Chapter 22
RYAN
I’m still reeling when I pull into the parking garage, with no memory of the drive back. The entire way, my mind replayed every second with Cooper, layering it with a hundred what ifs. Walking away just now was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My body’s a mess—cock raging, mind spinning, desire coursing through me like fire. I had to pry myself off her.
I sit gripping the steering wheel, trying to shake off the charge she left me with. What the hell is she doing? She just tore through every professional line without looking back. When she brushed her lips against mine—I was gone. If she wants me this much, why won’t she break up with Brad? Does she really plan to leave him? The not knowing… it’s going to kill me.
And now I’m supposed to go meet some random woman for drinks? That’s the last thing I want. After my talk with Leo on Sunday, I decided it was time to move on. Part of me hoped the date would make her jealous, and it seems like it did. Shit. I can’t believe I kissed her. I crossed the damn line. I’m only barely better than Beth’s boss. I’m practically having an emotional affair with Cooper. And I don’t know if that’s any better than the physical act.
Fuck.
When I finally step out of the car, the cold air hits me, grounding me for a second, but it’s not enough to keep my mind free from her. No. She’s a virus that’s planted herself in my brain, one that’ll slowly take me over through the holiday break. Not seeing her, but having that last encounter seared into my memory? I shake my head, muttering another “fuck” as I open the door to Leo’s.
* * * * * ? * * * * *
I follow Leo through the bar to our reserved seating, his hand resting on the small of Vivian’s back, a silent claim daring any man to make a pass at her. Leo’s one of the nicest, most generous men I know, but he strikes me as someone you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of—though I doubt anyone’s ever needed to find out. He exudes wealth and seems to be both liked and respected everywhere we go.
We’re at a members-only club, Tapped Out , where the dress code is strictly cocktail attire. Leo and Vivian reserved a larger space tonight for some close friends for a holiday get-together. Michael and his wife Stella will be here, along with Adam, Leo’s good friend Meredith, and her partner, Piper, who I’ve met a handful of times. We’re led to a corner with a large, rounded booth with a plush sofa. It’s dim, and in every corner there are dancers—not strippers but acrobatic performers who blend into the club’s upscale ambiance.
I have yet to see a cocktail waitress who isn’t attractive. They’re all wearing short, sexy black dresses that push their tits up. This place is classy—movie kind of classy. Average guys wouldn’t even know it exists, but for guys like Leo? Of course, he’s a member. I’m sure it comes with a hefty price, too. It’s a far cry from my usual scene, but I’m ready to take it all in.
Most of our employees have been out this week, and Cooper left yesterday. I fly back to Arizona tomorrow for the holidays, but tonight, I’m excited to unwind here with friends.
Leo lights a cigar, passing one to me, and Michael and Adam take one too. We order another round, and about an hour in, I’m on my third drink, feeling the buzz settle in, ready to kick off the holiday break officially.
“Ryan, that cocktail waitress keeps checking you out, and she’s gorgeous,” Vivian says with a subtle gesture toward a stunning brunette by the bar. The waitress catches me looking and arches a brow, a smile playing on her lips.
I grin, shaking my head. “You’re right, Viv. She’s gorgeous, but that’s just not the type of girl I’m looking for.”
“What? You’re crazy, man. That girl is hot,” Adam cuts in, eyebrows raised. “If she were looking at me like that, I’d be all over it.”
“Yeah, well, that’s just not what I’m here for.” I shrug, not really in the mood to get into it.
Leo gives me a steady look. “You know, you don’t have to hold back on our account. Our house is your house.”
Vivian rolls her eyes with a playful smile. “Don’t encourage him, babe. Not everyone wants to sleep with anything that moves.”
“Ohhhh!” Adam and Michael hoot, grinning. “Nice one, Viv,” Michael says, laughing.
She laughs, giving a playful shrug. “Gotta joke about it when I can.”
“Oh, come on, guys. I wasn’t that bad,” Leo says, trying to defend himself.
Vivian gives him a pointed look. “Babe, it’s a good thing you’re cute. Denial doesn’t look good on you.”
Meredith raises her glass, grinning. “She’s right. The only thing worse than a man-whore is a man-whore in denial. Thank God, those days are over.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Leo says, lifting his glass. We all join, bringing our glasses to the center.
“To great friends,” he toasts, looking to Vivian with an intense focus. “And to the love of my life. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”
As we clink glasses, Michael calls out, “Probably on top of one of these girls, brother.”
We all burst out laughing, and Stella playfully smacks Michael’s arm. “Way to ruin the moment.”
Leo kisses Vivian, and she pulls back with a smirk, looking around the room. “Alright, which one would’ve caught your eye tonight?” She locks eyes with him, teasing. “Blonde? Brunette? Maybe a redhead?”
