Page 53 of The Charmer

“I know.” Eric raised pain-stricken eyes to his, his mouth twisted into a grimace. “Seeing you every day has been the only reason I’ve been able to function, to get up in the mornings and make it into the office.”

“Then why?”

Cooper didn’t have to add ‘why ignore me? Why treat me like dirt? Why act like I didn’t exist, like I wasn’t your son anymore?’

“Because I’m a gutless old fool who saw his life flash before his eyes the minute you sealed your first deal.” Eric dragged in a deep breath and blew it out again, embarrassment flushing his cheeks. “I’m jealous, Son. I’ve been so jealous I couldn’t see straight. Throw in the fear I’ll soon be redundant, and the fact you keep negotiating deals I can’t seem to seal these days, and there you have it. The most pathetic old fool you’ll ever see.”

“You’re jealous?” Stunned, Cooper pondered the revelation, knowing there had to be more to it. “That’s it?”

His dad sagged before his eyes. “Age does stupid things to a man. I was bursting with pride when you first signed that contract to work at the company, then within two months, I wanted to boot your cocky ass out the door.”

“Then why hold me to the contract? Why not let me go months ago when I wanted to?”

Eric looked away. “Because you’re an asset to the company. You’ve brought more business in over the last year than I have in the last five years. I pushed you harder, knowing you wouldn’t disappoint.”

“You took advantage of the fact your son wouldn’t tell you to shove it,” Cooper said, glad he’d discovered the reason behind his dad’s animosity but feeling like he was still missing a major piece of the puzzle.

“There’s something else.”

Cooper leaned forward, not sure if he’d heard Eric’s whispered words.

“What?”

“A guilty conscience.” Eric shook his head, sorrow ageing him. “Masterson’s approached me just after you started here. They were headhunting you, heard about the whiz kid from uni, knew you were my son. They were fishing around, wanting to know if you’d signed a binding contract, that sort of thing.” Eric grimaced. “All over a friendly beer, of course. They were going to approach you directly after paying me the courtesy visit, so I lied to put them off.”

A light bulb went off in Cooper’s head. “So that’s why you made me sign a contract like everyone else the month after I started?”

Eric nodded, his mouth downturned. “I told them you were legally bound to Vance Corporation and that was that.”

“Before I signed the contract?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Was their offer any good?”

“Unbelievable.” Eric hesitated, wringing his hands before continuing. “I’m sorry, Son. I was selfish, wanting you to carry on the family tradition. Then when I had you where I wanted you, I couldn’t handle your success.” He tapped his temple. “Stupid, irrational, call it what you like. I’m an idiot.”

Cooper digested his father’s revelations, knowing he should feel more angry, more deceived. Instead, a strange feeling of relief seeped through him. He finally knew the truth and his father’s indifference and belligerence over the last year had been born of insecurity, not a lack of love, as Cooper had thought.

His dad might be a lying old coot and going a bit senile but now he knew everything, he had more important things to worry about: like convincing Ariel that he wasn’t the bastard she thought.

“I know I’ve treated you like crap but I want you to know I’m damn proud of you, Coop.”

Finally, his dad looked at him with pride, with recognition, with love, and Cooper smiled.

“For a smart guy, Dad, you’ve made some pretty dumb judgement calls, but I’m willing to forgive and forget if you’ll do one thing.”

“What’s that?” His dad glared at him with some of his characteristic suspicion and Cooper’s grin widened.

“Go fishing with me this weekend. Have a beer or two, just like old times.”

“I’d like nothing better, Son.”

Eric’s grin matched his and Cooper wished they’d had this conversation months ago.

“Does this mean you’re staying?” Eric asked.

“Don’t push your luck, old man.”

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