Page 50 of The Most Perfect Wrong

I’ve had time to think, and I’m starting to believe Cooper actually likes having me around—maybe even likes me, at least a little. All the time we spent working together before the Christmas party, when things were good, has to count for something. I don’t think she’s mad at me; I think she’s mad at Brad—hurt and upset.

I just wish she’d talk to me. She’s barely said three words all day.

We did find a place we like—a spot similar to Elemental. It’s called Austin Work Space, right downtown. Cooper said the vibes are good, and I couldn’t agree more. We spent most of the day touring buildings with the realtor before meeting the leasing manager at Austin Work Space. I’m relieved. It’s going to be so much easier to sign a lease at a place like this instead of building out from scratch. All we’ll have to do is hire a team and move in.

“Let’s get some food,” I say as I pull up to the valet.

“I’m not very hungry.”

“Come on, Cooper. You haven’t eaten all day, and your mood is depressing as hell.”

We walk into the lobby. “I was actually planning to go to the pool. You can come if you want,” she says, rushing to the elevator. I follow her.

“The pool?”

“Yeah… I just want to zone out and relax.” She presses the button for the fifteenth floor.

I think about it. The pool does sound tempting. It’s a rooftop pool, heated, and the idea of being alone with Cooper in a swimsuit suddenly makes me forget I’m hungry. Besides, blowing off some stress would be nice.

We step off the elevator and head toward our rooms.

“You coming or not? I don’t have the patience to wait for you,” she says, turning to her door.

“Yeah, I’ll come.”

She blows out a breath. “Alright. I’ll meet you down there in ten.”

I dress quickly, tossing my clothes on the bed like she just invited me to something more than a swim. I almost didn’t pack a swimsuit, but after reading about how great the pool and hot tub were, I figured I’d better. With how freezing Chicago has been, I’m definitely not passing this up.

At the pool, I find a lounger and drop my stuff. It’s not crowded—only a handful of people. It’s getting dark, and the lights are on in the pool. I guess this would be what Cooper calls agood vibe.It’s chilly by Texas standards, but warm compared to home. I glance up as Cooper walks in, wearing one of those coverups with holes in it. Never understood the purpose, but if it’s to get a man’s attention, it’s working.

She drops her things next to mine and pulls off her coverup, her movements bringing me right back to that night in Newport.Jesus, she looks incredible.The swimsuit leaves her practicallynaked—a shimmering little thing with ties in all the right places. I could just pull one string and she’d be bare. I smirk, caught up in the memory. “Not the first time I’ve seen you do that,” I say without thinking.

Without missing a beat, she shoves her hand in my face, turning my head. “Don’t be a creep.”

I chuckle inwardly.Yes. She’s back.Does this mean I can play back? I hesitate, knowing she had a rough morning, but maybe teasing her a bit will keep her from dwelling on it—help her loosen up so she can enjoy herself tonight. “So I’m back to being a creep?”

“You’ve never not been one, Ryan.”

“Did you bring any snacks? We might be here for a while. I’d hate for you to get hangry and overshadow that charming personality of yours.”

She grins, digging into her bag. “Oh, I’ve got something better than snacks.” She pulls out a small tin. “Got some edibles. You want one? Or do you enjoy being a stiff asshole?”

I raise my eyebrows, leaning back on the lounger. “You brought edibles?”

“What? Areyou,of all people, judging me?”

I furrow my brows. “What’sthatsupposed to mean?”

She rolls her eyes. “Please. You know exactly what it means.”

I sit up. “Jesus. If it’ll make you less of a pain in my ass, I’m in.”

She rolls her eyes, popping one into her mouth. “Why do you think I brought them in the first place? I knew I’d need to get high after spending so much time with you.” She ruffles my hair. “Desperate times, Ryan. Go on, take one. Maybe it'll help you remember how to have fun.”

I chuckle, grabbing an edible. “Alright, but if I end up high and have to listen to you rant about how all men are assholes, I’m throwing you in the pool.”

She narrows her eyes, but there's a hint of a smile. “Oh, trust me, if you throw me in, I'm dragging you in with me.” Her gaze flicks down before meeting mine again. “Maybe the water will help you get that boner in check.”

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