Finding Abigail (15 page)

“That was so fucking beautiful,” he said as he kissed her softly, kneading her breasts as he did so.

“I don’t think I can stand up,” she said.

“You’ll have to because I’m going to bend you over this couch and fuck you hard.”

“Oh, God,” she whispered.

“No, my name is Tyler.”

She rolled her eyes and stood on shaky legs as he turned her around and bent her over the couch. He ran his hands down her back, her sides, cupping her ass as he licked her neck, kissing her where he could.

She heard the sound of a foil wrapper then felt the head of his cock at her pussy, throbbing and ready. She leaned back and smiled as he cursed.

“That’s right, take me in,” he grunted and pushed forward harder until she felt his hips against her ass.

Oh, God, they were connected in every way possible. As sappy as that sounded, it still brought tears to her eyes.

Tyler pulled back, gripped her hips, and plunged again and again, each time a little bit harder, a little bit deeper.

She closed her eyes, relishing the feel of him filling her, and she felt her back tingle, her legs go numb, and her inner walls tighten as she came again, this time Tyler coming with her as she felt his seed fill the condom.

“We have to do that again,” she whispered, unable to speak any louder.

“Any time, love, any time.”

That sounded like the best plan ever. Nothing could change the way she felt this moment. Nothing.

Chapter 11

Abby bent over in her jeans and looked at her ass in the mirror.

Good, no butt crack.

Even though her dancing jeans were hip-hugging tight, that didn’t mean she wanted to show the world her ass. Plus, she wasn’t sure Tyler would appreciate that. Not that he wouldn’t enjoy her in tight jeans. It was more that he might not care for the whole everyone-else-looking-at-her-thing. For some reason she really liked his possessive attitude.

She wiggled her hips as she bent over, making sure there wouldn’t be any unwelcome surprises later at the dance and heard a groan.

“Fuck, Abigail, what are you doing?” Tyler said from the doorway. 

Still bent over, she laughed as she looked through her legs. For some reason, she really wanted to tease him. Bending over in the tightest jeans she owned, pretty sure he’d never seen them before, was the best way to do that.

He stalked toward her, his gaze darkening with each step, then stopped behind her. She shivered as he palmed her cheek, rubbing her through her jeans. 

“I like these,” he whispered, his voice hoarse.

She smiled then wiggled again, leaning into his erection.

“Jesus, okay, we need to stop. I promised you a date at the town Valentine’s Day dance, and if you stay bent over like this, I’m going to strip you of these jeans and fuck you right here in front of the mirror.”

She gasped and wiggled again. He gripped her hips hard, stalling her movement.

“You like that idea? Us in front of a mirror as I slam into that pretty pussy?” 

She nodded, eager. Who cared about a silly dance anyway?

“I thought you might.” He reached down to her stomach and pulled her up so she was standing flush against him. “But I’m going to take you to that dance. I know you’ve always wanted to go with someone, and I’m not taking that away from you, got it?’

She turned in his hold, even as happiness slid through her like butter. “You really are a good man, Tyler Cooper.”

He traced her jaw with his finger and smiled. “Don’t let the town know that. I’m supposed to be the hard-assed sheriff who doesn’t bow down to anyone.”

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his chin. “It’ll be our secret.”

“Tell me about these jeans, Abigail. I knew you were a dirtier girl than you let on, but these? Fuck, they’re perfect for that ass of yours.”

Abby let out a laugh and shook her head. “These are my dancing clothes. I usually wear them when I go to the dance hall in Larimer County, but I thought I’d wear them out with you tonight since the dance is casual.”

“I’m glad you did, baby. You look amazing, plus I get to show you off so the town will know what they were missing.” 

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around him. “I don’t need to prove myself to them, Tyler. I never did. Not really.”

“I know that, but it’s still fun to show you off.”

She rolled her eyes and led him to their coats and then to his SUV. Even though it wasn’t Valentine's Day yet, the town liked to hold their annual dance to showcase the love of some of their couples. Really, it was just so the old busybodies could gossip like schoolgirls as to who was dating who, but Abby would take it. She’d never been to the dance with a date before.

Even though she’d been looking forward to the dance, as they pulled up to the gym, those butterflies in her stomach started flapping full force.

