Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 52699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
“One percent.”
“So, should I just leave now?”
“Of course not, Miss Lawyer.” He sipped his coffee again. “Given the morning we’ve had together, I don’t think that’s necessary.”
He took off his suit jacket while staring at me. Unfastening his cufflinks, he rolled up his shirt sleeves to reveal skin that was marred with beautifully drawn tattoos.
As if he could tell I couldn’t look away, he pushed his shirt sleeves up a bit further. Then he loosened his silk grey tie.
“Do you need anything before we begin this interview?” he asked.
“No.”
“Good.” He leaned forward. “Do you know that leaving the scene of an accident is a crime?”
“Depends on what country…”
“Here, in America, Miss Tanner.”
“Yes, I’m aware it’s a crime.”
“Good, because the gentleman who pulled you from your car was quite saddened that his first accident was a hit and run.”
“I think he was more concerned with the damage to his car.”
“Hopefully you have a payment plan in mind…”
Silence stretched between us, and a palpable tension filled the room. He strummed his fingers atop the file and he looked up at the clock, giving me a glimpse of his jawline.
“Are you nervous right now, Miss Tanner?” he asked.
“A little, yes.”
“Would you like some water?”
I nodded, and he stood from the chair. He picked up the pitcher at the center of the table and poured a glass. Then he rolled his chair down the length of the table, closer to me.
“Here.” He handed me the water before taking a seat.
As I sipped, I couldn’t help noticing that the scent of his cologne was still as intense and intoxicating as it was before. So much so, that I had to force myself not to lean in and inhale more of it.
“Why did you decide to become a lawyer, Miss Tanner?” He finally asked a real question.
“I’m passionate about entertaining—I mean, helping people.”
“Why not volunteer at a homeless shelter or a charity?”
“Because I would like to make a living.”
He let out a low laugh that sent every nerve in my body running wild.
“Mr. Hamilton showed me a very thorough letter of recommendation from a Professor Carter at Harvard.” He looked into my eyes. “I had to read it three times to take it all in. This professor must’ve really liked you.”
“He did,” I said. “I received the only ever ‘A’ grade in his class.”
“How very impressive.” He smiled. “Since you’re on such good terms, can I have his email or phone number to verify that?”
“No.” I swallowed. “I can’t give you that.”
“Why not?”
“Because he’s dead now.”
“He died?”
“Yes.” I felt my cheeks burning, and I swore someone had suddenly raised the temperature in this room to one hundred degrees. “It was very instant and tragic.”
“When was this?”
“Not too long ago.”
“So, this professor just happened to leave a recommendation letter for you in his will?”
I picked up my water and took a long sip, hoping he would move on to the next question.
“So, I guess I need to repeat the question for you.” He wasn’t dropping the subject. “Did your professor leave a recommendation letter for you in his will?”
“No, he wrote that for me after I graduated. I just held onto it until now.”
“That’s—” He paused, looking amused. “That’s a very impressive defense strategy, Miss Tanner.”
“I believe his letter spoke volumes about your character, so I’ll just cut to the chase,” he said. “Why shouldn’t I have you writhing under me?”
“What?”
“Why should I hire you to work under me?” He enunciated every syllable, confirming that’s far from what he’d said before.
“I have a ten-star work ethic that can’t be matched,” I said. “I’ll always outwork everyone in the room by coming early, leaving late, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
“Speaking of the word ‘ethic,’ well the plural version, do you think the law is perfect?”
“Not at all.”
“Do you think breaking the law makes someone a bad person?”
“That’s a complex question.”
“It’s a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ one.”
“No,” I said. “Breaking the law doesn’t make someone a bad person, but—”
“So, your answer is no,” he interrupted. “Good.”
He looked as if he wanted to say more, but he didn’t ask another question. He stared into my eyes, and I stared into his, getting lost in them all over again.
He leaned forward, and I followed his lead, naturally drawn to him in a way I’d never been to a man before. His gaze landed on my lips, and he lifted a hand, but a knock on the door sent him rolling back in his chair.
“Come in,” he said, and the brunette from earlier stepped inside.
“Sorry to interrupt, but your emergency appointment is here.”
“Tell them I’ll be there in a minute.”
“There’s also an angry cab driver cursing at the receptionist downstairs,” she said. “Something about us owing him money.”
“I’ll handle it.” He stood up and reached for my hand.