Chapter 9
COOPER
November
Ryan scans the room before speaking. “Next on the agenda is the planned expansion into new markets. Jason, you’ve been leading this—care to give us an update?”
Seated at the head of the conference table, Ryan shifts his attention to Jason.
“Sure thing, Ryan. We’ve been exploring several potential markets, and I’ve gathered some preliminary research. But here’s the thing… my plate’s pretty full with the merger. This expansion is too crucial to split my focus, so I’ve decided to delegate this project to Cooper.”
What? I hope my surprise isn’t as obvious as everyone else’s. I knew I’d be helping with this project, but being handed the reins is a complete shock. Jason could’ve at least given me a heads-up. I’ve only been here a month—I’m not sure if I’m ready for this.
Ryan raises an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. It’s obvious this decision wasn’t run by him first. “Cooper? Are you sure about that? This is a high-priority project.” His skepticism is anything but encouraging.
Jason shifts his gaze between Ryan and me, his tone steady. “Absolutely. She’s proven more than capable. Cooper will be taking the lead on this project. You’ll both run point on the execution and make key decisions together. I’ll still sign off on anything major, but I trust her to manage the overall direction.”
I swallow my anxiety, forcing a confident front—if only to shove it in Ryan’s face. He clearly doubts me. “Thank you, Jason. I’m ready to step up and take on the challenge.” I smile and turn to Ryan, locking eyes with him in a pointed stare.
Genevieve claps her hands together, beaming. “I think this is a great idea. Cooper’s proven she’s adaptable and handles pressure well. With your oversight, Ryan, I’m confident you two will do a great job.”
Ryan nods, his eyes still sizing me up, doubt lingering. “Alright then. Cooper, let’s set some time aside today to go over the initial plans. We’ll need to hit the ground running.” He clears his throat, shifting gears. “Okay, with that settled, let’s move on to the budget and financials for this expansion. Melissa, I believe you’ve put together a preliminary budget overview?”
Melissa, the finance director of VantageSphere, stands to speak. “Yes, I have. Based on the initial market analysis…” She goes on about the budget for the project, and I know I should be paying closer attention, maybe even taking notes, but my mind is racing, and I can feel Ryan’s eyes on me. I force myself to stare at Melissa, nodding at the right moments, but my thoughts are divided—half with the meeting, half with the idea of working so closely with Ryan.
For the past few weeks, we’ve mostly managed to stay out of each other’s way. I avoid him as much as possible. Aside from morning meetings and the rare question, we barely interact. And when we do—it hasn’t been pretty. But this project will change all that. We’ll have to spend time together—every day, and I know he doesn’t like me. Whether it’s because he thinks I cheated on Brad, or something else entirely, his resentment is palpable.
I’ve caught him staring at me more than once. I never know if it’s out of spite or if he still finds me attractive. He always brushes it off, quickly focusing his attention elsewhere, but the unspoken tension between us is impossible to ignore. And the thought of working with him one-on-one—it makes my stomach twist.
After Melissa wraps up, Jason finishes the meeting by covering a few key details about the expansion, and this time, I make sure to pay close attention.
“Alright, if no one has anything else, that’s it from me. Let’s have a productive day, and I’ll see you all tomorrow morning at nine.” Ryan’s gaze lands directly on me. “Cooper, can you meet me in my office to go over our schedules for the next week?”
“Sure,” I reply with a nod. “Can you give me ten minutes?”
He glances at his watch. “Yeah, but I have a meeting in thirty, so if you could swing by sooner, that’d be great.” With a quick turn, he strides out the door, his irritation hanging in the air. Great. This will be fun .
I roll my eyes as soon as his back is turned. I had planned to grab a coffee, but instead, I trail after him to his office.
“I thought you needed ten minutes,” Ryan says, his tone clipped.
“Yeah, well, I made it work now,” I shoot back, the sharpness in my tone surprising even me. I remind myself that, no matter how much we both hate being stuck working together, Ryan is my superior. I soften my voice. “I know you’re busy. Can I sit?” I gesture to the seat across from him.
He waves dismissively toward the chair as he sits, his focus already back on his computer, clicking away.
“Look, Ryan, I know you don’t think I’m capable of managing this project, but I promise I am. I’ll need some guidance… I’m new, after all. But with your oversight, and Jason’s, I’ll be teachable and adaptable.”
