AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Would you like to come in? The least I can do is offer you a piece of cake or something for all your help."
I hesitate, the professional boundaries I've always adhered to looming large in my mind. I know I shouldn't. But seeing both the vulnerability and strength that first struck me, my resolve weakens as I look into her eyes.
I'm not just curious; I'm genuinely concerned for her.
"Alright," I say finally, "I'd like that."
And with that admission, I can almost feel the line between professional and personal blur, even as I step out of the car, locking it behind me. I follow her toward the front door, each step weighted with the awareness that I'm treading into uncharted territory.
But, for some reason, it feels exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Chapter 3 - Lauren
The adrenaline is still pumping through my veins as I lead Dennis into the living room. The confrontation with Tom, the shattered window, the police—what a day.
But strangely, having Dennis here, in my living room, makes everything feel a bit more manageable.
"Would you like something to drink with the cake? I have coffee, tea, soda…"
"Water would be great, thank you," he replies, his voice still carrying that professional edge, but now I can hear a layer of warmth underneath.
I fetch him a slice of chocolate cake and a glass of water, then sit on the opposite end of the couch.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," I say, gesturing to the plush cushions.
Dennis sits down, and it feels like the room gets a degree warmer. He holds the glass of water in his hands but doesn't drink from it yet.
"So, um, you moved to Willow Creek recently? I’ve never seen you before," I start, trying to break the ice.
"Yeah, about a month ago. New beginnings and all that," he says, finally taking a sip from his glass.
"New beginnings," I echo. "I could use one of those."
"Can't we all?" Dennis gives me a small, understanding smile.
The conversation flows easily from there. Maybe it's the adrenaline or the surreal feeling of inviting my handsome lawyer into my home for cake, but I find myself opening up about my past.
"I've made some bad choices," I confess. "Especially when it comes to relationships. Tom was just the tip of the iceberg."
"You can't blame yourself for other people's actions, Lauren," Dennis says, putting his glass down. "It's not your fault that they turned out to be...not what you hoped for."
"I guess."
"What about you? Any skeletons in your closet?" I ask, feeling braver than I have in a long time.
He pauses, his eyes meeting mine for a moment before he looks away.
"I had a sister, Emily. She was in a dangerous relationship like you, but we couldn't see it initially. When we did, it was too late. I couldn't save her."
My heart clenches in my chest at the pain in his voice. It's as if the walls between client and lawyer, between two people who've just met, fall away for a moment.
I see him, really see him, and the pain in his eyes is something I find all too familiar.
"Is that why you became a lawyer? To protect people?" I ask softly.
Dennis nods. "Yes. To do for others what I couldn't do for Emily."
I look at him, really look at him, and realize that despite our different lives, careers, and the walls of professionalism that should be between us, we are the same in many ways. And for the first time in a long time, I feel a little less alone.
