Chapter Twenty
Evangeline
Work has beeninsane this week. Another firm has asked us to join them in a major lawsuit, and with Kamii still out on maternity leave, a lot more has fallen on my plate than before. She’s only a phone call away, so I can ask her for guidance, but otherwise, it’s perfect practice for what I hope will be my future.
“Are you joining us, Angie?” I hear Tom, one of the firm’s partners, say as he peeks his head into my office.
I’m riding on cloud nine right now, so honored that not only are they allowing me to somewhat step in for Kamii, but they actually want me to sit in on the meetings and really want my opinion.
“Yup.” I grab my notepad and head out to attend the biggest meeting of my career.
In a man’s world, I’m not surprised that when I walk into the conference room, all I see are suits, of all colors and sizes, but when my eyes land on one, grabbing my attention in ways it shouldn’t, my heart sinks.
Cole.
“Gentlemen,” I say in greeting, trying not to bring any more attention to him than necessary. I almost want to look up to see if I still have that gray cloud following me like Kamii suggested. Truly, I have fucked up luck sometimes.
Everyone takes their seat, and of course, the only one left is right next to him. I pull out my chair, and his eyes greet mine, his tongue quickly licking his lips. I’m glad he hasn’t brought attention to us, but my nerves are the last thing I want in this meeting.
After I pull my chair in, I feel his leg come much too close to mine, and I cough my surprise.
Mario, the head attorney on the case, gives us the rundown of what we’re up against. It’s a sexual harassment lawsuit against the CEO of a major corporation. The guy is a family man and swears up and down this is a money grab by the three different women accusing him.
Everything is hearsay, but as we all know, it will take strong evidence to get him off. Even though he knows the odds are against him, he’s willing to drop millions to make an example as to not mess with him and draw this entire case out in court rather than just pay off his accusers. He wants it done fast, though, before public opinion sets in, so they are bringing our firm on to find a way to prove them wrong as fast and accurately as possible.
“Angie,” Tom says. “We’re going to need you doing a lot of research on the accusers. Talk to everyone you can. If you need to go back to their preschool teacher then do it. Dig up any dirt on these people that you can find.”
Mario adds in, “This is Cole next to you. You two work together, bounce ideas off each other, compare notes and come up with a game plan.” He throws a stack of papers bound together by a clip on the table. “This is what our client came up with so start here. Then talk to their friends, neighbors, ex-bosses, anyone you can. Their women are good, but we’re better.”
Cole grabs the stack of papers. “On it,” he says before looking at me. “Looks like we have our work cut out for us. Hope you’re a coffee drinker.” He smiles, and yes, I feel it deep and low, and I cross my legs in response. The tiny laugh on his lips makes me want to hit him.
The meeting continues and afterward I walk to my office, thinking I got off scot-free until I hear the light wrap of knuckles hitting the door.
“Yes,” I say, hoping it’s someone from my firm and not him. If only I were so lucky.
His tall frame enters my office, giving me a sexy smirk as he closes the door behind him.
“How did I get so lucky?” he says, walking to my desk.
I stand up. “Stay right there,” I urge. “This is my workplace. I need this job, and I can’t screw up this opportunity.”
“I wouldn’t dare put you in any situation to get you in trouble.” He holds his hands up like he’s not guilty, but the look on his face says anything but.
He slowly makes his way toward me, and I’ve never been so glad my desk is as big as it is, keeping him at a safe distance from where I stand.
Placing his hands on the surface of my makeshift barrier, he leans in, whispering, “I will, however, enjoy every aspect of this case because I get to know you better. So, dinner, my place, say five o’clock?”
“Smooth, real smooth, but no. Let’s meet here. We can have takeout delivered.” I may be a freak, and I may like to fuck, but I know there’s a time and place, so being here, at my work, will keep me in line. This isn’t a relationship; this is work.
“You don’t have to worry. I’ll be a good boy. I promise.” He crosses his heart and winks before turning to leave.
“See you tonight, Evangeline.”
* * *
At five o’clock, there’s a knock on my office door, and I know the time has come. Instead of telling him to come in, I stand up, opening the door myself, ready to escort him to the conference room. Being in my small office would be too claustrophobic. We need a large space, with windows on either side if we’re going to work together.
I take a seat on one side of the table and am happy when I see him sit on the other side.