She’d seen how the women in town treated her already without her putting herself on display. Yet now she was going into the lion’s den, complete with tight jeans and Tyler on her arm. What the hell had she been thinking? She’d already had to deal with the whispers, and the not-so-quiet taunts, the stares, and the attitudes. Why was she subjecting herself to this?

“Abigail? We don’t hide. We don’t have to. What we have is good, okay, baby? Don’t beat yourself up.”

“How do you know what I’m thinking?”

He turned in his seat as he cut the engine. “Because I know you. I’ve always known you, even if I didn’t know it.”

Abby burst out laughing. “Oh, my God, that’s the most convoluted thing you’ve ever said, but I still love you for it. We’re going to be fine. I’m just not in the mood to deal with attitude.”

“You know between my brothers and I, we won’t let them hurt you.”

“I need to stand up for myself you know.”

“And you have been. I’ve seen the way you stand tall and don’t take shit from people like Clara. You’re amazing.”

“Well, I just hope I keep my harpiness at bay because I’m not in the mood to find out what other changes are in store for me in public, you know?”

Tyler frowned then kissed her forehead, a soft touch of lips that conveyed more emotion than she’d even known possible. 

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but we’ll take it as it comes. I kind of like how possessive you get sometimes though. It’s hot.”

Abby rolled her eyes. “Really? Because I’m pretty sure all the women you’ve
dated
in the past have been possessive in some way or another, and I bet you weren’t thrilled about that.”

Tyler grinned, and Abby fell in love with that smile…again. “True. But you’re my Abigail. You’re allowed to fight off women who want to attack little old me.”

She laughed but wanted to scream in joy at his “my Abigail” remark.

Who knew Tyler Cooper was such a softie?

Well, considering he was a cupid, it sort of made sense.

They walked into the gym, and she felt every eye on her. Every single one. Why was it so weird that she was with a date? Okay, fine, so she’d never been on one. Whatever. Maybe they were looking at Tyler and wondering what he was doing with her. Maybe it was a combination of both.

Why had she done this again?

Tyler cleared his throat and slowly let his gaze rest on everyone in the gym. People fidgeted and got back to dancing or talking.

Man, that was sexy.

“You okay?” he whispered.

“I’m fine. But I kind of like the whole alpha thing you just did.”

Tyler laughed. “Let’s go dance. I want to see how you move in those jeans.”

Abby raised a brow. “Really? You’re going to objectify me like that?” she teased.

“Damn straight,” he growled against her ear. “Then I’m going to peel them off later and make sure I get to know each curve. Again.”

She shivered and let him lead her to the dance floor. It was late enough that the kids were gone. Only adults remained at the dance, and the couples on the dance floor ranged from sweet to a bit raunchy. Abby knew she could have played it sweet and danced like she knew the town expected of her, at least as they had before she started dating Tyler. But tonight she wanted to be herself.

Abby wrapped her arms around Tyler’s waist, swaying her ample hips from side to side, and watched as Tyler’s pupils dilated and his breath caught.

“Damn, I knew you’d look good dancing in those jeans.”

She smiled, practically purring. “Only for you.” She swiveled, and she heard him groan.

They danced like they were the only two in the room but kept it relatively clean considering where they were.

God, she loved this man.

The next song came on, a slower one, and Tyler framed her face with his hands. “Another dance?”

“Yes, please,” she breathed.

He held their clasped hands to his chest and wrapped the other arm around her as they swayed to the music.

Okay, so this could make up for the past. It had to. No magic involved, just them acting like they should. She could have made him get on his knees and beg for forgiveness, but what was there to forgive? It was Aeneas’s fault that Tyler hadn’t been able to find his true feelings for her. It had been Aeneas who had kidnapped her and turned her into a harpy.

It wasn’t Tyler.

“Hey, what’s with the frown?” Tyler asked as he kissed her nose. “Did I step on your toes?”

“No, I was just thinking about how far we’ve come.”

He smiled and kissed her softly. “And look how far we can go.”

“You couldn’t do any better than that, Tyler?” Mrs. Ellis, the cranky old woman who seemed to hate everything about Abby, walked toward them.

