Page 15 of Worth the Risk

“What’s Noah think about it? Jealous you didn’t post him?” I try to joke about it, even if the mention of his name pisses me off.

“Oh.” Her face falls, her shoulders sagging. “Might as well be honest about that too. We broke up six months ago.”

“What?” The shock is evident on my face, my back coming away from the love seat. “Shit, why didn’t you tell me?”

She lifts one shoulder in a half shrug. “I just needed some time. Wasn’t really in the sharing headspace.”

“I get it.” We both sit in silence for several seconds. “Want to talk about it?”

“Not really, or at least not right now. Is that okay?”

“Of course.” I don’t know why I do it, but I lift my hand and gently cup her chin. “Anything I can do to make it better?”

Her eyelids flutter, then her gaze drops from mine to my mouth and I feel the pull of her body. I lean in an inch closer and she does the same, the air so thick it’s suffocating any rational thought. But a second later, two laughing voices interrupt us as they echo down the hallway, pulling us apart.

“I’ll be okay but thank you.” She leans back to release herself from my hand and stand up. “I really would like to get home a little early tonight.”

“Of course.” I stand with her, walking her toward her office door which she shuts and locks behind us. I follow her to the elevator, trying to think of any reason to make her stay. “And if you ever do want to talk about it or just grab a drink if you’re bored, let me know. I miss how we used to do that.” I never asked her why it stopped because I already know what the answer is and I don’t want to hear it.

“And what would Mia say?” she teases.

Shit, Mia.

“I’m sure she would be understanding of me grabbing a drink with a friend. It was only one date.” I laugh.

“Friend?” she says with a coy grin. “I’m your lawyer, remember?”

“Ah, that’s right, client attorney privilege.” I motion between us, referring to our ongoing joke that we are, in fact, not friends; I merely pay her to listen to me vent on Fridays, knowing whatever I say to her is safe.

“Anyway, good night.” She pokes the button for the lobby and waves as the door closes between us.

I pull out my phone, typing out a response to Mia.

Austin

How does Monday night sound?

Mia

Send me the address. Seven?

I agree to her response, reminding myself to find a place local to send to her, then I flip over to the app store and download the one that Taylor was just showing me while I walk back to my office.

I go through the quick setup steps as I make my way back to my office, selecting a random vague name and a set of numbers for my profile and leave the picture blank. Then I type in the username I noticed Taylor was posting under. I chuckle to myself when I locatethe_bored_lawyerand select follow.

Cringing, I click on the first video she posted of me. I want to look away as the image of me comes into focus. I’m laughing, my head thrown back as I talk in the break room, the video slowed down enough that it almost looks cinematic.

I can’t help but laugh at the thought of Taylor not only secretly recording me, but taking the time to edit this photo and find the perfect song to go with it. The video replays again while I hit the comment bubble, my eyes scanning over what feels like endless remarks, some with dozens of likes on them.

One in particular catches my eye.

How do you get anything done with that perfect specimen walking around your office? I’d be in a puddle!

Not only did Taylor like the person’s comment, but she even responded to it herself, complete with a sweating emoji.

It’s not easy. Did you peep those forearms?

My grin widens, and a deep pull in my belly sends a signal to my cock at the thought of Taylor checking me out. I couldn’t give a fuck what these random people are saying about me. Yeah, I guess it’s nice to read compliments about yourself but I’m not obtuse. I’m already aware of the way women look at me… but not Taylor.

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