Page 44 of The Most Perfect Wrong

With Brad, I know the cycle—argue, make up, rinse, repeat. But with Ryan… it feels different. The way we fight leaves me charged.Why? Why am I so drawn to him?

I picture Ryan pushing me up against a wall, hands pinned behind my back, telling me what to do—demanding me. Staring at me with that sexy, smoldering look before his lips crush into mine.

Jesus—I might need one of these bad boys right now.

I toss two vibrators into my suitcase and grab another to take to bed with me, its familiar shape already calming my nerves. Yeah, this little guy is going to have to do the heavy lifting tonight—and afterward, I’m going to sleep like a baby.

* * * * * ?* * * * *

I exit security and make a beeline for the nearest Starbucks, needing coffee twenty minutes ago. I placed a pickup order while waiting in line. The airport isn’t too crowded yet, but it’s only six-thirty—a disgustingly early time to be here. I’m not a morning person, and with a heavy flow, no caffeine, and Ryan on my plate, it’s not exactly a promising combination.

As Starbucks comes into view, I remind myself: I have to get along with him today. Whatever I’m feeling, I need to bury it—at least a little. I have to try harder.

I find my name in the pile of pickup orders and savor the warmth in my hands. Taking a sip, I close my eyes, letting the hot liquid travel down to my belly.Okay, one of three problems solved. I head toward Concourse B to meet Ryan at our gate. We agreed to get here early to go over a few last-minute details so we can hit the ground running.

We spot each other at the same time. He gestures toward the tables I just passed, and I nod, turning back to take a seat at one of the open ones. I push my luggage aside, reminding myself this is work.Be nice.

“Good morning,” Ryan says cautiously, gauging my mood as he sits down.

“Morning,” I reply, keeping my eyes on my coffee. I said I'd be nice, not overly nice.

“Did you sleep well?” he asks, testing the waters.

Really, though, with the small talk?Fine, he wants small talk, I’ll give him small talk.

I shrug casually. “Eventually. Needed a little… release first.” I glance up, a sly smile tugging at my lips as I catch his reaction.

His eyebrows lift, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Thinking about me naked again? Or is Brad just not cutting it these days?”

I roll my eyes but decide to play along. “Brad’s out of town, and let’s just say I have a healthy libido. I’m good at taking care of myself.”

Ryan chuckles, his gaze lingering a beat too long. “I bet you are.” His eyes drop briefly—either to my lips or my cleavage, I’m not sure. “Good to know you’re resourceful. Makes for a more productive trip, I suppose,” he adds, shifting the conversation back to work.

I give him a sweet, too-innocent smile. “Let’s just hope all the time I’m spending with you doesn’t make me need my vibrators every night.”

Wait.Crap. That didn’t come out right.

It’s too late. He’s grinning from ear to ear, fully aware he has the upper hand. “Oh, I’ll never complain about being the reason you need to ‘release,’ Cooper. Whether it’s for pleasure or frustration.” He laughs. “Didn’t think that one through, did you?”

I groan. “Ugh. You’re so… God, there isn’t even a word for what you are.”

“Charming, handsome, intelligent?” he suggests, still grinning.

“Try condescending, arrogant, hypocritical.”

“And there she is.” He leans back, clearly satisfied. “Alright, as fun as this is, let’s pocket it. We’ve got work to do.”

“Fine.” I exhale, giving in, holding back a smile. “What do you wanna go over first?”

Ryan opens his folder as we go over the details of our day. After twenty minutes of focused work with no bickering, my eyes wander to a couple across from me. The woman hands the guy her bags before heading to the restroom. He’s good-looking—and so is she. But the moment she’s out of sight, he immediately zeros in on a woman standing a few feet in front of me. She’s attractive, sure, but completely overdressed for aflight, like she’s headed to a nightclub instead of a plane. It’s not subtle, and the guy’s expression practically burns with lust as he rakes his eyes over her.

A monster claws at my insides, twisting everything up in knots.Is this how Brad looks at women the second I’m out of sight?The thought hurts like hell, a brutal realization I wasn’t prepared for. Even if Brad isn’t cheating again, he’s been that guy. The one who can’t resist ogling other women, almost right in front of me.

I automatically scoff in disgust, muttering “asshole” under my breath.

“What’s got you so pissed off now?” Ryan asks, bringing my attention back to him.

I shake my head, the irritation simmering. “That guy,” I nod toward the man. “His girlfriend or wife is in the restroom, and the second she’s out of sight, he’s undressing another woman with his eyes. Can’t men control themselves?”

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