Leo chuckles, shaking his head.
“He likes them all, Viv, but he’s always leaned toward brunettes,” Meredith says, grinning.
Vivian scans the room. “So… that one over there? Would she do it for you? She’s a hottie.”
Leo’s gaze meets hers. “I only have eyes for you, babe.”
I watch as they eye-fuck each other in utter amusement. Most women would feel threatened by a partner’s past conquests, but she’s so confident in herself and their relationship that she just gives him shit—and Leo takes it like a champ. Honestly, it could get old quickly, especially since Adam and Michael love bringing it up, but Leo just laughs it off.
Damn, I admire them. I thought Beth and I had something like this once, and maybe we did. But somewhere along the way, we lost it. I hope Leo and Vivian never do. I hope they realize how special what they have is, and always put in the time and effort it takes to keep their relationship alive.
My thoughts drift to Cooper. That woman’s a straight-up pain in my ass. I haven’t heard from her since I stormed out of the elevator, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store after the holiday break. Will we be friends? Enemies? Is she going to flirt with me or act like I don’t exist? I never know what I’m going to get with her, and maybe that’s what makes her so damn interesting—why I can’t seem to shake her.
My thoughts are interrupted by the beautiful brunette. She’s flirting with someone—or maybe someone’s flirting with her. But it’s not the flirting that catches my attention; it’s the guy. It’s fucking Brad. Even from here, he exudes that trademark douchebag arrogance. His hand slides to her waist, but she steps back, clearly not wanting him to touch her. He eventually gives up, and I watch him walk over to another table, where he wraps his arm around a different girl’s shoulder. She leans into him, and he kisses her. They start making out right there in the booth, shameless, for several minutes.
My jaw tightens, fists clenching. What an asshole. I pull out my phone and snap a picture of him, locking lips with this girl. I don’t even know why. It’s not like I’d ever show Cooper. I can’t tell her—not directly. The person being cheated on never forgives the messenger, and the last person I want hating me is Cooper.
But the sight of Brad here, doing this… My blood is boiling. I’d love nothing more than to beat the shit out of him right now. He might look like he’s in decent shape, but not like I am. And Leo? He’s in even better shape than me and practically a martial arts expert. With Leo backing me, I’d be able to give Brad exactly what he deserves.
Leo notices the shift in my demeanor. “Hey, mate,” he says quietly, catching on. “Something wrong?”
“You remember Cooper’s boyfriend, Brad?” I ask, my jaw tight.
“The arrogant lawyer?” he says, eyebrows raising.
I nod, jerking my head toward Brad’s table. “He’s here. Making out with some chick.”
“No fucking way. Where?” Leo leans in, his eyes scanning the room.
I subtly point him out. “Over there.”
“What a bastard,” Leo mutters, shaking his head.
Cooper’s in Newport, waiting for her doting fiancé, and he’s here with his tongue down some other woman’s throat. I’m sure he’ll go home with her and do so much more, while Cooper innocently believes he’s on a work trip.
It’s guys like Brad that give men a bad rap—make girls like Cooper believe that all men are cheaters. My mind races, replaying things she’s said, how she always assumes the worst, that every man she knows cheats.
That son of a bitch . He’s been doing this the whole time. Hell, he’s probably cheated the entire relationship, but Cooper only knows about bits and pieces. Jesus Christ.
Brad’s gaze suddenly meets mine across the room. I don’t look away. I glare at him with every ounce of disgust I can muster. Good. Let him know that I see him. Let him panic, knowing his girlfriend spends every day with me. And he knows she’s attracted to me. Good. Fuck him .
But then a dark thought hits me—will he take this out on her somehow? She says he doesn’t hurt her, but how do I know that’s true? I don’t know this guy. He shows one face to the world and another behind closed doors. Even if he’s not hurting her physically, he’s clearly some manipulative asshole who’s got a grip on her.
“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath.
Leo glances at Brad. “Shit, mate. He knows you saw him.”
Brad strolls over, straightening his jacket, the cocky grin now replaced with something more calculated—smooth, like he thinks he can charm his way out of this. He nods at me and Leo, keeping his cool, acting like he didn’t just get caught red-handed.
“Leo, Ryan,” Brad greets us, his voice annoyingly steady. “Mind if I join you?” But he’s already lowering himself into a chair. “Great spot you’ve got here. This place is something else, isn’t it?”
“It sure is…” Leo pauses, feigning uncertainty. “Brad, is it?”
I stifle a laugh, staying quiet as Brad redirects his attention entirely to Leo, the real target.
“Leo, I didn’t realize you were a member here.”
Leo raises a brow, casually leaning back. “I’m not just a member, I’m a silent partner at this club, Brad.”
