Page 58 of The Charmer

If the realisation that she loved Cooper had her in a spin, it was nothing on the mind-numbing revelation that he’d bought the gallery for her.

The big question was why?

“I worked out a few things this afternoon and thought you’d appreciate the gesture.” He shrugged. “As much as you want to deny it, I think we have a chance at being more than friends in the future and I wanted you to give us a chance without worrying about business stuff.”

More than friends…

In an instant, the befuddled fog clouding Ariel’s mind lifted and with a flash of blinding clarity, she knew exactly why Cooper had been so generous.

The resulting knowledge made her want to vomit.

“I’m not for sale,” she said, each word uttered with icy precision as she handed him back the document that burned her fingertips with its treachery. “So we had sex? Big deal. It doesn’t mean you can buy me for a few more cheap thrills. Nice to know what you think of me, though.”

Anger flared in Cooper’s eyes, sparking sapphire shards of fury. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not trying to buy you. I just want this damn business sorted so we can get on with things.”

“What things?” She kept her tone silky smooth when in reality she longed to knee him where it hurt the most.

He made a grab for her hands and she jerked away, his offer fluttering to the floor between them. “Don’t pretend there’s nothing between us. You feel the heat as much as I do. Is it so wrong to want to explore that further? To see whether there’s a chance for a couple like us?”

Ariel wanted to run but couldn’t move, trapped in the intensity of his stare, wishing he didn’t have the power to make her pulse race and her heart turn over.

“There’s no chance.”

The knowledge stabbed her anew. They were too different, too conflicted, and his actions today spoke volumes. When the going got tough, he bought his way out of a situation.

For guys like Cooper Vance, money talked.

Unfortunately, she wouldn’t listen. She couldn’t. She’d learned long ago that no matter how desperate or hungry or cold, there had to be a line you shouldn’t cross. Now, Cooper had unwittingly drawn that line and she wouldn’t cross it.

If nothing else, she still had her pride.

She rummaged through her bag until she found what she was looking for. “Here. I think this is what you want.”

She slapped the signed proposal in his hand and closed his fingers over it.

“This isn’t what I want.” Cooper shook his head and tried to give it back to her. “What I want is you.”

Pain, fierce and deep, twisted her gut until she almost cried out with the agony of it. “Like I already said, I’m not for sale.”

Without waiting a second longer, Ariel turned and walked towards the exit, praying her tears wouldn’t turn to sobs before she made it out the front door.

“Ariel, wait!”

Ignoring Cooper’s desperate plea, she picked up the pace, wishing she’d worn her ballet flats rather than three inch wedges today. That’s all she needed, to break an ankle to match her broken heart.

“Please Ariel. I need you.”

Her steps slowed as she reached the far end of the plush foyer, the front door in sight. She could’ve bolted for it, heels be damned. Instead, the moment Cooper laid a hand on her shoulder, she swivelled to face him, unsure whether to swing her bag at him or delve in it for a wad of tissues.

“What did you just say?” She tilted her head up, ignoring the tears pouring down her face as she eyeballed the jerk responsible for them.

“I need you.” With infinite tenderness, he wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. “I need you. I want you. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Once his thumbs stilled, he cupped her face, staring into her eyes like he meant every word.

As if.

Looked like he’d pulled out every weapon in his arsenal to win this contest. If he couldn’t buy her, he’d schmooze her, just like he had from the very beginning.

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