“It’s okay.” Cooper twisted the hem of his shirt, stretching out an already loose-fitting article of clothing. “I think I’m pretty useless as far as security goes. It’s a job and a place to live. I can’t complain, but I’m super aware it’s a pity position. There’s no way I’m scaring away anyone sneaking onto the property.”
Hudson couldn’t take it. He knew what it was like to feel inadequate. “You could always come live here instead. Obviously, I don’t have Zayn’s money, but we would take care of you.”
Cooper flashed Hudson a shy smile. “Thanks for the offer, but I couldn’t leave Rocky behind. He took me in and he’s already all alone. I can’t abandon him.”
Hudson fought hard to keep breathing. “I understand.” He was glad Rocky wasn’t alone. “We wouldn’t want Rocky abandoned either.”
Jinx nodded. A pained expression crossed his features. “How is Rocky?”
“Sad,” Cooper said, stabbing Hudson in the heart. “He tries to act like nothing is wrong, but he snaps at everyone all day. Then he sits in the silence when he isn’t working. I usually sit with him so he isn’t alone, but he doesn’t really talk to me. He doesn’t really talk to anyone.” Cooper’s gaze moved to the mess of catalogs and brochures on the floor. “I saw a few headlines saying you two are getting married. Nobody has said when, though.”
“I’ll let you two catch up,” Hudson said, pushing to his feet. He needed a moment alone.
Jinx glanced his way, looking worried. “Are you okay?”
Hudson winked. “Of course. Just yell through the intercom if you need me. I’ll be around.”
For a moment, Jinx eyed him as if he saw through Hudson’s smile. He was never any good at hiding his mood swings from Jinx. Still, Jinx nodded and let him have his moment of peace. After giving Jinx a quick kiss, Hudson wandered aimlessly down the hall. He couldn’t listen to any more talk of Rocky. Hudson had tried explaining and apologizing. He had offered so many peace offerings, Hudson didn’t know where to start. No matter what he did or said, Rocky wouldn’t talk to him. There was no going back, and Hudson would never forgive himself for it. All he could do now was focus on Jinx.
“I saw Jinx and Hudson today.”
At the sound of words Rocky wasn’t ready to face, his entire body tensed. He didn’t respond. Cooper didn’t seem to need Rocky to have a conversation.
“Hudson wasn’t anything like I expected. He’s so famous. I never expected him to be so nice. He offered to let me come live with them, since I’m no good at pretending to be a security guard.”
“You’re a perfectly fine security guard, but yeah. Hudson is amazingly human for a superstar.”
Cooper nodded as he moved a chess piece. “I was a little disappointed he didn’t have the green Mohawk. I always thought that was badass.”
“Is he back to pink?” Rocky hated himself for asking.
“Nah. He’s shaved his head completely. His hair is growing in brown. I wasn’t expecting a normal guy.”
A sad smile touched Rocky’s lips. He fought the urge to rub his chest. Hudson and Jinx felt so far away. It sounded like Hudson was doing well. That was all Rocky could hope for.
“I’m surprised you haven’t asked about Jinx, or if I accepted the offer to live with them.”
Rocky blew out a breath and tore his gaze away from the chessboard. “Okay. I’ll bite. Did you accept their offer?”
Cooper didn’t answer right away. His light green eyes seemed to see right through Rocky’s bullshit. He had an amazingly old soul beneath his hard veneer. “No. I told them I couldn’t leave you alone.”
Rocky went back to staring at the board. He wasn’t very good at the game, but Cooper was trying to teach him. It took a lot of concentration. Some nights, the distraction was all that saved him. “I’m used to being alone.”
Rocky moved a piece.
Cooper immediately captured it. “That’s exactly why I can’t leave you. If someone doesn’t teach you to tolerate the company of others, you’ll never go back to where you belong. Jinx looked amazing, by the way. Damn sexy, actually. He had on these short shorts and a sexy tank top.”
“Don’t be disrespectful.”
Cooper laughed. “So you can get jealous.”
Rocky snorted. Cooper was such a little shit. “That wasn’t jealousy. It was a warning. Hudson might have you killed.”
“Nah. Jinx sees me as a little brother. Hudson is pretty larger than life. I doubt Jinx sees anyone in a sexual light beyond him, except for you, of course. I bet you three made a lot of people fantasize.”
“I’m uncomfortable.”
Cooper’s laughter doubled. He swiped at his eyes. “I’m not a kid.”
“Yes. You are.” Rocky couldn’t emphasize that enough. He was thirty-six. Cooper was young enough to be his son. They weren’t about to talk about Rocky’s sex life.
“It’s not like I’m hitting on you. I was just pointing out the obvious. The three of you together probably turned a lot of heads and sparked a lot of... you know.”
Rocky covered his eyes. He couldn’t believe this was happening.
“They’re getting married.”
Pain sliced through Rocky’s chest at Cooper’s words. He looked down, expecting to see a knife sticking from his chest. Rocky had to take a breath. He dropped his hand, doing his best to look unaffected. “I know.”
Cooper held his stare. “I meant they’re getting married really soon. They decided not to have a wedding. So they’re eloping—like maybe tomorrow.”
It took everything Rocky had to keep breathing. “That’s all I ever wanted for them.” It was true. He wanted them married and happy, but he had expected to be some part of that. They were moving on without him. It was to be expected, since he wasn’t answering their texts. Still, it hurt more than he liked.
“I like you.”
Rocky blinked at Cooper’s sudden confession. He didn’t know
