Chapter 20
RYAN
“No, no, no, no! Hold on to the damn ball!” I shout at the TV, while Leo groans in frustration beside me. “What was that?” I ask, shooting him a look.
“They’re playing like shit,” Leo mutters.
It’s Sunday night football—Bears vs. Rams—and the Bears are getting their asses kicked. It’s halftime, and we can only hope for a better second half.
Vivian comes down after putting their daughter, Isla, to bed. “Who’s winning?” she asks, standing behind the couch. She tips Leo’s head back to give him a kiss.
“The Rams,” I answer with a sigh.
“Mmm,” Leo responds to her kiss. “How’d she go down, babe?”
“Pretty easily tonight. Had to read Guess How Much I Love You three times, though. She’s obsessed.” Vivian’s hands move to Leo’s shoulders, kneading them gently.
“That’s my girl. She knows what she wants and doesn’t take no for an answer—just like her mum. Come sit, babe.” Leo pats the seat next to him.
“I can’t. I’ve got some work to look over before tomorrow. But you two enjoy the game. Ryan, can I get you anything? I stocked the bathrooms with everything I could think of, but if I missed something, just let me know.”
“I will, Vivian. Thank you, again,” I reply.
She leans down, whispering something in Leo’s ear that makes him grin.
“Oh, I won’t, babe.”
She kisses his cheek before heading up the stairs.
I watch her go, a pang of sadness gripping my chest, as I remember how Beth and I used to be like them. I look over at Leo. “You two seem really happy.”
He glances at me, nodding. “We are, mate. Happiest I’ve ever been.” He pauses, his expression thoughtful. “I’m sorry about you and Beth. How are you feeling about your decision?”
“I mean, it’s real shitty. But I know it was the right thing to do for me. And Beth’s going to be okay. She’s always been strong and independent.”
I officially moved out tonight. I only packed a suitcase for now—I figure I can always go back for more. It was a sudden decision, one I made after coming home from the work trip with Cooper. I didn’t make the decision because of Cooper, but I know my feelings for her influenced it. Leo offered up his place temporarily while I look for something permanent. I mentioned wanting to move out after we played pickleball, and he insisted I stay with them. I hate feeling like I’m intruding, but they have the space, and their townhouse is perfectly located—right off the river. I have an entire floor to myself, and I can walk to work.
“And she has a follow-up tomorrow?” Leo asks.
“Yeah. She’s been on hormone therapy for a few months now. Things are looking as good as they can. We just hope she continues to move in the right direction.”
“How did she take the news about you moving out?”
I sigh. “She was disappointed… obviously. She’s been holding out hope that I’d come back around… But I don’t think she was surprised.” I run a hand through my hair. “She took it well, all things considered.”
She really did. I know she’s devastated, that her heart is broken. But she was understanding, and for a moment, it made me second-guess why I’d leave someone like her.
“And what’s the deal with Cooper?”
“Fuck, man, I don’t know. Her fiancé’s a real prick. Controlling, jealous, manipulative… She doesn’t seem happy with him.” I take a sip of my beer. “Hopefully, she’ll break up with him soon.”
“C’mon, c’mon, go, go, go! YES! Touchdown!” Leo shouts, and I whoop at the TV.
As we settle down, the score getting tighter, Leo glances at me sideways. “He’s controlling?” He raises a brow in question.
“I think so… She made a comment about him being selfish, saying she turns into a puppet around him.” I shrug. “Says she feels like she lost herself a long time ago.”
Leo lets out a slow breath. “Fucking wanker. I’ve worked with my share of couples in that kind of relationship.” He shakes his head. “That’s a shame. I hope she gets out of it.”
We both leap up, shouting as the Bears score another touchdown. “YES!” I pump my fist in the air, and Leo whoops, clapping his hands loudly.
“That’s what I’m talking about, baby!” Leo exclaims.
“Babe?” Vivian calls softly from the bottom of the stairs.
“Hold on, babe,” he replies, holding up a finger.
“Hey, I just need you to keep it down a little, so you don’t wake Isla.”
“Alright,” he says, glancing her way. “We’ll keep it down.” But his focus snaps right back to the TV as the Bears kicker lines up for the extra point.
He makes it, and we whisper-shout, high-fiving each other as the game ties up. We sit back down, still amped from the excitement.
Leo looks over at me. “So, did anything happen in Austin?”
