Cooper's Choice (The Evans Family, Book Six)

Table of Contents

Books by Collette Scott

Title

Copyright

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

About the Author

Coming Soon

Books by Collette Scott

Forever Sunshine

Hannah’s Blessing

If We Dare to Dream (The Evans Family, Book One)

Through Winter Skies (The Evans Family, Book Two)

Eyes on Tango (The Evans Family, Book Three)

Kat’s Last Chance (The Evans Family, Book Four)

Terri’s Gift (The Evans Family, Book Five)

Cooper’s Choice (The Evans Family, Book Six)

Cooper’s Choice

By

Collette Scott

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright © 2012 by Collette Scott

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental or used with permission.

Cover design by Laura J Miller www.anauthorsart.com

For information address Marimay Publishing, P.O. Box 11821, Tempe, AZ 85284

ISBN-13: 978-1492206651

ISBN-10: 1492206652

Prologue

December 18th

Cooper Francis was hard at work and glanced up in surprise when an image similar to a whirling dervish breezed into his office. She easily escaped the flying hands pursuing her and whipped off her white coat as she entered. Dressed in a short skirt, a sheer cream-colored silk blouse with matching camisole, and her thick mahogany hair a long sleek trail down her back, Cooper would have appreciated the beautiful woman bursting in and interrupting him had the scowl on her face not diminished her allure. His secretary, Jolene, followed quickly behind, her large mouth open in protest, but neither he nor his visitor paid the mousy woman any mind.

With his dark eyebrows rising over his hazel eyes, Cooper dropped his pen with a sigh and pushed away from the desk in order to cross his arms over his chest. It was a protective movement on his part. There was a slight tingle at the base of his neck, a premonition that this visit would not go his way.

I’m working, he said in a warning tone he knew that she would ignore.

You’ve been ignoring me, she accused.

I’m sorry, Mr. Francis, Jolene piped in apologetically. Her face carried the pained look of someone in fear of being reprimanded, and her hands were clasped so tightly that her knuckles were white. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.

She never does, he said wearily, ignoring the resulting narrowing of his unannounced guest’s large brown eyes. Waving a hand in dismissal, he turned away from his secretary and her fearful gaze. Close the door behind you.

Jolene did not have to be asked twice. Head bobbing, she hastily backed from the room and shut the door with a soft click. Cooper shook his head wryly, suspecting she was now digging through her purse for a Valium.

Returning his attention to his intruder, he was momentarily startled when she continued her stealth approach and bent to kiss his cheek. He caught the scent of a light, fruity perfume, the aroma tantalizing and fresh. It was the perfect match for her vibrant personality. However, before he could comment, she had straightened and perched a hip on the corner of his desk. He caught a glimpse of a long tanned thigh before she unceremoniously tugged down the hem and imitated his posture by crossing her arms over her chest.

So what’s up with that, Franny?

Cooper scowled as he tried to ignore the sight of Brianna Evans’ round breasts straining against the silk of her blouse by her crossed arms. Must you call me Franny?

To his surprise, she tossed a lock of her mahogany colored hair over her shoulder and laughed, completely disregarding his question. What’s your excuse?

He shrugged his shoulders. I don’t have one.

So you’ve decided that not returning my calls, ignoring my texts, cancelling appointments with me, and overall being a jerk is okay?

His lips curved upward into a smile. Only when it’s you calling.

The stiletto-heeled foot belonging to the thigh perched on his desk suddenly connected with his thigh. He laughed and pulled away with a playful, Ow, that hurt!

All traces of humor faded and were replaced by a fierce scowl that darkened her face. Though Brianna Evans’ temper was as legendary as her laughter, Cooper was not frightened. He knew she would not remain angry at him for long.

I can’t believe you’d say something so horrible, she snapped.

That’s because you’ve called me Franny again.

And I’ll keep doing it as long as you remain an ignorant putz.

Ignorant putz? Cooper rolled his eyes. First I’m a jerk, and now you’re suddenly fluent in Yiddish. And you wonder why I haven’t called you back?

Do you have a new girlfriend or something?

Surprised, Cooper’s eyes widened. Me? Girlfriend? No way. You know me; I hate commitment, he stammered.

Okay, so you’re seeing someone casually?

Nope.

You’re angry at me?

Cooper grinned. Well… When she glowered again, he chuckled. No, of course not.

So what’s wrong?

Maybe I’ve been avoiding you.

I know you’re avoiding me. The ‘why’ part is what I’m trying to figure out. I’m flying out tomorrow, remember? We had plans today.

