Boss Me (Private Listing #3)

“Oh, shit! What happened?”

I walk to the break room as I tell Hope the whole sordid story. Leaving out how jealous I was of the women Seth and Noah brought. I also tell her the police don’t think he’s the stalker but haven’t ruled him out entirely.

“You’d like Sara and Kayla, Blake’s sister.” I dump out the remnants of the coffee and load the dishwasher. “They were both really nice.”

“That’s good. Especially if Noah dates Sara since she’ll probably end up hanging out with you and Coop.” Hope sighs. I ignore the twist in my heart about Noah and Sara. It doesn’t sting quite as bad, especially since Sara definitely has something else going on. “The way Coop looked at you. Jeez Louise, I almost got scorched from the smolder.”

My cheeks grow warm. There’s another piece I have to tell her. “Okay, so it’s not official so don’t say anything, but there’s a rumor that Coop and I are engaged.”

“What? That’s fantastic! You’ll make the cutest babies. You aren’t pregnant, are you? Because if you are, it doesn’t matter. He’s lucky to have trapped you.” Hope squeals. “A wedding.”

I sink into the chair in the break room and pick at a napkin on the table. “It’s a rumor, but I don’t know if it will blow up or not. It’s really confusing, actually.”

Her tone is gentle when she says, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. Yes. I don’t know.” I don’t know what I can tell her and what I should keep to myself. This whole situation makes my brain hurt. The NDA binds me from talking about my relationship with the guys, but this thing with Coop isn’t part of it. Can I tell her the truth? We aren’t engaged, but then she might ask why fake it. I rub my forehead. “Do you want to come over tomorrow and watch The Witcher and drink wine?”

That I know I can do. It’s safe.

“Oh, yes. That sounds great. Afternoon?”

“I’ll text you when I clear it with the bosses.”

A movement next to the door makes me lift my gaze. Coop leans in the doorway with a smirk on his lips and his hands in his pockets. Everything about him is stylish, from his shirt to his designer jeans to his leather shoes. His dark hair is gathered in a bun. His light blue eyes hide a hint of mischief in them.

“Sounds great! I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Ending the call, I set my phone down on the table in front of me.

“I was just talking to Hope.” I gesture to my phone. My cheeks warm and my insides melt remembering him deep inside my mouth and pussy just a few hours ago. Coop in the break room seems to be our thing, so I buzz with anticipation for his next move.

He gives me a nod and glances over his shoulder before approaching the table and taking the chair next to me.

“You don’t have to clear anything with us.” He takes my hand in his. His clear blue eyes capture my attention, like a beautiful sky I can’t help but stop to admire. “You can see your friend when you want to.”

“It’s just all a little odd. I don’t know what I can tell her and what I have to keep secret.” I shrug and lower my gaze to our hands.

“I got you something when I dropped off the diamonds in the vault this afternoon.” Coop lifts a box from his pocket and hands it to me. “Normally I’d let you choose, but this one reminded me of you.”

My heartbeat quickens and I’m afraid to blink. It’s one thing to pretend to get back at his ex, but this is a whole other level that makes my heart pound. My fingers twitch toward the box, but I hesitate and sigh. “It’s just a rumor, Coop. We could just let it die. Ignore it or say you were just messing with your ex.”

He catches my chin and tips my gaze up to meet his. “Don’t do that. I know I’m not the perfect guy, but I’m not about to go back on my word.”

He opens the box and takes out the ring. I keep my gaze on his, afraid to look. Afraid to hope for something more than right now. I’m good with what I have with the guys. I don’t need more. But this could make me long for something we can’t have. A future.

“I’m not good at the emotional stuff, but this is something I’m good at. Offering expensive things to gorgeous women.” He slides the ring on my finger and the weight of it startles me. I glance down at this beautiful setting of diamonds similar to the earrings and necklace from last night.

“It’s exquisite, Coop,” I whisper. A waterfall of diamonds clustered on a platinum band. It’s definitely too much, possibly priceless, and probably an heirloom of his family. “But I can’t wear this. What if I lose it? I’d never forgive myself.”

Before I can take it off, he closes my hand and brings my knuckles to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on each one.

“You won’t lose it, sweetheart. I trust you with this.”

My eyes meet his again, and there’s that tenderness I saw last night. It makes my throat thick and my heart feel too big for my chest. I lurch forward, throwing my arms around him and holding him close. He pulls me onto his lap and holds me against him, stroking his hand down my back.

It’s sweet and so unlike Coop. I sigh against him and look at the ring again. This is a complication I’m not sure any of us are prepared for.

Dinner is a quiet affair. Well, conversation is quiet at least. We’re all in the living room with the game on when the pizzas arrive. Seth brings them up and sets them on the coffee table while Blake carries plates over for us.