Page 96 of Tempting All The Way

“I told them we were going steady.” I grin.

Chapter Thirteen

My stomach twists with nerves as I walk into the office. I trust Nathan. I do. But it doesn’t stop the doubt from creeping in. Is every one going to be talking behind my back? Do they all know?

He said the other partners wouldn’t tell anyone, but how does he know that for sure? And what about what they think of me? I’ve been debating quitting all morning. Nathan left early.He always leaves for the office before I’m even awake. He says he stops at the gym first.

Quitting seems like the right thing to do. I can go to another firm, hopefully with my reputation still intact. And if I’m at another firm, my relationship with Nathan won’t be put through the stress working together can cause. I want this relationship. I want Nathan. I also really wanted to work at this firm. But, at the end of the day, it’s just a job. A job I can do at any firm.

I honestly think what I have with Nathan isn’t something I’ll ever find again. And I’m petrified of losing him. I don’t want to lose what we have. I’ve watched my mum’s heart break over and over again because she’s lost her soul mate. She tries to hide her pain from Jules and me, but I see it. I’ve heard her crying in the middle of the night when she thinks we’re asleep. I’ve heard her begging my father to come back.

I hate that my father gave up his life so easily. But I hate Mark Kemp even more for putting him into that position. Shit, the Gallah claim. If I quit, I won’t get to work on that case. I really want to win.

I walk straight into my office and close my door without looking at anyone. I can’t face them right now. I can’t deal with the side-eyes and awkward glances if they do all know. Maybe I should have stayed in bed. Called in sick. It’s not too late. I could go home, tell everyone I’m not feeling well all of a sudden.

The door to my office opens and Nathan walks in, closing it behind him. He stops, as his eyes inspect every inch of my face. “What’s wrong?” he asks.

“Nothing. Why would something be wrong?”

“Bentley, what’s wrong?” he asks again.

I huff out a breath. “Do they know? Everyone, does everyone know?” I question him.

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m one hundred percent sure. Xavier and Alistair, they’re named partners, Bentley. They don’t get involved in gossip. On top of that, they’re my best mates. They’re not going to say anything,” he assures me.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I just… I worked really hard for this. I don’t want to be the laughing stock of the firm.”

“Anyone ever laughs at you, I’ll fire them,” he says, his expression stone-cold.

“You can’t do that,” I tell him.

“I’m the boss. I can.”

“OMG. No. I don’t want any preferential treatment, Nathan. I mean it.”

“Okay, no preferential treatment. Got it,” he says, walking over. His arms wrap around my waist, pulling my body flush with his. “My cock sure does think you deserve preferential treatment though.”

“Well, he can show me all the preferential treatment he wants. You, not so much.”

“I’ll do my best,” he says as his lips touch mine. His tongue pushes into my mouth, seeking ownership of this kiss. I snake my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Kissing him harder. Nathan breaks contact first. “As much as I hate to stop this,” he says, pecking my lips again. “I do have work to do. And so do you.”

“Right. Sorry.” I shake my head, trying to clear the lust-filled fog, and take a step back.

“I love you, Bentley Johnson.”

My heart does that flutter it does every time I hear him say those words, and I feel what has to be the goofiest smile spread across my lips. “I love you too,” I tell him.

I’ve been stewing over my decision to stay at the firm since the other day. Throughout the week, I’ve changed my mind a thousand times, but now I know what I have to do. I’ve made up my mind. Am I a chickenshit for waiting until Friday afternoon to do this? Probably, but you can’t blame a girl for wanting to hide out all weekend without facing the consequences of her actions. I know Nathan is not going to like the fact I’m quitting. But I’ll find a way to make him understand. I have to.

I’ve typed up my letter of resignation, and I’ve read over my contract. I have to provide four weeks’ written notice before I can leave the company. There isn’t a chance in hell I’m handing this to Nathan. I walk up to Shardonnay. I plan on handing this letter over to Xavier, based solely on the fact that his name is first on the wall. And he’s not Nathan.

“Hi, Shar, is Xavier free?” I ask, stopping at her desk.

“Ah, let me check.” She picks up the phone.

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