Malcolm knew what he had to do. What he didn't know was how she would take it. She'd been on his mind and had stayed in his thoughts from the moment they met. Cookie was a woman that left an impression on you and it was one you'd never forget.
He could easily dismiss the initial flirtation from her. In his line of work, he'd dealt with that before. Wives of high-end, wealthy clients who were lonely, and seeking the attention and affection they weren't getting from the men they loved. He had never crossed the line then, and it was easy to do. He'd remained professional and had rebuffed their proposals with tact and discretion.
This time it wasn't easy.
This time, it was hard to stay away.
There was something about Cookie that drew him to her. She was beautiful, brash, outspoken, protective, funny, and loyal. She was also temperamental and impatient. She was a woman who stood up for and stood with the people she loved and heaven help anyone who got in their way.
She was always thoughtful. Stopping by to drop off a cup of coffee in the morning. Coming by in the afternoon to discuss things she noticed about some of the employees at Empire. Who to watch more carefully, who she didn't trust. She'd shown an interest in him beyond shallow flirtation and had pulled him into her circle. He'd gained her trust over time and in return she'd gained his affection.
However, he had always remained professional and maintained the proper amount of distance. She wasn't his.
Lucious was a fool.
If Malcolm had a woman like that by his side, he'd never let her go. He would love and cherish her the way she deserved. He was getting in way too deep with this and it was time to nip it in the bud. Malcolm wasn't going to break the code.
He knocked on the door to Cookie's office before entering. She looked up at him expectantly and suddenly he was unsure of what to say. He took a quick breath, gathered his wits, and spoke his mind instead of his heart.
"May I have a word?"
