Page 20 of Cause and Effect

Parker bopped his head back and forth as if contemplating that we were.

“You’re such a douchebag.” I stared at him.

He grabbed my glass from my hand and finished the scotch inside it.

“Hey!”

“I have to go. I’ll see you two tomorrow,” he said.

Roman stayed for a few moments and then left. I went inside and slipped out of my swim trunks and into my boxer briefs. My phone rang when I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Why the hell was Laurel Facetiming me?

“What’s up?” I answered.

“Do you always walk around in your underwear?” A smirk crossed her lips.

“Yes. All men do.” I leaned the phone against the counter while grabbing my toothbrush and the toothpaste. “Do you always Facetime people when you’re lying in bed?”

God, she was so fucking beautiful.

“If it’s something important, yes. I know I’m second chair, but I ask that you let me argue bail tomorrow.”

“No. No way.” I shook my head as I squirted some toothpaste on the toothbrush.

“Oh, come on, Julian.”

“No, Laurel. I’ve known Georgina for a long time, and she can’t stay in jail. She’s too fragile.”

“So, you don’t trust me or my abilities as an attorney?” Her brow arched.

“I don’t know you or your abilities, and this isn’t the case to test it out.”

“And you call me a mean-spirited person?” she said. “Sweet dreams, Julian. Or more like, I hope you have nightmares.” A sinister smile crossed her lips, and my brows furrowed. “Good night.” She ended the call.

Wow. Just wow. I brushed my teeth, switched off the bathroom light, and climbed into bed. Staring at the ceiling, I placed my hands behind my head and thought about Laurel. I thought about what her ex-boss said. I should have given her a chance to prove herself, but Georgina’s case wasn’t the one that let her do that.

Closing my eyes, I saw her smile, a ray of sunshine I didn’t want to think about but couldn’t be helped.

“Are you ready?”I stepped into Laurel’s office.

“Well, good morning to you too, Mr. Hamilton.” She stood from her chair and grabbed her purse.

“Sorry. Good morning, Laurel.”

“Did you sleep well?” She glanced at me as we headed toward the elevator.

“Just like a baby.” I smiled. “And no nightmares like you wished upon me, at least not when I sleep. I can’t speak for when I’m awake.”

She inhaled a breath and rolled her eyes. The elevator doors opened, and Parker stood there.

“Are you getting out?” I asked him.

“No. I’m heading down to the lobby,” he said.

“Are you saying that I’m a nightmare?” Laurel asked.

I didn’t answer her, and she reached over and smacked my arm.

“Ouch. Really?” My brows furrowed.

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