Page 64 of The Lawyer
When I agreed to Landon’s proposal, or rather, agreed to accept only what he was prepared to offer, I was wrapped up in Tallington—wrapped up in him and everything he’d already shared with me. I assumed that things might change.
Now, I can’t hide that I want more. More of the Landon who stepped in to help Ash and more of the Landon who saved me from Jackson. He did both of those things for me. I have to hold on to that fact. He wouldn’t behave in the way he’s demonstrated for any other employee, would he? There’s more between us. I can see that—and I want that—but he’s not ready. I have hope, though, because I take faith in his actions over his words. I just need to hold onto that.
~
We’ve been back from Tallington for a couple of days, and now that I don’t need to worry about Jackson and The Priory, we’ve settled into a routine. A frustrating routine. Every time I close the door to his office, my heartbeat rockets and my breathing becomes thready as I wait for him to make a move. Perhaps lock me in and fuck me on the desk. Or jump me in a closet and take another slice of what I agreed to. That’s what he wanted between us—behind closed doors, he said, but so far, all he’s done is act in the proper way any employer should.
It’s driving me up the wall.
I smile as his last meeting leaves for the day and check if he's due out this afternoon. The guy from business development didn’t close the door behind him, so I use that as an excuse to stand and pop my head in on him.
“Do you need anything else?”
“Actually,” he sits back in his seat and crosses his arms over his chest. “I want you to leave.”
“Pardon me?” My eyes pop, and I panic that he’s going back on his word.
“I want you to leave early. It’s Thursday.”
“Okay, that’s a relief.” My hand flies to my chest and rests there as I catch my breath. “But why? You didn’t seem so keen on me choosing my own hours before.”
“Thursdays are an exception. We used to have an appointment. I’d like to keep that. Preferably without the price tag this time.” He grins, and I melt, unable to prevent the effect he has on me.
“Ah. About that.” I slip inside the office and lean back on the door to keep it closed. “I owe you for the time I made you cancel.”
“It’s fine, Willow. I’m sure you can figure something-”
“It’s too much,” I start as he stands and walks over to me. “I can’t just forget about it.”
“Shhhh.” He puts his lips to mine, silencing my voice while awakening my need for him. My hands roam up his chest and travel around his neck, holding him to me.
“As much as you’re very tempting. I’ll see you later. At mine.” His cool, blue eyes assess me as I take a breath and slow my racing heart. “I still have work to do.”
“Later then,” I whisper as I slip back out of the door.
~
I arrive home, and despite the hours I’ve still got to wait, the anticipation sizzles below my skin.
“Oh, Ash, I didn’t expect to see you.” He’s sitting at the table in the kitchen, staring at a piece of paper. “What’s that?”
“Court date.”
“Okay. Have you told Landon?” I ask, my attention now solely on Ash.
“Yeah. He texted me not to worry. It’s a formality and it won’t lead to anything.” He says the words, although the expression on his face doesn’t match their nonchalant meaning.
“He’ll make sure you’re okay. He’s an excellent lawyer.” I squeeze his shoulder, knowing what Landon told me, and the offer he suggested. Having Landon in my corner certainly helps calm my nerves about Ash, even if he might be taking this as a wake-up call. Perhaps that’s what he’s needed. With any luck it is, anyway.
I leave him to himself, at the thought.
“Willow?” I turn back and smile at him in reply. It’s been days since we’ve had any sort of conversation, and I know I have to let him lead. “Thank you. For looking out for me. Getting Landon on my case.” The words are finished quickly with Ash looking away.
“You’re welcome. What are sisters for?” The urge to throw my arms around him is almost too powerful to contain, but that’s not the kind of relationship we have.
“Did Landon talk to you about keeping out of trouble? It’s more important than ever, Ash.” As much as I don’t want it to, it comes off as a lecture.
“I will. I know I screwed up.” I breathe a sigh of relief that he’s admitted this situation. “I should never have gotten involved with that crew. I don’t even know why I did.” He looks at the table, his clenched fist knocking gently on it. “They were just there, you know? Friends, I thought. And then I owed money, and I had to find a way out of that.” My brows furrow, not understanding.
