Page 16 of When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss

I tilt my head, a frown tugging at my lips. “Then why would you assign him to it in the first place?”

“It was the only way to get you to cooperate,” he states with a shrug. “You’re far more stubborn than I gave you credit for.”

A small smile tugs at my lips. “Why, thank you.”

“It wasn’t a compliment,” he says with a straight face.

If I had any sense of self-preservation, I’d stop provoking him. Better yet, I’d leave and never visit the fourth floor. But clearly, I’ve thrown caution to the wind since I’m still here, staring at the man who can make or break my career.

“This case will require long nights, extensive research, and careful coordination with my client and the team. This project demands the best, and the glowing recommendations from your past employer suggest that includes you.”

“Dawson, I’m flattered, truly, but—”

He holds out his hand to silence me. “What’s the real reason you refuse to work with me? Is it because of what happened between us at Steel & Ink?” he asks, lowering his voice.

Yes.

“No, that has nothing to do with it,” I lie, dropping my gaze. “I’ve only been here a week. I’m sure one of the more seasoned paralegals would be happy to assist you.”

Dawson doesn’t say a word as he gets out of his chair and comes to perch on the edge of his desk. His jaw is tight and his eyes are narrowed, leaving me unsure if he’s angry or in deep concentration. My breath hitches when his leg brushes against mine, and the brief touch sends a tremor through me.

He shifts closer, taking a deep breath. “You smell like pineapple and coconut,” he murmurs.

My knuckles turn white as I grip my armrest. “It’s my shampoo,” I whisper.

“I like it… a lot.”

I force myself to remain still, my body coming alive with him so close. My pulse is pounding in my ears as he traces my jawline with his thumb. Though it seems like an innocent gesture, the undercurrent of desire in his lingering touch sends my heart racing.

His shirt sleeve has risen, giving me a glimpse of a rose tattoo. I’m mesmerized by the intricate design, at how the bold ink is in stark contrast to his skin. My hand inches closer, itching to trace the lines. I pause when I notice Dawson, his intense gaze locked on mine. His eyes have a glimmer of fascination, and it could be my imagination, but I swear he leans in a fraction, almost inviting my touch.

The sound of approaching footsteps causes him to withdraw. He remains perched on his desk, pretending to adjust his tie as if he’d been preparing to have a serious conversation, not on the verge of being caught in a compromising situation with one of his employees.

Dawson’s dangerous—not just because of his reputation, but because if I let him, he’ll find a way to chip at my defenses, making it impossible to resist his charm. And I can’t afford to let my guard down when my future is on the line.

No matter how enticing he might be.

Jeremy, the head investigative specialist at Thompson & Tate, knocks on the doorframe. “Is now a bad time?” he asks, eyeing Dawson, who’s scowling at him.

“What do you need?” Dawson snaps.

“I have the reports you asked for, sir.” Jeremy holds a folder but doesn’t move from his spot on the threshold.

Dawson exhales sharply. “Let me see.” He drums his fingers against the desk, his impatience evident.

Poor Jeremy visibly trembles as he rushes to pass Dawson the folder before scurrying out of the room. Dawson flips through the documents and I seize the chance to slip out of my chair,ready to make a beeline for the door. But before I can take more than a step, his hand gently grabs my wrist.

“Hang on. We’re not finished.” His tone is firm but calm.

“I’d like to get back to work if that’s okay with you.” I fold my arms across my chest, waiting for him to make the next move.

His eyes dart to my mouth before meeting my eyes. “Go on.” He nods toward the door. “But my decision stands. I’ll email your new schedule this afternoon.”

I sigh, not wanting to push him past his limit.

I’m halfway across the room when Dawson calls out after me. “Oh, and Reese?”

I turn back to face him. “Yeah?”

---