He pulls back, a satisfied grin on his face. “I knew it would be,” he says, his eyes catching mine with an intensity that makes me want to stay.
I get into my car, watching him out the window as I pull away, a giddy warmth spreading through me. But beneath it, a familiar unease, a reminder that no matter how much I want this to be simple, I know it’s not.
Chapter 10
Athousand thoughts collide as I step into the office Monday morning. None of them orderly, all of them tinged with the anxiety of what today might bring. My mind is a whirlwind of anticipation. Nervousness. The uncertainty of seeing James and Nash after the weekend I had with both of them.
I’m barely settled, rummaging through the chaos on my desk for some semblance of sanity, when my phone buzzes.
Unknown
My office. 9AM.
Even though I don’t have the number saved, I can tell by the tone of the text that it’s from James. After the way we left things, this has to be about the kiss.
The pit in my stomach grows with each passing minute, anticipation building as I look at my watch. 8:57. I exhale and try to steady myself before leaving my office.
I make my way to James’s door, nerves clawing away at me. I knock and brace for the conversation I’m sure is coming.
“Come in,” he says, his voice steady.
I step inside, heart pounding. A thick stack of documents sits on his desk, and he doesn’t look up as I enter.
“You wanted to see me?” I ask, my voice more tentative than I intend.
“Yes,” he replies, finally meeting my eyes. There’s no trace of hesitation, no indication that he spent the weekend thinking about our kiss. His composure, his easy control, makes my cheeks burn.
“I’m assigning you a new case,” he says, sliding the documents toward me.
I blink, caught off guard.
I scan the first page, my thoughts stumbling to catch up. A wrongful death suit.
“The case is already set for trial,” James says. “Three months from now.”
My eyes snap back to his. “Three months is…soon. And this looks complex. Are you sure a senior attorney shouldn’t handle this?” I say, trying to mask the panic in my voice.
He nods. “I’m assigning it to you, Anders.”
I nod, clutching the documents, my fingers brushing the edge of the paper as I try to grasp the enormity of what he’s just handed me.
“Okay. I guess I’ll just consult with Kevin or Teresa if I have any questions then,” I say, trying to reassure myself more than him.
“No, you’ll come to me. They have their own trials to prepare for.”
“Of course,” I say, trying to match his coolness.
“Good. Then we’re done here.”
I stare at him. That’s it? He’s just going to pretend like that kiss didn’t happen? I should feel relief, but all I feel is off balance. I turn to leave, my mind scrambling.
“How did you get my number?” I ask, pausing at the door.
He smirks, looking amused for the first time since I walked in. “Your employee file.”
“Oh, right,” I say, and head back to my office.
Vanessa and Nash are at their desks, both working as I call them into my office, anxiety rising with each step I take.
