Page 12 of Attorney Privilege
“In all fairness, you don’t know me that well.” How could he really know my demeanor when he doesn’t even interact with me? In fact, more often than not, when he would come to events at my parents' estate, he’d always be a touch drunk. He’s edging on that right now, and it’s barely noon. I also think he might be coming down with a cold with how he keeps sniffling and rubbing his nose.
“You’re friendly with everyone. I bet you can recall the hostess's name. Probably our waiter too.”
“Server,” I correct, which gets me an eye-roll. I hate how dismissive that is. I have to deal with it from my mother. Now him too? “Why wouldn’t I? They introduced themselves to us. Luna was sweet, and I haven’t met too many people who can play the harp.”
“That’s what I mean.” Conner shakes his head, taking a sip of his scotch. “Who even plays the harp?” Actually, I do, but I keep that to myself. “The other women I see are for my needs. Needs you couldn’t meet until now. It’s about time your mother has finally let you be alone with me.”
Was that why he was ignoring me before? I guess it was pointless to speak with me when he couldn’t get between my thighs. How romantic. I didn’t think I could possibly dislike Conner any more, but boy, I was wrong.
“We’re not alone,” I point out. We’re in a restaurant, and our server is headed to our table right now to deliver our food. “Thank you, Sean,” I tell him when he sets my plate down.
Conner ignores him completely. “We could be alone.” He leans over the table, getting closer. His hand covers mine, and my skin crawls at his clammy touch. “You didn’t notice this restaurant is in a hotel?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I pull my hand back to pick up my fork and push the food around the plate. My appetite is officially gone, and I don’t want Conner to touch me.
The memory of Gideon kissing me comes back, and his touch was?—
“You’re blushing.” Conner cuts off my sexy thoughts of Gideon. “See, we should get a room.”
He’s smirking, but I’m already shaking my head before he can finish. He wasn’t the reason my cheeks were filling with heat. When I think about my kiss with Gideon, my whole body warms.
“So that’s how you want to play this?” Now he’s the one turning cold. “Then you have no right to be upset about the things I do since you won’t take care of my needs.”
“Okay,” I agree. He can have his indiscretions, and so can I.
That should make me feel less guilty, but the thing is, I haven't felt guilty at all. Does that make me a bad person? At the very least, it makes me no better than him. It's not going to stop me, and if anything, I need Gideon more than ever before.
“Okay?” he sputters.
Why does he look upset? Didn’t he want me to agree? Conner is so confusing.
“Are you coming down with a cold?”
Conner jerks back like I insulted him, but he once again rubs his nose. “Why would you say that?” He’s defensive as he scowls.
“You know, I think I’m the one getting sick.” I put my fork down, faking a sniffle. “I should go. I don’t want you to get it.”
“Fine.” He shrugs dismissively. Why is he so mad that I asked if he had a cold?
“Thank you for lunch.” He doesn’t respond, but when I push back from my chair and go to walk past him, he grabs my forearm.
“When I call or text, you respond.” His hold tightens painfully, his fingers digging in deep.
“Okay,” I rush to say so he’ll release me.
“Now go.” He practically pushes me away from him, and I hurry through the restaurant, rubbing my arm where he grabbed it.
When I glance back over my shoulder, I see a woman approach the table and take my seat. That was quick. Are all men this way, and I’m the only one that doesn’t know it?
“Hey, Ems,” Charlie says when I get outside. He opens the passenger door for me, and I hop in.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” I say, and a small laugh bubbles free. I’ve never done anything like this before, and when I asked Charlie about taking me to see Gideon, he was more than happy to help.
“Believe it,” he says with a smile.
The drive isn’t far, and soon we’re outside of Gideon’s building. “Thanks again,” I tell him when I get out.
“Ems,” he calls before I close the door. “I’ll always be your getaway driver if you need it.”
