Chapter 36
COOPER
I slide back into bed, curling up next to Ryan. Is there anything more annoying than having to pee in the middle of the night? As I settle under the covers, the memories of last night come rushing back, vivid and mortifying.
Easily one of the most humiliating moments of my life. Even after exhausting ourselves in the sheets, it took forever to fall asleep. I just kept replaying it over and over.
Ryan’s already over it. We couldn’t stop laughing as we went to bed, because—let’s face it—it is funny. Hilarious, even. But for me? Mortifying. I barely know Leo and Vivian. I’ve met them once, and they walk in while I have Ryan handcuffed to their railing.
Now, I’m the kinky, sad girl with the shitty ex, semi-living in their house like an awkward, unwanted houseguest. Exactly the kind of impression I was hoping to make. Perfect.
I roll over, sleep nowhere in sight. Tapping my phone screen, I squint against the brightness. Almost five. Ugh. A sigh escapes me as I drop the phone back onto the nightstand.
Ryan’s been keeping Leo in the loop, reassuring me they’re more than happy to have me here, but still… God. I press my palms to my forehead, trying to quiet my restless thoughts.
Fifteen minutes of tossing and turning pass like an eternity.
Fuck this.
I slip out of bed, grabbing leggings and a sweatshirt. If I’m going to be awake, I might as well make it worth it—with coffee.
Tiptoeing downstairs to the second floor, I make my way to the kitchen. The bedrooms are all on the third and fourth floors, so I don’t really have to worry about waking anyone. Working quickly and quietly, I pull out the espresso machine, froth my milk, and pour it over the steaming shot.
“Good morning.” Leo’s voice startles me, his British accent carrying through the quiet kitchen. I whirl around just as he pulls a shirt over his head, his skin still glistening from a workout.
My brain stalls. Jesus Christ. It’s not like I’m ogling him, but damn—those abs could give Ryan’s a run for their money. Trying not to stare, I force my eyes anywhere but on him.
“Um…” I scramble for something—anything—to focus on. The wall. Perfect. “Good morning,” I mumble, sipping my coffee like it’s a lifeline.
The discomfort is overwhelming, an awkward cocktail of mortification and uncertainty. I don’t know this man, not really, but here I am, standing in his kitchen after last night’s debacle.
“I’m just going to take this upstairs,” I add quickly, clutching my mug. “I’ll get out of your hair.”
“You’re not in my hair at all.” He gestures to the stools at the counter. “In fact, I’d love the company.”
“Really?” I grimace.
He nods.
Oh, my hell. I’ve got to get over this. Sliding onto a stool, I grip my coffee cup and blurt, “I’m just going to rip the bandaid off. I’m so sorry about last night. I’m mortified. I’m just some random girl who’s all but moved into your home, then handcuffed your friend to the railing. Compromising positions doesn’t even begin to cover it. Seriously, I’m so sorry.”
Leo’s lips twitch, his expression softening as he steps away from the counter. “You’ve nothing to apologize for, love,” he says, his tone easy and warm. “Honestly, I was more amused than anything. And as for the compromising positions—let’s just say I’m glad to see my friend being so well taken care of.” The smile he flashes is both teasing and disarming. “I’m happy for you both. Really.”
I let out a breath, the weight of my embarrassment lifting—slightly.
“Gah!” I bury my head in my hands, laughing despite myself. When I look back up at him, I shake my head. “Thank you. You don’t even know how stupid I felt. I barely slept.”
“I can only imagine what was going through your head,” he says with a soft laugh, moving to the espresso machine.
“What are you doing up this early?” I ask, cradling my coffee.
He glances over while pulling a shot. “I always wake up this early. I like to work out and have some quiet before the girls wake up.”
“I get that,” I say, nodding. “Ryan mentioned you guys were in Utah. How was that?”
Leo leans back against the counter, folding his arms, his mug cradled in one hand. “It was good. We bought a place there a couple years ago. Vivian’s family lives nearby, so we spend the holidays there—skiing, catching up with friends. It’s a nice change of pace.”
I nod, Leo’s casual demeanor makes it surprisingly easy to talk to him. But then I remember he’s a therapist—this is what he does, talks to people—and I can’t help wondering what he must be thinking about the whole reason I’m here.
“Listen, Cooper…” His tone is gentle. “I hope you don’t mind—Ryan’s filled me in on some of the things you’ve been going through.” He grins, the corners of his mouth lifting in a way that feels reassuring rather than prying. “Actually, he’s been filling me in on you for months now. He’s got a bit of a thing for you, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
I laugh softly, the tension easing as I smile into my cup. “Yeah… I’ve noticed.”
“Well, I just want you to know that you’re welcome here. Anytime. Vivian and I are happy to have you—even after Ryan moves out next week, if you need a place to land.”
“Thank you. That means lot.”
“Of course.” He pauses, then hesitates, a flicker of caution crossing his face. “How are you doing… with everything?” He gestures vaguely, as if trying to encompass all of it. “And no pressure to talk to me—you can tell me to fuck off if you’d prefer.”
“I’m okay.” I manage a soft smile, even as my voice wavers. “Just trying to process it all…” Dammit. Tears prick the corners of my eyes, and I struggle to get the words out. “You know?”
Leo nods, his expression warm and understanding. He steps closer to the island, leaning forward on his elbows. “I can only imagine how hard all of this is for you. Look, I’ve met with a lot of couples over the years. Many, unfortunately, in situations like yours. I know leaving wasn’t easy—took a lot of courage. And damn, I hope you’re proud of yourself.”
I nod, choked up, and afraid I’ll cry if I try to speak.