His response was weak; his resolve even weaker. Maybe I didn’t want to?

That’s ridiculous, she said emphatically. It’s your birthday.

Groaning dramatically, Cooper closed his eyes. That’s why, Bri.

Laughing again, Brianna reached out and tousled his hair. Which is silly. C’mon, darling, we have an appointment in less than an hour.

He grimaced as he opened his eyes. I can’t. I have meetings scheduled all afternoon.

Cancel them, she said simply. You had plans with me first.

I did? He frowned. I don’t remember setting something up with you.

I always come first, she insisted stubbornly.

How silly of me to forget, he muttered.

Since it’s your birthday, I’ll forgive you this once, she proclaimed. But only if you get on your phone and cancel the rest of your afternoon. I need you free for me.

Honey, I’m always free for you, he drawled playfully. The pointy shoe again connected with his thigh, this time with slightly more force. Okay, okay, you’re going to give me a bruise.

Reaching for the phone on the top of his desk, he pressed the speakerphone button to summon Jolene, who responded in a voice barely more than a whisper. Jolene, I need you to cancel my appointments this afternoon, he ordered. It appears as though Miss Evans and I had a prior engagement.

Are you sure, Mr. Francis? Jolene responded. That appointment with Mr. Cousins took a month to schedule.

Just do it, he growled.

Brianna frowned at him. Stop being such a grouch, Franny.

Releasing the speakerphone button, but not before Jolene heard her words, he sent Brianna a sidelong glance. Careful, Bri, I do have to maintain order in this office.

She laughed again, a sound he had always enjoyed. It seemed to ease some of the weariness in his heart when he heard her joy, and it took some of the brevity out of his normally boring life. Her eyes were dancing when she met his stern glare. There’s still no need to bully the poor thing. She’s absolutely terrified of you.

I like it that way.

No you don’t, Brianna said firmly. You hate it.

Shaking his head against her intelligent gaze, Cooper busied himself by clearing off his desk. Locking the contract he was reviewing in his desk drawer and replacing the pen in the leather desk clock/pen-holder combo Brianna had spent a small fortune on for his last birthday, he finished clearing everything – including Brianna with a nudge to her hip – off his desk.

Once everything was in order, he came to his feet, aware that she still stood just a few inches away. He caught the scent of her perfume again when she leaned in close to hand him his suit coat.

The suit’s nice, Coop, but this has to go, she remarked, toying with his bow tie as he shoved his arms into the jacket.

Lips twisting, he glanced down at her while she untied the knot and pulled it free as though she had done so a million times. The more he thought about it, he wondered if she had – but not with him. I like my ties, he said more sharply than he intended.

It’s frumpy. They make you look stodgy, she advised him cheerfully, finishing her touch by unbuttoning his top two buttons.

I like being stodgy.

You’re an entertainment lawyer; you should dress the part.

He stared down at her with a cynical smile. So you think my stodgy bow tie and three-thousand-dollar suit don’t cut it.

She grinned back. Nope, and neither does this eighties hair style. She reached up and tousled his longish hair again, causing him to pull away with a frown. But I plan on fixing that today.

With a cocky smile, she spun on her heel and headed for the door before the implication of her words sunk in. Feeling an impending sense of dread, he reached for the tie she had tossed on his desk and crammed it into his pocket before hurrying after her. Bri… Brianna… just wait, he called, hating that she had already opened the door, allowing Jolene to hear his nervous call. He felt worse when his secretary’s penciled eyebrows rose sharply the moment she noticed his missing tie and unbuttoned shirt.

Brianna turned to Jolene, ignoring Cooper completely. Since it’s Mr. Francis’ birthday, I’m taking him with me this afternoon to celebrate. He won’t be returning.

The startled look on Jolene’s face caused a hot rush of color in Cooper’s, and he glared at Brianna’s back. His secretary glanced away hastily as her cheeks turned a bright pink, but to Cooper’s dismay Bri seemed not to notice their discomfort. After adjusting her white jacket over her arm, she turned to smile at Jolene.

Also, since it’s Friday, I’m sure Mr. Francis wouldn’t mind if you left once you have those meetings rescheduled. Have a great weekend, Jolene.

Before Cooper could recover from Brianna’s arrogance, Jolene glanced at him with wide hopeful eyes. Really?

Scowling, he glared at the two women, taking in Brianna’s mischievous smile as she backed toward the door and Jolene’s shock. How could he say no now? I suppose… Just this once, though, he finished gruffly.

Jolene’s smile transformed her entire face from gaunt and fearful to something somewhat human, and Brianna winked at him when he turned in surprise. You see, Jolene? He’s not all that bad, is he?

