Page 67 of When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss

Dawson raises a brow. “Wrong, Rob. Youearnthat privilege and you haven’t proven yourself capable of managing anyone.”

I put my hand over my mouth, stifling the surprising urge to laugh. It’s poetic justice to see him getting a taste of his own medicine.

Rob shoves past Dawson, throwing my textbook on the table. “You won’t get away with this,” he shouts at Dawson. “You only got where you are through manipulation and exploiting others. You’re going to pay for what you did to my uncle.”

Dawson folds his arms across his chest, his gaze cold. “I’d think very carefully about your next words, Rob. I’m not someone who takes a threat lightly.” He projects dominance, and it’s such a turn-on to watch him in action.

Rob scoffs, though I don’t miss his hands trembling. “You think you’re invincible, but you’re not. You’ll see.” He doesn’t wait around before bolting from the room.

A group of employees has gathered to see what’s going on, but as soon as Dawson scowls at them they disperse, returning to their desks.

I throw away the container from my lunch and collect my textbook.

Dawson positions himself between me and the door, blocking me from view. His concern is evident. There’s no doubt he’d go to any length to keep me safe.

He watches me closely as he adjusts his cufflinks. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say, running my finger along the crease in his brow. “Rob’s nothing more than a loudmouth bully who’s all talk and no action.”

Dawson pushes a piece of hair from my face. “Mark my words that asshole will pay for how he’s treated you. I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again.”

I run my hand along his arm, making sure it’s out of sight from the hallway. “Thank you,” I murmur.

“Are you staying at my place tonight?” He keeps his voice low.

“Dawson, you can’t talk like that at the office.” My voice comes out breathless.

He grazes my collarbone with a slow, deliberate touch, his finger trailing to my lips as he studies my mouth. His back faces the door and if anyone was still lingering in the hall all they’d see is Dawson towering over me. “You better get back to work, Ms. Taylor. We wouldn’t want to fuel any rumors now would we?” He smirks before pulling away.

I nod, and he squeezes my hand gently before striding out of the conference room.

I’m overcome with a sense of peace. Ever since my grandpa passed, the weight of my responsibilities has only grown heavier, making it feel impossible to manage on my own. But now with Dawson in my life, I’m learning to accept that I don’t have to do it all alone. He’s shown me that there’s strength in vulnerability and letting someone support me, and help me through both the good and bad.

Before I leave the conference room, I check my phone, smiling when I see a message from Noah.

Noah:Want to go to brunch on Saturday before we study?

Noah:It’ll be my treat.

Reese:Sounds great. I’ve missed you.

I’m looking forward to seeing him so we can catch up. We constantly text and talk on the phone, but haven’t seen each other in person since Dawson showed up at the club. I’ve avoided bringing it up because it’s a conversation I’d prefer to have face-to-face.

Noah:I’ve missed you too babe.

Noah:I’ll meet you there at 11.

Reese:Can’t wait.

He’s going to want an update on Dawson and me, especially since I quit at the club without an explanation. Honestly, I’m not sure how to explain it. Dawson and I haven’t defined whatever this thing is between us or talked about our next steps.

What I do know is that I don’t want it to end.

When I enter The Sunny Egg, a breakfast café in Midtown, I’m greeted with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and toasted pastries. They host a weekend brunch, so the place is packed.

I spot Noah waving at me from a booth in the back corner. I’m looking forward to catching up, not so much to the interrogation I suspect he has planned. How do I explain that I spent a weekend at my boss’s place, and every night since?

During this past work week Dawson and I went back to his place after we finished at the office. Most nights we don’t getthere until late, but we still curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn while we watch a movie. He hasn’t seen many, so I’ve introduced him to a few classics in a variety of genres includingHow to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, The Avengers, and The Hangover.

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