Page 64 of The Most Perfect Wrong

“Yeah, well, then she kisses me.” Leo lets out a low whistle. “God, she’s just taunting me—testing me, seeing how far I’ll go.” I pause, and Leo nods, encouraging me to continue. “I back off, tell her we need to stop—that she’s engaged.” I scoff. “Then she gets upset, throws something about me being married in my face, and storms off.”

Leo grimaces. “Ouch.”

I chuckle softly. “Anyway, I ended up getting drunk at the hotel bar. She came down later, and we talked. She told mehow unhappy she was, said she thinks about leaving him…Brad, every day.” I lean back, crossing my arms. “The chemistry between us is insane. When I walked her back to her room, we almost kissed again.” I press my face into my hands and groan. “I wanted to pull her into my room. But it’s wrong. Iwon’tbe that guy—but it’s so damn hard.”

“Well, that alone makes you a good man. Not many would’ve done the same.”

“But if she had kissed me…” I shake my head. “I don’t know if I’d have had the self-control to stop again.” I pause. “It’s more than just being attracted to her. Ilikeher. I like her a lot. She’s different from any other girl I’ve ever met. She makes me laugh all the time. She just loves to have fun, you know?” I sigh. “And I don’t know if I’ve ever been around someone who turns me on so easily. I can’t stop thinking about her. It’s driving me crazy.”

Leo chuckles, shaking his head. “I’ve been there, mate. I thought I’d lose my damn mind before Vivian and I got together. When it comes to feelings and women—it’s a mindfuck. Just mental gymnastics all day, every day.”

I look at him, a part of me jealous of what he has. “So, what did you do?”

“Well, our situation was different. But I ultimately had to step up and be the man she needed me to be… I almost lost her.” He looks at me intently. “I think all you can do is be the man she wants and needs, without crossing lines, of course. You know… be a good friend. Hopefully, in time, she’ll be brave enough to leave and give you two the chance. She obviously likes you.”

I exhale loudly. “Yeah. I know she does… You’re probably right… Fuck,” I groan. “Why can’t she just be single?”

Leo shrugs, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Timing can be a bitch sometimes. Just be patient. She’ll figure it out. And in the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to explore other options—maybe see what else is out there for you. Sometimes, stepping backcan give both of you clarity. It’s strange, but when people sense they’re not the center of someone’s world, they often realize what they truly want. You never know—just being less available might lead to some bold moves on her end. It’s the strangest fucking thing, but… happens all the time.”

Before I can respond, the TV erupts with cheers as the Bears make a game-winning play, and we’re pulled back into the game, celebrating as quietly as possible.

“Yeah… you’re probably right. It might be good to get my mind off Cooper for a minute.” I pause, letting that thought settle. “Hey, thanks again for letting me crash here for a bit.”

“No problem—stay as long as you like. Seriously.”

I nod in appreciation. “Well, you better get up to that hot wife of yours… from the way she whispered in your ear, seems like you might be getting lucky tonight.”

Leo chuckles, shaking his head. “Wife,” he repeats, amused. “Let’s just say I have a very attentive girlfriend, and I’m a lucky bastard.” He grins and I can’t help but laugh.

“Damn, you’re a good friend. If I had someone like that waiting upstairs for me? I would have left my sorry ass an hour ago.”

He waves a hand like it’s no big deal. “She wants to try out a new toy. Trust me, mate. She'll wait for me.”

“God, what I’d give to be in your shoes right now. If I don’t have sex soon, my dick’s gonna fall off.” I groan. “It’s been way too long.” I stand. “Alright, I’ll let you get to it. Night, man. Thanks again.”

“Night.”

I head up the stairs while Leo turns off the lights and locks up.

Lucky bastard.

I sit on the edge of my bed, phone in hand, scrolling to find Cooper’s name.

I read the last text she sent and laugh to myself.

Cooper:The guy next to me smells horrendous.

She’d sent it on the plane. She had the middle seat, me—the aisle, and the guy next to her at the window. I shake my head.God, she’s so much fun.

Before I even think, I’m texting her.

Ryan:How’s your weekend been?

Shit. I know I shouldn’t be texting her unless it’s work related, but I can’t help it. If I don’t talk to her, I’ll just sit here and go insane. I settle into bed and turn the TV on. Ten minutes later, she responds.

Cooper:Couldn’t wait ten more hours to talk to me, VP?

She sends a winky face emoji with its tongue sticking out.

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