Not at all, she breathed.

Feeling less like a boss and more like a henpecked husband, Cooper stormed away from his secretary’s desk without another glance at her bemused face and followed Brianna out the door. Trailing her like a puppy, he thought sourly, and not for the first time either.

However, no matter how irritated he wanted to be with her, it proved difficult when she wound her arm through his and steered him to her Mercedes convertible. Her enthusiastic chatter was contagious, and by the time they reached the flashy red car he was looking forward to spending an afternoon with her. Not that he would admit it, of course.

After tucking him in the passenger seat, she waited only long enough for him to buckle his seatbelt before she was pulling out into the bright San Diego sunlight and heading down to Harbor Drive. Once she pulled onto the Coronado Bay Bridge, he bit back his stubborn refusal to talk and sullenly glanced at her profile. Okay, I’ll bite. Where are we going?

He watched a smile curve her lips and continued to stare at her, admiring her serene profile. It’s a surprise.

Is this payback because I didn’t return your calls?

You could say that.

She glanced at him with a grin, and he felt the urge to remove the oversized sunglasses that hid her eyes from his gaze. The thing he liked most about Brianna Evans was that he always knew what she was thinking. She had the most expressive eyes he had ever seen on a woman – a soft, milk-chocolate brown in color, large in size, and always honest. They were a true window into her soul. With them shielded from his gaze, he had no clue what she was up to, and that scared him. He knew her too well to trust her.

Bri, he said in a low, warning tone.

Don’t worry. I know we have that silly party to attend this evening. I’ll have you there in time.

What? He sat up straight. This is going to take that long?

Yep.

What about Micah? Isn’t he going to be upset that you’re hanging out with me all day?

Nope.

One of his eyebrows lifted cynically. Don’t lie to me, Bri.

She smiled. I love that you know me so well.

And I hate that you know me so well. He grimaced when she laughed. But apparently that doesn’t faze you in the least.

Nope.

Quit with the one-word answers. It’s very juvenile.

Your behavior lately has been very juvenile. It’s only a birthday, Coop.

Yeah, I’ll see how you feel when you pass that mid-thirty hump.

I’m catching up pretty quickly.

Before he could respond that she was over five years younger than him, Brianna had eased off the gas in her sporty little death trap and turned sharply onto Orange Avenue. Gasping, he reached for something he could hold on to before scowling at her. Why are we out here?

Will you stop asking? Brianna laughed again. You’re like an impatient child.

No, I just don’t trust you.

Shame on you then, she quipped.

He fell silent with his arms crossed over his chest while she pulled into the back lot of the historic Hotel del Coronado and parked the car. Frowning, he glanced out the window, his mind whirling with enough confusion to force him to break his silence. Feeling nervous and panicky, he covered it up by being coy. You’re bringing me to a hotel? Bri, had I know you wanted me that way, I would’ve brought you home and saved you the money.

Brianna shut down the car and opened the door without glancing his way. Just come on.

Heart pounding with confusion and a hint of fear, he refused to let it go. Okay, I was joking just then. Seriously, I think Micah will have a real problem with me, uh, touching, uh, sleeping with you.

Brianna huffed, a sound he was familiar with enough to know she was beginning to grow impatient. Relax, will you? He knows I’m here with you and is meeting us at the party.

Cooper’s hands fumbled with the door handle, sliding off twice before he could get a grip on it. And that doesn’t strike you as a little weird?

Nope. He’s the one who suggested it.

He could feel his face pale, but he hastily opened the door as she crossed the parking lot, once again leaving him behind and expecting him to follow. Which, of course, he did.

Brianna, he called, hastening his steps to catch up with her. I’m not comfortable with this. We’re friends and all, but I’m just not sure I want to go there with you… I don’t really see you like that, you know?

Finally seeming to have struck a chord, he watched her steps falter slightly before she resumed with a more rigid stride. Without turning, she coolly addressed his concerns. It’s not like that, Franny. Chill out.

The tone of her voice told him loud and clear he had made a blunder, but she would never tell him what it was. The laughter had disappeared, and a guilty silence fell for the remaining distance across the beautiful resort until she finally stopped in front of the spa doors.

Happy birthday, darling, she muttered sarcastically. Pulling open the door, she waited until he gallantly reached past her to hold it then breezed inside, marching straight to the desk to announce their presence. Cooper lingered, feeling foolish and uncomfortable, until Brianna checked him in, his gaze darting around the serene setting with a mixture of fear and excitement. Believing it was a womanly thing to do, he had never been to a spa. However, before he could bolt, a smiling woman came out and hustled him into the back. He followed solemnly, taking in the candles, scents and dim lights as if he was walking to his doom.

