Page 4 of Guilty As Charged
"I'm your lawyer, you can tell me anything,” Spencer says, and I relax at the finality of his statement. He’s my lawyer, and he’s going to help me. "Do you want to wait for the food to arrive before we dig into the things he's been doing to violate this contract?"
Spencer's eyes search my face longer than most people would when asking a question. He's done it more than once, but I don't think he's checking me out. It’s like he’s trying to figure out if he knows me.
Getting all dressed up in cosplay lets me appear completely different. It's part of the fun. But I have been good about keeping my real name away from any of this. Only Geoff knows who I really am. When finalizing the contract, I didn’t have a choice but to give him my real name. That’s come back to bite me on the ass.
As far as I can tell, Spencer hasn't connected my real name with my persona.
"I would rather get it all out now." It’s not easy to talk about this, but I want to keep pushing forward. I’m worried that if I stop, I’ll change my mind.
"Then let's start at the beginning. How did you and Geoff come to work together?"
I huff and put my face in my hands. I hate telling this story because I see how naïve I was. Spencer must sense my frustration because he comes around his deck to sit in the chair next to mine.
“It’s going to be okay. You can trust me.”
“I think that’s what got me here. I’m too trusting.” When I look up, he’s smiling softly.
“Maybe, but I’m willing to bet it’s a series of events.”
That’s probably true. It wasn’t until all the red flags were out and smacking me in the face that I really saw how much I’d missed or brushed aside.
“Okay, the beginning would have to be at the convention.” I’m telling Spencer about meeting Geoff when all of a sudden Spencer’s eyes widen.
“Wait.” He holds up his hand like he’s going to grip my chin, and I pause mid-sentence. He stops himself before he makes contact, and I realize I’m disappointed he doesn’t touch me.
“It’s fine,” I whisper, letting him know it’s okay. After a moment’s pause, he keeps going until his fingers catch my chin to tilt my head back.
“Delphine?”
Oh, wow. He got it on the first try.
“Yep, that’s me.” My teeth sink into my bottom lip, and I have no idea why I'm suddenly shy. I suppose it’s because of how Spencer might perceive me. People can be judgmental when it comes to cosplay or dressing up. They think it’s silly or a million other judgmental things.
“You really are breathtaking in every form.” He gives a slight shake of his head before a rueful smile takes over his handsome face.
“Thanks.” I have no doubt heat is rushing to my cheeks. Why am I blushing? I’m not usually like this, but when I’m dressed as Delphine, I can pretend to be her. Right now I’m simply me.
“Oh sorry!” I hear from behind us, and I jerk back to see Scout standing in the open doorway. Crap, is this inappropriate? Great, now Scout is going to think I’m hitting on her cousin. “I’ll, uh, come back.” Scout's eyebrows are almost to her hairline.
“Let me take that from you first,” Spencer says and gets the white bag of food from her. “We’re good if you want to head out for the day.”
“I want to make sure Abbie gets home safely.”
“I’m fine,” I tell her at the same time as Spencer speaks.
“I’ll take her.”
I’m fine, I mouth to her, even though I really like the idea of Spencer taking me home.
“All right, then I’ll leave you to it.” Scout takes a step back, and a smile lights up her face. I take it she wouldn’t have been pissed if there had been anything happening with Spencer and me. Not that there is! Or she could just be happy about leaving early.
Spencer takes the bag of food over to the other side of his office, where there’s a couch and table along the wall. I love how his office is professional and comfortable, but at the same time, I can spot a few unassuming figurines on a couple of his shelves and bookcases. There are traces of the real man here that don't include the high-powered attorney persona.
"Come on, let's eat, and you can tell me more."
At his offer, my stomach growls, so I follow him over to the couch. We sit down, and as we eat, I keep talking. I tell him how Geoff came into my life and how things changed over time. The more I talk, the more irritated he becomes. When I make it to social media crap, Spencer stands and removes his suit jacket. The moment he rolls up his sleeves, I have to look away. He’s gone from irritated to pissed, but he’s trying to hide it.
“He’s behind it, but I have a person who can dig into it and check.”
