Bittersweet Symphony (The Damaged Souls series Book 2) Read Online Free

laugh at how feeble her attempts were. I’d seen her swat flies with more determination and commitment. Caylee knew exactly where I was headed and she wanted it. “Seriously.”
    “Protest all you want, darlin’. I’m not putting you down until I have you where I’ve wanted you all night.” There was no disguising the lust in my voice. She recognized it, judging by the way her features lit up with desire and she bit on her bottom lip. “Hold that thought.”
    “And what thought would that be, Cooper?” She was as light as a feather in my arms. Nibbling on the smooth skin where her head met her body as I carried her, I almost tripped when she laced her arms around my neck, her fingers playing with the hair at the back of my head. Just her touch was enough to break my stride toward her room.
    “I’m about to show you.”
    The beauty of it was she proceeded to show me, too.
    All night.
     

 
    Chapter Two
    Caylee
     
    Crowding around Rebecca as she repeatedly flicked the lighter, there was no denying the riot of butterflies fluttering about in my stomach. I shouldn’t have felt nervous about the tiny surprise we’d planned to celebrate Cooper’s birthday, but that was the thing—surprise.
    While it wasn’t anything loud and flashy, just a simple cupcake with a pink striped candle centered in the equally pink swirl of frosting, there was still an element of uncertainty. Marty had assured me he’d be fine—that perhaps Cooper even expected we’d been planning something, but I couldn’t stop overthinking.
    Tight lines of stress etched Cooper’s features that day at Rock-A-Palooza, the only sign that the bustling mass of people was wearing on his composure. This was drastically different—the Wednesday crowd was much smaller and less rowdy than the usual nights we were here at Ruby’s bar.
    There was about ninety-nine point nine percent chance I was completely worrying for nothing, but it was that remaining point one percent that niggled.
    “Chill out, Caylee,” Rebecca murmured, her entire focus on getting the cheap candle lit so we could return to the boys. “He’ll be fine. I promise I won’t even sing with my usual obnoxious off-key splendor. We’ll quickly hum the tune, hand him his cake, and watch as he makes his wish.” Squeaking with excitement when the wick finally caught, my roommate offered an exaggerate eye roll. “Although, we all know what he wants for his birthday.” A sly smirk followed Rebecca’s sarcastic comment.
    I rubbed my palms down the sides of my jeans. I didn’t need her to remind me how foolish I was being. Things had been going wonderful between Cooper and I—I just couldn’t help that persistent undertone in my head that wondered when it was all going to explode in our faces.
    “I know . . . I know. Everything’s fine.”
    “Exactly.” Rebecca turned and cupped the delicious treat in her hands, smiling. “If I were you, I’d be more worried about his reaction to all this fabulous pink. You do know I’m blaming you for the cupcake choice.”
    It was my turn to roll my eyes and groan. “Then let’s get going before the wax melts and ruins it.”
    “Maybe he can save the frosting for . . . after. You know . . . I heard food play and sex adds a little something extra to the bedroom.” My face suddenly felt like I was trapped in the middle of Hell with brimstone and fire heating my skin. “You know, if you want me to stop saying things like that, you need to make it harder for me to get a reaction from you.”
    Ignoring her, I held the door open, the music playing over the jukebox growing louder. Between Rebecca and Marty, I was constantly in a state of blush. Whether it was inappropriate comments and teasing or impromptu displays of affection, these two were killing me.
    “Caylee?”
    “Hmmm?” I was already craning my neck to see where we’d left the boys over by the pool table.
    “Harder.” One word and I all but moaned with embarrassment. Rebecca