“I know you love it. I’ll be here to make sure you never have anything to be scared of. That’s all I’m saying.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that. “Next week will be worse. Jeremiah is the violent one.”
“Are you worried?” He asks, smiling softly.
“No,” I breathe as he tucks my hair behind my ear.
He leans in, and I stop breathing altogether. “That’s because you know I’ll take care of you.”
I don’t think we’re talking about the courtroom anymore, and I can’t stop staring at his mouth.
“Miss Greenwood, I brought you a sandwich–” He jumps away, smoothing his hand over his chest as my hands fall. “Oh. I’m sorry. I’ll come back.” Miley runs back out the door.
“She really needs to learn to knock,” I grumble.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…” he motions between us like he’s flustered, and I’m not sure what he’s apologizing for. “You’re at work.”
“Don’t…” I start, and he glances at me. “Don’t be sorry,” I tell him softly, not quite meeting his gaze.
I’m so conflicted by my feelings, but it’s not because I don’t want him… It’s because I want him so badly it hurts, and I know how dangerous that is.
Giving him my heart again is a lot scarier than my job will ever be.
I pop out of my office to clear the fog from my head and to get whatever Miley was going to give me, but she’s talking to someone by the stairwell.
I can’t see his face. He has dark hair and appears to be older than her, quite a bit taller, too.
“Who was that?” I ask when she scampers back.
“Oh, that’s my boyfriend. We’re both sort of new to thisarea. I was just asking him if he thought I should ask you and Mr. Hayes out for drinks sometime. Since it seems like you two are… Something.”
We’re something alright…Just not sure what that something is.
“That’s really sweet of you, but I don’t think it would be appropriate since I am your boss. Maybe once your internship ends,” I tell her kindly, though with empty intent.
“Of course. Here you go!” She hands me a bagged lunch, and I turn to see Hayes watching our interaction with amusement on his face.
“Shut up,” I whisper as I walk past him.
“That’s the second double date I’ve been offered today.”
“What? Who–” I don’t have a chance to finish before my phone rings.
The verdict is in.
* * *
“On count one: Conspiring to unlawfully inhabit land. We, the jury, find the defendant guilty.
“Count two: Conspiring to burglarize. We, the jury, find the defendant guilty.” I don’t react as the head juror reads the verdicts. I’m a professional at maintaining my composure while Porter is growing more agitated in his seat.
“Count Three: Conspiring to kidnap. We, the jury, find the defendant guilty.”
Porter’s hands hit the table, and Judge Fulton gives him a warning glare.
“Count Four: Conspiring to assault. We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty.” I take the blow coolly, letting the disappointment wash over me quietly.
That one was a long shot since Randall didn’t know about Jeremiah’s beating of Curtis until afterward. But it was worth it to try to stick it to him.
