He folded his arms and grinned, biceps bulging through his shirt sleeves. "I dare you."
CHAPTER SIX
Chapter Three
Jackson
The part of my brain that contained things likebusiness acumen,professional conductanddoesn't engage with anyone on the firm's payrollwas not currently communicating with the part that controlled my cock. Why did I have to go and fucking touch her hand? Or agree to sort out whatever shit she's in with her ex? The second I could pass on to Seph; he was the up and coming commercial litigator and what she'd just described was a piece of piss to sort out but there was no way anyone but me was being the hero.
And why the fuck had I suggested dinner tomorrow? I knew that as soon as Claire found out she would have me backed against the wall in a choke hold, reading me the riot act about how to treat one of her friends/a female/freaking employee. I stifled my groan and gestured for Amelie to bring me the bill while Vanessa was in the bathroom, probably applying more lipstick to those lips that would do a damn fine job wrapped around my...
And there it went again.
Vanessa emerged, lips glistening and tossing her long dark hair over her shoulder. I left a couple of notes for Amelie and walked outside with Vanessa, trying to control the urge to move her hair behind her ear. The morning rush hour had dimmed and the rain had stopped, leaving London in an better light. We'd spent more than two hours having breakfast and talking, once we'd covered her bell end of an ex the conversation had led on to gyms, marathons, restaurants and days away from the city. Unlike the women I'd dated recently, words hadn't needed to be forced.
"What's planned for today?" I asked as we headed back into the offices. I could hear Maxwell losing his temper with his secretary as soon as we entered and I wished we had stayed in the café.
"More detail on the website layout given your feedback and developing the initial designs for the logo and branding. Then I'll give a call to a couple of venues for the ball – I know of three that have availability for the date you want then I'll confirm catering," she said, pausing. I ditched the urge to touch her again.
"Make sure Kirsty pulls her weight," I said. "Delegate what you need."
"She says she's busy meeting potential clients this afternoon," Vanessa replied, moving her hair away from her face.
I kept my hands frozen and shook my head. "She's more likely meeting her brother who works for another firm then she can put a late lunch on expenses. I'll talk to you more about her tomorrow – if you're still good to meet then?" I offered her a way out. If she was any good at reading people she'll know this wasn't just being professional and working way past my hours. I was interested. She'd probably also know it couldn't go anywhere.
"We'll chat about it then. I might have some suggestions on how to develop your marketing department internally so you get the best out of it. What time tomorrow? Seven?" She licked her lips and I felt my cock twitch. My diary was clear. I could go down to the cellar and strain few other muscles but then my sister would get even more suspicious if I wasn't checking up on everyone after being gone so long.
"Seven's good. Start with drinks? I might end up with some of the entourage with me," I gestured to the offices belonging to my siblings and two of the other partners. We weren't a small firm, and although we were family led, there were a few older solicitors that worked here as well as a couple of newly qualified and associates who were closer to my age than my father's.
"Sure. Text me with where, as I'll probably finish the day at my offices tomorrow." She gave me that smile and I nodded back before walking into Max's office as he'd started shouting again.
I leaned against the doorway and watched my older brother in full flow. This was where he became our father: impatient, lack of insight and sheer brilliance. This was why I was the managing partner and practice manager and he remained in his office or in court and, occasionally, lecturing law students.
"I can't work with him anymore." The woman stood near his desk looked at me and I wondered who the nearest first aider was. Either she was about to have a coronary or my brother was going to be maimed. "He's rude, demanding and needs to look up the definition of manners. I might just be the 'hired help' but there are ways to treat people." She glared at the pair of us before storming out. I closed the door before she could slam it.
"How many's that so far this year?"
"Five," he said, staring at a pile of papers. "I apologize. I know I've just caused you another headache."
"Are you in a worse mood because you've been fighting again?"
He looked up. "Fucking Claire."
"I would've noticed even if she hadn't said anything. You've got a bruise coming up on your left temple."
"It was a one-off. New guy in the gym and he was being a tool with one of the women so we got in the ring. Just a casual thing. You'll be glad to know he's hurting today," Max turned a page over making sure I knew I only had 33% of his attention.
"Your decision," I said. "But if you end up in the hospital again I am going to tell Dad."
He shrugged. "Whatever. How was your extended breakfast with the pretty new marketing lady?" Now he looked up, eyes seeing straight through me.
"Productive. I like what she's come up with so far. And she's easy to work with." I ignored the pretty comment.
Maxwell gave me a shit-eating grin. He hadn't forgotten about the pretty comment. "I like her. Had drinks with her and Claire on Tuesday night. Intelligent, quick-witted, decent rack and a bitable ass. I don't have the same rules as you, brother. Besides, she's only employed by us for a couple of months."
"She's not your type," I told him, trying not to go in heavy with the glare.
"Why's that?" That grin again. I wasn't above punching my brother. It may have happened a few times before.
