Page 102 of The Most Perfect Wrong

“Fine.” He sighs dramatically. “They called me BDR—Big Dick Ryan.”

This time, I lose it, laughing so hard I clutch my stomach. “Oh my God,” I manage between breaths. “BDR? Are you serious?”

His face is red, but he’s laughing too, shaking his head in defeat. “You’re never going to let me live this down, are you?”

“Not a chance,” I say, still grinning. “BDR—this is officially the best conversation I’ve ever had.” My cheeks ache from laughing. “Oh my hell. I knew it.”

“How did you know?”

“Look, I’ve been with my fair share of men. And believe me when I say, your dick is setting records for a white guy.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Should I be proud of that?”

“Hell yeah, you should. It’s an accomplishment.” I lean back a little. “Might even deserve a trophy.”

The laughter lingers between us, the kind that comes with ease. When it finally settles, I shift, my smile softening. “Alright, but seriously, what’s something not very many people know?”

He studies my face, his expression turning serious. “That I’m crazy about you.”

His voice is deep and husky, each word reverberating through the air like the low strum of a guitar in a quiet room. It vibrates through me, seeping into my core with a warmth that dissolves any lingering fears I had about him.

My hand cups the side of his face, my thumb brushing his jaw. “Who else knows?”

“Just Leo… maybe Vivian… and now you.” A quiet laugh slips out as he grins, his eyes locked onto mine. “I’m so fucking crazy about you, babe.”

I smile against his lips as they slowly meet, and we lose ourselves in each other—kissing, touching, talking—until the hours stretch into the early morning. Sleep doesn’t come for hours, but neither of us cares.

This night, this moment—it’s one of the best of my entire life.

Chapter 31

COOPER

Ryan pulls up to my building. “You sure you don’t want me to come up with you?”

I shake my head. “I’m sure. I’m just grabbing a few things to throw in my car. I won’t be long. I’ll meet you back at your place… you said there’s guest parking, right?”

“Yeah, but it’s not cheap.”

“That’s okay. It’s just for a few days.” I lean across the console, pressing a quick kiss over his lips. “See you soon.”

“Bye, babe.”

I glance over my shoulder as I open the door, unable to hide the giddy smile spreading across my face. “Bye.” I blow him a kiss before shutting the door behind me.

Taking a deep breath, I steady myself and head inside, crossing the lobby to the elevators.

Our work trip was short—just two days. But wow, how much can change in such a short time. I smile to myself as I step into the elevator, thoughts of Ryan and last night replaying in my mind. We interviewed more candidates this morning and caught an early evening flight. It’s almost nine now. My plan is simple: grab a few more clothes and essentials, load them into my car, and head back to Ryan’s until I can talk to Brad.

I finally texted him this morning, telling him I’d be back tonight and would come over Friday—after he got back—to talk. I also asked him to stop texting me until then. He was strangely cordial, replying with nothing more than a simpleacknowledgment. No snide remarks. No guilt trips. Just, “Okay.”

I open the door to the apartment, and the unease hits me immediately. This is home but… am I even going to miss it?

The thought evaporates the moment I see Brad sitting on the couch, beer in hand. My heart stops dead in my chest. Shit. I am not prepared for this. Panic rises, but I take a deep breath, forcing myself to stay strong.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Brad says, his voice cold. His eyes narrow, gaze piercing as he leans forward, jaw tight.

I force a small smile. “Hey,” I say, keeping my voice as neutral as possible. “I thought you were out of town until Friday.” God, this is so uncomfortable. I don’t want to do this—not right now.

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