Page 6 of Adam's Fugitive

“Yes.” I smile at them. “As long as you promise to stay out of trouble in the future, he won’t pursue any charges.” I glance over at Finn. “He just wants the whole mess to quietly go away.”

“We can definitely do that.” Cora blows out her breath.

“Uh.” The older woman pulls back. “What about the library?” Determination enters her eyes, and I’m glad I anticipated the issues.

“I talked to a friend of mine at the preservation society. It seems they didn’t know about the plans to tear down the historical building. They are going to file an injunction to pause the project while they investigate.” I had a busy day today, but I needed to take this whole mess off my girl’s plate. “If it all checks out, they will designate it a protected building and halt the demolition.”

“What great news.” Ophelia turns to her nephew. “Thank you very much for finding this efficient young man.”

“I’ve gotten used to finding legal help for you,” he grumbles through his smile. “You keep us on our toes.”

“That’s what family is for,” she huffs.

My eyes roam over Cora’s stunning body hungrily while the three of them celebrate. Now that business is over, it’s time for pleasure. My curvy little baby doll has seven years of my misery to make up for. While they make plans to go to lunch, I decide it’s time to make my move.

“I need to speak with Cora, alone.” Finn frowns at me as I stand and walk to the door. “Please,” I add.

“Thanks for everything.” He takes the hint and leads Ophelia to the door. “We can go have lunch while Cora and Adam discuss their business.” Before the older woman has the chance to argue, he pulls her from the room.

After shutting the door behind them, I turn to my doll. “It’s time we get a few things straight.”

Her eyes widen as she sinks back down in her chair. “Am I in trouble?”

“You’re in a ton of trouble. I plan to spank your ass red for daring to run out on me.” I walk over and lean my hip against my wooden desk. “Do you have any idea what I went through when I walked out of the bathroom to find you fucking gone?”

“I’m so sorry.” Her dark eyes fill with tears while her bottom lip wobbles, causing my goddamn heart to melt. “I had to catch a plane, and I was embarrassed that you had to take care of me while I puked my guts up.” My beautiful baby doll rambles on, “But I regretted leaving without finding out how to get in touch with you the second I sat down on the plane.”

“I have all your information now,” I warn her. “You aren’t going to get away from me a second time.”

“Wait a minute.” Cora frowns. “Did you say you’re going to spank,” she points at her luscious chest, “me?”

“I did say that,” I confirm.

“Now, wait a minute.” My little spitfire wakes up. “When did I agree to let you spank my rear end?”

“When you ran out on me.” I pull Cora to her feet. “I will give you time to get to know me before we jump right into punishments.” Leaning forward, I cover her soft lips with mine. Within a few seconds, my blood heats to boiling point, and I pull back before I end up fucking Cora in my office while the entire law firm listens. “But just know it’s coming.”

Cora stares into my eyes for a few moments, and I begin to wonder if I’ve pushed her too hard, too fast. Relief cuts through me when a smile breaks out on her beautiful face. “I look forward to it.”

“Me, too.” I wrap my arm around her curvy waist. “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” I don’t plan on letting the grass grow under my feet. “So we can get to know each other.”

“Since I owe you, a lot,” Cora smiles up at me, “Why don’t you come over to my house and I’ll cook us dinner?”

It’s an offer I can’t refuse. After we make plans, I walk her out to her car. “I’ll see you tonight.” I pull Cora into my arms and kiss her soft lips until we’re both breathing heavily. When we come up for air, I lean my forehead against hers. “Try not to get into any trouble before then.”

CHAPTERFIVE

CORA

“Ican’t promise anything.” I smile at Adam knowing the odds aren’t in my favor. Trouble just seems to find me.

Glancing at the time, I groan to myself. What was I thinking, inviting him to dinner tonight? It’s already four o’clock, and I haven’t even decided what to cook. I can’t exactly call Scarlett and ask for help. She will freak out and force me to spill the whole story, and I don’t have time for it.

In an act of desperation, I run into The Rodeo Drive Market, Silver Spoon Falls’ grocery store, and look for something quick and easy. To my surprise, their deli has a large selection of precooked meals. I don’t have any time to dillydally, so I grab some lasagna and the fixings for a salad.

I’m pulling the lasagna out of the oven when the doorbell rings at six o’clock on the dot. “You two better be on your best behavior.” I point down at my two little barking pooches before handing them each a big treat to occupy them. That should keep the loud duo busy for a few minutes. “Or you’ll go to bed with no snacks.” As I rush to the door, I call over my shoulder, “And I mean it this time.” Both animals ignore me while attacking the unexpected treats. They know I’m a big pushover who will cave and give them bedtime chew bones.

A few steps from the door, I trip over a half-eaten doggie toy and almost end up eating dirt. Shoot. I barely manage to pull myself together before I open the door. “You’re on time.” Wow. I’m not sure which way I like him best—powerful attorney in a fancy business suit or hot hunk in jeans and a t-shirt.

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