Page 5 of Cause and Effect

“I will.” I hooked my purse over my shoulder, grabbed my bag, and left the house.

I pulled into the parking garage of The Hamilton Group and inhaled a breath as I gripped the steering wheel. I shouldn’t have been nervous, but I was. Roman and Parker seemed really nice. Their brother, Julian, not so much. He resented me for turning down his offer to buy me a drink back in San Francisco. I’d hurt his ego—his overly inflated ego. Oh well. It sucked to be him because I wasn’t looking for anything or to get involved with anyone. But something told me he wasn’t a relationship type of guy. I grabbed the box from the back of my car and carried it to the elevator.

When I stepped off, I looked around.

“Excuse me,” I told the woman behind the mahogany desk. “Today is my first day.”

“You must be Laurel Evans.” She smiled, her bright white teeth blinding me.

“Yes, I am.”

“Follow me.” She stood. I followed her down the hallway and to the left.

“Melinda, Laurel Evans is here.”

“Hi, Laurel. Welcome to The Hamilton Group.” She grinned. “Roman and Parker are in court this morning, so Roman asked me to show you to your office so you can get settled.”

“Great. Thanks, Melinda.” I smiled.

She opened the door and flipped the light switch.

“Here you are. The kitchen area is down the hall if you want coffee. We have water, different juices, pop, and energy drinks in the refrigerator, different snacks in the cabinets, and fresh fruit on the island. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks. I will.”

I set the box on my desk and looked at my new office. It was nice, spacious, and had windows. I desperately needed some coffee, so I grabbed my favorite mug from the box, which said, “Fighting for you, winning for justice,” and headed to the kitchen area. I stopped in the doorway when I saw Julian making a cup of coffee. My belly fluttered. But I wasn’t sure if it was because he was incredibly handsome or because I knew he’d have an attitude with me.

“Good morning, Julian.”

He turned and looked at me, his beautiful blue eyes staring into mine.

“Laurel, right?” His head cocked.

“Yes.”

He grabbed his mug and walked out of the kitchen once his coffee was brewed.

“Asshole,” I mumbled, shaking my head.

I made a coffee, returned to my office, and set up my desk.

Chapter Three

Julian

Damn her. Why did she have to be so goddamn beautiful? Why did my brothers have to go and hire her? I didn’t care how qualified she was. Having her right down the hall from me would be a problem.

“Did you see Laurel?” Melinda entered my office and set a stack of files on my desk.

“Yes.” I tipped the mug to my lips.

“And?”

“And what?”

“You better have been nice to her.” She pointed at me.

“I’m always nice, Mel.” I smiled, leaning back in my chair.

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