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Why the urgency? Frustration fills me because I can't call her straight away. She’s probably calling to set me up on a date, something I don’t want to do. Anxiety tightens like a band around my chest.
Sabine couldn’t possibly be here, could she? Although I wouldn't be surprised if she were. I scan the public gallery, and the constriction in my chest finally loosens when I see her sitting at the back, close to the exit.
We lock eyes. Sabine O’Neill is a vision. I nod acknowledgment and send a quick message, asking her to meet me in the foyer during the next break.
She gives me a quick smile, and I turn my back, taking my seat as court proceedings resume. I feel her eyes on me, but knowing she’s close calms my nerves.
I met Sabine when she was a few months shy of turning eighteen and entering her senior year of high school.
Her brother Zane and I had just graduated from college, and I was about to start law school. Zane warned me to stay away, but our paths didn’t cross much, even if I wanted them to.
A year ago, we met up again at her cousin’s wedding, and that’s when I realized I have feelings for her. We were paired up as part of the wedding party.
We spent the week relaxing and getting to know each other better at her uncle’s farm.
Attending a casual countryside wedding with a stunning date to dance and flirt with was perfect....until Zane reminded me that his sister was off-limits, effectively firing a warning shot.
I gave him shit, making out like he’d insulted me for even bringing it up, and we laughed it off as a joke.
Only the joke was on me. I had to fight every instinct to keep my hands to myself. It was one of the most challenging weeks of my life. Since the wedding, we’ve kept in touch through a group chat with Zane to avoid raising suspicion.
When we bumped into each other at the airport, she bravely confessed that her business was in trouble, and her disappointment broke my heart. Despite not competing with Zane, she's always striving to prove herself.
I volunteered to help, not because I was looking for a partner, but because the thought of Sabine being sad for any reason killed me.
When the session concludes, the spectators in the public gallery make their way out of the courtroom. Sabine’s leaning against a pillar in the foyer, exactly where I asked her to meet.
A smile brightens her face when she sees me. Sabine is hot, goddamn it. When did she become even more beautiful?
“Hi, Bean,” I say, genuinely relieved to see her.
“Hi, yourself,” she replies, her dark eyes scanning my face.
“What are you doing here?” I pull her in for a quick kiss on the cheek. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes!” She smiles brightly. “You’ll never guess which famous Hollywood actress I lined up as your date.”
I groan inwardly at the thought of dating anyone other than Sabine. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, but she’s excited, and I don’t want to disappoint her.
“My date? I’m sure whoever you arranged is fine, but why the urgency?”
“It’s Margo Raine! Her agent told me she’s in town filming her new movie with Luca Regis,thedirector of the moment. He’s crazy talented. They’re on a tight schedule, and that’s why I needed to see you.”
“I see.” I reach for my phone and tap the diary app.
“I sent the invitation to your calendar,” Sabine says, animatedly pointing at the screen.
It was amazing how technology allows information to infiltrate my devices without my permission, but I had to give it bonus points for efficiency.
“I’ll look at the dates when court is in recess and respond with one that suits. How does that sound?”
I’m relieved when she nods encouragingly. I’ll play along with the charade, but I’m already regretting it and haven’t been on the date yet.
I’d do anything for her, even if it meant offering myself up as a guinea pig to attract new clients to her business, something I regretted the instant I realized what was involved.
“Mr. Brooks! Ryland Brooks!” I glance over my shoulder and see a reporter with a swarm of news crews racing behind her.
“Vultures,” I mutter.