I actually didn’t know that—damn, Leo has a hand in everything.
“Are you, really?” Brad recovers quickly, forcing a charming smile. “I’ve been considering a membership myself. I’m here with a friend who’s a member… Listen, I’ve heard about the Midtown deal you’re working on. It’s a big one, right? You’re the kind of guy who leaves nothing to chance. I’d be more than happy to help keep things running smoothly. I’ve handled similar deals; I could make sure everything stays on track. We should talk—see how I can add value.”
Brad’s charm is dialed up, playing the polished, successful lawyer.
Leo takes a slow sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving Brad. The silence is perfectly measured, long enough for the tension to settle, but not so long that Brad could think he’s won any ground.
“Appreciate the offer,” Leo says smoothly, his voice calm, unwavering. “But I already have a lawyer I trust. Loyalty’s a big deal to me—in business and in life. I’ve found how a person handles themselves personally tends to reflect how they conduct business. So seeing how your loyalty wavers…” Leo’s eyes flick briefly to the booth where Brad was caught. “Well, that’s a red flag. Sorry, mate.”
Leo lets the words hang in the air, pointed but not aggressive, just a calm observation.
Brad’s smile tightens for a second, but he doesn’t lose his composure. “I hear you, Leo. Loyalty’s everything, I completely agree. But I want to make one thing clear—I’d never be disloyal when it comes to business. I’ve built my career on trust and respect. I mean, come on, I wouldn’t be where I am if I wasn’t someone people could rely on. Personal life, sure—sometimes things get a little messy. I’m sure you’ve been there a time or two… But business? I’m rock solid.”
Leo doesn’t blink, his expression calm but unmoved. “Problem is, Brad, I need people I can trust in all aspects of life—and no, I’ve never been there. I don’t let my life get messy where the people I care about are involved.”
Brad opens his mouth to respond but shifts his attention to me instead, his tone turning casual, as if he’s appealing to some kind of ‘guy’s guy’ understanding.
“Ryan, we’re cool, right? Look, this is just a one-time thing. A fun night—nothing serious. No need for Cooper to get dragged into this, you know? She doesn’t need to get hurt. Why ruin something good over one night? I love Cooper.” It’s almost impressive how Brad’s able to justify cheating like it’s just a casual night out with the boys.
I feel his eyes on me, waiting for me to back up his bullshit, but I’m not giving him an inch. I scoff. “You have an odd way of showing love, man. Look, it’s not my business to tell Cooper. She’s my coworker,” I say, my voice even, letting it hang for a second. “But it is yours .” I pause, watching his expression shift. “You’ve got a month to do it, Brad. After that? Hard to tell what will happen.” I take a steady sip of my drink, keeping my eyes on him.
Brad’s grin falters again, but this time he knows he’s not getting what he wants from either of us. He chuckles, but it’s hollow now. “Right. Sure. Anyway, think about what I said, Leo. I’m always around if you change your mind.”
With that, he gives a quick nod and walks off, his usual swagger a bit more forced. I glance at Leo, who’s watching Brad go with a look of disappointment, though he doesn’t seem surprised.
Leo shakes his head, watching Brad walk away. “Some people just don’t know when to quit, do they?”
I raise my glass to my lips. “You’ve got that right.”
Leo turns to me, his tone sharpening. “Listen, mate, she needs someone who actually respects her, not some prick like him who treats her like an afterthought.” He gives me a pointed look. “This isn’t about you, Ryan. And it sure as hell isn’t about sex. Sometimes people get stuck in these situations—they don’t know how to leave. Maybe it’s time you stopped playing it safe. She deserves a man who doesn’t just want her around, but actually wants her. Be that push she needs. Show her the difference—maybe blur the line a little…”
Leo pauses, his lips pressing together, then exhales. “But not too much. You’re better than that. Help her see what she’s missing—what she deserves—but don’t lose yourself in the process.”
“I think you’re right,” I murmur, nodding, feeling a new determination settle over me. Leo’s absolutely right—it’s time I stop playing it safe and make it damn clear what Cooper could have with me compared to what she’s been stuck with. This isn’t about breaking the rules or revenge. It’s about waking her up to what she deserves.
I’m done holding back, done letting Brad think he’s got her wrapped around his finger. Over the next month? I’m turning up the heat. Every look, every text, every laugh—I’ll make her feel it. She’ll know I’m here, wanting her in every way that Brad clearly isn’t.
I’ve already crossed the line—more than once. The pool, the elevator. And I feel guilty as hell for it. But seeing the way Brad treats her? It’s clear: he never had a line to begin with. Still, I can’t let myself slip again. No physical boundaries crossed—not even a kiss—until she leaves him.
Everything else? The green light’s on.