Page 49 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
“You know what I like about you, Hailey?”
I’ve finally found the words.
“What’s that?”
“I like that you’re not afraid to speak your mind. I like that you’ve never been afraid to speak your mind. You’re strong and quick-witted, so completely different from all the women that I’ve met before. Most people automatically kowtow to me, doing whatever they can to keep me happy with them. I think that’s why I was so intrigued with you that first night. You were fiery, ready to give a piece of your mind to a man you’d never even met. With you, I never have to worry that you have secret intentions or that you’re displeased with something. You’ll always let me know.”
She blushes as I lean in. Her lips meet mine softly; this kiss is different from any other one we’ve shared. The feeling rolls over me like waves; the fact that I could be in love with Hailey taunting me in my mind.
“Hailey, when you become a lawyer, what kind of lawyer do you want to be? I realize that I never asked you that.”
“Hmm. Well, when I first started school, I wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer. I think everyone starts out that way. But, as I’ve gone on, I realize that I actually want to be a family lawyer. It’s not as glamorous or elite, but it is important, and helps a lot of people. I know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve never told you this, but my father died when I was really young. He was in the military and died in combat. I was too young to really remember it, but my mom was devastated for a really long time. Raising us as a single mother was tough, and we never had a lot. So when she got cancer and ended up in the hospital, it was like adding onto everything that has happened.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that, Hailey. I know it’s different, because I got time with my dad, and I’ve never struggled like you have. But I do know what it’s like to lose a parent. I think that family law suits you, Hailey. You have a penchant for helping people.”
And I really do think that. Someone who cares about other people, who is empathetic, that’s Hailey.
“Truthfully, it’s more than just family law. I want to specifically help families that are struggling with medical bills-whether they’re past due or still need to be paid.” She looks up at me with her brilliant green eyes.
“That makes sense. It’s very admirable. One of the things I love most about you is how willing you are to dedicate your livelihood to other people.” I say.
She opens her mouth to respond when rain abruptly starts falling from the sky, followed by the far-away sound of thunder.
“We should get back, before the lightning shows up,” Hailey says, grinning.
The rain comes down harder then and she starts laughing. I join her and nod in agreement, picking up the oar so that I can once again match her pace.
“It’sreallyunfortunateaboutour rowing trip.” She shivers as we get into the penthouse. We’re both soaked and freezing, still recovering from the return trip of our row-boating excursion.
“We can do it again another day. I’d love to go back out there with you,” I say, rubbing my hands together for warmth.
She nods and moves to walk farther into the apartment before I stick my arm out in front of me. She throws me a questioning look.
“Strip, before you go any farther,” I command. She raises her eyebrows at me, and I sigh. “You’re dripping wet. I don’t want water tracked all through the penthouse. You can run to your room and get some warm clothes.”
She sighs and nods, conceding. I start removing my clothes in tandem with her. She shivers again as she removes her overalls.
“You know, I think I’d love a warm bath,” she announces.
I look at her like she’s grown two heads.
“You want more water? Soaking in the San Francisco rain wasn’t enough for you?” I raise my eyebrows, and she rolls her eyes at me.
“I want to get clean and warm!” she insists gleefully.
“Hmm, maybe that can be arranged. Do you mind if I join you?”
Mischief glints in my eye as she throws me a flirty smile.
“No, of course not. You can join me any time.”
“Good, good. I’m going to throw these wet clothes in the wash. You go to my bathroom and start filling up the tub. There’s bubble bath under the sink.”
She nods and saunters off. I pick up the pile of sopping wet clothes from the entryway and make my way to the laundry room. Stuffing the clothes in, I reach for the laundry soap sitting on the shelf. I stop myself right as my finger lands on the wash button. If I put this on, it will disrupt the bath water filling the tub. Changing my mind, I scurry back to my bathroom as quickly as I can.
I enter the room, standing in the doorway in all of my naked glory. She licks her lips as she takes me in. I slowly walk over and turn the handles on the tub, stopping it from overflowing. She doesn’t take her eyes off me the entire time.
“Care to go in first, Ms. Dunn?” I ask, gesturing towards the tub.
