Page 27 of Moose

“How did you know I like this wine?”

Moose just smiled. “Sav told me I needed to have wine at all times forcompany.Whatever the fuck that means.”

I laughed and took a sip of the rich red wine.

“She’s a smart girl.”

He just grinned, then walked toward me.

“Come outside with me.”

I followed Moose out the glass doors and onto the wooden patio. He guided me to two wood chairs, and we sat down.

The backyard was all lit up with all types of lights. It looked like a fairytale and I was in complete awe.

“This is beautiful, Moose.”

I turned to see him gazing at me with a huge grin on his face.

“Yeah it is.”

Blushing again, I sipped more of my wine and looked out around the yard. Lights were wrapped around trees, hanging from the large oak, and spread through the gardens.

“Did you do all of this?”

“I did. The kids love being outside, so I wanted to make this a paradise for them. We’ve never had a backyard before now. So I just want them to enjoy every moment.”

Sitting back, I took another sip of wine.

“You’re an amazing father, Moose. Those kids are so lucky to have you.”

I peeked over to see him looking up at their windows. He turned back to me and smiled.

“I love them more than life itself. I would do anything to protect them.” His look turned dark, and he sat on the edge of the chair. “Which is why you know I did quite the background search on you.”

I sighed. “I figured as much.”

“So tell me why you really came out here. You were working at one of the most prestigious law firms…”

I finished the glass of wine and placed it on the arm of the chair, turning to look at Moose.

“Bambi came at the right time. Call it fate or luck or whatever the fuck you believe in. I was struggling in the firm, nobody wanted to give me the big cases. I was just a lowly lawyer who was treated more like the secretary. All because I’m a woman. So when Bambi offered me this deal, I took it. When I got here, I realized this town needed a lawyer and jumped at the chance to set up my office.”

Moose shook his head. “What else? Because your background comes up squeaky clean. No tickets, no nothing. It seems too clean, princess.”

“That’s a conversation for another time.”

Moose ran his hand through hair. “Lily...you need to tell me. If we’re gonna work together we need to be open with each other. You know my entire past, yet I know nothing about you.”

I stood up and glared at him.

“I’m your lawyer, not your friend. My personal life is private with my clients. And that’s all you are. I will not cross that line. This was a mistake to even stay for dinner. I appreciate it, but I need to leave. Goodnight, Moose.”

I walked away before he could say a word. Climbing into my car, I started it and drove back to the hotel.

This entire night was a mistake. Getting close to people was a mistake. They couldn’t know my past. The few people who I let in judged me on it and never treated me the same after that.

I parked my car and headed into my hotel room, kicking my shoes off as I locked the door behind me.

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