Plush Book 4: A Billionaire Romance by KB Winters Page B

because of her unique, feisty spirit, so enjoy it, and stop trying to tamp it down. I know you mean well and only want to help her and spoil her, but I don’t think she can see it that way right now.”
    Angela’s advice hit me square in the chest and I nodded along. Growing up, my parents had always given us the best of everything, and less than the best was looked down upon. With Allie, I’d been treating her life choices as second rate, and even though it hadn’t been out of malice, I could see where making her feel she was settling for second best, when it came to things she loved and treasured, was not acceptable. “Thanks Angie. You’re the best. Now, go knock ‘em dead at that audition!”
    “Thanks Cooper. Send my love to Allie.”
    “I will. Thanks again.”
    We hung up and as I set the phone down on the bed, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. It was easier to breath and my mood was lighter than it had been in days. I debated going back to the hospital—not wanting to be apart from Allie for even another minute—but in the end, decided to give them more time alone as a family.
    * * * *
    By the time Allie and her family arrived home, they were all more relaxed and happy. Being there the moment her father had stirred and opened his eyes, seeing his family for the first time since the accident, was a moment I knew I’d never forget. I was in the kitchen, returning the favor her mother had given the night before, by plating a spread of food. Allie rounded the corner and my heart nearly stopped at the broad, beaming smile on her face.
    “Hey!” I greeted as she sailed across the kitchen. I set down the container I was emptying onto a large serving platter, and took her into my arms. She popped up on her toes and pressed a kiss to my lips. “How’s he doing?”
    “Amazing!” She exclaimed.
    Her mother joined us in the kitchen. “What’s all this?” She asked, looking at the containers of food.
    “You were so kind to serve us dinner last night, I thought tonight I’d take care of it,” I explained. “I’m not much of a chef, but I’m pretty good at ordering in.”
    Allie’s mom ran a comforting hand across my back and shot a knowing look at Allie. “I’m telling you, Allie, you found a prince! Thank you, Cooper. This looks wonderful!”
    I nodded and bit back a laugh as Allie looked over at me. “I swear, in her head, she’s already picking out wedding dresses!”
    “Is that such a terrible thing?” Her mom asked, shrugging before leaving us alone in the kitchen.
    I cut a glance over at Allie, trying to read her mind. Thinking back to my confession to Angela, about having my own thoughts of marriage, I couldn’t help but wonder what she’d think about that idea? Was marriage something she wanted down the line? With me? We’d never talked about it, and a sharp sting reminded me how little we still knew about each other. Before I could ask her, she pressed a kiss to my cheek, “Thank you for doing this, Cooper. Really.”
    Allie washed her hands at the kitchen sink and then turned back to help me finish plating everything. We worked shoulder by shoulder as she recounted the conversation with the doctor. “—so, it looks like he could be released tomorrow if this continues.”
    “That’s great,” I smiled over at her.
    She returned the smile, but then it faded slightly. “There is one thing though…”
    My heart jumped into my throat.
    “He’s going to need a lot of care for the first few weeks, or even months, as he works on recovering all the way. My mom can’t take much more time away from work and someone needs to be here around the clock…”
    “That’s not a problem,” I jumped in. “We’ll hire the best of the best and make sure he has someone here twenty four, seven.”
    Allie’s face fell. “That’s not exactly what I had in mind.”
    “What do you mean?”
    She turned towards me and took my hand. “I meant me. I told my parents I’d move