Page 21 of Rush

Cooper reappears, drink in hand, flashing that confident grin. He leans in—too close.

“You’re so hot.” He moves in rhythm beside me. His cologne hits—sharp, clean, too familiar. I don’t want to unpack why.

I lean into it. It’s nothing. Just a dance.

For a heartbeat, I let go—the headlines, the heartbreak, the ache still stitched with Alex’s name.

Grinding against him, feeling his hands on me. It’s fine.

“You’ve got moves,” he says, his voice nearly swallowed by the music.

You were dancing. You were magnetic.The memory of Alex’s words creep into my mind.

I amwaytoo sober for this.

“Excuse me for a moment.” I shrug him off, beeline for the bar, and order four shots of vodka. I throw them back, gritting my teeth as the burn tears its way down my chest.

I head back to the group a little wobblier on my feet and practically collapse into Riley’s lap.

“Where’d you go, babe?”

“Just needed a sec.”

“You okay?”

I nod. Far from it.

Drink after drink arrives, and the edges of the night blur. The lights smear like paint; laughter grows louder, freer. Riley whoops, spinning me in a clumsy twirl that sends my hair flying.

Philippa throws her arms around me. “Cooper hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night.”

“Good for him.”

She giggles. “He’s handsome, successful, from a respectable family?—”

“Pip, it’s barely been a week since…” I stop, unable to say it aloud.

“Relax, I’m not saying marry him,” she teases, waggling her brows. “Enjoy yourself.”

My sister must’ve been abducted.Who is she?

“Are you suggesting rebound sex with the Wolf of Wall Street?”

She shrugs playfully. “Back me up here, Riley.”

“Babe, you know I’m all for a good pussy pounding.”

They both cackle. I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. I’m glad they’re having fun—even if it’s at my expense.

“I need another drink,” I say, raising my hand as I slip away—another four shots of vodka.

By the time I stumble back, I catch Philippa mid-conversation with Cooper and his suited entourage.

“Actually, I’ve been trying to discuss expansion opportunities for Goodman Enterprises with Broderick,” Cooper says, swirling his drink. “The man and his morals—he can’t be moved. Could’ve doubled his billions by now, but he refuses to entertain the proposal.”

At the sound of his name, my ears prick.

He knows Broderick.