Page 8 of The Substitute

“Downstairs, in Sid’s condo.” My sister came here last year to write music and get away from Nashville for a while. She rented a condo just downstairs from Gray and Stella and ended up buying it as an investment property. Lucky for me, it was empty, and I was able to rent it from her. “I’m leasing it for a while.”

“Handy,” Gray says with a smile. “I like having you close by.”

“I agree.” Stella grins. “You should pop up for breakfast and stuff.”

“You guys are naked too often for me to just pop by,” I reply with a shake of the head. “I’ll text first.”

“Smart plan,” Liv says. “Okay, and where are you working? You found something fast.”

“I decided to throw my hat in the ring with a temp agency.” I steal another carrot, realizing I’m famished. “I just don’t know what I want to do long term. I know I’m thirty and should have some of that shit figured out by now, but with Mom being sick and—”

“Hey,” Vaughn says kindly. “You don’t have to explain yourself to us. You have plenty of time to figure it out.”

I smile at him. Not only is he hot and famous, but he’s also so kind.

“Thanks. Anyway, I got a call last week about a job as a legal secretary.”

That has my brother’s head coming up in surprise. “Really? Why didn’t you tell me? I’d have seen if there was an opening at my practice.”

“First of all, I didn’t specify law when I applied. And secondly, I don’t know that I want it to be permanent.” I shrug. “Also, my wardrobe is sorely lacking, you guys. I’ve been in Europe for six months, wearing the most casual of casual clothes—beat-up jeans, hoodies, and T-shirts. Not fancy. Plus, most of what I have is too big on me and makes me look…old.”

“Shopping trip,” Stella exclaims, and Olivia nods in agreement. “We have to get you some pretty suits and things appropriate for a law office.”

“Heels,” Liv adds.

“I’m not good in heels,” I say with a wince. “I’m out of practice.”

“You can get back in practice,” Stella says. “And you need good underwear.”

“For work?” I frown, remembering how attracted I am to my new boss. I try not to squirm.

“Good underwear makes you feel confident,” Liv says.

“Wait.” Gray holds up a hand. “Who are you working for?”

“Derek Langley.”

“No.” Gray shakes his head and tosses his knife onto the cutting board. “Absolutely fucking not.”

“Who’s Derek Langley?” Vaughn wants to know, immediately scowling.

“God save me from overprotective men,” I mutter.

“Langley’s an asshole,” Gray informs us all. “He’s notorious for being a bear to work for and can’t keep an assistant to save his life. He’s ruthless in court, and I can’t stand the son of a bitch.”

“I’m not bringing him home to meet the family,” I remind my brother. “I’m just working for him. And it’s only for thirty days. That’s all I signed on for since I’m new in town. I can deal with a rough-around-the-edges boss for a month.”

Truth be told, I don’t think Derek’s all that bad. Sure, he’s gruff, and I’ve never seen the man smile, but he’s also smart and fair. And so far, I don’t think he’s too demanding.

“Wait,” Liv says, holding up her hand as she watches me. “You like him.”

“He’s not that bad,” I admit, and my brother growls. I look at him. “Did you just growl?”

“He’s not a good man.”

“He’s been nice to me. Short sometimes, sure, but look who I grew up with.” I point at my brother, making the others laugh.

“I don’t like it. Find something else,” Gray orders.

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