Letting go (REVISED)

Chapter four

My loaner is awesome, I love it! It's a navy blue A something, it's small and zippy, so easy to steer and corner. The sound system is awesome. I can connect to the music on my phone and I turn it up loud.

I try to tune out the feeling of worry that has settled in the pit of my stomach, I'm sure Cooper is just dealing with staff problems or a delivery issue.
I try to erase the image of his face while looking at his phone.

I try but I fail.

I decide that I will take a detour on the way home, to give my temporary new wheels a run. I just drive for about an hour or so but the need to see Cooper is pulling me back towards home, when I pull in the drive only my crappy old car that will have to find a new home is here.

No Cooper.

I wander into the garage we never use for the cars anymore, it's now our home gym. This won't do, my new car and Coops mustang should really be looked after in here.

This is what happens when you spend money!
Now I have a problem.

I decide I will have to have a new shed built out back for our gym, Cooper will love it, I will have it air conditioned with new floor mats and mirrors on the wall. I try to think of things that I know he will love and I lift myself up on the chin up bars. I do it over and over and my muscles start to sing, I take off my shoes and jacket and walk to the punching bag, suddenly in need of a workout.

I punch it then follow that up with a quick kick.
Yeah, this is what I need.

I strip to my underwear so I can move the way I need to. Putting on my gloves I decide this bag is definitely in for a beating. Cooper has trained me well and boxing is something that I love, it's great cardio and tones just about everything.
Soon sweat has my hair glued to my face and a sheen of moisture coats my body.

Either the endorphins from the exercise or the relief of finally admitting my feelings for Cooper has me giddy. I laugh, I feel happy, really happy.

I can't remember the last time I felt this way. I laugh and I punch and I kick.

"Well, well. Isn't this a sight"

I spin, Coop is standing in the doorway, his hip propped against the frame. He is undoing the buttons on his shirt.

Awkward.

"This a private training session, or can anyone join in?" His eyes fierce, he steps forward.

I look down at myself. In my black lace underwear, bare feet and boxing gloves, punching and kicking like a wild woman I must look comical.... but the way he is looking at me makes me feel beautiful.
Like a woman, his woman.

Ha! wishful thinking Izzy.

"Well there is a dress code that must be adhered to" I inform him, waving my hand at his outfit. "Off! Nothing but your boxers, hot stuff"
"Oh baby, I like where this is going " I can tell he is trying to shake off his bad mood.
I throw the boxing pads at him
"You're mine now" I warn him.

Concern flashes in his face, he masks it quickly, my unease returns.
My smile slips.

"Bring it, baby" he says as he launches himself at me, I attack.

Maybe an hour later, we are soaked with sweat. Puffing and panting we call a truce. Cooper seems in a better mood, he pulls me in for a hug. I don't mind the sweat, after watching the way he moves my hands have been aching to touch him and I can't get the gloves off fast enough.
I rub over his shoulders, his back, I dig in my nails. Cooper moans and kisses me. Hard.