The old woman’s blonde wig was askew like usual, her makeup too bright, and her eyes filled with anger.

Tyler slowly straightened and turned toward Mrs. Ellis. He gripped Abby’s hand and squeezed.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, ma’am, but I’d be sure to watch my tongue if I were you,” he drawled, every bit the sheriff.

That sense of anger and protectiveness that Abby hadn’t felt before the arrow had struck filled her belly and spread throughout her body. Who did this woman think she was? Abby clenched her fists, the skin breaking as her newly formed talons cut into her palms.

“Tyler, dear, I don’t know why you’re shacking up with this one, but you could do better. Maybe Abigail likes to be on her back, but you could find a real relationship with a woman who’s her better. One who is on your level. Ignore this one, dear, and find someone better suited.”

“You need to go now, Mrs. Ellis,” Abby said, her voice deepening with the rage that swarmed through her.

She felt more than saw the other Coopers coming to surround her with protection as the gym quieted. Matt and Jordan stood behind her, Jordan’s hand on Abby’s shoulder. Rina and Justin stood on Tyler’s side Jackson and Brayden came up beside Abby, scowls on their faces.

Warmth spread through her at the thought of this family standing beside her, making her feel as though she was a part of them.

Tyler narrowed his eyes and curled his lip. “You and all your little busybody friends can go to hell. I don’t know what the fuck your problem is with Abigail, but you need to get the fuck over it. Do you understand me? Abigail is the best of everything, the best of goodness. She’s watched your children, she’s helped with every event in town, she’s done everything for you.”

He took a breath, and Abby stood there in awe of the man who would stand up for her.

“Don’t you fucking open your mouth, Mrs. Ellis,” he continued, and the old lady gasped again at his language. “I’m so tired of the way you look down on Abigail and the Coopers until you need something. Abigail had done nothing to deserve anything you’ve done. Anything anyone of you have done,” he said to the crowd gathered around them.

“I love this woman. Why can’t you understand that? I’m not stepping down to be with her. No, she’s the one who had to do that for me.”

“That’s not true, Ty,” she whispered.

He smiled at her and cupped her chin. “I love you, Abigail. You, just you, and everything about you.”

“I love you, too, Tyler.”

“Touching, but it doesn’t change anything. You’re too good for her, Tyler Cooper,” Mrs. Ellis spat.

Tyler looked at Mrs. Ellis like she’d gone crazy. Considering the woman looked down on the Coopers as well, Abby wasn’t sure she wanted to know where she ranked in the scheme of things—nor did she care.

“I’m sorry you think that, Mrs. Ellis,” Abby said, surprised there wasn’t more rage in her voice. She was just tired of it all. She didn’t want to defend her relationship anymore. She had Tyler and the Coopers. She didn’t need anyone else. “But, you don’t get to decide anything about my life. Now just go away.”

“And be sure you don’t drive,” Tyler added in, and the other woman snarled as she stomped away.

The crowd dispersed as the drama ended, and Abby hugged the man she loved. 

“Thanks for standing up for me,” she whispered into his chest.

“I shouldn’t have to do that.”

“You can’t help the way people see things. All you can do is live your life and make the best of it.”

He kissed her and led her toward the exit. “I still don’t like it.”

She waved at Matt and Jordan as they walked to their car with Rina and Justin. Brayden and Jackson got in another car and nodded toward them.

These people were her family.

Not the ones who made her feel like nothing.

“We’re all going over to Jackson’s house for drinks, right?” Abby asked as they got into Tyler’s SUV.

“If you still want to. I know this night didn’t turn out like we wanted. I’m sorry, baby.”

“Hey, stop that. You didn’t do anything wrong. I think though that things will be different. Did you notice that people had nothing to say after you stood up for me? I think they’re finally getting over it. And frankly, it was just the women in town acting like jealous shrews.”

Tyler laughed and started toward Jackson’s. “Tell me how you really feel.”

“Well, if you hadn’t been such a man-whore, we wouldn’t have that problem,” she teased.

“Ouch, you wound me. And you know I wasn’t that bad.”

“You kind of were, but you’re better now. Right?” She narrowed her gaze, and he laughed.