His eyes shift from the screen to me, a pause stretching between us before he finally speaks. “I never said you weren’t capable.”
“Then what is it? Are you just upset that you have to work with me? I know it’s not ideal, but—”
He cuts me off. “I never said I don’t want to work with you, Cooper. It’s fine, really. I was just surprised.”
“Trust me, I’m as surprised as you are.”
He turns his screen toward me. “We need an hour today to put together a project plan and schedule. There’ll be daily check-ins and longer weekly meetings. I’m slammed with meetings today, though. Can you stay later tonight? We could meet in my office at five-thirty.”
“I can do that. But can we meet in the lounge instead? Maybe one of the booths?” I suggest, not wanting to be stuck in this stifling office with him.
“Why the lounge? Afraid your fiancé might find out you’re spending time alone with me? Or worried he’ll hear about what happened last time we were alone?”
I roll my eyes. “You’re unbelievable, you know that? This isn’t about him. I just prefer the open space.”
Ryan leans back in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Right, because last time we were alone, you couldn’t wait to leave the open space to get me into a more… confined room with you.”
There’s that smirk again. Is he pissed, or just trying to get under my skin? Probably both.
“But hey, don’t worry. I’ll keep my shirt on this time. Wouldn’t want to tempt you with my six-pack… again.”
“God, you’re arrogant,” I mutter, exasperated. I take a breath, meeting his gaze, and my tone evens out. “Listen, if we’re going to work together, we need to be on the same page. So if you’ve got any lingering comments about Newport, now’s your chance. I don’t want to start dreading my workdays because of this kind of bullshit. After today, if you cross that line, I’m taking it to HR. So if you’ve got something to say…” I exhale sharply. “You better say it now, because I’m done with it. I’m not putting up with this—even if you are my superior.”
I cross my arms and stare him down. Damn . I’m proud of myself. I never stand up for myself like this with Brad. Never.
He holds my gaze, almost daring me to keep going. He’s such an asshole. I can’t believe I slept with him.
After what feels like minutes, Ryan breaks the silence. “Okay.” He turns back to his computer, clicking his mouse like nothing happened.
Okay? That’s all he’s going to say?
“You don’t have anything to add? No comments? No questions?”
Ryan’s expression shifts, and he leans back in his chair, his composure annoyingly calm. “I guess I have a couple of questions.”
I gesture for him to go on.
“Were you and your fiancé together when we slept together?”
“No,” I say firmly. “We were broken up. I swear.”
“Okay. How long were you broken up?”
I hesitate. “Why does that matter?”
“It matters,” he says, matter-of-factly.
I sigh. “A week.” Well shit—this doesn’t make me look great . Especially because it was more like four days.
“A week?” Ryan scoffs. “You don’t waste any time, do you?” He shakes his head as if I’ve somehow let him down. “Does he know you slept with me?”
“No. And I’d like to keep it that way.” I hate how desperate I sound, almost pleading.
He pauses, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. He’s doing something with his mouth—maybe sucking on his cheek—and I hate that I find it sexy.
His voice softens. “Why didn’t you tell him?”
“Because…” I fumble, my gaze dropping to my hands, my thumb nervously spinning the ring on my finger. “Why tell someone something that’ll only hurt them?”
He arches a brow. “Is this really about protecting him, or are you protecting yourself?”
I glare back. “Okay, I think that’s enough.” The sting of tears threatens, and the last thing I want is for Ryan to see he’s gotten to me.
He glances at his screen again. “I’ll meet you at five-thirty…” He pauses, looking up. “In the lounge.” Then, back to his computer. “Have a good day, Cooper,” he says, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips. I hate how it makes my knees weak.
I don’t even say goodbye. I just book it out of his office—his smoldering arrogance somehow pissing me off and turning me on at the same time.
I am dreading five-thirty tonight.
* * * * * ? * * * * *
I wait for Ryan in one of the booths that line the lounge wall. Most people have gone home by now. Since the space is designed for remote work, the majority leave around four, knowing they can finish up at home or in the café downstairs. A few hit the gym upstairs or grab dinner before coming back later.
At five-forty, Ryan finally slides into the seat across from me, his laptop landing on the table.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey.” I attempt a small smile. “How’s your day been?” I pep talked myself all afternoon for this moment, determined to smooth things over with Ryan. I need him to like me—if we’re going to be working together, we can’t be at each other’s throats.
