I turn off the spray and wrap myself in a robe, tying it too tight, as if that might keep my emotions from spilling out. There’s still a smile on my face. I don’t fight it. My pulse kicks up at the thought of seeing him.
I’m ready for the “what now” conversation. For whatever comes after.
I pull open the door, a flirty remark on my lips—
And it dies.
My iPad is in Cole’s hands.
He’s sitting on the edge of the bed.
Scrolling.
Not holding. Not glancing.
SCROLLING.
Something inside me goes cold so fast it’s almost violent.
For a full three seconds I stand there, wet hair dripping onto the robe collar, watching him flick through my production notes. My campaign logistics. My personal notes.
He’s spying on all of my private, password-protected schemes and battle plans!
“What the hell!” I scream.
I should have seen this coming.
Of course. Of fucking course.
My brain cycles through the evidence, a rapid-fire Google Slides presentation of every red flag.
His restraint in the shower: Calculated.
The apple shampoo confession: Strategic.
Sleeping with me wasn’t about me. It was about access. A way to soften my defenses, to slip into my production schedule, my notes, my perfectly planned campaign, like it was his for the taking.
Playing the part of a total, certified idiot, I handed him my password.
Startled, he blinks up at me. “Ivy.”
I cross the room and yank the iPad out of his hands.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” My voice cracks like a whip, but my hands are shaking.
“I hit your alarm, and—”
“I catch you snooping, and that’s your best line?” A laugh claws out of me, jagged and hollow. “After last night. Really? That’s—wow. Even for you, that’s a new low.”
“What? No.” His brow furrows. “I wasn’t—”
“God, you’re predictable.” Another humorless laugh.
“Stop! Listen to—”
“No, you stop.” I stab a finger toward him. “You needed access. You took it. Because that’s the Cole Hartwell playbook, isn’t it? Take the credit and ignore the hard work. After all, you’re the only one who matters.”
He stands, reaching for me. “That’s not—” but I step back.
