Page 24 of Legal Attraction

“Technically you are. Part owner even.”

“But it’s not viewed the same.”

“Isn’t it? Rand you’re the only person I wanted to see, the only one I needed in this moment. I loved what we had. I wanted you to find me and call. I waited for your call. But do we wantthis?”

He searched her face for a moment and she watched some of his expression shut her out. It was a visible reaction. “Do I want you? I think that’s pretty obvious. But do I want to continue what we started? The timing couldn’t be worse. It would complicate every part of my position here at work. And it would do even more to yours.”

She watched him and her smile tugged at the corner. “But?”

He lifted her hand in his. “But, I don’t know if I can resist a little something.”

She laughed again. “A little something?”

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about you all day. I can’t have you here every day without trying this out. Maybe.” He closed his eyes and leaned his head back again. “Maybe not. Basically I don’t know. Do you know?”

“I got nothing. I think a little something sounds nice. Maybe we start there?”

“Maybe we start by talking about what happened today and at The Palisades and we give Lucan a call.”

“Okay, or that. I was thinking maybe late dinner at my place, but all that works. I’m sure my parents will have information if they’ll share it.”

He nodded. “I’ll bring takeout. And we’ll go from there?”

“And maybe not all business?” She wanted to kiss him, needed to be near him. It was a primal urge to comfort and rid herself of this new stress. His eyes were a brilliant shade right then, his arms taut against his shirt sleeves. His jaw line crisp. He was powerful and tender, the man she’d seen in the safe room at The Palisades. The man who’d convinced her with a simple invitation to walk down by the beach, the man she could kiss for many more hours and not get enough.

“Mostly business.” He winked.

“And a little something.”

“Right.”

Their door rattled again. But this time Rand’s phone also rang. “Hey.”

He stood and opened the door.

Outside was a part of the security team. “Everyone alright in here?”

Rand nodded.

“Please follow us.”

Coral’s hand missed Rand’s the minute he let her go. He walked at her side, but she could tell he was already done. She followed them both into a large conference room where most were already gathered.

As soon as Rand stepped into the room Mel and Jaden stood and ran to him. “We didn’t know where you’d gone!” Mel clung to his arm. “We were worried.”

“It’s been a worrisome morning. I see you’re both okay. Was anyone injured?” Rand shifted away from Mel and nodded to Jaden and then took his seat near the other two partners at the table.

Mr. Goldstein nodded to the head of security, and they all sat.

Joe frowned deeper. “Obviously this was a terrible breach. We’re very lucky that Gladys is okay. The men rushed past her, barricaded and then locked the door to our security offices. She hid beneath her desk and the men kept going. Thanks to her quick alerting of all of us, we were on lockdown before anyone entered the inner hallways.”

“But they did enter. And we were trapped.” Coral stared down Joe like Rand had seen no one else do. “I’m not a stranger to security teams and plans in situations such as these. We didn’t have alternate exits, and no one to protect us and no weapons.”

“Looked to me like you had help and a weapon.” He nodded at her and then shifted his attention to the others. “We will send a survey to collect information. We welcome your feedback. Until then, let’s applaud the quick actions of Mr. Goldstein who freed us and called in the local law enforcement. The two suspects are in custody now, and I think we can safely guarantee a thorough trial and prosecution.”

They had enough energy to mumble a laugh in response. “We will spend the rest of the day working through how this could have happened. Our emotional counselor is available to assist you.”

Coral lifted her hands. “Have we begun inquiries and any sort of investigation as to who and why this would have happened?”

---