Page 37 of The Most Perfect Wrong

“Brad, don’t quiz me right now, okay? I just wanted to loosen up. I wasn’t really feeling my drink, so I took a shot to get alittle buzz going quicker.” I flash him a flirty smile, rubbing his arm. “Besides, you’ve never complained about me getting drunk before.”

He smiles for a moment but then his expression hardens. “That Ryan guy wants to fuck you.”

I laugh it off, shaking my head. “What? No, he doesn’t.”

Brad’s chuckle is humorless, his voice dropping. “You’re too trusting. I know when a guy is into someone, and he’s definitely into you. I’m not thrilled about you going out of town with him next week.”

“God, Brad. That’s ridiculous. For one, Ryan’s married. And two, I’m with you—I love you and would never cheat on you. This is my job, and I like it. And while I appreciate your concern, your suspicions don’t get to dictate whether I go out of town or not for a project I’m leading.”

Brad’s expression tightens, but his voice is calm. “I’m not trying to control you, baby. But I’ve got valid concerns here. I don’t know this guy, and I don’t trust him. And honestly, I’m not sure you do either.”

I grab his arm, pulling him farther from the crowd, my heart racing as I glance around to make sure no one’s listening. “You don’t need to trust him, Brad. You need to trust me.”

His jaw clenches, and he gives me a long look. “It’s not about you. I trust you. But you’re being naive. Guys like Ryan… when they’re interested, they find a way. Married or not, they’ll push until you’re right where they want you to be. I’ve seen how this goes down. I’m just trying to keep you from making a mistake you’ll regret.”

I take a step closer, my voice dropping to a near whisper, eyes locked on his. “Oh, speaking from experience, are we? You’d know all about guys who can’t keep it in their pants, wouldn’t you?”

Brad’s face goes cold, the color draining from his cheeks. For a moment, he’s speechless, and I relish the silence.

“Don’t throw that in my face, Cooper.”

“Oh, I’ll throw it in your face every time you act like a hypocrite,” I snap back, my voice shaking with anger.

What am I doing? Normally, I’d never push back like this—especially not in public. I hate scenes, hate the fallout that comes later. But tonight? Tonight, I can’t help myself. Is it because I know there’s truth to his accusation—that I want it to be true?Dammit, I don’t know.

Brad’s jaw clenches. “Alright, let’s be done here. I’m ready to fucking go.”

I take a deep breath. “No, Brad. If you want to go, go. But I’m staying. I’m here with my colleagues, and I’m going to enjoy myself.”

Brad takes a breath. I know he’s pissed, but I also know he won’t make a scene. “Fine. If that’s what you want, we’ll stay. I’ll deal with your problems like I always do.”

There it is. He always manages to twist things so I’m the problem, the difficult one. Even when he’s the one who cheated, somehow it’s still about him—how he’s not getting what he needs from me. God, I’m getting so sick of it. I’m exhausted with this whole situation. For a moment, I let myself flirt with Ryan, indulge in the idea of something more—but turns out, Ryan’s just like Brad. Hell, just like all men. They want one thing, and that’s it. Fine. I’m here for it—I like good sex as much as anyone—but let’s not pretend it’s anything more.

Chapter 12

COOPER

The car ride home is filled with awkward silence. My arms are crossed as I stare out the window, fuming.

Brad finally breaks the silence. “You can’t be mad at me for pointing out the obvious, baby. All I said was the truth.”

“The truth? How would you know what that is, Brad? You don’t even know Ryan.”

He looks over at me, one brow cocked. “And you do?” He scoffs. “Just how well do you know him, Cooper?”

I let out a sigh of disgust. “You just never know when to quit, do you?”

“Well, I’m sorry that I’m not comfortable with my gorgeous girlfriend hanging out every night with a guy who clearly wants to fuck her… let alone going on a trip together.”

“Oh my God! We aren’t alone. And it doesn’t matter, Brad—it’s for work. I’m not trying to sleep with Ryan.”

“Has he ever made a pass at you?”

“What? No!” I answer too quickly, knowing it’s a gray area.

“And have you ever wanted him to?”

“Oh… my God.” I shake my head in frustration. “I can’t… I can’t keep talking about this. It’s so fucking stupid.”

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