I sink deeper into the water, letting the warmth seep into my bones as my mind churns. Six nights. That’s what I agreed to. Six nights of letting Aaron take care of me, of pretending this bubble we’ve created can last beyond his departure for the book tour. But what happens after? Do we text occasionally? Awkward phone calls that fade into nothing? I was never good at long-distance anything. Two weeks without anyone in my presence, I forget.
The thought makes my chest tight. I take a sip of wine, trying to wash away the bitter taste of inevitable disappointment. This is exactly why I don’t do this. Why I don’t let people in, don’t get attached. Because caring about someone means giving them the power to hurt you, and I’ve had enough hurt to last several lifetimes.
But even as I try to build my walls back up, Aaron’s voice drifts from the living room. He’s on a phone call with what sounds like his publicist, discussing tour details. His laugh carries through the apartment, warm and genuine, and my resolve weakens. How can I protect myself from someone who makes me feel this safe?
CHAPTER 22
MINJI
Why didthe dinner have to be this week of all weeks? All I want is to curl up at Aaron’s place and just exist as myself, not as attorney Lee. Yet, if I want my career to keep moving forward, showing up is non-negotiable. The drive to Le Ami slips by in a blur. Our conversation flows easily, touching on everything except what waits for me after dessert. Aaron’s hand rests on my thigh, his touch both a claim and a comfort.
“You nervous?” he asks as we pull up to the restaurant.
“About dinner? No.”
I lean over and kiss him, quick but sweet. “Pick me up at ten-thirty?”
“I’ll be waiting.” His thumb traces my cheekbone. “Go knock ‘em dead, Counselor.”
“Hey, Honeybee?”
I turn back, one hand on the door frame. “Yeah?”
“Just so you know—” He grins, that dimple making an appearance. “—you look sexy in that dress. I’m already thinking about peeling it off you later.”
My breath catches as heat blooms across my chest and up my neck. The way his eyes travel over me makes my skin tingle, like he’s already touching me.
“Aaron.” I glance around to make sure no one heard him. But I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. “I’m about to walk into a room full of senior partners.”
“And every person in that room will be thinking the same thing I am.” His voice drops lower, sending a shiver down my spine. “That you’re the most gorgeous woman they’ve ever seen.”
“You’re insane.” I blush.
“Just making sure you walk in there knowing exactly how incredible you are.” His smile softens. “Now go show them what Minji Lee is made of.”
I close the car door with a reluctant sigh, straighten my shoulders, adjust my clutch, and head toward the restaurant entrance. As I step into the restaurant after leaving Aaron behind, my reflection in the glass doors stops me. I barely recognize the woman looking back—a new glow in her eyes, a confidence born from being truly wanted. Aaron has shifted something deep within me, and I’m not sure I could ever return to who I was before.
But tonight isn’t for daydreams about Aaron. This partners’ dinner is the moment I’ve been chasing for three years, the date circled and recircled on my calendar, my own North Star. Every late-night deposition, every weekend surrendered to case files, has led me here, my shot at finally catching the senior partners’ attention.
Inside, Le Ami’s understated elegance welcomes me. The maître d’ leads me to a private dining room where William and several partners are already gathered, holding champagne flutes. The founder, Catherine Parras, elegant in her sixties with a sharp silver bob, is the first to notice me.
“Minji,” she begins. “Lovely to see you outside the office.”
“Likewise, Mrs. Parras,” I reply, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing server.
“Catherine, please,” she corrects with a warm smile. “We’re celebrating tonight. Well, if you excuse me, I see Jasmyn needs some saving from Terrance’s jokes.”
I nod and scan the room. All five senior partners are present. William, Jasmyn, and three senior associates from other offices are also here—my pulse quickens. With a group smaller than usual, the night feels more intimate.
“Minji.” William appears at my elbow, looking as annoying as ever with yet another ugly bow tie. This time, it’s a hunter-green tie with steamboats on it. “You look… different tonight.”
I take a sip of champagne. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“Just an observation.” His eyes linger on me.
“Well, you and your observations,” my voice drops so only he can hear, “can go fuck yourselves. I hate you.” I turn on my heel, spotting Jasmyn across the room and gliding toward her.
“Girl, what did you say to him?” She whispers as I slide up beside her. “He looks like he just swallowed his bow tie.”