For the next three hours, he was massaged, oiled, primped, and forced to relax before he was escorted to one of the luxurious rooms to nap for the evening ahead. By the time he slid under the covers, he felt completely chastised and had an entire new perspective on spas and Brianna’s gift. However, his generous benefactor was nowhere to be found, and his short nap was haunted by his foolish words earlier. He should have known better than to think she was whirling him off to a midday rendezvous in one of the most romantic spots in San Diego. That would be a dream come true for most of the men who came into contact with Brianna Evans, but when the tension was forced out of his muscles, he refused to consider it was his, too. Nah, they were just friends – best friends. Thinking like that would bring nothing but trouble.

Therefore, he focused on her gift instead. She had outdone herself this time. This birthday present was the best he had ever received, and he was feeling less stodgy – to use Brianna’s turn of phrase – when he returned to the spa for his final appointment.

For his last treat, he was compelled to get a haircut, and it was then that Brianna reappeared. Despite his earlier denials, his breath caught in his chest when she swept into the room with her confident stride and thousand-watt smile. She was even more stunning in a little black cocktail dress that hugged her trim figure nicely and displayed her long legs to perfection. It took some effort, but he dragged his gaze upward to notice that her hair and makeup had been professionally styled and applied. While he was being pampered like a king, she had been home getting ready.

Offering her a more friendly and relaxed smile than before, he swept her from head to toe more obviously. Looking good, princess.

One finely arched eyebrow rose sarcastically. I thought you didn’t see me that way, she muttered.

He frowned, feeling too relaxed to allow her to remain angry at him. Now don’t be getting fussy. It wasn’t personal earlier.

Fussy?

She scowled at him before glancing at the woman behind him. The petite hairdresser with the short orange-red hair held the clippers at the ready, but her gaze shifted between Brianna and him curiously. Brianna sent him another withering look, warning him that she was not done then stepped forward to give the girl thorough instructions on how she wanted his hair styled. Cooper watched her run her fingers through his hair grimly when she messed his side part and tugged on the ends. Under any other circumstances, he would have found the touch pleasing, but knowing she was ordering it all cut off, he knew he had to speak up. Stiffening, he opened his mouth to object, but neither woman spared him a glance or listened to his objections – naturally.

Before he knew it, his hair was no longer parted on the side but trimmed short with a mild fade to the front. By the time his senselessly chattering hairdresser was done applying a hint of gel, Cooper reluctantly admitted that he liked appearing more like his thirty-six years and less like the middle-aged frumpy lawyer Brianna accused him of being.

His pleased gaze met hers through the mirror when she coolly nodded her approval. I like it.

The hairdresser beamed. I do, too. You have a great head of hair, Mr. Francis. Looks like you won’t be worrying about going bald any time soon.

His enthusiasm dampened by Brianna’s clipped words, Cooper’s smile was weak in response. He disliked the anger simmering beneath her outwardly calm appearance. It bothered him when she was irritated with him. Whenever she did, a strange discomfort settled in his stomach and made it clench uncomfortably. Brianna always smiled and laughed. That was what drew him to her. She was a happy soul with a spoiled personality that added to her charm, and when that disappeared, he worried.

Mumbling his thanks, he came to his feet and brushed off the lingering strands of hair that clung to his robe while Brianna gathered up the garment bag resting on the free chair beside them.

I’ll wait for you in the lobby, she said, thrusting it at him.

She spun on her spiked heel and left him to stare blankly at the hairdresser, who smiled and guided him back to the locker room. Once the door closed behind all the female hormones, he accepted that Brianna had truly outdone herself. Though he was still concerned about her cold reaction, he had been so pampered that he felt more relaxed than he had in years. Shaking his head, he glanced at the familiar bag in his hand. Leave it to her to think of everything – taking liberties while giving him a treat he could never resent her for.

Inside his garment bag was a cleaned and pressed black suit for the evening’s celebrations. As he dressed in the clothing she brought from his home, complete with socks, boxers, and a silk tie, he regretted giving her a house key. Who needed a wife when he had Brianna invading his townhouse? She had no qualms about going through his drawers when he was not around. In fact, she made herself at home even when he was home. In fact, she made herself at home whenever she wanted.

But as he tied the tie – sloppily, of course – he reluctantly admitted that it really was not so bad. Having Brianna in his life saved him the trouble of finding a girlfriend. She offered him company, took care of him when he was sick, shared lunch and dinner with him frequently, and, best of all, listened to him.

