Page 2 of Counterfeit Connection

Shit. That’s all I need is my stubborn Brit brother-in-law barking his affection to get me to do what I know to be right.

Me: Yes, Gilly. I promise I will.

Gillian: This isn’t just a promise to stop bugging you, right? It’s an actual Logan promise?

Fuck…she went there.

Me: No, bossy. It’s an actual promise.

When Gillian said thank God it’s Friday, she wasn’t kidding. Even my normal rituals couldn’t save me from interactions I’d rather not have. I share an assistant with three other attorneys around me. We all have very different personalities, but work well as a unit and Mika is a big part of that.

Mika and I are going over edits on a brief I’ve been slaving over for weeks when there is a knock at my nearly closed door. I can tell by the force of the knock who is on the other side. Mika and I lock eyes. She gives me a silent “you’ve got this” before I respond. “Come in.”

Duncan Wilder pushes open the door, filling the frame with his large presence. He’s great at his job. There’s no denying it, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t make me uncomfortable sometimes.

“Are we having a party in here?” he asks with a small smirk that gets under my skin immediately.

“No, sir,” I respond, rising from my seat as I’ve been programmed to do. “We’re working on a brief. I wanted to get it finished before the weekend.”

“Not planning on working tonight or tomorrow? That won’t look good for going to your next level. I’m disappointed, Kaitlyn.”

I’ve always loved my name. The only time I don’t is when he says it. “I’ve put in extra hours already this week, including over the lunch hours, so I feel I’ve given maximum effort while still allowing myself a balance. That’s important to me.”

What’s even more important than that is the distance I can get from him. This client we’re working with brings a lot of business into the firm. When I started all my research, I was so excited at the thought of being asked to help the team. Now, I’m getting a feeling it was given as a way to get closer to me, sizing me up in more ways than one.

“Now, there’s no need to get belligerent or overly emotional.” He crosses his arms over his chest.What an asshole.“I’m simply saying you need to be willing to sacrifice in order to make it in this field.”

“I apologize if it seems any other way than making the sacrifices, as you’ve said. I’ve put in extra hours already this week, including over the lunch hours, so I feel I’ve given maximum effort while still allowing myself a balance,” I repeat my last response verbatim so nothing can be skewed or taken out of context.

Mika is standing between us, looking back and forth as each of us is speaking. I can tell she not only is feeling the vibe Mr. Wilder is putting out there, but will not leave my side as the protector she’s become. “Kait, remember you asked me to remind you when it was three so you were on time to meet with Martin before the end of the day? You’ve got five minutes and he’s three floors up.”

Martin. My sweet ex, who when he decided we were better off as friends took a weight off me because I was feeling the same. He’s still someone I look to for comfort, guidance, and in this case, shelter from the creepy crawlies.

“Ah, yes,” Mr. Wilder says. “Wouldn’t want to keep Martin waiting.” He reaches down to unbutton his suit jacket, watching me all the while. “I expect a full rundown of everything you’ve been working on in my email first thing Monday morning. Better yet, have Kristine block an hour on my calendar.”

“I understand,” I say simply.

“Good day, ladies.”

Once we’re alone and the door closes behind him, I plop back down in my chair and groan in frustration, anger, and annoyance.

“I don’t know how you put up with it,” Mika says. “I’ve managed to avoid the direct path of…” She waves her hand toward the door. “Whatever that is.”

“I have to believe he’s only a little weird and creepy and nothing will progress beyond what it is now. This case could be a positive stepping stone in my career. I need it.”

“Girl, don’t sell out. Be an Elle Woods, not a mouse. Punch his stupid face if he crosses the line.”

I can feel my eyes grow wider than I think they’ve ever been. I’m shocked, but also break into fits of laughter. “Who did you just turn into? I’ve never heard you talk like that before.”

“I think I’m just over him picking at you. I see what Martin is talking about now.”

“Martin. Shit. I’m going to have to take off these instruments of death on my feet and run up there now.”

As I pull my shoes from my feet and dash out the door, I hear Mika calling after me, “I’ll reward you with a cherry cola and dark chocolate when you get back. My treat.”

“I think I just fell in love with you!” I call back to her and bolt out the door and up to my meeting with Martin.

Chapter 1

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