Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Layla: I’m having lunch with Oliver today.
Archibald Pittman walked into my office and interrupted the rest of what I was about to text. His visits always made me nervous.
“Ms. Hutton. Just reviewed the billable hours. Nice job bringing our new client into the fold and pushing our other specialty work.”
I had no idea what the hell he was talking about. “Uh. Thank you.”
“Keep up the good work.” He disappeared.
Still unsure of what he had been referring to, I texted Gray.
Layla: Did you happen to give any other legal work to the firm, outside of my department?
Gray: I don’t share, Layla.
Hmmm. That was an odd answer.
Layla: I’m not sure I understand.
I waited for his text response, but instead the cell rang in my hand.
“I know you said we need to take it slow, but I can’t fucking share, Freckles.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your lunch date.”
“Oh!” I laughed. “Sorry, I was lost in our conversation. I mentioned my lunch with Oliver and then Pittman interrupted and mentioned something about a client giving the firm more business. I thought that might be you. It must’ve been someone else I work with.”
“I did give the firm more business. They’re handling the probate of my father’s will and a real estate transaction I need done. I called Pittman and told him you’d sold me on bringing that work to your firm instead of leaving it with my father’s attorney.”
“Oh. Wow. You didn’t have to do that. But thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now can you do me a favor in return?”
“Sure. What?”
“Don’t go to lunch with Pencil Dick. I can wait eleven months to see you. I can hold myself back from mauling you when you’re in my apartment. I can go as slow as you want. But I can’t fucking take the thought of you with another man.”
As much as I hated to admit it, his possessiveness and jealousy were a turn-on in this situation—although I couldn’t help but screw with him a bit.
“But I broke it off with Jared already.”
“Who?”
I had to cover my mouth to stop my giggle. “Jared. And I was planning on letting go of Trent, too. Although I thought maybe I’d sleep with him at least one more time before breaking it off.”
“You’re fucking with me? Please tell me you’re fucking with me.”
I let him hear my laugh this time. “I’m having lunch with Oliver to end things. I was planning on telling you that, but then Pittman interrupted, and I forgot to mention that part.”
Gray blew out a loud breath. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I am rather amused right now.” I leaned back into my chair.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. But that deserves a smack on the ass, and I’ll enjoy the repay next time I see you.”
“I might enjoy that, too.”
Gray groaned. “Christ.” Then I heard him cover the phone. “Can you circle the block once or twice, please?”
I heard the faint sounds of what must’ve been a driver saying, “Sure thing, sir,” before Gray returned to the line.
“I’m going to be late for my appointment at the bank because of you now.”
“Me? What did I do?”
“You just told me you might enjoy me spanking you, and now I can’t think of anything but the way your ass will look with my handprint on it. I can’t walk in there with a swollen cock.”
I shifted in my seat. “Oh.”
“Have an early dinner with me? I can’t wait to see you after you’re officially mine.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I said I was breaking things off with Oliver. I didn’t say I was officially anyone’s.”
He ignored me. “Five o’clock dinner. I’ll push my seven flight back to nine.”
“I can’t. I have a client at four, and need to prep for a case for tomorrow. When are you back from your trip?”
“Late tomorrow night. Friday then?”
“I have a kiddie birthday party Friday night. Saturday?”
“An event with my father’s old partner. Sunday night?”
“I have an early deposition Monday that I’ll need to prep for.”
“Jesus Christ. And I fly out to the west coast on Monday morning. I can’t wait two weeks to kiss you.”
I smiled. “You could always come with me to the kiddie party. It’s for my goddaughter.”
“Will there be a quiet corner or a closet to push you in for a few minutes and kiss the shit out of you?”
I laughed. “I can’t guarantee one. But there might.”
“Fine. What time should I pick you up?”
“You’re really going to come to a kiddie party with me?”
“Are you inviting me?”
“Sure, if you want. I’m sure Quinn would love to meet you. It’s my best friend’s daughter’s party.” I paused. “But full disclosure, I’m not sure she’s your biggest fan. We sort of share everything, and she’ll probably give you the evil eye and interrogate the crap out of you.”