He flashes a grin that starts crooked, then straightens itself into something devastatingly symmetrical as he closes the distance between us and extends the coffee in my direction.
I’m suddenly aware that I haven’t blinked in several seconds.
“For you,” he says, dimples framing his absurdly handsome smile. “I’m Nash Collins,” he adds.
“Avery Anders. It’s nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to working with you and Vanessa,” I stammer.
“Right,” James interjects. “If everyone is acquainted…”
I catch the scowl on Vanessa’s face, her displeasure painted clearly.
“Avery,” James says, drawing my focus away from the obvious annoyance on Vanessa’s perfect features. “Get settled into your office, and either Nash or Vanessa can help you set up your computer with our case management software and all the firm-specific programs we use.”
Vanessa’s frown deepens, and I can’t tell if it’s just me or if she’s having a bad morning.
Nash closes the gap between us as I watch James walk away, his authority an attractive force of its own. Vanessa watches, sharp and tense.
I’m still holding the coffee, warmth radiating up my arm and into my cheeks.
“Come on,” Nash says, brushing off the palpable silence. “Let’s get you all set up.” He offers a grin. “Wouldn’t want you feeling lost on your first day,” he adds, with a pointed look in Vanessa’s direction.
“Thanks,” I manage, as I follow him into my office.
Entering my workspace, a newfound sense of accomplishment overshadows the tension previously hanging in the air. I take a seat in my desk chair for the first time, running my hands along the black leather.
Nash pulls a chair from the opposite side of the desk around for a better view of my computer screen.
I’m too aware of Nash. How close he is. How casual he seems, completely unconcerned by Vanessa’s disapproval.
He scoots his chair nearer, our knees almost touching. My breath catches and he notices, glancing down with a knowing grin.
He leans across me, sliding my keyboard until it rests in front of him. I watch him work, his fingers flying across the keyboard with ease.
“Thank you for helping me with this. Vanessa seems like she wants nothing to do with her new attorney, so that’s—”
Nash interrupts me before I can finish, saying, “That’s just Vanessa. She does the bare minimum to keep her job here and gets away with it because she’s Richard Hollis’s niece.”
That explains the attitude.
I sink into my seat slightly, sighing. “Good to know.”
“Don’t worry. She’s only here until she finds a rich guy to sweep her off her feet and rescue her from having to work.” He glances at me before adding, “Her words, not mine.”
I can’t hide my surprise. “She told you that?”
He laughs, and the sound echoes between us. “Vanessa tells me a lot,” Nash says, eyes flicking over to meet mine. “Whether I care to hear it or not.”
Just then, my phone vibrates. I take a quick look, and it’s from Mina.
Mina
Drinks on me to celebrate your first day? I want all the details on the new boss!
I smile at the screen, imagining the way her eyes will widen when I tell her everything.
Just tell me when and where!
Leaning back with satisfaction as the last program installs, he says, “You’re all set. Big plans with your boyfriend tonight?”
