“I need to get dressed,” I say reluctantly.
“Need any help with that?” His voice is playful, but his hands are already moving to release my towel.
I step away while shooting him a warning look. “That’s exactly how I ended up running late in the first place.”
He holds up his hands in surrender, backing toward the door. “Fine, fine. I’ll go make you something to eat while you finish getting ready.”
“I don’t have time for breakfast,” I call after him.
“You’ll eat something,” he calls back, his tone brooking no argument. “Even if it’s just toast.”
Shaking my head, I turn back to my bag. The man is impossible, but I can’t help but smile at his insistence on taking care of me. It’s been a long time since someone worried about whether I’d eaten breakfast.
When I walk out of the bedroom fully clothed and ready to take on the day, Aaron has indeed made toast, along with a small container of yogurt and berries.
“To go,” he hands me a paper bag. “Since I know you won’t sit down to eat it.”
“You’re going to make me late,” I protest, even as I take the bag.
“Text me when you’re done with your emergency,” he says, leaning down to kiss me briefly.
The car arrives with a text notification, and I gather my things, suddenly reluctant to leave the warm cocoon of Aaron’s apartment. At the door, I pause, turning back to find him watching me with an expression that makes my chest tighten.
“Thank you. For everything.”
He understands what I can’t quite articulate. “Anytime, Counselor. See you tonight?”
“Of course.” I offer him a small smile and slip out the door, the memory of his touch still lingering on my skin as I ride the elevator down to the waiting car.
The Morrison emergency turns out to be a legitimate crisis—opposing counsel has uncovered financial records we weren’taware existed, potentially undermining our entire strategy. By the time I’ve put out that fire and restructured our approach, it’s nearly three in the afternoon, and I haven’t stopped moving since I arrived.
“You look different today,” Jasmyn comments as she drops another stack of files on my desk. “Like glowy.”
I glance up from my computer, narrowing my eyes at her. “It’s just a new moisturizer.”
“Uh-huh.” She perches on the edge of my desk, completely ignoring the mountain of work awaiting my attention. “And does this new moisturizer happen to be named Aaron Singleton? I caught you two coming down from the rooftop that day. Didn’t want to bring it up then, but it’s been almost two weeks now, so I guess I can.”
“Jasmyn,” I warn, glancing toward my open door.
She leans closer, lowering her voice. “Girl, I’m just saying, whatever he’s doing, it’s working for you. I haven’t seen you this relaxed in… well, ever. And I just know in the bedroom?—”
My phone buzzes, and I try to ignore it, but Jasmyn’s grin widens.
“Is that him?”
I sigh, picking up my phone. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“This is much more interesting.” She stands, heading for the door. “But I’ll leave you to your sexting.”
“We aren’t sexting,” I whisper-yell, but she is already closing the door behind her.
Aaron
How’s the legal emergency? Need me to send reinforcements? Or maybe just coffee and a sandwich, since I’m guessing you haven’t eaten since that toast.
I can’t help but smile. How does he already know me so well?
Me
