Stolen Breaths by Pamela Sparkman Page B

there forever. However, since the world didn’t stop on my account I chose the next best thing… I drifted back off to sleep to the sound of Cooper’s beating heart.

    I awoke again to warm breath on my skin and Cooper’s voice.
    “Mornin,’ beautiful.”
    I felt his hands smoothing out my hair as he kissed the top of my head. I stirred at the sensation and opened my eyes. The sun was bright now. I sat up with the realization that the world had caught up to us.
    “Mornin,” I said back, looking at him through sleepy eyes.
    “If you give me a minute, I’ll make you some breakfast. You hungry?”
    “Starving.”
    “How’s scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast sound?”
    “Sounds wonderful.”
    “If you want to take a shower you can.”
    “Umm, I don’t have any more clothes with me.”
    “I’ve got some boxers you can wear, and a t-shirt.”
    The thought of getting out of these blue jeans sounded like a pretty good idea. Note to self: never sleep in blue jeans again.
    “Okay, thank you.”
    “You’re welcome,” Cooper said. “Actually, I already set everything out for you.”
    “You did? I must have really been out of it not to hear you get up.”
    “I was very careful not to wake you. I like watching you sleep,” he said. “I’ll get started on breakfast.”

    I turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping a towel around me, and then I heard a knock on the door.
    “Lily, I forgot to tell you there is an extra toothbrush in the cabinet.”
    “Okay, thanks,” I said through the bathroom door. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
    “Take your time.”
    The smell of bacon had drifted all the way to the end of the house. I got dressed as quickly as possible because I was in dire need of some coffee and food. I walked into the kitchen and had to stop for a minute and watch Cooper. He had changed into sweats and a solid black t-shirt and he was too beautiful not to stop and admire. He looked up and caught me watching him and a smile stretched across his face. “Well, are you gonna just stand there or are you gonna come over here and have breakfast with me?”
    “Sorry,” I said with a smirk. “I was admiring your… technique.”
    “My technique ?” he asked, a permanent grin taking residence on his face.
    I nodded my head and sat down across from him at the kitchen table.
    “If spreading butter impresses you, you should see what else I can do.”
    I nearly choked on my toast at his words. I looked up at him as I washed my toast down with the juice he poured for me. “Are you okay?”
    “Mmmhmm, I’m fine.” I touched the napkin to my mouth. Clearing my throat I veered course. “So, are you working today?”
    “Nope.”
    “Playing hooky?”
    “Yes. I called myself this morning and let myself know that I would not be in today. I was okay with it.”
    Holding in my laugh, I shook my head. “I’m glad you were so understanding.”
    Cooper shrugged his shoulders. “I’m cool like that.” He took a bite of eggs then looked up when he felt a piece of toast bounce off his nose. “Did you just throw food at me?”
    I shook my head yes, but said, “No.”
    He looked at me through simmering eyes, contemplating what he should do about it. I, by that point, was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
    “Just for that, Lily Grayson, you’ll have to sing with me tonight.”
    “Whoa, what?”
    Now, he was grinning like a Cheshire cat. “We have all day to practice.”
    “Are you being serious right now?”
    “Yep.”
    “I can’t do that.”
    “Practice with me today, and we’ll take it from there. Agreed?”
    Giving his request some thought I agreed. Reluctantly.

    Cooper pulled the guitar strap over his head.
    “What song are we singing?” I asked.
    Cooper looked at me like he was giving it some thought but didn’t answer.
    “Hello? Earth calling Cooper.”
    “Oh sorry,” he said. “I’m suddenly very much aware that you are wearing my clothes. My underwear to be exact. And my t-shirt. They