Page 9 of The Love Bargain

“And you learned how to fight,” she says.

In the courtroom, you always need to be ready to catch what the opposition throws at you and adjust your position at any time.

My ability to do both makes me good at my job, but life is no different.

“Being a successful lawyer is about honing your instincts. It’s about knowing when to fight, when to back down, and—”

“When to bluff,” she finishes. She hides her playful smirk behind a curtain of dark hair, but I see it and laugh.

Following a short pause, Sabine regards me thoughtfully.

“I see how your early life experience plays out in the cases you choose to work on. Your ethics are front and center.”

Ethics? Ouch.

The server interrupts politely and offers to escort us to the table, saving me from making a fool of myself.

Unlike many of my friends, I’ve never been a man controlled by his dick. Despite arguing, my parents have a strong bond, and their relationship taught me that waiting for the right woman is worthwhile.

Running into Sabine at the airport was a stroke of luck, and when she told me about starting her own business, I was so proud.

Offering to help was my tactic to spend time together and draw her naturally into my life.

I assumed I’d help with legal issues or business setup, not offer myself as a guinea pig for matchmaking. Desperate times call for desperate measures, but that was the wrong move. I have no desire to go on a date with Margo Raine.

I can negotiate my way out of most situations, but how will I back out of this one?

Chapter5

Striking a bargain

Sabine

The server escorts us to our table, and we order dinner and a bottle of wine. When the server leaves, Ryland toasts to our future success.

I’m unsure how to define “success” if it means losing the man I want but clink my glass with his.

When Ryland focuses his laser-like gaze on me, I feel like the only person in the room. It’s an impressive feat, considering we’re in a crowded restaurant.

Unfortunately, I lost my train of thought between moving from the bar to the table.

“What were we talking about earlier?” I ask. “It was about your work.”

Ryland leans in, and the distinct and alluring musky scent of his cologne wafts around me, making my heart beat a little faster.

“That’s enough about me. I’m proud of you, Bean. The office looks terrific.”

“Thank you,” I reply before taking a sip of wine.

Desperately trying to ignore the urge to reach out and touch him, I clasp my hands together in my lap and look away so I won’t be tempted.

“Focusing your business on time-poor and cash-rich CEOs is a great idea,” he comments thoughtfully. “You’re going to do great things.”

“I hope so.” I sigh. “I’ve got a lot riding on it.”

“Because of Zane lending you money? Is that why you’re feeling the pressure?” he asks with a tilt of his head.

Nodding, I reach for my wine glass and take a long sip.

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