Page 20 of Finding Redemption

“I’ve been so busy, haven’t had time, but I promise next week, I cook.” The microwave buzzes. He turns to pull his… my breakfast burrito out, and I’m blessed with a peek of his muscle-bound torso.

Oddly enough, it does nothing for me anymore. I’m ruined. I sigh heavily before I realize Alden’s watching me. I cock my brow. “What?”

“Don’t what me.” He jerks his head toward me. “What’s up with you?”

I drop my eyes, hoping to avoid my best friend’s scrutiny. “Nothing.”

“No, not nothing.” He takes two steps and is in front of me. Damn, he’s tall.

Not as tall as Walker.

Fuck.

My face scrunches with the thought of the biggest prick in my life. Which puts my father in a solid second place now. “It’s this case for The Historical Society. The judge ordered me to work with the opposing counsel to try to find a happy medium.”

“And that’s bad?”

“He’s an asshole. Arrogant as a rich, entitled man can get. I hate him.” I pretend to pick lint from my robe.

“Clearly.” I glance in my friend’s direction to see him smiling at me like a lunatic.

“What?” I cross my arms in defiance.

He smirks at me, and I know it’s coming. “He… hot?”

“Define hot?” I stand and walk my cup to the sink.

“Oh, hell no. Talk.” He spins in his chair, glaring at me.

“Seriously, it doesn’t matter.”

Alden’s face drops. Here it comes. “And why is that?”

“I don’t have time for this. Mom called last night with another reminder that I need to talk to my father. I’m not sure which thing to tackle first. My absent father, my infuriating mom, or Walker.” I walk toward the kitchen door.

“I can see your dilemma. Talk about a hot guy you’re about to work closely with or your parents. Hmmmm… decisions, decisions.” He taps his chin while pretending to think.

“He’s also volunteering at the center. I get all kinds of time with him,” I sneer. “I’m so excited.”

“Damn. That bad, huh?” Alden curls his lip.

“Yeah, that bad.” I roll my eyes as I walk out.

But the questions linger. If I hate him so much, why am I so attracted to him? Well, because his ass is so fine would be one reason. He’s hotter than hell, and I have no doubt I’d find myself in such a mess with him, I would, indeed, be in hell. But he’s gorgeous. Blond, built, and his hands are as big as his ego.

“Honestly, Reesie Cup, what’s so bad?” Alden follows me into my bedroom.

I pause at my closet door as I try to find an answer. Finally, I give him the only one I have. Turning to him, I wave my hand up and down my body, showcasing my lumps, bumps and curves. “Look at me. He would never be interested in someone like me.”

As only my best friend can, he gives me hell. “Oh, fuck that. You’re gorgeous and you know it. Did he make you think otherwise?” He frowns.

“No.” I drag a much-needed breath in. “He has no response to me.” I turn to grab my clothes. “Well, it could be the fact that he works for the opposition. Or the fact he knows Maisyn.” I step into the bathroom. “Oh! And there’s the fact that he’s perfect. But no, he’s not said anything.”

“I’ll kick his ass if he does.”

I giggle at his fierceness. “Sweetheart, he’d tear you up.” I wink at him.

“Do tell.” He sits on the bed as I jump in the shower. “You know I like it rough.”