Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 67711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
He reached out and placed his hand over mine. A jolt of electricity ran up my arm. His skin was warm, soft. I wanted to grab hold of his wrist, jerk him across the table, and kiss him. What would he do if I indulged myself right there in the middle of the restaurant? Would he freak out? Would we end up the subject of the next day’s society gossip?
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Ford, would you just listen to me?”
“I can listen to you talk about the case, but that’s all. Stop acting like there’s something going on here when you just want to win.”
“Maybe we can figure out a way for us both to win.” He’d dropped his voice into those low, sensual tones again.
“Are you suggesting that if I convince Miles to accept your compromise, you will sleep with me and that will be my prize?”
Jay’s eyes widened. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
“So, even for the chance to have this win, you wouldn’t dare sleep with a man, is that it?”
Jay snarled. “You’re making this impossible. If I want you, I’m manipulating you. If I don’t want you, I’m being an asshole. What do you want?”
“I want us to behave as professionals who don’t know each other. Treat me like you would any other opposing counsel.”
“You aren’t any other opposing counsel. And this isn’t any other lawsuit. Your client is your friend. And I….”
Had he been about to mention the promotion? Did he think he could play on my emotions like that? Would it work if he did?
“I’m offering a reasonable compromise.”
“My client doesn’t really believe in reasonable.”
Jay laughed. “That sure seems to be the case.”
“We’re going to win this case. The law is behind us.”
“You’re so fucking sure of that.” The bitterness I was used to was back in his tone.
“Have you got something to rattle my confidence?”
“I’m going to find something.”
I shook my head. “I shouldn’t be here.”
The smile left Jay’s face. “We’re having a meeting about our clients.”
“Are we?”
“Yes. If my suggestion doesn’t suit you, then what would you suggest as a compromise?”
“I already told you, compromise is not on the table here.”
“You don’t want to take this to court any more than I do. That would take too much time out of your tennis schedule.”
I huffed. “I don’t want to take it to court, but the only way I’m going to get my wish is if your client agrees to meet my client’s demands.”
“Tell me the truth. If my client was represented by anybody else, would you hold the line this hard?”
“Yes.”
He narrowed his eyes, studying me, and I let myself truly consider the question. “If it was anyone else, I would have never agreed to dinner. I would have never agreed to leave the club last night. If it was anyone else, I’d simply state my demands and refuse contact unless it was court mandated.”
“And you say I am an asshole.”
“You’re an asshole in your personal life. I’m an asshole professionally. That’s what this job is about.”
“Yeah, fucking tell me about it.” He picked up his drink and downed the rest of it in one go.
“I think it’s time for me to leave.”
“We haven’t ordered dinner yet.”
“This meeting has gone on long enough. Anything else you have to say to me can be sent to me in writing.” I pushed back my chair and tossed my napkin on the table, hating that my hands were shaking. I wasn’t even sure I could identify the emotions I was feeling as I practically ran from the restaurant.
“Ford, wait!” he called, but I didn’t stop. I kept moving. I needed to get out of there. I hoped he thought it was because I was angry or an ice princess or anything other than the fact that I had to get out of there before I gave in, or worse, started to believe his act was real.
10
JAY
I wasn’t going to let the night end this way. I needed a win on something. I pulled out my wallet, tossed some bills on the table to cover what we ordered, and went after Ford. When I stepped onto the sidewalk, I looked around for him. Finally, I saw him walking toward the closest intersection.
I caught up to him just before he could cross at the light. When I grabbed his arm, he turned, ready to punch me. I blocked him, and he pushed me away.
“I told you I was done.”
“Well, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. I’ll see you in court.” He jerked free of my hold, the light turned in his favor, and he rushed across the street. I stood there, staring after him, tears stinging the back of my eyes.
I was falling apart. Had I finally pushed myself so hard I was having a fucking nervous breakdown? That was the only thing that could explain it, because if I was in my right mind I wouldn’t be standing here nearly crying over a man who was running from me. I could pretend I was upset because this situation could fuck up my career, but I knew that wasn’t the issue.