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SiSi: Seriously? You can’t do that to me. Why are you going there, and who are you hiding?

Garrett: Chill out, will ya? It’s not for me, it’s for a friend.

SiSi: That’s what they all say…

“You okay?” Cooper asks, hearing me laugh at my cell.

“Yeah, it’s just my sister. I’ve got the perfect place. Do you trust me?”

His eyes bounce between mine, and though he doesn't answer as quickly as I'd like, seeing him nod lights me up inside.

Being trusted by Cooper Nash is no small feat. And I refuse to do anything that will make him doubt the decision he’s made.

“I know it probably doesn’t mean as much to you, but the feeling is mutual.”

He smiles. It’s not just any smile; it’s a real smile that crinkles his eyes. One that makes my heart beat a little harder in my chest.

Only a few minutes later, we’re in Cooper’s car, and I’ve connected my cell to the Bluetooth and have the address on the screen.

“Okay, that’s farther out than I was expecting.”

“I didn’t think you’d want to just head downtown.”

“No, this is perfect. Have you been there before?”

“No, but my sister has, when Calvin doesn’t feel like dealing with people.”

“Sounds ominous.”

“Oh, don’t worry. She said that the first time he took her there, she thought she was going to be murdered.”

He glances over at me. “Is it too late to change my mind?”

“And here I was thinking you were all big and brave,” I tease.

“You know what? For pancakes and bacon, I’ll risk it.”

“For pancakes and bacon. Nothing to do with the company?”

“I mean, I’ve had worse.”

“Such a charmer,” I tease.

Before long, the conversation turns to hockey, and we chat away about the Vipers' upcoming games as well as other matchups in the league that might change some of the standings as we head toward the end of the season.

The postseason is approaching fast, and everyone is giving it their all to secure those prestigious spots in the hope of lifting the cup.

As far as I’m concerned, they can try as hard as they like. This year, it’s the Vipers’ turn, and I can’t fucking wait to see it.

“Okay, yeah, this does look like a place you might find on a murder documentary,” Cooper comments as we pull up into a very quiet parking lot.

“Sienna assures me it’s amazing and exactly what we’re looking for. She⁠—”

“You’ve told her?”

“What?” I ask, thrown off course.

“You’ve told Sienna about us?”