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But now that Alison is moving across the country for personal reasons and leaving this job, it seems she’s decided to toe my boundary.

Before I can think more about whether I want to reciprocate her interest, Bryan lets out a tired sigh and drains his glass. “Alright, well, I’ve got to get out of here, kids. Big win or not, I’m still expected home at a reasonable hour by the missus.” He claps me on the shoulder. “You heading home too? Or are you still working on the pulse point of the Lecher case?”

I huff a laugh. “Nah, I figured that one out earlier this week. So I should probably get home for some real sleep.”

“Mind if I share a cab with you?” Alison asks. “Since I live that way, too?”

My reach for my suit jacket is stilted. That was an invitation if I’ve ever heard one.

I consider her offer. Normally, I would absolutely take her home. Hot sex with a gorgeous woman who I’ll never see again? No question. Especially considering it’s been weeks since I’ve had time for a date.

But I wasn’t lying about needing sleep. I’ve been working more than ever, and now that my biggest case is over, I should probably relax a little.

I smile apologetically, trying to think of a lie that won’t hurt her feelings—and that won’t clue my boss in to what’s going on. “Sorry. I’m actually heading to my younger brother’s for the weekend, and he’s in the opposite direction.”

Thankfully, Alison doesn’t think anything of my answer. She merely smiles and nods. “Ah, okay. That sounds nice. How’s he doing with retirement, anyway?”

Any awkward tension drops from my shoulders at the mention of my younger brother, Nico. I’m not typically open about my personal life in the office, but I used to be his manager and legal counsel, so plenty of the office has met him. He’s a former MMA fighter, now retired and spending his days working at the gym that raised him for the big leagues.

“He’s…getting used to it,” I answer with an amused smile. “He’s had some bumps as he’s figured out what his days look like now, but he’s got plenty of help navigating them. So he’s good. Happy.”

Although that probably has more to do with his new girlfriend.

“Good, I’m glad to hear it,” Alison says politely. Then she glances toward the door and adds, “Well, I’m going to head out then. I’ll see you both in the morning.”

Bryan gives her a soft smile. “See you in the morning, my dear.” Clapping me on the shoulder, he gives me one as well. “Make sure you celebrate this win, Lucas. Don’t celebrate too hard tonight, but make sure you celebrate all the same, yeah? All jokes aside, this was an important win. You should be proud.”

I shoot him a wink as I slide on my suit jacket. “You got it, boss.”

It takes me less than ten minutes to get home. When my driver pulls up in front of my building, the nighttime doorman opens the car door and says, “Good evening, Mr. Price. Busy day?”

I step out of the car with a tired exhale. “The busiest. I’m ready to sleep for about twenty-four hours.”

“If you ever slept for even twelve hours, I might have to call for a welfare check,” he says, his eyes sparkling. I’ve lived in this building for several years, so next to the professionalism, Sam and I have formed a bit of a friendship.

I clap him on the shoulder with a grin. “That might not be a bad idea, my friend.”

He tips his hat, still smiling. “Good night, Mr. Price.”

I take the elevator to the top floor, wondering how long I’ll manage to sleep tonight. Recently, I’ve been running on an average of four hours of sleep, so it would be great if my body could catch up tonight. It will be the first time in a while that I don’t set an alarm.

Although I do have to fine tune the Lecher case tomorrow…

I walk into my condo and head straight for the liquor cabinet; my boss ordered me to celebrate my win, and I intend to do just that. Maybe I’ll turn on the TV while I have a drink. What’s on TV nowadays? I can’t remember the last time I had time to watch something.

When I open the freezer for some ice, I realize it’s been filled with food. The fridge, too. My housekeeper must have gone grocery shopping today.

I look around my condo. It must have been cleaning day, too, because the place is spotless.

As I sip my scotch, I take a moment to appreciate my home. For a condo, it’s huge. For a bachelor pad, it’s perfect. The floor to ceiling windows—extra high because it’s a two-floor condo—make it feel like you’re floating over the Philadelphia skyline. I remember walking into this place five years ago and instantly telling my realtor to make an offer.

The memory brings me back to a different time in my life. Back then, I was finally settling into my job, making a name for myself and starting to make a dent in my student loans—thanks to Bryan and his job offer all those years ago. I could finally see a life beyond a broke college student living in a boring apartment with no social life. I was under no illusion that it was a bad life, but…I wanted more. I wanted this.

Now, looking around me, I can see the fruits of my labor. I have money, success, a career I’ve worked damn hard for…

Everything I’ve ever wanted.

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