Page 25 of The Most Perfect Wrong

“Trust me, I’m as surprised as you are.”

He turns his screen toward me. “We need an hour today to put together a project plan and schedule. There’ll be daily check-ins and longer weekly meetings. I’m slammed with meetings today, though. Can you stay later tonight? We could meet in my office at five-thirty.”

“I can do that. But can we meet in the lounge instead? Maybe one of the booths?” I suggest, not wanting to be stuck in this stifling office with him.

“Why the lounge? Afraid your fiancé might find out you’re spending time alone with me? Or worried he’ll hear about what happened last time we were alone?”

I roll my eyes. “You’re unbelievable, you know that? This isn’t about him. I just prefer the open space.”

Ryan leans back in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Right, because last time we were alone, you couldn’t wait to leave the open space to get me into a more… confined room with you.”

There’s that smirk again. Is he pissed, or just trying to get under my skin? Probably both.

“But hey, don’t worry. I’ll keep my shirt on this time. Wouldn’t want to tempt you with my six-pack… again.”

“God, you’re arrogant,” I mutter, exasperated. I take a breath, meeting his gaze, and my tone evens out. “Listen, if we’re going to work together, we need to be on the same page. So if you’ve got any lingering comments about Newport, now’syour chance. I don’t want to start dreading my workdays because of this kind of bullshit. After today, if you cross that line, I’m taking it to HR. So if you’ve got something to say…” I exhale sharply. “You better say it now, because I’m done with it. I’m not putting up with this—even if you are my superior.”

I cross my arms and stare him down.Damn. I’m proud of myself. I never stand up for myself like this with Brad.Never.

He holds my gaze, almost daring me to keep going. He’s such an asshole. I can’t believe I slept with him.

After what feels like minutes, Ryan breaks the silence. “Okay.” He turns back to his computer, clicking his mouse like nothing happened.

Okay? That’s all he’s going to say?

“You don’t have anything to add? No comments? No questions?”

Ryan’s expression shifts, and he leans back in his chair, his composure annoyingly calm. “I guess I have a couple of questions.”

I gesture for him to go on.

“Were you and your fiancé together when we slept together?”

“No,” I say firmly. “We were broken up. I swear.”

“Okay. How long were you broken up?”

I hesitate. “Why does that matter?”

“It matters,” he says, matter-of-factly.

I sigh. “A week.”Well shit—this doesn’t make me look great. Especially because it was more like four days.

“A week?” Ryan scoffs. “You don’t waste any time, do you?” He shakes his head as if I’ve somehow let him down. “Does he know you slept with me?”

“No. And I’d like to keep it that way.” I hate how desperate I sound, almost pleading.

He pauses, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. He’s doing something with his mouth—maybe sucking on his cheek—and I hate that I find it sexy.

His voice softens. “Why didn’t you tell him?”

“Because…” I fumble, my gaze dropping to my hands, my thumb nervously spinning the ring on my finger. “Why tell someone something that’ll only hurt them?”

He arches a brow. “Is this really about protecting him, or are you protecting yourself?”

I glare back. “Okay, I think that’s enough.” The sting of tears threatens, and the last thing I want is for Ryan to see he’s gotten to me.

He glances at his screen again. “I’ll meet you at five-thirty…” He pauses, looking up. “In the lounge.” Then, back to his computer. “Have a good day, Cooper,” he says, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips. I hate how it makes my knees weak.

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