Matthew settles the bill with a few quick words to Josh, not even glancing at the check.
“Shall we?”he asks, barely contained excitement lighting up his face.
FOURTEEN
OUTSIDE THE STATEHOUSE entrance, Matthew descends the first two steps before extending his hand.I take it without hesitation, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.A sharp tingle races up my arm.He falters for a fraction of a second before continuing, his grip tightening ever so slightly.
“No rush,” he says, guiding me down the steps to the hotel entrance.
My hand fits perfectly in his, a quiet comfort in the chaos of my life.I don’t want to let go, but I force myself to focus.
“Well, if anything, I blame you for making me practically chug that wine.”I giggle.
“It’ll be worth it, trust me.”He looks back, just enough for me to see half his smile.
Trust him.
He’s infuriating at times.He is the lawyer hired to get rid of me and my business, the very person I should be fighting against.And yet, despite that glaring fact, somehow deep down, Idotrust him.
It’s illogical, completely irrational, but no less true.
“My car is right over there,” I tell him when we reach the bottom of the slate stone staircase, slipping my hand free.“I’ll be right behind you.”
“No, no.”He recaptures my hand and pulls me in the opposite direction.“I’m driving.”
“But what about my car?”
“Don’t worry, we’ll come back for it later.”He stops at a sleek black Mercedes sedan and opens the passenger door for me.
He shuts me in, slides behind the steering wheel, and starts the engine.
“Now let’s hope he’s still open.”
“Who is?”I ask, buckling my seatbelt.
“You’ll see.”He flashes a smile and shifts the car into gear, pulling away from the Edgewater Hotel and its glittering lights, leaving my car behind.
The drive is silent, filled only with the low hum of the engine and a barely audible late-night jazz station.I steal glances at Matthew.The faint glow of the dashboard illuminates the sharp cut of his jawline and the focused intensity in his green eyes.One hand rests on the steering wheel, the other in his lap.With only the middle console between us, the small space feels intimate, every breath, every movement amplified.
A moment later, he pulls into a parking spot.I look up, and the Wisconsin State Capitol fills my vision.It dominates.The massive granite structure stretches toward the sky, bathed in a warm, golden light.The soaring columns, the intricate carvings, the arched windows… every detail is prominent.The central dome, with a statue perched atop it, glows against the dark backdrop of the night sky.I’ve seen nothing like it.
“Leave everything,” Matthew says, removing his tie and tossing it onto the back seat before killing the engine.
I nod, fixated on the spectacle before me.
Matthew is already out of the car.He opens my door, offering his hand.
I take it, and as I step out onto the pavement, I gasp.“This building is gorgeous,” I say, my voice filled with genuine awe.“I’ve always wanted to come see it up close, but never made the time.”
“I find it to be the most impressive at night,” Matthew replies, a hint of pride in his voice.
He’s so right, I think, tilting my head back to take in the full scale of the illuminated dome.
The lights accentuate every curve, every detail.It’s almost…
Magical.
“Ready?”Matthew gestures ahead.
