Page 133 of Collateral Damage
Almost every night, we sleep and wake up together. It’s not something either of us are used to. It’s nice, but maybe a little too nice. I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Cooper is burrowing deep into my heart. It scares me but makes me feel safe all at the same time.
“You’ve been quiet,” Cooper points out. “Is everything okay?”
I sigh. “Lots on my mind at work.”
“The show or the foundation?”
I debate on how much to tell Cooper about my problems with Lance. I’m pretty good at compartmentalizing my life, even consider it one of my strengths, but this situation has gotten out of hand. The stress is starting to get to me. And if I’m being honest, it would be really nice to have a man to talk to about my problems.
I roll to my side so our faces are inches apart and gaze into his coppery-brown eyes, searching for something I can trust.
“Sybil,” he continues, running a thumb along my cheekbone. “You don’t have to carry everything on your own. Letting me in doesn’t make you any less strong.” He kisses me softly on the lips. “In fact, it makes you even stronger.”
My throat tightens, voice shaking. “I don’t know where to start.”
He runs calloused fingers up and down my arm, igniting goosebumps. “Just start with one thing. One worry. Let me carry something for you, however big or small.”
A wobbly laugh escapes. “Do you realize what you’re signing up for? My life isn’t simple.”
He raises an eyebrow. “I’m well aware. My life is complicated, too. It’s a good thing I’m not looking for a simple girl.”
The weight of his words sinks in, breaking down my walls little by little. “Most men don’t want to deal with messy. What makes you different?”
His lips curve into a handsome smile, so sweet and pure it almost hurts. “Because I care about you. I always have.”
For a moment, I imagine the wordcareis actuallylove, and everything fits into place. I’ve never been as comfortable with a man as I am with Cooper. He was my best friend for so many years for a reason. I know him, inside and out, and he knows me, too.
Is this what love feels like?
I have to bite my lip to keep from crying. God, when did I become so emotional?
“Okay,” I relent, “I’m in the middle of a feud with Lance Vale.”
His jaw tightens, but he stays silent as I carefully explain the situation. With each word, my chest tightens with rising anger,but it also feels nice to let someone else carry this weight with me. Cooper’s neck twitches and his jaw clenches. He’s holding back churning thoughts.
“That’s a lot to carry,” he says when I’m finally done.
“I know. Sorry.” It’s a bunch of work drama, and he’s busy enough as it is. I shouldn’t put this on him. “It’s not your problem.”
“I’m not saying it’s a lot for me to carry; it’s a lot foryouto carry. I fucking hate that guy, so I can’t say I’m surprised he’s pulling this shit.” His voice is clipped. “But it pisses me off the board hasn’t fired him. You made it perfectly clear he doesn’t deserve to be there. It’s like they think since Gregory passed, they can walk all over the rest of you.”
Relief swells—he gets it.
“Exactly. It’s fucked up. What kills me is that Vale’s been interim CEO for over a year. Does it really take that long to hire someone?”
Cooper thinks on it. “There’s strategy here. A long game. Remember when we were in undergrad and the president of the university left, so they brought in an interim? They didn’t rush to fill that position, either. The new guy was there for a year before they’d officially given him the job. It was a trial run.”
I frown. “That guy ended up with the title.”
“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to happen that way. Someone brand new can make the shareholders nervous. People want what they already know, want to keep the status quo, even if it’s not perfect. They like to feel like they’re in control.”
I swallow hard. “Must be why some of the board members keep fighting for him to stay on.”
He shrugs. “Because he’s the known thing, or maybe they actually like him.” A crease forms between his brow. “Or maybe he’s got dirt on them. Who knows, really? This stuff is political, and it’s even harder when you’re a publicly traded company.That’s why my father refuses to go public and has made me and Ethan swear to never take it public, either.”
“Way to rub it in,” I tease, elbowing him in the side.
