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Just as I promised, though, it was fine. No one paid us any attention, no one questioned us, and there hasn’t been a single thing in the media since.

We were just two friends catching up over breakfast.

At least, that’s what we want the world to believe…

“It’s a surprise,” he says coyly.

“But there isn’t really anything down here,” I say as he takes a turn off the main road.

“Exactly.”

The car bounces along the lane, my eyes darting everywhere to try and figure out where we’re going. Ideas spin through my head as my heart begins to race, my temperature spiking until the lane reveals…well, nothing but the dark sky and ocean.

“Oh, wow, that’s …”

“Pretty, huh?”

“Yeah,” I breathe, taking in the way the stars twinkle in the sky and reflect in the inky-black ocean beneath.

“I figured that no one would find us here.”

“And what exactly are we here to do?” I ask, all kinds of filthy images filling my head.

Do I want to get fucked by Cooper over the hood of his car? Yes, please.

“Eat,” Cooper states simply, making me laugh.

“Of course. I forgot you’re perpetually hungry.”

“Hey, I worked hard tonight. I deserve it,” he argues.

“I’m not denying that. So…are we having a picnic?”

“Yep,” he says, popping the P as he pushes the driver’s door open and climbs out.

Intrigued as to what he’s planned, I follow and watch as he pulls bags and a blanket from the trunk.

“Oh, you’ve really taken this seriously,” I tease.

“I never mess around when it comes to food, Garrett.” I snort a laugh as he lays out the blanket and begins unloading the bags.

“Oh wow, you got everything.”

“I called in a late-night favor,” he confesses as platters of cold meats, cheeses, bread, and pickles emerge.

I might have eaten before the game, but even still, my stomach growls at the sight.

“Come and sit. Eat,” he adds. “You’re going to need plenty of energy for later.”

A smirk pulls at my lips as I lower myself to the ground beside him.

“I like the sound of that,” I say, grabbing a piece of salami and folding it into my mouth. “This is incredible.”

“I know. I found it by accident. It’s this little place that⁠—”

“I wasn’t talking about the food, Cooper. I meant this. You.”

“Oh,” he breathes, and I swear, his cheeks heat.