Stolen Breaths Read Online Free PDF Page A

not to laugh, but failed. “You think so?”
    He offered me a sideways grin. “It’s possible.”
    I knew he was teasing, but I already knew there was an element of truth to that statement. That was easy enough to realize. The hard part was figuring out how I already knew that. I looked back down and stared into his chest. “Thank you.”
    “For what?”
    “The compliment.”
    Without looking up I knew he was smiling because I could hear it in his voice. “You’re welcome, but you should probably get used to it. I’m just getting started.”

Five

Learning to – Be
    Cooper took me by the hand, “Come on.”
    “Where are we going?”
    “Somewhere.” He led me to his car.
    I was hesitant, I admit. The expression on my face must have made it pretty obvious. My hesitance came more from a place of wanting to be around to him, and needing not to be. I needed to put some space between Cooper and myself, because it was hard to breathe around him, and yet, it was the only time I actually felt alive.
    “You’ll just have to trust me,” he said, looking at me through the corner of his eye. I must have been looking at him like he had two heads or something. “Relax,” he said, “I’m getting you out of the house.”
    “Okay. But I’m warning you, I know how to kickbox, so I can defend myself if I have to,” I said matter-of-factly. I was actually going for playful banter in an effort to redeem myself from before, but clearly I had no idea what I was doing.
    Cooper opened the car door for me and looked at me with intrigue. “That’s good to know, Miss Grayson. I think I’m impressed.” He closed the door after I got in and I saw a huge smile stretch across his face as he made his way to his side of the car.
    I wasn’t sure where the time had gone. It was getting late in the afternoon already, however, the sun wouldn’t set for a couple more hours still. Summer days in the south tended to be long.
    Cooper looked over at me. “What kind of music do you like? I’ll let you pick the radio station.”
    “Wow, relinquishing power of the music we listen to over to me? You’re awfully brave,” I teased.
    “I’ll risk it,” he said, backing out of the driveway.
    I began looking for something I liked. As soon as I turned up the volume I heard Mumford and Sons’ ‘ The Cave,’ so I did what anyone with good taste in music would do – I turned it up. Loud.
    “Mumford and Sons. Nice.” Cooper turned toward me. “You a fan?”
    “Absolutely,” I said. “I love their music.”
    “See, I knew I could trust you with the radio. Who else do you like?”
    “My taste in music is pretty eclectic. I started listening to Matt Nathanson a lot lately. I’m now a huge fan. I also love Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, the Civil Wars, Kings of Leon, Ed Sheeran, Linkin Park, and the Goo Goo Dolls. But, not to be too predictable, I also like classical music, and some country. Dolly Parton is hilarious. Have you heard The Alabama Shakes’ song ‘Hold On’?”
    “Wow,” he said. “That’s the most animated I’ve seen you since we met. I like it. And to answer your question, I have not heard that particular song. I’ll definitely have to check it out.” He seemed pleased, and nodded in an approving fashion.
    It felt good to finally relax and just be… me. I had forgotten what it felt like. Grief had held me down and consumed me for so long, in that moment I felt lighter for the first time in a long time.
    “Where are we going?” I asked, glancing out the passenger window.
    “Nowhere in particular. No place to be, unless there’s somewhere you want to go?”
    “No, nowhere sounds good.”
    His eyes were soft when he glanced my way. “Good, I was hoping you would say that. Although, I do have this one place in mind that I would like to take you. I think you’ll like it.” He stole another glance at me then raised one eyebrow. “That is, if you’re comfortable that I’m not trying to kidnap you