“Special delivery,” she announces, her eyebrows arching toward her hairline. “Apparently, from someone who thinks the great Minji Lee needs reminding to eat lunch.”
I accept the bag with as much dignity as possible. “I appreciate you bringing this in.”
Eliza hovers, practically vibrating with curiosity. “Anything you’d like to share with the class?”
“Just lunch,” I say, already peeking inside to find steaming pho with a separate container of bean sprouts—he remembered. “That will be all, Eliza.”
She retreats with the satisfied look of someone filing away information for later use.
When the last drop of broth is gone, I snap a photo of the empty container and send it.
Me
Evidence of compliance, Your Honor.
Aaron
Case dismissed. The court looks forward to seeing you tonight.
The rest of the day passes in a blur of meetings, a few depositions, and client calls. And for the first time in a long time, I’m excited to get off work. These next few days are going to be heaven, but I must remind myself not to let my heart dictate how this will go. Do not get ahead of yourself. This isn’t love. This is just me finally taking what I want for once without overthinking every single consequence.
Aaron pullsme inside his apartment before I can knock, pulling me against his chest. His mouth finds mine instantly, and I let myself dissolve into him, my bag thudding forgotten to the floor. My shoulders, which have been hovering near my ears all day, finally drop. The woman who never relinquishes control is nowhere to be found when he holds me like this.
“How was your day?” His hands are already working to remove my blazer.
“It went well, surprisingly with all the chaos.” I kick off my heels with a grateful sigh. “The partners’ dinner is in two hours.”
“Plenty of time,” he says. “I’ve run you a bath.”
I blink in surprise. “You what?”
He takes my hand, leading me toward the bathroom. “You mentioned yesterday that you love baths but never take them because you’re always too busy or too tired. I figured you might appreciate one.”
Do not cave. Do not fold. Minji, hold it together. Don’t take this as something it is not. We’re just friends.
The bathroom door opens to reveal a steaming tub, its surface scattered with what appear to be rose petals. Candles flicker around the edges, casting the room in a warm, golden glow. The scent of lavender and something citrusy fills the air. I’m genuinely speechless. This man knows how to lay it on thick.
“Too much?” He suddenly looks uncertain, and I realize I’ve been staring.
“No,” I say quickly, squeezing his hand. “It’s perfect. I wasn’t expecting it, that’s all.”
His smile returns, relieved. “Good. There’s wine on the side if you want it. Take your time. I’ll be working on my laptop if you need anything.”
As he turns to leave, I catch his wrist. “Stay. Join me?”
His pupils dilate, but he shakes his head. “This is for you. To relax before your partners’ dinner. If I join you…” He trails off, the implication clear. I would not make it to that dinner at all.
“Fair point.” I laugh, releasing him. “Rain check for later?”
“Absolutely.” He presses a kiss on my forehead. “Enjoy.”
I strip off my work clothes and sink into the bath with a moan that borders on indecent. The water is the perfect temperature, and whatever bath salts or oils he’s added make my skin feel like silk. I close my eyes, letting my head rest against the edge of the tub, and try to remember the last time I felt this cared for.
Never, my mind supplies. Not even with William.
What was I even thinking when I was dating William? I guess when you love someone, you tend to overlook the obvious signs and all the red flags. William never once ran me a bath or noticed when I skipped meals. He was too focused on himself, on what I could do for his image, his career. This—Aaron paying attention to my smallest needs—feels like being seen for the first time.
And that terrifies me more than anything.