“No. I mean, she’s engaged. Nothing can really happen.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yeah,” I smirk, laughing. “A lot happened in Austin. She spent the first day giving me hell.”
Leo gives me a look, clearly waiting for me to explain.
“She’s got this way of flirting with me—witty, mean, funny as hell. And I dish it right back. It’s different, but I like it. It’s fun, and I don’t know, kind of a turn-on.”
Leo chuckles. “Fuckin’ women.”
“Then one night, she invites me to the pool.” Leo raises a brow, intrigued. “I get down there, and she’s in this swimsuit that’s… I mean, she’s practically naked, man. Her tits are—” I let out a puff of air. “She looks so damn good. Then she pulls out edibles and offers me one.”
“Oh my God,” Leo laughs, shaking his head. “You didn’t stand a chance.”
“No, I didn’t. We take them, and then we’re flirting and playing in the pool like a couple of kids for over an hour. The edibles kick in, and we’re laughing so much—just having fun. Then we get to this spot where I’ve got her backed against the wall, hands on her waist, ready to go in for a kiss. But she’s in a relationship. So, what do I do? I do the right thing. I tell her we need to get out of the pool.”
“That’s some fucking self-control, mate.”
“Yeah, well, then she kisses me.” Leo lets out a low whistle. “God, she’s just taunting me—testing me, seeing how far I’ll go.” I pause, and Leo nods, encouraging me to continue. “I back off, tell her we need to stop—that she’s engaged.” I scoff. “Then she gets upset, throws something about me being married in my face, and storms off.”
Leo grimaces. “Ouch.”
I chuckle softly. “Anyway, I ended up getting drunk at the hotel bar. She came down later, and we talked. She told me how unhappy she was, said she thinks about leaving him… Brad , every day.” I lean back, crossing my arms. “The chemistry between us is insane. When I walked her back to her room, we almost kissed again.” I press my face into my hands and groan. “I wanted to pull her into my room. But it’s wrong. I won’t be that guy—but it’s so damn hard.”
“Well, that alone makes you a good man. Not many would’ve done the same.”
“But if she had kissed me…” I shake my head. “I don’t know if I’d have had the self-control to stop again.” I pause. “It’s more than just being attracted to her. I like her. I like her a lot. She’s different from any other girl I’ve ever met. She makes me laugh all the time. She just loves to have fun, you know?” I sigh. “And I don’t know if I’ve ever been around someone who turns me on so easily. I can’t stop thinking about her. It’s driving me crazy.”
Leo chuckles, shaking his head. “I’ve been there, mate. I thought I’d lose my damn mind before Vivian and I got together. When it comes to feelings and women—it’s a mindfuck. Just mental gymnastics all day, every day.”
I look at him, a part of me jealous of what he has. “So, what did you do?”
“Well, our situation was different. But I ultimately had to step up and be the man she needed me to be… I almost lost her.” He looks at me intently. “I think all you can do is be the man she wants and needs, without crossing lines, of course. You know… be a good friend. Hopefully, in time, she’ll be brave enough to leave and give you two the chance. She obviously likes you.”
I exhale loudly. “Yeah. I know she does… You’re probably right… Fuck,” I groan. “Why can’t she just be single?”
Leo shrugs, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Timing can be a bitch sometimes. Just be patient. She’ll figure it out. And in the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to explore other options—maybe see what else is out there for you. Sometimes, stepping back can give both of you clarity. It’s strange, but when people sense they’re not the center of someone’s world, they often realize what they truly want. You never know—just being less available might lead to some bold moves on her end. It’s the strangest fucking thing, but… happens all the time.”
Before I can respond, the TV erupts with cheers as the Bears make a game-winning play, and we’re pulled back into the game, celebrating as quietly as possible.
“Yeah… you’re probably right. It might be good to get my mind off Cooper for a minute.” I pause, letting that thought settle. “Hey, thanks again for letting me crash here for a bit.”
“No problem—stay as long as you like. Seriously.”
I nod in appreciation. “Well, you better get up to that hot wife of yours… from the way she whispered in your ear, seems like you might be getting lucky tonight.”
Leo chuckles, shaking his head. “Wife,” he repeats, amused. “Let’s just say I have a very attentive girlfriend, and I’m a lucky bastard.” He grins and I can’t help but laugh.
“Damn, you’re a good friend. If I had someone like that waiting upstairs for me? I would have left my sorry ass an hour ago.”
He waves a hand like it’s no big deal. “She wants to try out a new toy. Trust me, mate. She'll wait for me.”
