"Maybe I just have bad luck."
"Not anymore," Coop told her, happy to see that the words made her smile, even if it was a tear-filled one. He leaned forward to kiss her, his hands reaching up to either side of her neck, holding her delicately. He was sure no one seemed stronger than Ashlee and yet no one needed to be handled more delicately.
It seemed everyday he discovered more about her past that made him angry, sad, and just plain pissed off that no one had protected her. Not her mothers, not her friends, not the guidance counselor that was supposed to help her through a rough time. No on had been there for Ashlee her whole life, worse they seemed to go out of their way to desert her in the worst possible way. It was no wonder that she couldn't trust anyone.
He'd just have to change that. He wasn't going to let anyone hurt Ashlee, he was going to keep her safe, he was going to make her feel appreciated and beautiful and loved….no matter how long it took.
"You know," he said, pulling away to breathe, "I'm not sure I told you how beautiful you look tonight."
She smiled, "You did….several times."
"Well," he said, his arms moving around her waist to pull her closer, "It would be a complete and total travesty if you wore this dress and we didn't dance at least once."
She giggled, "Dance….I think you forgot one thing, Coop Cooper, the music."
He dragged her closer, swaying softly, leaning in and whispering to her, "Sure, we do…." He enjoyed the warmth of her against him, "Hear it?"
He felt her uncertainty, but then slowly she lay her head down on her shoulder, "Yeah, yeah I hear it."
He smiled against her neck. She might not believe him yet, but it was a start.