Page 15

Cocking his head, he asks bluntly, “Why’s that?”

At that, I quirk an eyebrow. Sharing time is over. “Because moving is my favorite hobby. Isn’t it everyone’s?” I ignore Lucas’s burst of laughter and return us to the issue at hand. “But speaking of where I live: I’m only licensed as a PI in New York. I don’t know what Pennsylvania’s rules are or how long it takes to get the certification.”

In a gesture that I’m sure is a common occurrence for Lucas, he waves that off like it’s not a big deal. “Don’t worry about that. The firm will get it taken care of. But your work won’t technically depend on it because none of it will be used in court; I only care about having you do the research and then paying you the price of a PI.”

Speaking of my price…

“Did the agency tell you my rate? Because that’s not a flat rate; that’s determined by⁠—”

“I’ll double your rate.”

My eyes widen. That’s…a lot of money.

I quickly compose myself. “I’ll probably need to move to Philly, too. If there’s a physical component—spying, or if not all of the records are electronic—then I don’t want to be making three-hour one-way treks.” I don’t add that I’ve been feeling restless in my apartment lately, that I’ve been thinking about moving to a new city or state. “I would need that covered, too⁠—”

“Done.”

Any remaining demands die on my tongue. I don’t know why I’m surprised that Lucas is a make it happen at any cost kind of guy, but I’m thrown off.

I open my mouth, close it, then open it again. “All this because I kicked your ass on one case?”

When he lets a wide grin stretch across his face, it solidifies in my brain that Lucas is not like the average lawyer. The reminder of a lost case makes him gleeful.

“Exactly,” he says simply. “Because if you can beat me, then you’re the best. And I need the best.” He sobers slightly as he adds, “Randall needs the best.”

The reminder that this is for a good man—and not Lucas, per say—is what makes me sigh in partial defeat.

“Let me take tomorrow to think about it,” I say. “I’m finishing up another case, so I need to check my schedule and workload. I’ll give you an answer in twenty-four hours.”

Lucas nods, looking pleased. “That works. Just send me an email with your decision.”

I should be annoyed that he looks pleased, right? Does he think I’m a sure thing?

Am I a sure thing? Am I leaning toward taking this case when I was dead set against it just yesterday?

Before I can sink too deep into contemplation, Lucas looks around the café, searching for something.

“Now if you’ll excuse me,” he says, “I’m going to use the restroom before I make my commute back home.”

A pang of regret hits me that I made him drive this far, this late at night. But Lucas seems nothing but chipper as he stands and heads toward the bathrooms, leaving me to my own thoughts.

I drum my fingers on the table as I consider my options. I could take the case. I was lying about checking my schedule and workload; I’m wide open. And at Lucas’s rate, I should take the case. It’s not like I’m rolling around in money right now; I could use the extra savings. Plus, moving to a new city is a huge bonus for my nomadic heart.

It’s the firm’s reputation that’s making me pause. Maybe even Lucas. I’ve been around enough shithead lawyers to know how quickly the unappealing qualities come to light. I don’t think Lucas is one of them, but…

Scanning the café, I make a quick decision and flag the waitress down.

“Can I pay you for our order?” I ask her.

“Of course,” she says with a smile, pulling the handheld credit card machine from her pocket. “I can take care of that for you right now. Are you paying for your portion or the whole order?”

“The whole order, please.”

She finishes the transaction so quickly that she’s already walked off, my credit card back in my pocket, by the time Lucas reappears. He makes his way back to our table with the strides of a man who owns the world.

I don’t hide the way I watch him. I already expected his piercing eyes, charming smile, and perfectly styled hair from his headshot, but now I take in the rest of him. How tall he is, a head taller than me, and how his suit is molded to his long, lean body. I’ve never seen a suit tailored so well. He also looks like he lives in suits. Like they were made for him.

I wonder if he sleeps in suit pajamas.