book. I know I should probably tidy my apartment, but it's not looking too bad, and I need to rest my aching muscles. Besides, this is a good book. It's about a man who everyone had thought was dead, following a mysterious accident on his honeymoon, which left his bride in tatters. Now, though, he's returned to his hometown to discover his wife is about to re-marry. There are elements of suspense and romance, and although I'm over halfway through, I still can't decide which of the two men I'm rooting for. They're both really nice, and are portrayed as super sexy, but I get the feeling it won't prove to be as simple as that in the end…

The day passed quickly, with breaks for lunch and dinner, both of which I kept simple. A sandwich was enough for me at noon, and I had some pasta in the fridge, which I re-heated for my evening meal.

I finished the book this afternoon, and I have to say, it was disappointing in the end. The woman chose her new fiancé, but only because the man who'd returned from the dead turned out not to be her husband, but his twin brother instead. There was no explanation for how he miraculously appeared when nobody had known of his existence beforehand, and no mention of a wider family to question what was going on. It was all really silly, and very annoying. I felt as though I'd wasted several hours of my life that I'd never get back, and I've spent the rest of the afternoon and evening watching movies and feeling somewhat cheated.

I know I can't be late to bed, though, so I switch everything off at nine-thirty, tidy the kitchen, feed Saffron, and get undressed, putting my clothes into the empty laundry hamper this time.

I'm not in the mood for reading any more novels, but I catch up with the news on my phone, jumping out of my skin when I hear Cooper's door slam closed at just after ten. I didn't hear him come in, but there's no doubting it's him. He seems to be alone, too. I can't hear Meredith, and she's never usually quiet… although it would be unusual for her to be here at this time on a Sunday, so I'm not that surprised.

They've obviously been together all day, but it's quiet downstairs, so it feels safe to let my mind drift to images of Cooper, my imagination running riot, now I know what he looks like bare-chested, my pussy tingling at the thought.

"It's no good," I mumble to myself, throwing back the covers as I reach for my trusty vibrator. It's small, and black, and powerful… and something I usually reserve for weekdays, when I know Meredith won't be around to interrupt my moments of solitude, and my thoughts of Cooper…

I close my eyes as I switch on my vibrator and touch it to my clit. My nipples harden in an instant, and I part my legs as I dream of what he could do with me. No, to me. Definitely to me. I want his hands all over me, touching me… everywhere. I want his fingers inside me, his tongue caressing every single inch of my body.

"Oh, God…" I mutter between gritted teeth, the pleasure building.

I know I should keep it quiet. I usually manage to… but I can't, and as my orgasm builds, I let out a whimper, which builds and builds to a crescendo of a scream.

I can't hold it back, but so what if he hears me? Why should I care?

And why should he? He's got Meredith.