“And it has to go with the new leather furniture.”
A squeak left her lips that she quickly covered by taking another sip of wine.
“What? Now there’s something wrong with leather?”
“No, not at all,” she murmured. “If you want everyone in town to think you’re a?—”
“A what?” My lips twitched in amusement, but somehow, I held back my laughter.
“Look, you’re in a small town, not New York. You can’t have people walk into your office when it looks like some modern, lifeless office where the uncaring lawyer sits upon his throne, ready to destroy anyone in his path.”
“Isn’t that what most people want from a lawyer?”
“Not in this town. Yes, we want to know you’re capable, but these people will never go to you if they think you’re going to take every last dime they have.”
I studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, you’re hired.”
“Hired?”
“To decorate my office.”
A new waitress brought out our food, apologizing for the change in service before asking if there was anything else she could get us.
“No, we’re good. Thank you.” I turned my attention back to Ellie. “So, Saturday?”
“For what?”
“To start picking out samples.” I took my first bite of the burger and groaned in amazement. “This is fantastic. Better than seafood.”
“Wait, but this isn’t my office,” she argued.
“No, but you seem to know what I need.”
“No, I know what I like, but it has to suit you.”
“Exactly,” I grinned. “So, we’ll start Saturday.”
“I work Saturday.”
“Then Sunday.”
“That’s my day off.”
“And I’ll pay you for your time,” I said, taking another bite as I watched her eyes shift uneasily as she considered this.
“I don’t like the idea of taking money from you.”
“Because we’re sleeping together?”
“Well…yes.”
“You’re performing a service for me.”
“And what if you hate it?” she argued.
“Then I’ll fire you. And then I’ll take you home and fuck you.” I picked up a pickle and held it out to her. “Pickle?”
She snatched it out of my fingers and took a bite. “Fine, but if you don’t like something, you have to say so.”