“God, what I’d give to be in your shoes right now. If I don’t have sex soon, my dick’s gonna fall off.” I groan. “It’s been way too long.” I stand. “Alright, I’ll let you get to it. Night, man. Thanks again.”
“Night.”
I head up the stairs while Leo turns off the lights and locks up.
Lucky bastard.
I sit on the edge of my bed, phone in hand, scrolling to find Cooper’s name.
I read the last text she sent and laugh to myself.
Cooper: The guy next to me smells horrendous.
She’d sent it on the plane. She had the middle seat, me—the aisle, and the guy next to her at the window. I shake my head. God, she’s so much fun.
Before I even think, I’m texting her.
Ryan: How’s your weekend been?
Shit. I know I shouldn’t be texting her unless it’s work related, but I can’t help it. If I don’t talk to her, I’ll just sit here and go insane. I settle into bed and turn the TV on. Ten minutes later, she responds.
Cooper: Couldn’t wait ten more hours to talk to me, VP?
She sends a winky face emoji with its tongue sticking out.
Damn, is flirting off the table? If I knew she was in a solid relationship with a good guy and happy, I wouldn’t even go there. But knowing she’s not? It makes it a hell of a lot harder to leave her alone.
Ryan: Obviously not. Just thinking about you… our conversations. Wanted to see how you were doing?
Cooper: Thinking about me, huh?
God, that’s so Cooper—deflecting, avoiding the tough questions, and always fucking with me.
Ryan: Get your dirty mind out of the gutter, haha. I’m just being a friend here.
Cooper: Riiiiigggghhhtttt. A friend. Okay—my weekend has been fine. How was yours? You working that right hand?
Cooper: God, sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.
Cooper: How’s Beth?
I shake my head, laughing. She just can’t help herself.
Ryan: She’s pretty good.
Cooper: That’s good… Why did you text me, Ryan?
Ryan: I don’t know. Do you not want me to text you unless it’s for work? Because I won’t… if that's what you want.
Cooper: I don’t want that.
Dammit, what is this? We both want more, but there’s a goddamn Mount Everest between us named Brad.
Ryan: Okay… What’s your favorite color?
Might as well use this time to get to know her a little more.
Cooper: My favorite color? Wow, you know how to get into a girl’s pants. It’s blue. But a very specific blue—not quite true blue, and not quite navy, but something in between. What’s your favorite color?
I grin.
Ryan: I’m not trying to get into your pants. That’s Brad’s job. Mine is green.
Cooper: That’s so hot. I bet if you told me what your favorite food was, that’d be even hotter.
She’s evil in the best way.
Ryan: I love smoked tri-tip… and pizza. Does that turn you on?
Cooper: Oh, you have NO idea. Lol. Who’s your best friend?
Ryan: In Chicago, Leo. In Arizona, my childhood friend, Jeremy. We played soccer together our whole lives. Who’s yours?
Cooper: My sister, Casey. And my tennis friends. We don’t do much together outside of tennis, though.
Ryan: I didn’t know you played tennis.
Cooper: There’s a lot you don’t know about me.
Ryan: But I know the things that matter.
Cooper: Ha. Yeah, right. Like what?
Ryan: I know you love sleeping in. You love lattes—hot, extra foam and whole milk. When you’re feeling really wild, you’ll add a dash of honey and cinnamon. You love bowls or salads for lunch. You have a tattoo on your ass that says ‘beach bum.’ You have a sick talent for rapping, and don’t like country music. You have a small scar on your ribcage—right above your tattoo—the small bouquet of flowers. You smile when a song comes on at work that you like. You think scare pranks on Instagram are hilarious.
Ryan: You hate the wind. You think pubic hair is weird. You look phenomenal in a swimsuit…
Ryan: And naked…
Ryan: You love the show Pretty Little Liars. Should I keep going?
Jesus, what am I doing? This is too much. But dammit, she needs to know there are better men out there.
Cooper: Oh
Cooper: My
Cooper: God.
Cooper: Wow.
Cooper: I don’t even know what to say. How do you know all that?
Ryan: I pay attention to the things I’m interested in.
She doesn’t respond for a few minutes, and I’m about to give up and go to sleep.
Cooper: Now that actually turns me on.
I grin, pulse quickening. And I can’t do a damn thing about it.
Ryan: Well then, I’d better say goodnight. See you tomorrow.
I turn my phone on silent, set it on the charger, and roll over to sleep.