She really was his best friend.

Which was why he immediately crossed the lobby and pulled her into his arms for a tight hug as soon as he was done.

This was a fantastic surprise, he whispered into her silky hair. Thank you. I’ve had a great afternoon, and I apologize for what I said earlier. I didn’t mean to insult you. You know that, and you’re right… I am a jerk.

At least we agree on some things, she said, squirming out of his arms.

Reluctantly releasing her, he glanced down into her eyes, now highlighted in dark shadow that made them appear mysterious. You’re not still mad at me, are you?

They fluttered closed, but then she shook her head and smiled. How can I be? It’s your birthday. Are you ready for dinner?

He remained uneasy, feeling as though something had shifted slightly between them, but he was unable to think of a way to fix it. Nudging her gently, he grinned. Dinner, too?

She shrugged. Unless you’d prefer going to the party on an empty stomach…

Probably not a good idea. I’d end up pulling one of Micah’s stunts and dance naked on the table.

Now that’s something I’d like to see.

Though she chuckled, Cooper caught the haunted look in her eyes before she wrapped her arm around his and led him out into the early-evening sunlight. They walked side by side as they crossed the short distance to the beachfront 1500 Ocean restaurant, and he caught their reflection in the windows as they passed. To anyone spying them, they presented a beautiful couple, but he knew otherwise. Though she was stunningly beautiful, vivacious, and charming, she was only his best friend.

And that was how he liked it.

Choosing to dine out on the patio for its more relaxed atmosphere, Cooper did his best to make up for his earlier gaffe and erase the hidden emotion in her eyes. It took some time to calm her temper, but he was successful in teasing out first a smile and then laughter before they finished their meal and made their way back to her car.

Bolstered by her laughter and feeling more cheerful having put the tiff behind them, he started looking forward to an evening he usually dreaded. Seeing clients outside of his office was never his favorite pastime, but his chest swelled with pride as he escorted Brianna into the chic Hard Rock Hotel. Nearly every male took a second glance at his lovely companion, and even he had his fair share of perusals. Suddenly the liberties she took – including the haircut – did not bother him as much.

He smiled down at her. You really do look beautiful this evening.

Are you saying that because I’m being checked out? Brianna asked with a smirk.

Well. He faltered, surprised at how easily she read his thoughts. Yeah… But only because I was too scared you’d accuse me of sucking up if I had earlier.

Yep, I would. She turned to smile brilliantly at him, but it slowly faded when her gaze landed on his tie. Hold on… What happened to you?

He froze midway up the stairs leading to the ballroom. What?

Wait, she ordered. He glanced desperately at the top where guests were already mingling. While his gaze searched for anyone who could save him from this embarrassment, Bri gave him a tug. Hold still.

He frowned and tugged back. What now, Mom?

Just hold still, she insisted. Her lips curved slightly from his whiny tone, and she blinked her lashes coyly. And I’m not your mom.

He knew they were already sticking out like a sore thumb to the people arriving around them, so he bit back the retort forming on his lips when she grasped his tie. Realizing what had captured her attention, he felt the heat of a flush begin to rise up his neck.

After all these years, now I know why you insist on wearing a bow tie, she teased.

Her fingers worked rapidly, hastily unknotting and then retying it while he stood in plain view of all the mingling guests. Some passers-by glanced at them with amusement, and his flush grew darker. I like bow ties, he said stiffly.

She stared down her perfect little nose at him. Yeah, and my dress is pink.

Actually, it’s black.

In answer, she gave the tie one sharp jerk, which almost sent him toppling down the stairs. His hand reached out to steady himself, landing on her waist and settling in the soft curve above her hip while he grunted his discomfort. Are you done yet?

Yes, I’m just enjoying your humiliation.

You’re a cruel woman, Bri.

But you love me.

No, you remind me why I’ll never marry.

Ouch, she purred. That hurt.

She released the stranglehold around his neck and returned her attention to the stairs. They began climbing again, but it was not until they reached the landing that he realized he still had his hand around her waist. It had remained there quite naturally, and Brianna seemed not to notice or care. So he maintained the comforting touch as they weaved their way through the mingling group, smiling their greetings, until they reached the main room.

Pausing in the doorway, both Brianna and Cooper spotted Micah at the same time. As always, his presence consumed the room, with his dyed-black hair and vivid blue eyes that perpetually danced with mirth – and arrogance, in Cooper’s opinion. He was a born star, with charisma and charm that easily won people over. Unfortunately, he had not yet realized there were limits to how far he could go.

Cooper felt