Make A Partner Of You And Me, In A Mansion No Less
Day 184 of The Andie Chronicles
Cooper texted me the address.
It was one of the most prestigious streets in Toorak. Growing up, I heard a rumour the residents of this street had to approve you, even if you were the highest bidder at auction. No other place in Melbourne had such stringent guidelines.
And it wasn't like it was a gated community or anything like that. It was strange for such a place where money usually afforded you any entry you wanted.
I had never picked Cooper as a Toorak man. Sure, he had the money for it and could afford to live in Toorak. He had the fame that superseded most of Toorak's residents, too. He belonged there just as much as they did. But he was too cool for this sleepy, affluent and aging suburb.
But when I arrived at his home, I understood why he lived there. His home resembled a gated fortress; the grey slate design with matching black accents, carton-like windows and a similarly designed garage was gracefully modern.
I pressed the intercom on the black steel gates, and they quickly opened. Pulling into the long sweeping drive, I noticed Cooper appear at the front door and approach my car.
"You found the house, ok?" he asked, taking my bag from the passenger seat.
"Yes, I did. The house is beautiful."
I followed him in; the foyer was decorated with oversized vintage wrestling posters stylised in thick black frames. I stared at one and recognised one of the legends depicted in black trunks and a skull-plated vest.
"Did you ever meet him?"
"I sure did. Had a beer with him. And a couple of matches."
I followed Cooper as he showed me the rest of the house, ending the tour in his bedroom. Well, 'bedroom' isn't an appropriate word; it's a suite. His and hers closet, with matching ensuite. Spa bath. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wrap-around pool.
I wondered why we stayed in the city when this mansion was available.
"Do you want to put your things in the walk-in? I made some room for you."
Beside his collection of suits was a gaping hollow in his wardrobe, with empty hangers and two adjoining vacant drawers.
I put my bag down, in awe of the small but significant gesture. This man was making space for me, physically, in his life. He was inviting me into his home, hoping for me to stay a while. He wasn't trying to hide me.
I felt a tear run down my cheek. Cooper caught it with his fingertip. "What's wrong, beautiful girl? Why the tears?" I stumbled over my words, more tears flowing, making it impossible to say my thoughts. "You cleared a space for me. I can't believe you cleared a space for me."
He brought me into his chest, where I felt the tears start to tumble, heavier and more committed than before. "Why wouldn't I clear a space for you? You're my partner, my other half; this is the least I could do."
"I'm your partner?"
"Oh, Andie, I thought it was a given." He held me tighter. "I love you, Andie."
I felt the entire weight of my body collapse into his. "Cooper, I love you, too."
And that night, I made love for the first time in my life. Not sex, not a joining of private parts, but real love. Not puppy love, not hope for love, not a hope for something else. Actual love.
And I loved it.
You’re reading The Andie Chronicles, the 2023 romance-fiction series from the 1 Lovelock Drive (1LD) universe.
By the way, this all started when Andie turned thirty-five, and her then-boyfriend didn’t call her.
Or the day after that.
Or the day after that, too.
Everything started to unravel when her BFFs got into bed with her ex, too… ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Just a moment! 1 Lovelock Drive is a reader-supported publication (I can’t do this without you!). If you love what you read, and want to receive the next instalment and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!
A little lost on what’s happening at 1 Lovelock Drive?
Well, you see, Andie’s break-up started back in February and so much has happened since then. These stories will help you catch right up! xx
Don't Flirt With The Champ But You Will Still Catch The Eye Of One
“Are you here for the signing?” The same man handing out flyers the night before was now performing crowd control at the front entrance. All hands on deck, it would seem. You had to admire the attitude. Everyone pitching in to get it done. No fuss about what you did yesterday or what you’re doing later.