Chapter 14
COOPER
I scowl at Ryan as he takes his sweet-ass time getting ready for our work session tonight. It’s been a long goddamn day, and I’m over it. The past nine days following the Christmas party have been hell. A slow, burning, torturous hell. Not only do I loathe Ryan and everything that he’s about—or at least that’s what I tell myself—I loathe my fiancé at the moment as well—they’re one and the same. Men who lie and put their physical needs before the people they claim to love.
To top it all off, I started my period about an hour ago, and I feel like the devil reincarnated. My hormones are raging, I’ve got cramps, a headache creeping in, and I’m tired. I’m also sick of fighting with Brad. He has not relented with the snarky, suspicious comments about Ryan and me working together. And now, with my admission about Newport, he’s got fresh ammo. He’s great when he wants sex though—yup, he can magically flip that charm right on, like none of it ever happened.
I’m at the end of my rope, and I’m afraid that when I snap, it’s going to be on the wrong person—Ryan. Sure, I have a right to be upset with him, but I’ve taken it too far. Aside from being a hypocrite, his life shouldn’t affect mine this much.
It’s Monday, and we leave early tomorrow morning for Austin.
God, any day now, VP. I’ve started calling him that—only because I can see that it bothers him.
“Alright, let’s get right to it. Should we go over what we want to accomplish tonight before we tackle our itinerary?”
I glare at him. Is he being serious? I’ve already been sitting here, waiting for him, for over an hour. “Great idea, VP. Let’s add another meeting to discuss how to make our meetings more efficient. That’ll get us out of here quicker.”
“Great,” he says, rolling his eyes. “The wicked witch of the west is still here.”
“Oh, look, and I got stuck with the scarecrow, who doesn’t have a brain.”
I stare him down, daring him to push me further.
“God, if only sarcasm burned calories—you could be a fitness influencer. Then you could quit, and leave me the hell alone.”
That's it—I’ve hit my breaking point.
“Oh, I bet you’d like that, huh? You’d be creeping on my Instagram page… Do you think about that when you jerk off at night, VP?”
Ryan chuckles. “Not if I wanna come, sweetheart.”
His comment catches me off-guard, and I’m torn between wanting to throw something at him and laugh. God, what is wrong with me?
I settle on a smirk. “Didn’t seem to be an issue for you in Newport, bud.”
“Oh, it was all I could do to shut you up, babe. Tell me, do you scream for Brad, too?”
I roll my eyes. “You wish, Ryan. It didn’t last long enough for me to even remember your name, let alone scream it.”
He leans forward, his voice lowering. “It was long enough to make you come… multiple times.”
I lean in too, our faces inches apart. “Ever hear of faking it , VP?”
He scoffs. “If that was faking it, you’re the best goddamn actress I’ve ever seen. Didn’t think people could make themselves convulse on demand.”
“Well, thanks for the compliment. It was my first time ever having to fake it—I’ll take that as a win.”
We glare at each other, fuming. He’s tight-lipped, chewing on the inside of his cheek, giving me that sexy, smoldering look that only pisses me off more. I catch myself staring at his lips, then force my gaze back to his eyes. God, I want to punch him—or drag him somewhere private and tear his clothes off.
Ryan rubs his temples and sighs. “Okay, Cooper, I get it. You think I’m a scumbag, and you hate me for reasons I can’t even begin to fathom. But we have got to stop this for tonight. Can we please,” he pauses, taking a deep breath, “please, just be cordial for an hour or two so we can go home? You can go back to hating me tomorrow.”
“Fine,” I say sharply. “But just so we’re clear, I never stop hating you.”
“Fine, whatever,” he mutters.
I raise an eyebrow, waiting for him to take control. He’s the boss, after all—he’s made that perfectly clear. “Well then, lead the way, VP,” I say. “Let’s see if you’re better at this than you are at… other things.”
* * * * * ? * * * * *
I drop my bag on the kitchen counter with a heavy sigh, the sound echoing in the empty apartment. My mind’s still racing from the confrontation with Ryan, but at least Brad’s out of town until Wednesday. Thank God . I can’t deal with him tonight. Never knowing which version of him I’m going to get— accusing, condescending Brad, or sweet, loving, horny Brad—it’s exhausting either way.
I flop onto the couch, anxiety heavy in my chest. What is my life? How did I get here—constantly catering to someone else’s needs and emotions while mine slip through the cracks?
I think back to Gavin. God, he really did a number on me. I wish I could go back to my fourteen-year-old self for a redo—learn how to use the word no, for starters. Tears sting my eyes, and I blink them back as I get up to finish packing.
I open my bathroom cupboard to get tampons for my suitcase. Of course, I start my period at the most inconvenient time. Lucky me. I grab an unopened box and eye my bin of sex toys. I rummage through it until I find two of my favorite vibrators. Yeah, I’m definitely going to need these this week. If Ryan and I keep going at each other’s throats, I’ll need some way to decompress.
With Brad, I know the cycle—argue, make up, rinse, repeat. But with Ryan… it feels different. The way we fight leaves me charged. Why? Why am I so drawn to him?
I picture Ryan pushing me up against a wall, hands pinned behind my back, telling me what to do—demanding me. Staring at me with that sexy, smoldering look before his lips crush into mine.
Jesus—I might need one of these bad boys right now.
I toss two vibrators into my suitcase and grab another to take to bed with me, its familiar shape already calming my nerves. Yeah, this little guy is going to have to do the heavy lifting tonight—and afterward, I’m going to sleep like a baby.
* * * * * ? * * * * *
I exit security and make a beeline for the nearest Starbucks, needing coffee twenty minutes ago. I placed a pickup order while waiting in line. The airport isn’t too crowded yet, but it’s only six-thirty—a disgustingly early time to be here. I’m not a morning person, and with a heavy flow, no caffeine, and Ryan on my plate, it’s not exactly a promising combination.
