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Shit. Is this feeling FOMO or a premonition that no matter what I do, my future has already been deep-sixed?
“What made you think I was here?”
Instead of answering, he moves forward. “Can I come in?”
Hayden crowds me back, so I turn and sit behind my desk, creating a barrier. He takes a client chair, positioning it directly in front of me. Liam takes the second client chair, his arm almost brushing Hayden’s, who ostentatiously moves slightly to the right. His mouth twists as he brushes at his sleeve.
“Did you come to ask me to join your boating party?” I brush my hand against my inappropriate outfit. I could wear it.
“No. I think if Fred had wanted you as a guest, he would have invited you himself.”
“Then why were you looking for me, and how did you know I came into the office?”
“I have my ways.”
What? Does he have bugs to overhear conversations? I give Liam a speculative glance. I can ask whether GSU can sweep the offices after hours.
“Invest in some gear if the rumors about your ex are true. Your pal here could install something for you.”
I play dumb. “What are you talking about?”
“Come on, Micki.” He smiles at Liam.
When I don’t respond, he crosses one leg over the other and tents his fingers under his chin, giving me a long look. “Fine. Let’s move on, shall we?”
I cross my arms and rest them on my desk.
“Look. I have nothing against you, but you will never make partner.”
I fight hard not to react. He looks disappointed at not getting a rise out of me. “Come on, Micki. Don’t play coy. The whole firm knows.”
A dull ache throbs in my temple. Coming in today was a bad idea. Except, now I have a better idea of how difficult staying on at the firm might prove.
Brick by brick, I build my fortifying wall. Then my eyes shoot flaming arrows. “And how do you know this?”
All this summoned scariness is worthless. He laughs. “Seriously? My uncle will make sure it’s me. This has been my future ever since I started law school. If you think you will weasel your way into my birthright, think again.”
I choke, but when I grab the coffee mug to relieve the coughing fit that just won’t stop, it’s empty.Crappity, crap, crap.Hardly able to see Hayden as the coughing makes tears run down my face, I grab the cup, round my desk, and run out to the water fountain. I take huge gulps, then fill the mug. Once I regain my composure, I walk carefully back to the office and resume the stare down of my unwelcome visitor.
His sangfroid is admirable. Frost edges his voice as he says, “I just want to caution you to watch your step if you want to stay on with the firm—as a senior associate.”
Pushing my chair back, I stand, hands curled around the edge of my desk. The wood presses painfully against my palms, reminding me to stay strong. “Thanks so much for the heads-up, Hayden.” I pause. “I’ve finished here for the day, so I think I’ll just go home. Enjoy the boat and don’t fall into the lake.”
He bounces up, turns toward the door, opens it, and as he steps through, he looks back at me with what looks like pity. “Just be careful, Micki, or you’ll be out of here. I can imagine Fred letting other firms know they might not want to hire you.” With a swish of his perfectly gelled hair, he’s gone.
I lean against my desk for a few seconds, then retrieve my jacket and bag from the floor before walking out. Liam follows, practically stepping on my heels. “Case has the SUV downstairs. Faster we leave here, the better.”
It’s nine thirty, and I’ve done nothing except listen to Hayden’s threats, but who cares? “I’m starved. Let’s find brunch.”
ChapterNine
Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.—Joan Crawford
Micki
For the next few days,time crawls. Even though JL calls every morning, being without him causes a constant ache of longing. This is the first time in a relationship I have felt cherished and protected. Even though I try to fight against the neediness, the battle already seems lost. With him away, my emotional state is one of loneliness and sensations of abandonment wash over me.
Work is a never-ending series of ice floes with treacherous semi-frozen water between them getting wider and wider. The biggest ones have polar bears, menacing in the distance. If I lose my footing, I’ll drown or die of hypothermia.
