I nodded and swallowed the lump that had built up in my throat. “I know your lawyer guy is really good, and it would more than likely be fine—but I can’t risk it, Cooper. The chance that it doesn’t go as planned and everything comes out—”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“You can’t possibly know that, though! If the truth comes out, about my hacking, and the stuff I dug up for Plush. If that all gets dragged through the courts, then it’s not just me in trouble, it’s Plush, it’s Brighton Enterprises, it’s—” my words cut off. “We just can’t. It’s not worth it.”
Cooper looked ready to launch out of his chair. “So, what are you proposing then? We just wait around and hope it doesn’t happen again? That they decide not to fuck with us again?”
“I don’t know,” I replied, my voice quiet.
Cooper’s face shifted. “What are you afraid of, Allie?”
Shit. “Please, Cooper. Just drop it.”
“Allie, haven’t we been through this enough? I know when you’re keeping something from me. Just tell me what’s going on.”
“See? This is why I went home alone last night. You’re pressuring me and it feels like I can’t breathe! I need this whole thing to go away, right now.” I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to trap my hot tears, but they broke free and slid down my cheeks. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
Cooper was at my side within half a second and pulled me against his chest. “Okay, baby, whatever you want. We won’t do the lawyers and court. I’ll handle this.”
I nodded against his chest, my throat tight and constricted.
He pressed a kiss against my forehead and held it there for the minute I needed to regather myself. When I’d calmed down, I straightened up and finally looked at him and met his eyes. “That’s really what you want?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He considered me for another moment, but then he kissed my face again and said, “Consider it done.”
“What are you going to do?” I asked, suddenly sobered. Cooper’s tone was low and dangerous.
“I’ll handle it.”
I wrinkled my nose at him. “Cooper, this isn’t a mob movie. Tell me what you’re going to do!”
“I’m going to talk to Clay. Jeeze, Allie, I’m not threatening to feed him to the fish or something.”
I crossed my arms. “What are you going to say to him?”
We squared off, staring each other down, waiting for one of us to break. When it became clear that neither of us was backing down, Cooper said, “Allie, it’s either my way, or we go back to Mr. Peters office.”
I had my reasons for not wanting to go to court against Clay and Bryce, reasons that were bigger than my own humiliation and pride. “Fine.” I stood from my chair and stalked back towards the door.
“See you for dinner?” Cooper called after me.
“Can’t wait!” I threw back sarcastically at the same time I flung the door open and marched myself out into the hallway. I got about two steps outside when I could’ve sworn I heard the low, gravelly sound of Cooper chuckling.
Chapter Four — Allie
One of the weirdest things about my transition to being Cooper’s girlfriend was that we still worked together and at work—he wasn’t Cooper. He was Mr. Brighton. Our relationship wasn’t necessarily a secret, but Cooper insisted we keep things professional so no one could ever get the wrong idea about my position being a fringe benefit o
f sharing his bed. I agreed it was no one else’s business and after the disaster at Spotlight, I was more than fine with keeping things on the down low to avoid company gossip. Although, there were still moments when it was weird to go about our day and not be able to acknowledge each other beyond what was expected.
Even thought I’d moved on from the hacking job, I remained in my original office—one floor down in the IT department. I was busy working on a new line of all-natural Plush products, and had very little to do with technology, but it was easier to stay put and not change offices just because my role in the company had changed.
At night, I’d usually leave the office to go home alone and feed Sam. Then I’d meet up with Cooper by eight, usually at some fancy downtown restaurant, then we’d go to his penthouse for the night. So, I was surprised to find Cooper waiting in my office when I’d returned from a meeting with the graphic designer who was making new logos for the new Plush line of all-natural products.
“Afternoon,” I greeted, keeping my voice neutral as I swept past him to sit behind my desk. My office was walled with windows and although with the touch of a button, I could have the bamboo blinds pull closed for privacy—it would be a little suspicious. His hand grazed my ass as I rounded the desk and I shot him a warning look as I smoothed the back of my pants and sat down. “What can I do for you, Mr. Brighton?”
“I believe we had dinner plans, Ms. Rand.” Cooper flashed me a devilish smile that made my heart thump out to a new, frantic beating.