Page 62 of Cause and Effect

He picked up his briefcase and left the conference room. As we were saying goodbye to our clients, Laurel’s phone rang. Pulling it from her pocket, it was the school calling.

“Hello.”

“Ms. Evans, this is Principal Wiley. Can you please come in after school for a meeting?”

“May I ask what this is regarding?”

“We will discuss it in my office later this afternoon.”

“I will be there, Mr. Wiley. Shit.” She looked at me.

“What’s wrong?”

“The principal wants to see me in his office after school.” A smirk crossed her lips.

“Someone’s been a bad girl.” I smiled. “It probably has to do with that kid you threatened this morning. I’m sure that little pussy called his parents and told them what you said.”

“Good. You’re coming with me.”

“Why?” My brows furrowed.

“Because you’re a witness. I need you to back me up if that little bullying brat tries to lie.”

“I have a lot of?—”

“I don’t care, Julian. You witnessed this morning’s event, and you’re coming with me. Got it?” Her brow raised.

Inhaling a sharp breath, I stared into her beautiful eyes. Why was saying no to her so damn hard?

“Fine. I’ll go.”

“Thank you.” She left the conference room.

Walking back to my office, I stopped at Melinda’s desk.

“Call Ray and see if he can come in now,” I said.

“Why?”

“Because I have to go with Laurel to her kid’s school later. She’s been summoned to the principal’s office for a meeting.”

“Why?” She laughed. “And what does that have to do with you?”

“I witnessed her telling a bully off this morning.”

“What?” She continued laughing.

“This boy has been bullying one of her daughters, and she said a few choice words to him this morning after we dropped the kids off. I assume the kid went to the principal, and now Laurel is in trouble.” I smirked.

“God, I love that woman.” She laughed. “And how did that feel, Julian?”

“How did what feel, Melinda?”

“You saying ‘after we dropped the kids off.’ It sounds like you’re married.” She grinned.

“You shut your mouth.” I pointed at her and walked into my office.

I sat behind my desk and turned my chair to face the city. I thought about Laurel and how things with us were quickly happening—maybe a little too fast. One minute, I’m living life on my terms, and the next, I spent more time than I ever have with a beautiful woman and her three daughters. My mind quickly became a battlefield, and she was the war I never saw coming. She wasn’t just in my head. She was everywhere. The only time the space between my thoughts was quiet was when I let my guard down around her.

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