Page 167 of Collateral Damage
I blink away tears as I step forward to say a few words of thanks, and then my time in the spotlight is over.
The music plays, and after chatting with a few people offering their congratulations, Cooper swoops in.
“Let’s dance,” he says, and I gladly let him lead me away.
I rest my head on his shoulder and smile, feeling happier than I’ve felt in ages. This night couldn’t be more perfect.
“Hey you,” I say, leaning to look him in the eyes. “How much of that fifty million did you contribute?”
He smirks. “It’s a secret.”
I roll my eyes. “Is that so?”
“Yup. Anonymous donation.”
I snort. “Well, I heard we got our largest anonymous donation in foundation history tonight. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
“All I know is the woman I love is building something extraordinary, and I’m a very wealthy man who intends to support her.”
I tut, but I can’t be mad.
“I have something else to tell you,” he says, his tone not so light anymore. “It’s about Ethan.”
I turn to look over at where Ethan and Arden are dancing. “What is it?”
“Ethan has expressed unhappiness working at King Media. Frankly, he doesn’t want this career.”
I cough on a gasp. “What?”
I was with Ethan all through college and saw how hard he worked, how intent he was on being the best, on making his father proud and becoming a force of business.
“Arden really changed him for the better,” Cooper explains. “You know our dad had that dumb clause in our trust fund contract stating we had to work for him or else we would lose everything, right?”Oh boy, don’t I know it. “Long story short, Ethan and I went to our father and told him I’ll be taking over asCEO for King Media when the time comes, and Ethan is leaving the company next year to attend medical school.”
“Wait, medical school?” I practically squawk. “I had no idea Ethan had any interest in medicine.”
Cooper nods. “That makes two of us. Apparently, it’s been Ethan’s secret dream since he was a kid. Losing our mom has made him want to get into it more.” He grins. “Guy wants to cure cancer, so who am I to tell him no?”
“Wow. How did Conrad take it?”
Cooper laughs. “Not well at first, but when I explained that I’d fund Ethan’s schooling and life for as long as necessary, Dad realized he was outnumbered and relented on the trust fund issue. He signed an addendum for Ethan, so my brother can pursue his dreams and not lose a dime.”
I tilt my head, studying Cooper. “And what about you? What’s your dream?”
“You’re my dream,” he says simply, eyes locked on mine.
“You know what I mean. Do you want to stay at King?”
“I think I’ll do as well as CEO as I would’ve done as COO.” He winks. “When the time comes, of course. I’ve got some other life goals to get to first.”
He doesn’t say it, but I already know he’s thinking about marriage. I’m thinking about it, too. I can’tnotthink about it with this man. With Ethan, it felt like we had to get married to check off an item on a list, but with Cooper, it’s something I want badly.
He’s my forever person.
I want forever with him.
“Is that right? What did you have in mind first?”
“Move in with me,” he says. “Or we can get our own place. Or I can move in with you. I don’t care. But I want to live together.”
