Page 30 of Ruthless Wars

Confusion creases his brow. “So ... you’re upset because I didn’t send you a dick pic?”

The idiot can’t be this dense. “I’m not even dignifying that with a response. Now, when we arrive at the lobby, you’re getting out, and I’m getting back to my day.”

“Fine by me. But if you think you’re blocking my seat on the board, you’d better think again, Margot.”

“I don’t have to block your seat, Mr. Byrne. I have a feeling you’ll do that all by yourself.”

“Right. You wouldn’t do anything underhanded, because the Longs are beyond unscrupulous shit, right? Like that little addendum about Steele Holdings. Somehow, I feel like these little games are just another round of like father, like daughter.”

My spine stiffens as I glare up at him. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Rather than respond, Coop reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cell phone in a familiar feminine rose-gold case. “Here. You left this behind.”

I snatch it back, stubbornly sticking my chin in the air. “Do me a favor. Lose my number.”

“With pleasure, Ms. Long.”

But when the lobby arrives, Coop doesn’t leave. He just stands there, searching my eyes. And try as I might, I can’t look away from the bright golden-hazel shade of them now.

I can’t believe I was falling for this guy.

The doors nearly shut, but he grabs them, forcing them open again. Shaking his head, Coop releases a frustrated huff and moves straight to the lobby exit without another word.

Watching that ass walk away would be heaven if it weren’t attached to the biggest asshole of all time.

As the doors slide shut, I check my phone. A text from Jaclyn and seven from Coop. He’s called too. By the time stamp, his call was practically during his embrace with Allison.

Shoving my curiosity aside, along with a pang of regret, I pocket my phone, determined to read his messages and deal with my feelings when I’m good and hammered.

But not too hammered. The last thing I need is a date with drunk-dial destiny.

When the elevator takes me to the executive floor, I stroll past Jaclyn’s office, bypassing the CEO suite, heading instead to the stairs to the roof that nobody ever uses. Squeamish, I push through the door and climb the stairs quickly to avoid the usual spiders that love the abandoned passages reserved for emergencies.

At the top, I find the rooftop door held ajar with an old brown doorstop. The sight of the silly piece of rubber brings a smile to my face. Pushing through the heavy door, I’m careful to leave the doorstop where I found it.

“Hey,” Jaclyn says, standing from her seat on an old steel crate that’s surprisingly none the worse for wear, even under the unbearable elements of Texas. But a cool breeze and a rare cloud coverage make the rooftop serene and relaxing.

Before I can get a word in edgewise, Jaclyn throws her arms around me in a snuggly embrace.

“I’m surprised you’re hugging me,” I say, half kidding.

“It was hug you or strangle you. Eh, let’s see where the conversation goes.” Pulling away to get a good look at me, Jaclyn asks, “You okay?”

“I’ll be better when I get a look at that rock Richard put on your finger.”

Delighted, Jaclyn wiggles the fingers of her left hand, pride beaming from her smile. “Who would’ve thought I’d be getting married.”

“Not this girl,” I tease. “It’s breathtaking. The blue halo is remarkable. Blue diamonds?”

Gleefully, Jaclyn nods.

“They’re extraordinary,” I say honestly. “They remind me of bluebonnets.”

At my words, Jaclyn erupts into the giddiest giggle.

“Should I ask the reason?” Seeing Jaclyn’s bright blush, I’ve got my answer. “All right, sounds like something naughty with Richard. Keep it in the vault. Your story for another time. Especially as I’ll no doubt be seeing my brother-in-law-to-be and wouldn’t want things getting awkward between us.”

“No, we sure as hell wouldn’t want that,” Jaclyn says, her face falling. “No awkward moments between us ...” She trails off, letting her words slowly sink in.

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