He scrolled down to read. “HDD sets up husband in contentious divorce.”
Millie let her head fall back. “Please say it doesn’t name me.”
He scanned the article, his gut churning. “It names us both, hints that we’re doing the nasty, and ties you to Angus Force and his team. The article is partially positive about the team and their recent wins, but it does make note that they’ve been banished to an office outside of DC.” This sucked. There wasn’t anything litigious in the article, but it certainly painted them both in a bad light. “This is a gossip rag, Millie.”
“I know, but everyone reads it.” She visibly steeled her shoulders. “That’s a problem for another day. I can only handle one at a time, Scott. Thank you for your help.”
It was a clear dismissal.
So Scott had no choice but to set his stance. “Roscoe and I are staying here at least for the next couple of days. You need a lawyer, and Roscoe could use some country time.”
Roscoe’s ears twitched, and he turned to look at the house.
Millie crossed her arms over her chest. God, she was cute—and mad. Yet somehow it looked as if the green streaks in her hair had faded, as if the light was wisping out of Millie Frost. “I don’t need a lawyer.” Her eyes spit fire, but her tone rang hollow.
“The hell you don’t.” Scott shook his head. “Get on board or I’m calling in reinforcements.” Yeah, he’d resort to blackmail if necessary.
The door opened and a diminutive woman walked outside. “Millie?”
“Aunt Mae.” Millie rushed across the lawn and hugged the woman. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to bring you home.”
Her aunt turned to study Scott as he walked across the grass to reach them. “Hello.”
“Hi.” He gave her his most charming smile. Or at least the smile his mom liked best. “I’m Scott.”
“Mae.” She held out a gnarled hand; her handshake was brisk and strong.
He kept his hold gentle as he studied the woman. She had Millie’s blue eyes and stature, and light blue streaks ribboned through her curly white hair. Her flowered shirt and jeans were well worn and clean, and her back straight. A sweet smile lit her face, giving life to her papery skin. “Are you Millie’s boyfriend?”
Millie made a gagging sound.
Scott tried not to take offense. “No, ma’am. I’m her lawyer. She needs one right now.”
“I know.” Mae’s eyes widened. “The chief told me all about it on the way home.”
“I do not require the services of a lawyer,” Millie hissed through clenched teeth.
Roscoe wandered over and sat, looking expectantly up at Mae.
“Hello.” Mae dropped to her haunches and scrubbed her hands through the thick fur on the dog’s neck. “My, you’re a handsome one.”
Roscoe panted happily.
Millie patted her aunt’s shoulder. “You should be resting.”
“I’m fine. The stent made it all better. The chief said you need a lawyer,” Mae said, still smiling at the dog. Then she looked up at Scott. “Are you any good?”
“I am,” Scott said. The older woman was as enthralling as her niece.
Mae kissed Roscoe’s nose and stood. “Do you accept payments? Like monthly?”
His heart warmed. “No payment necessary. Millicent and I work together with a team in DC, and this is a professional courtesy.”
Mae’s eyes narrowed. “Do you have an ulterior motive?”
Scott cocked his head, glanced at Millie, then focused back on Mae. “I really don’t know. I mean, she’s beguiling and gorgeous, but she’s pretty prickly,” he said thoughtfully. “Plus, she truly hates lawyers, and I am one.” He had a feeling Mae could see past most baloney, so he saw no reason to hide the truth. “But she does need help, and I’m not leaving until I make sure the wild pixie isn’t locked up.”
Mae grinned, revealing a dimple in her left cheek. “I like you.”
