Page 49 of King of Justice

I spent the rest of the work day in a daze, Alexander’s words spinning in my head like a tornado that wouldn’t calm any time soon.

At precisely five o’clock, I saw Nathan walk in through the door with a flat expression on his face. He didn’t even look in my direction as Patty, my colleague, greeted him and accompanied him to Alex’s office.

Why did his disregard of me hurt so badly when I was the one who had started it? I felt like I wanted to cry.

“Don’t,” I heard Zoey whisper and looked up to realize that she was standing right beside me. “Don’t be one of those chicks who only want a man because he’s ignoring her.”

Sighing, I stared down at my laptop screen. “Is it that obvious?”

“Maybe it is. Maybe it’s all in my head. But I thought for a moment you were ready to get up and run to him.”

“Would it have been so bad?” I attempted to focus on the words before my eyes, but they melted away right then and there.

“No, but then you would’ve had to actually face the feelings you’ve been denying for the past two weeks.”

I turned to glower at her, but her face was smiling. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Maybe.” She shrugged, taking a step away. “I wish I was the betting kind, but I’m not.”

For the entire time Nathan was behind that closed door with Ryan and Alex, I failed to produce any real work. Every sentence I typed, I had to review over and over, erasing most of it and attempting to rephrase. It felt as though I were holding my breath until I saw the door crack open and Ryan walk out alone, closing it behind him once more.

Fifteen minutes later, the door was opened again and Alex walked out with Nathan. Their whispers were agreeable, and Nathan nodded while Alex opened the door for him. I glanced at Zoey, whose eyes were on me like a lion’s on a prey. What would it matter if I embarrassed myself? Now was as good a chance as any.

As soon as Alex went back into his office, I shot out of my chair and bolted out, chasing after Nathan. I heard Zoey laugh in the background.

“Nathan!” I called out through the small driveway before he reached the main gate. “Nathan, wait.” He stopped and slowly turned around as I quickly approached, stopping just a couple of feet away. “I’m sorry.”

“For?” He tilted his head, a triumphant expression glaring back at me.

“Leaving without saying goodbye? Not responding to any of your calls or texts? Basically, acting like a child. Is this enough?”

“Enough?” His eyebrows furrowed. “I didn’t ask you for this.”

“But you deserve it.”

“Oh.” He softly chuckled, looking away. “Well, thank you. I am forever grateful for the heartfelt apology.”

I slouched my shoulders, deflated. “Don’t be like that.”

“Like what? Apology accepted. You can clear your conscience now.”

Looking into his eyes, I searched for hatred, resentment or anger. But I saw nothing. It hurt more. “What are you doing tonight?” I knew I was being that woman Zoey talked about and didn’t care.

He scoffed and looked away, taking a step toward the gate. “Let’s not waste each other’s time, Sophie, okay? This is clearly not gonna work.”

Lifting up a finger, I quickly said, “One meal! We can talk like adults, can’t we?”

“Well, I have a thing tonight.”

“C’mon, you’re in town! My house is right around the corner. Can’t you reschedule?”

“You’re asking too much of me, Jones.”

“Uh—” I parted my lips and shook my head, “Do you want me to say ‘please’? Please!”

I thought I saw the shadow of a smile hanging on the corners of his lips before he sighed. “What are you making?”

“Anything you want?” I paused. “Well, not anything… I’m an average cook.”

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