“Very busy.” He’s clearly distracted, his gaze flicking to his phone as he types something quickly.
“Oh.” Okay … I scramble for something to break the tension. We have to get past—whatever this is, or working together will be unbearable.
“Shit,” Ryan mutters, still looking at his phone.
“Everything all right?” I ask.
He stares blankly at his phone for a moment longer. “Yeah,” he finally says, putting it down. “Sorry, I just realized I double-booked myself for tomorrow morning. It’s fine, I’ll figure it out. Should we get started?”
He finally meets my eyes, his focus shifting.
“Did Jason get you caught up on what he had for the expansion today?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say, trying to sound confident. “I feel good about it. I’m prepared.”
He offers a slight smile. “Good. Do you want to take notes for us?”
I nod. “Sure.”
“Let’s start by outlining our objectives and reviewing the budget Melissa gave us,” he suggests. “Then we can brainstorm potential cities that align with the company’s goals. Did Jason already have some in mind?”
“Yeah, he sent me a list. Let me pull it up.” As I search for the document Jason sent, I can feel Ryan’s eyes on me, making my heart race. “Here it is.” I turn my laptop so he can see.
“Okay, let’s see. San Francisco, Austin, Boston…” He looks over the rest of the list. “This is a good start. We’ll need to delegate research on these locations. We’re on a tight deadline with the holidays coming up, so I’d like to condense what would usually take six weeks into four. That way, we can start traveling to whichever city we choose by mid-December and avoid the holiday travel chaos.”
“Wait, we’re traveling? As in, you and I?” My eyes widen. I didn’t realize this was part of the expansion project. I guess it makes sense—we’ll need to find a building and establish a presence—but I hadn’t expected to be part of that.
“Yeah. Is that going to be a problem?” Ryan asks, his tone cautious.
“No,” I reply quickly. “I just didn’t know I’d be traveling. I’m just… surprised.” Oh my hell, I’m going to be traveling alone with Ryan?
We go over our timeline, delegating tasks and setting deadlines, creating a schedule for when we’ll meet to review progress and work together.
“Shit, I’m sorry. I have so many damn meetings every day. It’s going to be hard to fit this into normal work hours. I hate to make you stay late, but we’ll probably be having some long nights over the next few weeks,” Ryan says, sounding apologetic.
“That’s okay. I don’t have much going on in the evenings. I’d rather stay busy. I can stay late tonight, too, if you think it’ll help.”
“Yeah, that’d be great. Why don’t you start by creating a project plan that outlines our timeline and projected goals—something we can update as we go,” he suggests. “Meanwhile, I’ll outline a budget projection based on Melissa’s numbers and look into potential real estate partners in each city. Then we can compare notes and decide on the best approach.”
I nod, opening my laptop again. “Sounds good.”
After a few minutes of silence, Ryan glances at me. “Don’t you want to spend time with your fiancé?” He raises his hands in mock innocence. “I’m asking, genuinely.”
I pause, unsure how much I want to share. I guess a little chit-chat won’t hurt. “He’s a lawyer, so he works a lot. He’s on track to make partner. He rarely gets home before I’m in bed.”
“Oh. That’s got to be tough,” he says, sounding sincere.
I shrug. “Yeah, it can be. But we make it work.” I smile softly, appreciating the shift in his tone. “What about you? Anyone special in your life? Dating anyone?”
“Nah. I mean, I’ve got special people in my life, but not like that. Not right now.”
“So… special people… family and friends?”
“Yeah, mostly,” he says, his focus split between me and the computer screen.
“Are they here or in Arizona?”
“Both, I guess.”
“Do you have any siblings?” I ask, hoping to get more than a few words out of him.
“Uh, yeah, I do.”
Man, this is like pulling teeth. “Seriously?” I glance over, but he’s still focused on his computer screen. “Yo, earth to Ryan.”
Finally, he looks up. “What?”
I laugh. “I’m trying to get to know you a bit. You know, if we’re going to be spending long hours working together it might be nice to know a few things about each other. Could you give me more than two or three words?”
He smiles faintly. “Sorry, I’m not great at listening and multitasking. I’ve been told it’s a guy thing.”
“Well, you’re the first guy I’ve ever heard admit it. So, props to you.”
He chuckles and closes his laptop. “What do you want to know?”
