Page 21 of Finding Redemption

“You and me both. He could pull my hair and smack my ass any day.” I laugh.

“So flirt and see where it goes.”

“Here’s the problem. I think he volunteered to get me to bend for his case. It’s too coincidental,” I explain as I rinse off.

“What is? That he decided to work at the center?”

“Yes.” I turn the water off and reach for my towel. “The day before we’re ordered to work out this property issue, he begins working there.”

“Maybe it was. You’re too jaded.” He chuckles.

“I prefer guarded,” I say, wrapping my towel around me. “I mean, why that day? Maisyn did tell me she invited him before but hadn’t given him details. Oh, and Maisyn’s dating the guy I’m suing.”

“Damn. This is too much information this early.” He shakes his head.

“Precisely.” I lean against the wall. “It’s all convoluted. I’m gonna remain guarded and stay the hell away from Walker.”

“All right. I’ll finish my breakfast and clean up before I leave.” He stands. “Thanks for the food.” He kisses my cheek on his way out. Just as I’m about to drop my towel, he sticks his head back in. “Do you have pictures?”

“Of Walker?” My mouth hangs open.

“I’ll take that as a no. Maybe try.” He winks before I can throw something at him. Alden’s been by my side since we were young and when I decided to move here, he came with me.

5

“She’s impossible.” I slam my hand down on my desk. “She’s utterly ridiculous. I’m not sure I can work with her.” I toss files around my desk as I explain the situation to Lachlan. “She’s completely juvenile.”

“Have you talked about the project?”

I’m struck dumb. “No.” I rest my fists on my sides.

“Maybe, I don’t know, I’m thinking you should,” he says.

I let my head fall back, knowing he’s right but not wanting to face her until I have to. “I’ll schedule an appointment with her office.”

“But make it a neutral setting. Not here or her place, or even the center. Have lunch or something,” Lachlan offers.

“Yes. Somewhere else. So she can’t run or yell.”

“She’s a redhead, lad. Not sure she won’t do that anyway.” He grins. He’s right.

“I’ll be damned if she continues to throw tantrums.”

“And what are your plans for those?” He chuckles.

“No clue.” I shake my head and fall into my chair.

Lachlan leans forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “Walker, have you considered you may not be able to bring this in?”

“No. Not happening.”

He reluctantly concedes for the moment. “So lunch with the fiery, hottie lawyer.”

I frown at his description of Reese. “You think she’s hot?”

“Hell, yes.” My stomach knots. “Don’t you?”

“Of course, she’s a beautiful woman. Childish but beautiful,” I gripe.