Page 5 of Worth the Risk

“Austin.” She shakes her head. “This is huge.”

“I know,” I say, smiling at her. It feels weird to be sitting across from someone I don’t know, sharing the biggest news of my life, but at the same time, she’s the first person I thought of when I got the call this morning.

“Can I be nosy?” she says, interrupting my train of thought.

“You want to know who the client is, don’t you?”

“Guilty.” She laughs.

“Newt Chambers.”

Her face goes white. “TheNewt Chambers? The guy who owns half of Chicago and has his name on an entire wing of my law school?”

“The very one.”

“Oh my God.” She stands up. “Austin, this is bigger than huge… and he wants to bring over two business partners? Are they also whales?”

“Elizabeth Zellner and Kip Mortimer.”

“So the media mogul and the real estate baron of Chicago as well.” She finishes the rest of her wine and slowly sinks down onto the couch. “This is—this isn’t just a chance to start your own firm, Austin. This is life-changing.” She keeps her gaze forward, her mouth hanging slightly open like she’s thinking through something. “Why’d you tell me? Why not call your parents or friends or anyone besides a stranger from the train?”

“You’re the first person I thought of when he called.” She turns to look at me. “Felt like a full circle moment and honestly, I should be thanking you for yesterday. For listening to me. I was running on adrenaline and probably a healthy dose of fear after walking out of my office unemployed, but I don’t know.” I shrug again, feeling like an awkward teenager. “You were great and it felt like we were meant to meet. Am I an idiot?”

“No.” Her expression shifts, like she not only gets what I’m trying to say but feels the same. “I appreciated our talk too. I’ve been in my head a lot lately with finishing school and my internship and yeah… turning into an adult is kind of a bunch of bullshit.”

We both laugh at that, agreeing that while it has its perks, growing up is often overrated.

“What about you? I’m sorry. I’ve been word vomiting all over you about this whole thing, but did you hear back from your interview?”

“Refill?” she asks, reaching for my glass as she stands up.

“Sure.” I hand her my glass that isn’t empty yet. “I’ll take a top off.”

I watch her walk to the island, pouring the wine and bringing her glass to her lips to take a healthy sip.

“How old are you?” she asks, clearly ignoring my question. I make a note to ask her about it again later, but it’s clear she’s not in the mood to discuss it now.

“Twenty-eight.” I stand up and make my way toward her. “You?” I reach for my glass of wine and bring it to my lips.

“Twenty-four.” She nods, not saying anything else.

“Why?” Notes of citrus linger on my tongue from the wine. I place my glass on the counter and take the few steps around the edge where Taylor is standing.

“Just curious.” She shrugs, her fingers clutching her glass.

I reach my hand out and take it from her, placing it on the counter beside mine before turning back toward her. Her throat constricts as I see her swallow and her eyes shift back and forth like she’s trying to anticipate my next move.

There’s something about her… besides her drop-dead gorgeous looks and killer body. Something that makes me want more. To know her more. To feel her, touch her… kiss her. Myeyes drop to her pouty lips, my hand coming to rest against her waist as I close the distance between us.

“I know what you’re thinking,” I say softly, my hand pulling her against me as I start to walk us backward toward the wall. “Am I worth the risk?”

Her hand rests gently atop my arm, the warmth of her fingertips against my bare skin causing my cock to stir. I question if I’m reading the look on her face correctly, but there’s no denying the heavy-lidded look of lust on her face.

Her back hits the wall and I tilt my head, bringing my lips toward hers when her hands are suddenly against my chest, stilling my movements.

“I didn’t get the job,” she blurts out.

“What?”

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