Page 60 of When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss

She has a bright future ahead, and it’s hard to believe she’d choose someone like me with a jaded past and who’s stuck in his ways. Despite my best efforts to push it aside, an unshakeable thought lingers: I don’t think one weekend with her will be enough.

Reese angles her head to study me. “Please tell me you’re not bored already,” she says with a teasing smile.

I glance between her and the TV screen. “No, I was just thinking about how I want to take you on a trip tomorrow.” Now is as good a time as any to break the news to her.

She sets the popcorn bowl on the ground and adjusts her position so we’re face-to-face. “We can’t leave the city; we have work on Monday.”

That’s the last thing I want to think about.

“Don’t worry. It’s just a day trip. We’ll be back tomorrow night with plenty of time to prepare for the work week.” I hold my breath, my eyes locked on her as she considers my offer.

The silence grows heavier with each passing second, making me second guess my intentions, until her face brightens and she nods in agreement.

“Count me in, but I expect a pumpkin spice latte in the morning. I’ll need the extra caffeine for our little adventure, especially if you keep me up late tonight.”

I lower my head, pressing a kiss to her lips. “One venti pumpkin spice latte will be waiting for you in the morning… Actually, we’d better make it two because I have big plans for you tonight, Ms. Taylor.”

“Looking forward to it, Mr. Tate.”

My enthusiasm for tonight pales in comparison to what I have in store for her.

As promised, a pumpkin spice latte was ready for Reese when we boarded the private jet this morning. Though our flight to Aspen Grove was quick, I savored every minute with her curled up beside me.

When we arrive, I exit the plane first, watching as Reese steps off dressed in a gray knit sweater, fitted jeans, and a pair of white sneakers with sunflowers drawn on the sides. She surveys the area, her eyes growing wide with excitement.

The crisp fall air greets us, carrying with it the scent of pine. The trees line the horizon in a patchwork of vibrant orange, red, and yellow, and the ground is dotted with fallen leaves, crunching beneath our feet as we make our way to a black SUV.

“This place is beautiful,” she says.

I take her hand as we descend the stairs. “There’s nothing like it,” I agree.

I’ve only been to Aspen Grove once for a meeting with Harrison, but it was memorable enough that I knew this was where I wanted to bring Reese.

Harrison steps out of the idling SUV, his sour expression shifting to a pleasant smile when he greets Reese. “Welcome to Aspen Grove,” he says, extending his hand. “I’m Harrison, Dawson’s friend.”

“We’re colleagues,” I mutter.

“Right, because colleagues go out of their way to do each other favors,” he retorts.

“Thank you,” Reese chimes in, accepting his handshake. “I was just telling Dawson how beautiful it is here.”

“Glad to hear you like it.” Harrison grins.

I place my hand on Reese’s lower back, shooting Harrison a warning look. His focus on Reese bothers me—she’s stunning, but she’s with me, and that makes her off-limits.

I open the back door to the SUV and usher Reese inside, sliding in behind her.

“Are you going to tell me what we’re doing here?” she questions as she glances out the window.

“It’s a surprise, remember?” I take her hand and place it in my lap, intertwining our fingers.

Harrison’s parents have a hundred acres of land offering incredible views, and when I asked what we could do, he suggested Reese and I spend the day at their private lake.

We pull away from the airfield, the sound of crunching gravel giving way to the asphalt.

Aspen Grove is a quaint small town, which is evident when we reach Main Street, where residents are strolling past a row of stores like the Bakehouse Bistro, Brew Haven, and Main Street Market. Each shop is decorated with seasonal pumpkins and cozy autumn displays.

As we pass a park on our left, I spot a woman in floral overalls with blonde hair styled in a halo braid. She’s chasing a little girl in red leggings and a pink tutu, her pigtails bouncing as she races after four dogs—one adult and three yappy puppies. The dogs have marbled-pattern coats, long torsos, short legs, and comically large ears, like a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Corgi.

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