Page 94 of Work with Me

And yet, Cooper had given me the testimonial I needed, despite behavior he clearly saw as unprofessional. Why? I needed to find him. I’d thank him for the valuable words. And I’d apologize if I needed to.

“Have you seen him tonight?” I peered out the room’s tiny window.

“Who?”

“Cooper.”

“Yeah. He’s around somewhere. I was going to ask him about Jay.”

“Do you mind if I talk to him first?”

“Go ahead. I’m really sorry I said anything.”

“Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.” I opened the door and strode toward the stairs. Would it be fine? Or would Cooper tell anyone who called for a reference that I’d engaged in an improper relationship with a coworker? I supposed I’d know if I showed up to my next gig and they were all wearing chastity belts.

I spotted his dark blond hair, rising above the rest, downstairs. Keeping my gaze locked on him, I descended and made my way to where he was standing, talking to a group of people. Executives, from the quality of their clothes. I fidgeted with my own skirt, making sure it covered my knees. I wished I’d worn pants.

Cooper’s gaze connected with mine. He winced. Not good.

I hovered outside the circle until, eventually, he excused himself and stood in front of me.

“Ms. Weber. How’s business?” He shook my hand, his fingers icy.

“Doing well, thanks. I’m on a project with a local hospital right now. Thank you again for the kind testimonial. I posted it to my website, and it’s been a help in bringing in business.”

“I’m glad. Could we speak for a minute?” He tilted his head toward the small conference room next to the security desk.

I nodded and followed him.

When the door closed, he said, “I should have reached out to you earlier, but we had something of an emergency at headquarters. I’d like to apologize for Jackson’s behavior. We don’t condone sexual harassment, and he’s being disciplined.”

I blinked. “Sexual harassment?”

“He said you resisted his advances on multiple occasions, including the day the project ended. I appreciate your discretion and hope the testimonial I gave will smooth over any unpleasant feelings he engendered.”

What. The. Hell? What had Jackson done?

“He told you I refused him. That what Tyler said he saw was nonconsensual.”

He held out his hands, palms up. “Jackson’s always honest with me.”

I barely contained a snort. Jackson’s entire persona was a lie. I supposed Cooper knew Jackson used many layers of nonchalant, reckless swagger to hide his soft, squishy, caring self. But now I knew something Cooper didn’t.

If I were a different person, I’d take advantage of the fear in Cooper’s eyes that told me he’d settle out of court for a sum that’d make my family and me comfortable for many years. Private-school tuition for Noah. A nice nest egg for college and retirement.

But that wasn’t who I was.

“Mr. Fallon, Jackson hasn’t been completely honest with you about the nature of our relationship. It was consensual. Jackson didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Are you telling me you, a consultant, had an affair with your client?” His jaw had turned to stone.

Oh, shit.

I wished I could cool my burning cheeks with my cold hands. “Not exactly. Our relationship was almost completely platonic during the project.” Except for the kissing. I bit my lip.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t have the appearance of a platonic relationship. Others on the team noticed.”

“I know, but—”

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