My heart skips a beat as his eyes lock onto mine, his attention completely on me—almost like the night we met. Heat rushes to my cheeks. God, I can’t think. I break eye contact, glancing at my screen. “How many siblings do you have?” I ask as casually as I can manage.
I catch his grin out of the corner of my eye—like he knows exactly the effect he has on me. He’s so damn cocky.
“Am I allowed to use more than one sentence?” The look he gives me carries a nostalgia in it that makes my pulse quicken.
I smile softly. “Yes. Look, Ryan, I…” I take a breath, calming my nerves. “I swear my intentions were in the right place… that night. I was trying to move on. Haven’t you ever been so heartbroken that you just needed to numb the pain?”
His expression softens as he gives me a nod. “Yeah… I guess I have.”
We don’t break eye contact, a silent peace offering hanging in the air.
He finally breaks the silence. “I’ve got two younger sisters: Natalie, who’s two years younger, and Erica, four years younger. They both live in Scottsdale with their husbands. Natalie has two girls, and Erica has a one-year-old boy.” He grins. “How’s that for more than two words?”
He leans back, stretching his arms above his head, and his shirt pulls tight against his muscles, just enough to remind me of what’s underneath. Dammit. I drag my eyes back to my laptop, but it’s no use. My brain keeps replaying the way his abs felt under my fingertips when he kissed me. Jesus . A pulsing starts between my thighs, irritating the hell out of me. How can I still be attracted to him when he’s been such an arrogant prick? I force my mind back to the present—to focus on what he just said—because, unlike Ryan, I’m perfectly capable of listening and multitasking.
“Very good, Ryan. You officially know how to engage in a conversation,” I tease.
“Your turn,” he says.
“Well, you have to ask me a question.”
“Tell me about your family. I know your dad lives in Newport, and you have a sister. What else?”
“Well, I’m from Chicago. Grew up in Arlington Heights, north of the city. My parents divorced when I was ten, which was rough, but I always loved visiting my dad in California. It felt cool as a kid—to get on a plane and fly to see my dad who lived on the beach. My friends were jealous, and I kind of relished that. But I was also the only one with divorced parents, so really, I was jealous of them.” I furrow my brows. “Ugh, sorry, getting all nostalgic and sappy.”
“Anyway, my sister Casey—who’s my best friend—lives in Huntington Beach, near my dad. She’s married to Greg, and they have my nephew, Mason, who’s two. And my mom lives here in Highland Park with her very wealthy husband, Steve. And that’s my family in a nutshell. Fascinating, right?” I say, sarcastically.
“Is your dad remarried?” Ryan asks.
I scoff. “Not at the moment. I love my dad, and we have a great relationship, but he’s not the monogamous type, if you get my drift. He cheated on my mom, and he’s been married five times. And now, when he’s seeing someone”—I make air quotes—”‘seriously,’ it’s hard to want to build a relationship with them because I know she’s just the flavor of the week, you know? Casey and I were super close to his third wife, Jill. I loved her—we still keep in touch. But it gets old falling in love with someone, only to have them disappear from your life a few years later.” I blow out a breath. “Geez. Sorry, I just dumped all that on you.”
Ryan laughs. “Hey, I asked.”
“But you didn’t ask for a monologue.”
“I enjoyed it. I’m glad you vomited your entire life story on me,” he says, grinning.
We get back to work, but I can’t help glancing at him every few minutes. He really is so cute. I honestly don’t know how he’s single. I keep my eyes on my computer while casually asking, “So… really, no girlfriend?”
I can feel his eyes on me, burning my skin with the intensity. “Nope. No girlfriend.”
“Not the relationship type of guy, or what?” I keep my focus on my screen.
“I wouldn’t say that… I’m just not dating at the moment. Are we asking more personal questions now?”
I allow myself to look over. “I guess. I mean, isn’t that how you get to know someone?”
He grins. “Good, because I’ve been dying to ask you about your tattoo. You know… the one on your ass.”
I purse my lips to prevent myself from smiling. “I don’t know if that’s an appropriate question to ask at work.”
“Why not? You’re asking about my relationships. I can’t ask about a tattoo? It’s not like I asked you to show it to me. I can close my eyes and see it anytime I want to.” He grins again, and my God, his smile could melt anyone. He closes his eyes. “Ah, I can see it right now. Those little words… two, I believe, they’re definitely on the right cheek.”