As Starbucks comes into view, I remind myself: I have to get along with him today. Whatever I’m feeling, I need to bury it—at least a little. I have to try harder.
I find my name in the pile of pickup orders and savor the warmth in my hands. Taking a sip, I close my eyes, letting the hot liquid travel down to my belly. Okay, one of three problems solved . I head toward Concourse B to meet Ryan at our gate. We agreed to get here early to go over a few last-minute details so we can hit the ground running.
We spot each other at the same time. He gestures toward the tables I just passed, and I nod, turning back to take a seat at one of the open ones. I push my luggage aside, reminding myself this is work. Be nice.
“Good morning,” Ryan says cautiously, gauging my mood as he sits down.
“Morning,” I reply, keeping my eyes on my coffee. I said I'd be nice, not overly nice.
“Did you sleep well?” he asks, testing the waters.
Really, though, with the small talk? Fine, he wants small talk, I’ll give him small talk.
I shrug casually. “Eventually. Needed a little… release first.” I glance up, a sly smile tugging at my lips as I catch his reaction.
His eyebrows lift, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Thinking about me naked again? Or is Brad just not cutting it these days?”
I roll my eyes but decide to play along. “Brad’s out of town, and let’s just say I have a healthy libido. I’m good at taking care of myself.”
Ryan chuckles, his gaze lingering a beat too long. “I bet you are.” His eyes drop briefly—either to my lips or my cleavage, I’m not sure. “Good to know you’re resourceful. Makes for a more productive trip, I suppose,” he adds, shifting the conversation back to work.
I give him a sweet, too-innocent smile. “Let’s just hope all the time I’m spending with you doesn’t make me need my vibrators every night.”
Wait. Crap . That didn’t come out right.
It’s too late. He’s grinning from ear to ear, fully aware he has the upper hand. “Oh, I’ll never complain about being the reason you need to ‘release,’ Cooper. Whether it’s for pleasure or frustration.” He laughs. “Didn’t think that one through, did you?”
I groan. “Ugh. You’re so… God, there isn’t even a word for what you are.”
“Charming, handsome, intelligent?” he suggests, still grinning.
“Try condescending, arrogant, hypocritical.”
“And there she is.” He leans back, clearly satisfied. “Alright, as fun as this is, let’s pocket it. We’ve got work to do.”
“Fine.” I exhale, giving in, holding back a smile. “What do you wanna go over first?”
Ryan opens his folder as we go over the details of our day. After twenty minutes of focused work with no bickering, my eyes wander to a couple across from me. The woman hands the guy her bags before heading to the restroom. He’s good-looking—and so is she. But the moment she’s out of sight, he immediately zeros in on a woman standing a few feet in front of me. She’s attractive, sure, but completely overdressed for a flight, like she’s headed to a nightclub instead of a plane. It’s not subtle, and the guy’s expression practically burns with lust as he rakes his eyes over her.
A monster claws at my insides, twisting everything up in knots. Is this how Brad looks at women the second I’m out of sight? The thought hurts like hell, a brutal realization I wasn’t prepared for. Even if Brad isn’t cheating again, he’s been that guy. The one who can’t resist ogling other women, almost right in front of me.
I automatically scoff in disgust, muttering “asshole” under my breath.
“What’s got you so pissed off now?” Ryan asks, bringing my attention back to him.
I shake my head, the irritation simmering. “That guy,” I nod toward the man. “His girlfriend or wife is in the restroom, and the second she’s out of sight, he’s undressing another woman with his eyes. Can’t men control themselves?”
“So, what? All men are cheaters now, too?”
I turn to him, eyes narrowing. “Well, aren’t they? Seems like every guy I know is either thinking with his dick or cheating with it. Maybe some are just better at hiding it.” Our flight gets called for pre-boarding, and I start gathering my things. “Come on, let’s go. I assume we’re sitting together? We can work on the plane—not that I couldn’t use some space from you.”
Ryan gives me a smug look. “Well, it’s your lucky day. I got upgraded to first class. Diamond status with Delta,” he says, his tone dripping with pride.
“Congratulations. You’ve officially hit peak corporate cliché.” I try to hide my disappointment but fail. “Didn’t you book our flights together? Whenever Brad gets upgraded, he upgrades me, too.”
“I guess I snagged the last seat.” He shrugs. “Didn’t expect you to miss me so much.”
“How insightful of you, VP. I’m at an absolute loss over what to do without you for a few hours. Oh, I know—maybe I’ll finally get to enjoy some peace and quiet.”
“What was that? Sorry, I can’t hear you from all the way back there.”
“Ugh. You’re the worst. Enjoy your fancy little bubble. I’m sure they’ll treat you like the king you think you are.”
I turn on my heel. He follows me toward the gate.
“Oh, I will. Especially if it means taking a break from you and your charming company.”
“Please,” I say. “My company’s the most exciting part of your day—right up there with your hand at night.”
He laughs. “Jealous of my hand now, are we? I’m sure you remember just how skilled I am with it.” A fire surges through me, a blend of frustration and something else, as I reluctantly recall just how good he is with his hands. He leans in, his voice dropping lower. “Hope your vibrator’s handy in that carry-on of yours. You’re gonna need it after that core memory.” He clicks his tongue and strides toward the gate.
I start to follow, but he turns back, smirking. “They’re not loading the peasants yet. Have a nice flight.” With a smile, he scans his phone and disappears down the jetway, leaving me standing there, gaping.
Damn. He definitely won that round. But this isn’t over. Not even close. We’ve got four more days on this trip.