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Personally, and right now, professionally. Her readiness. Her directness. Her intelligence. “There are two stacks of files on the conference table behind you,” I say. “It’ll be easier on you if you just settle here in my office and study them. The first stack are potential cases. You’re skipping the quiz on my cases and applying what you learned to the candidates who want to become clients. Pick the top two based on your study today. The second stack of files are the people who will be here Saturday night. You’re going to need to brief me on who they are before we attend the party.”
I reach into my pocket and slide my phone across the desk, allowing her access to my phone that is not filled with random women’s numbers. “I’ll need your number, for easier access.”
She looks at me a beat, understanding flickering in her eyes. I wouldn’t hand my phone to just anyone. I want her to trust me. I’m giving her mine. “Of course,” she says softly, swallowing hard and picking up my phone, and while I have professional motives, there is a sense of intimacy between us that would not be there with someone else.
While she keys in her contact information, I pack up my briefcase and stand, rounding the desk. By the time I’m on the other side, Lori is on her feet, brushing her long brown hair from her face, and offering me back my phone. I set my briefcase on the chair and reach for the device, my fingers brushing hers as I accept it, the instant charge between us fierce enough that she sucks in air and presses her lips together. Lips that need to be on my lips and on my body.
I slide my phone into my pocket. “What else do you need me to handle?” she asks. “And what else do I need to know?”
“Cocktail attire Saturday night,” I say.
Her eyes go wide. “Right, about that. You really want me at the party? I’m an intern.”
“The idea is to turn you into the next powerhouse, and you’ll be ours and mine.”
“Not your one night stand?”
And there’s the answer to a question in my mind. Have I convinced her that she is all that has been on my mind for months now? The answer is no. I step closer. “I never wanted you to be a one night stand. I looked for you. Now I found you. The question is: are you going to be here when I get back?”
“Since discovering you’re my boss, I’ve considered my options. Reese came to me.”
I narrow my eyes on her. “And?”
“He asked me about us, in a discreet fashion, of course.”
“What did you tell him?” I ask.
“That there is nothing to tell, but he made it clear I could go to him. I could also ask for a transfer with the consortium, but I risk months of delay and they say the devil you know is the devil to know. Or that’s my version since I really don’t know you. I don’t know what devil I get if I leave here. And you were right, anyway. I’d look like the attorney who can’t handle a problem and I can.”
“Is that what I am now? A problem?”
“Trouble. I told you that. I was right when I said it, but I spent hours today studying your work. You’re a damn good attorney and I like what you and Reese stand for. You make money, a lot of money, but you don’t do it just for the money. I want to stay, and I want to work for you and learn from you.”
“To be clear, Lori. I’m damn lucky to have you on my team. I know your track record as well.”
“Then when you get back, Cole, we have to talk about limits and rules.”
Maria buzzes in. “Cole, your plane will be ready and waiting in an hour. The pilot can fly you back tomorrow night or Saturday.”
“Thank you, Maria,” I say, and the minute she disconnects I say fuck it, and do what I’ve wanted to do since the last time I saw this woman. I drag Lori to me, mold all her soft curves to every hard part of me, and close my mouth over hers. Her hand is pressed to my chest, elbow stiff, but the minute my tongue strokes hers, her elbow softens, and a soft sexy sound escapes her lips that has me ready to shove her against the desk, and pull her skirt up, and finally be inside her again. But I can’t. Not now. Not with me leaving town.
“That,” I say, tearing my mouth from hers, “was in case those ‘rules’ include no kissing, and damn, woman, you taste and feel too good not to kiss.” I brush my lips over hers again. “But if that’s what you decide, if that’s what you want, I’ll follow your rules.” I release her and grab my bag, walking toward the door before I end up kissing her again.
“Cole,” she calls out, just before I exit.
I turn back to look at her and she opens her mouth to say something but seems to change her mind. “Good luck.”
“Thanks, sweetheart. I’ll call you later.”
I leave then, with the taste of her on my lips, and a vow that I will respect her rules, after, of course, I state my opposing opinion, and deliver my most persuasive closing statement.
Chapter twenty-one
Lori
Iwatch Cole disappear through the open doorway, the feel of his hands lingering on my body, the taste of him on my lips, and oh God, he tastes good. He tastes like the answer to everything I have ever wanted wrapped in one package: a dream job, a dream man who even says that he will follow my rules. This should please me. It does please me. I meant everything I said to him. Staying is my best option, but there have to be rules. I can’t be the girl who slept her way through her mentorship, despite the fact that I am going to bust my ass, and I truly believe Cole will push me and make sure I leave this job winning.
The phone on the desk buzzes, and I snap out of my personal feelings, and hurry forward, grabbing the line. “Cole Brooks’ office, can I help you?”
