Page 58 of The Most Perfect Wrong

“Did you ever ask her why she cheated?” she asks. “It’s just… you said you thought things were going well. So, I wonder… did you ask herwhyshe did it?”

I raise a brow. “Would it matter?” I ask. Of course, I asked Beth why. That was one of the first things I wanted to know. But now I’m curious where Cooper is heading with this.

“I think it does. Usually, when a man cheats, it’s physical—something about sex or opportunity. But when a woman cheats, it’s often emotional. A need isn’t being met, and someone else starts filling that role. So, I don’t know… maybe you were working too much, and she felt disconnected—maybe she didn’t mean for it to happen… Maybe it just did.”

“I think it’s a lot more nuanced than that.” I scowl. “You’re being awfully sympathetic to my wife who had an affair, when earlier you were ready to cast stones because you thought I was a cheater. Why the double standard?”

“Because it’s different. Wanting to fuck someone isn’t the same as wanting someone because they make you feel something.”

“I would’ve rather she just fucked some guy. That would’ve hurt a hell of a lot less than developing feelings for someone.”

“I don’t think it’s better. Especially when the other person is at home, willing and waiting for them.”

“Are we talking about you or me now?” After hearing her argument with Brad this morning, it’s pretty clear he’s cheated on her.

“You,” she says quickly. “I just can’t imagine Beth went looking for someone else just for sex. It’s not like you weren’t home ready to be with her. And let’s be honest, you’re not ugly—something was off. But if it were reversed, ifyouhad the affair… it’d probably be all about the physical desire, about the sex.”

I lean in, my eyes laser focused. “Why do you want me to forgive my wife so much? Why are you so convinced she’s innocent in all this?”

“I don’t think she’s innocent. I just…” She glances down at her hands, and then back to me. She exhales. “Because if I slept with you, I don’t think I’d feel bad about it.”

My pulse skips a beat. My eyes drop to her mouth, and I force them back to hers. I can’t go there. It’s not even on the table. She looks at me with a longing that breaks my heart. There’s nothing I’d love more than to make her last sentence a reality. But it’s not right. I sigh. “You’re really that checked out?”

She nods, swallowing hard. “I think I’ve been checked out for a while. I just haven’t wanted to admit it.”

I reach over, brushing my hand against hers. “Look… if you need help with anything—somewhere to stay, or even just someone to talk to—I’m here. I’m a friend, Cooper.”

“Thanks, Ryan.” She smiles softly, her voice lighter than before. “So… apparently you’re not an asshole.”

I chuckle softly. “If only you’d asked me about Beth weeks ago.”

“I know… I’m sorry that I didn’t.”

“It’s okay.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me about her? I mean, cancer, Ryan.God, that's heavy. I thought we were friends… before the Christmas party anyway.” A smile tugs at one corner of her lips.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “I guess you were a bit of an escape.” I let out a soft laugh. “You have a way of making me forget about all the shit—the cancer, the affair—Beth.”

She licks her lips, her expression serious but unreadable.

“You know, if you do ever break up with Brad… I’d love to take you out—on a real date.” I clear my throat, suddenly nervous even though I’ve confessed worse. “I’ve wanted thatsince the moment I laid eyes on you. Come on, Cooper. There’s something here—don't tell me I'm the only one who feels it.”

Her smile’s soft, and her gaze drops briefly before meeting mine again. “Maybe you’re right.”

I lean closer. “I bet we’d discover a hell of a lot more in that pool without the boundaries. No bullshit. Just us.”

Her lips twitch, mischief dancing in her eyes. She tilts her head, her voice dipping into a sultry tease. “So… you’re saying it’d be all about the orgasms, then?”

Just hearing her say the word orgasm gets me hard.

“Well, if I remember correctly, you had a lot of those in Newport.” I smirk, cocking a brow. “And I know you weren’t faking it.”

She smacks her lips together, shaking her head, trying to hold out, but finally she relents. “Fine. You win.” She holds up her hand, mouthing ‘five’ as she grins.

“Five?” I ask, my eyes widening. “You had five orgasms?”

“Mm hmm.” She pats my arms. “But I’ll still never admit it was good.”

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