Page 55 of The Most Perfect Wrong

His gaze drops to my chest, his expression unreadable. “Sure, you don’t.” He grips his glass tighter, taking another sip. “You’re good, I’ll give you that.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re just drunk, talking nonsense,” I say, my defenses rising.

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Maybe. But earlier… at the pool. Your whole seductive show. The touching, the teasing—turning me on. If that’s what you were trying to do… well, congrats, it worked.” His voice is rough. He kicks back the rest of his drink, as if he’s trying to drown the thought. “Made me want to fuck you right then and there. Isn’t that what you wanted?” He shakes his head, looking away for a moment before meeting my gaze again. “Because I sure as hell don’t know what you want from me, Cooper. I’m tired of guessing.”

I blink, caught off guard. I don’t know what to say. Butdamn, he wanted to fuck me?My stomach tightens, fire surging through my veins, heat flashing under my skin. I lift my glassand take a sip of water, hoping to steady the chaos raging inside of me.

“Is it to prove I’m an asshole? That I’d cheat on my wife if you pushed hard enough?” His eyes lock onto mine, the hurt and frustration clear. “Is that it?”

“Ryan… I—”

He cuts me off, his tone sharper. “And then when I stop it… becauseyou, Cooper, are engaged—you still call me out. You still thinkI’mthe asshole. Even though I wouldneversleep with you knowing you’re with someone else, out of respect for Brad, even though Idon’trespect him… and even though I’d love nothing more than to take you back to my hotel room right now.”

His words hang in the air between us. My face heats up, and every breath becomes a struggle. His eyes burn into mine with such an intensity, I can’t tell if it’s pure hatred or desire. ButGod,I hope it’s the latter because hearing him say that… it makes me feel alive.

I take a deep inhale, trying to string together one rational sentence—anything that might make sense. “Is that what you think this is? Some game to see if I could get under your skin?” I know, on some level, that’s exactly what it was, but I never considered what it would do to him—to Ryan. I was so sure he was just another cheater, and it felt justified. But, if I’m being honest with myself, I think I also just needed to know if he still wanted me—if he still found me desirable.

He gives a half-shrug, but there’s an edge of defeat in his voice. “Isn’t it? Seemed like a pretty damn good way to keep hating me. Or at least make me feel guiltier than I already do.” He slams his glass down onto the counter. “I’m tired. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He starts to stand, and I reflexively grab his arm.

“No, Ryan. Stay. Look, I didn’t come down here to keep this war going. I came to fix it. I want to understand—about your wife, about… everything.”

He lets out a bitter chuckle. “Oh, so now you want to understand? Could’ve fooled me with the whole ‘drag me to hell’ routine.”

“Okay, fair. I deserve that. I’ve been a total bitch, okay? I admit it. Just… sit down. Please.”

He hesitates, but reluctantly sits.

“Look, when I found out that you had a wife… I was shocked… and… I was so mad at you. You judged me so harshly when you found out I was engaged, made me feel so guilty about Newport.” I press a hand to my chest. “Something I’ve never wanted to feel bad about because…”

I stop myself.Did I really just almost admit to Ryan Brooks how incredible he is in bed?

A knowing smirk tugs at Ryan’s lips. “I knew it.” He chuckles. “Go on, say it.”

I can’t stop the smile sneaking onto my face. He knows, but my pride won’t let me say it. “Never.” I bring my water to my lips, hiding behind the glass as the cool liquid hits my tongue, my eyes never leaving his.

He relents. “Fine. I’ll say it.” He leans in closer. “That night was unbelievable. God. That was the best damn sex of my entire life.Youwere unforgettable.” His eyes drift over me, smoldering. “I’ve thought about it more times than I’d care to admit.”

Jesus. If words could make a girl come…

I smother the grin that threatens to spread across my face. I guess flirting is still in the bounds of his integrity. “Really? The best you ever had?”

“The best,” he says, unapologetically.

“Fine. You weren’t bad yourself.”

He scoffs, shaking his head. “Right.” He knows I’m lying.

I smile and take a deep breath. “Let’s try not to get sidetracked. Since we’re on the topic of Newport… Tell me about your marriage. Did you make me the other woman? Because I had broken up with Brad. I know it was only for a few days, but I wanted to be done, wanted to move on.” I pause, my voice softening. “I don’t want to hate you, Ryan. But I need to know.”

He furrows his brows. “No. I would never cheat… on anyone.”

“But you had a wife, and you still have a wife. So, how the hell could you have not cheated? If you’re married, it’s called cheating. If you’re…”

“Cooper,” he interrupts, his tone firm. “Just let me explain, please. Let me get it all out before you say anything, alright?”

I exhale loudly, rolling my eyes. “Fine,” I mutter.

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