A Gift Like You by Jillian Liota

Author:Jillian Liota
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Love Is A Verb Books

CHAPTER

FIVE

Lindsey

Mr. Charleston’s doctor tells us he needs at least one more night in the hospital before she’s comfortable sending him home, so eventually Cooper and I leave, allowing him a chance to rest.

I’m glad the possible crisis of where to spend Christmas was averted earlier, Cooper coming to his own conclusion that spending the afternoon at my house with my small group of friends is a good idea.

Honestly, I feel a little selfish about it.

Of course, I want Mr. Charleston to come. The last thing I want is for him to feel alone.

But I’m really glad Cooper is coming.

For whatever reason, I feel drawn to him. Feel this special kind of connection, a playful, banter-y, flirty kind of connection that I haven’t felt in…ever. Seriously.

And since Cooper is going to stay at Mr. Charleston’s house until the holidays are over to help him transition to being wheelchair-bound for the next few months, that means I’m probably going to get to see him more often.

Glancing over at where Cooper is driving next to me, I admire his strong profile, taking in the way stubble covers his face and how his Adam’s apple moves when he swallows.

Almost everything about Cooper makes my heart race in that weird way I first noticed last night in the truck on the way home. That strange heart rate must mess with my head, which can be the only explanation for the next words that come out of my mouth.

“Do you want to hang out tonight?”

My face flushes when I realize what I’ve done, but I bite my tongue, unwilling to take it back, to apologize, or to try to explain myself further.

Because I meant exactly what I said.

Even so, my heart is beating so loudly, the thumping filling my ears to the point that I realize Cooper’s mouth is moving, but I can’t hear what he’s saying.

“What?” I ask.

He chuckles, glancing at me briefly with a smile on his face.

“I said…I have to head home tonight. Gotta let out my dog.”

I give him a tight smile and nod, trying to be understanding.

“Oh yeah, of course!” I say, my voice sounding high-pitched and awkward, even to myself, at his rejection. “No biggie.”

Then I turn and look out the window, rolling my eyes.

No biggie? Ugh. What am I, ten?

“But maybe I can bring Koby back with me,” he continues, his shoulder shrugging in a way that looks slightly unnatural. “I was planning to move in with grandpa tomorrow anyway. Might as well be tonight, and then we can…hang out.”

I swallow thickly then lick my lips, the sudden dryness in my mouth incredibly irritating when I need to say something in response. Instead, I’m just sitting here like an idiot.

Did he really just agree to come over?

“Sure,” I finally choke out. “Sounds good.”

Cooper nods and gives me a smile that feels about as natural as his shoulder shrug earlier.

A few minutes later, we pull up out front, and I make quick work of opening the door and hopping out of his truck.

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