Page 65 of When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss

“Is that the only reason?”

He winds his hand around my lower back to draw me closer. “I was hoping to convince you to stay with me again tonight…” He pauses, waiting until I look up at him to continue. “I don’t want things to go back to the way they were, Red.”

Neither do I.

But it’s not that simple.

“Dawson, this past weekend with you has been great… incredible, actually.”

One of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had.

“But you’re still my boss.” I frown, slumping my shoulders in resignation. “We’ve obliterated every professional boundary there is, and I’m not sure what comes next.”

Dawson runs his hands along my arms in soothing strokes. “I have one question for you. Do you want me? Because if the answer is yes, I’ll find a way around the non-fraternization policy. Being the boss wouldn’t be worth shit if I didn’t have the power to bend the rules now, would it?”

I scrunch my nose, unsure of how feasible his plan is. If it were that easy to change the policies, something tells me he would have done it already.

“We’re in over our heads.” I sigh, scrubbing my hand across my face.

“You didn’t answer the question. Do. You. Want. Me?” he asks again, deliberately enunciating every word.

Do I want him?

The question lingers in my mind as I contemplate our situation. Dawson has embedded himself into my life and my heart, and it feels like there’s no hope of unraveling the complex web of emotions we’ve spun. We’ve bound by forces we can’t control and I want to hold on to this feeling and never let it go.

“I want you, Dawson…”

More than anything.

“But I’m barely making ends meet, and with law school in my future, my life is only going to get more complicated.” I wring my hands together. “You’re a successful lawyer with a prestigious practice—why would you settle for someone with an uncertain future?”

Dawson scoffs like he’s offended by my comment. “I hate to break it to you, angel, but you’re wrong. I’d be damn lucky to call you mine.” He lifts my chin, and the fire in his eyes steals my breath. “You have a kind heart, and a gift for making everyone around you feel special. I might not deserve you, but that won’t stop me from showing why we belong together.”

His resolve makes my pulse race, and he makes me feel more alive and cherished than I thought possible. Every moment spent with him is better than the last. It’s the lingering doubt that causes me to hesitate, knowing that once we commit there’s no going back.

“What if things between us don’t work out?” I whisper.

The unspoken questions hover in the space between us.What happens to my job if someone finds out? What if you decide that you don’t want me anymore? What if this was all for nothing?

“All I’m asking is for you to give us a chance because I’m not ready for this to end.” He clasps my hands in his and rests his forehead against mine. “I can’t predict the future, but I promise that whatever comes, we’ll do it together.”

I’m overcome by a soothing sense of calm as warmth spreads through my chest. Not only do I believe him, but I’m reassured that this thing between us means more to him than a weekend fling or a casual encounter with someone from the office.

“Okay,” I agree.

“You mean it?” Dawson asks.

He breathes a sigh of relief as I nod and bends down to kiss me.

Now that I’ve had a glimpse of what it’s like to be totally and completely his, I can’t imagine settling for anything less. Dawson has shattered my previous notions of what a relationship could be like, leaving me yearning for the affection only he can provide. It feels like I’m on a roller coaster without brakes—terrifying and thrilling.

The last few days since our return from our trip to Aspen Grove have been surreal. It feels like I’m walking on a cloud, lost in a state of contentment. I haven’t been back to my place yet, and for a little while longer, I’d like to live in the fantasy that Dawson and I have all the time in the world.

I’m studying in Dawson’s conference room when my laptop pings with a message.

Grace:I had so much fun at lunch yesterday! It was nice to get out of the office for a change.

Reese:Thanks for inviting me!

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