“Okay. Stop that.”
“Stop what?”
“Open your eyes, Ryan.”
“No way in hell. Not until you tell me.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Fine. I’ll tell you, but you have to open your eyes first.” He opens them with a winning smirk on his face. “It says beach bum. And it was something my sister and I did impulsively when I turned twenty-one and I was staying at my dad’s. Satisfied? Now stop picturing my ass. Coworkers aren’t supposed to know these things.”
He sits back, folding his arms with the most cocky grin on his face. “Oh, I know a lot more than that, Cooper… I’ve seen you naked, remember?” He leans forward, looking around to make sure no one is close by, even though he knows we’re practically the only ones here. His voice drops to a low whisper. “And I’ve heard those sounds you make when you’re about to… you know.”
A tingly sensation spreads through my entire body as he locks eyes with me. My body reacts before I can stop it, the tension between us becoming almost unbearable. But he’s not the only one who’s seen the other naked.
I lean in too, lowering my voice to match his. “You sure remember an awful lot about that night, Ryan…” My lips curve into a playful grin. “You know, I can picture you naked too. And I remember the sounds you made that night as well.” I bite my bottom lip for effect, keeping my eyes locked on his.
His smile falters for a split second, and I revel in the brief look of surprise before he regains his composure.
“Really?” he says, his voice still smooth but with a hint of something that feels like a challenge.
I nod slowly. “Mhm. I have a pretty good memory.”
His eyes darken, his smirk returning but this time with more edge. “Yeah? You like what you see?”
I freeze for a second, my heart racing at the shift in his tone. His words send a confusing bolt of electricity through my veins, but I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing just how much he’s getting to me.
He leans in closer, his voice dropping even lower. “Go ahead, Cooper. Close your eyes. Picture it. It doesn’t bother me—in fact, I quite enjoy the fact that you picture me naked.”
I swallow, my throat dry. He’s definitely taking this further than I expected, but there’s a thrill in the way he’s challenging me. My heart pounds in my chest, and I know I should shut it down, push him away. But we’ve only just scratched the surface of the sexual tension, and it’s too tempting not to explore. I bite the inside of my cheek, refusing to look away.
“Is that what you do?” I ask, my voice quieter, but steady. “Close your eyes and picture me?”
His smile widens. “More often than you think.”
Did he just admit to picturing me naked? Has he jerked off thinking about me? God, that turns me on. I stare at his lips, remembering what a great kisser he is—warm, controlled, commanding. I am engaged . I am engaged . I repeat it like a mantra. But the part of me that should stop this is nowhere to be found.
Before I can respond, I hear footsteps approaching. I glance over my shoulder just as one of our coworkers walks by, giving us a polite nod before heading into the office kitchen.
I turn back to Ryan, who’s watching me intently. “Saved by the bell,” he murmurs.
I shake my head, forcing a smile as I turn back to my computer. “You wish.”
* * * * * ? * * * * *
I don’t get home until close to eight, and I’m exhausted. I don’t know how Brad does this every day. My brain is fried. All I want to do is veg out in front of the TV. It might be a Sex and the City kind of night. I step off the elevator onto the sixteenth floor and walk down the long hallway to our apartment. When I push the door open, I’m hit with the smell of dinner cooking. My mouth waters at the sight of Brad standing shirtless over the stove, Post Malone blasting in the background.
He must not have heard me come in because he doesn’t turn around. I texted him earlier to let him know I’d be working late, and he said he would be too. I walk over and wrap my arms around him. “Hi,” I say softly. “I thought you were working late too.”
“I was… but I managed to sneak away early, to surprise you, make you dinner.” He turns to greet me with a proper hug and kiss.
I’m stunned. “Thank you, babe. This is so nice… I’m starving. I’m exhausted too—I don’t know how you work these hours every day.”
“Well, coming home to you makes it a little easier.” He tilts my chin up and kisses me, longer this time.
Brad rarely does this—leave work early—and to cook for me? It’s incredibly thoughtful—but also a little out of character. I want my fiancé to be this guy—thoughtful and sweet because he loves me. But the nagging feeling inside me won’t go away—that quiet voice in the back of my mind that whispers Casey might be right. That he does this when he needs to make up for something. Maybe this is the new him, though. He’s been more considerate since I got this new job.
I wrap my arms tighter around him and sigh.