He continues. “If you ever need someone to talk to, I have a friend, Meredith. She specializes in this kind of therapy. I really think she could be great for you.”
I give him a small smile, just enough to acknowledge the gesture. I don’t want therapy—not now, anyway—but I appreciate his thoughtfulness.
“Plus,” he adds with a grin. “She’s kick-ass, and I think you’d get along brilliantly with her.”
I swallow hard, forcing back the tears threatening to spill. “Thanks, Leo. I’ll think about it.”
Before he can say anything else, we’re interrupted.
“Jesus, will you two keep it down?” Ryan’s teasing voice cuts through the air as he strides into the kitchen. He pulls Leo into a brotherly hug, clapping him on the back. “Welcome back, man. Did you guys have a good time?”
Yeah, it was great,” Leo says, surveying Ryan with a grin. “It’s good to see you with your clothes on, mate.”
Ryan smirks, leaning casually against the counter. “Well, don’t get too comfortable—I can’t promise they’ll stay on for long… If I’m lucky.” He waggles his brows in my direction, earning an eye roll from me and a chuckle from Leo.
“Maybe just keep the handcuffs upstairs next time, yeah?” Leo says.
Ryan laughs, not missing a beat. “Oh, don’t worry—they’ll stay upstairs. Vivian’s already called dibs. Pretty sure she’s got big plans for them.”
Leo raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. “You really don't think we already have our own?”
“Can we not talk about the handcuffs while I’m in the room?” I teasingly interject. “I just managed to get over the embarrassment.”
Ryan steps behind me, planting a kiss on my cheek. I turn to meet him, giving him a proper kiss on the mouth.
“What are you doing up this early?” he asks, settling a hand on my shoulder. “You hate waking up early.”
“Oh, I couldn’t sleep,” I reply pointedly, raising an eyebrow. “Kept reliving a nightmare involving you, handcuffs, and certain people walking in.”
Ryan laughs, sliding into the stool next to me. “Sounds like a good time to me.”
I laugh as the three of us settle into a comfortable rhythm. Mostly, I listen while Ryan and Leo talk, but it’s nice—watching Ryan in his element with his best friend, and getting to know Leo better.
By seven, the sound of footsteps catches our attention, and Vivian appears, Isla in her arms.
“Morning, my Loves,” Leo says, crossing the room to greet them both with a kiss.
Vivian smiles, setting Isla in her highchair. “Morning, everyone.” She gets Isla settled while Leo moves to the espresso machine to make her a coffee.
As soon as Isla is happily munching on her breakfast, Vivian walks over, slipping her arms around Ryan and me for quick hugs. “Good morning, you two. Cooper, I need the link to that cop uniform. That’s going to be my birthday gift for Leo this year.” She winks, earning a laugh from Ryan and a groan from me as I shake my head.
“Oh my God,” I say laughing. “Are we ever going to stop talking about this?”
Vivian grins, not missing a beat. “Oh, honey, we walked in on Ryan in his underwear, handcuffed to the railing. This story’s going to have legs.”
Ryan laughs again, nudging my shoulder. “She’s right. It’s a classic. You should be proud.”
“Proud?” I shake my head, though I can’t help laughing.
Vivian stands next to Leo, nudging him playfully as their gazes lock. “Should we tell them?”
“Now’s as good a time as ever, babe,” Leo says.
I glance at Ryan, who’s grinning at the two of them. “Are you two finally getting married?” Ryan guesses, his tone teasing.
Vivian shoots him a pointed look, shaking her head with a grin. “I’m pregnant.”
“Ah, congratulations!” Ryan and I say in unison, our voices overlapping.
“And…” Vivian continues, looking at Leo expectantly.
“And…” Leo says, grinning as he reaches for Vivian’s hand. “We’re getting married.”
Ryan jumps out of his chair. “Yes!” he shouts, his excitement filling the room. He pulls Vivian into a hug, then Leo. I follow suit, wrapping them both in warm congratulations.
“Ah, Viv, now when I call you Leo’s wife, it’ll actually be true,” Ryan says, running a hand through his hair and laughing. “Seriously. I’m so happy for you both.”
“And…” Vivian says again, her tone teasing.
Ryan glances at me. “Oh, there’s more?”
Vivian grins. “We’re getting married in six weeks. We want to be married before the baby comes, and I don’t want to look pregnant at the wedding.”
“Six weeks?” Ryan whistles, shaking his head. “You two don’t mess around.”
Leo steps in. “It’ll be a destination wedding—nothing too big. Just family and close friends. We’d love for you both to be there if it works with your schedules. We know it’s short notice.”
“Where?” Ryan asks, a grin plastered to his face.
“Turks and Caicos,” Leo says. “We booked a resort on a private beach a few days ago. It was tricky finding something last minute, so I had to buy out the resort. The wedding will be on a Wednesday, but we made it work.”
Ryan lets out a low whistle. “You bought out a resort? Casual,” he jokes, shaking his head. “That’s incredible.”
Holy shit. A fancy resort with a private beach—and with Ryan? Somebody pinch me. My life just went from miserable with Brad to private beaches and Turks and Caicos with Ryan. I can’t stop smiling, though part of that is for Vivian and Leo. I’m genuinely thrilled for them.
The rest of the morning is filled with excited chatter and wedding plans. Vivian and I dive into details as she shows me her dress—a stunning piece that’s simple, elegant, and just the right amount of sexy. Meanwhile, Leo effortlessly whips up brunch.
Vivian is incredible. One of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, and by the end of the morning, she’s already insisting we go shopping this week to get me some essentials for the trip. I didn’t even hesitate before saying yes because, let’s be honest, I need a whole new wardrobe, and shopping with Vivian sounds like just the kind of fun I need.