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“That can’t be true.”
“They’re probably sad, but they aren’t devastated.”
“You’re not close,” I surmise.
“Definitely not,” she laughs.
“Tell me,” I say, leaning forward. “Tell me who you are. Where do you come from?”
“New York,” she replies. “I am what you assumed me to be. I come from a rich and powerful family the vacation with former presidents of the United States. They know everyone who’s someone. My parents started a law firm fresh out of college. It’s one of the biggest firms in New York with offices in Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami. They are both judges now. My dad has his sights set on the Supreme Court. My brother is one of the best criminal defense attorneys at the firm my parents passed on to him.”
“Damn, you’re a whole family of legal eagles.”
She smiles. “Yes. There wasn’t really a choice.”
“You didn’t want to be a lawyer?”
She shakes her head. "Yes, but no. I mean, don't get me wrong, the talent is in the family. But I couldn't stand the thought of living in that world. Criminal defense is not for me."
“Were you groomed to be one of the partners in the family firm?”
“Oh yes,” she smiles. “When I told them no thank you, it was not a happy day. I knew I couldn’t live in their shadows. So, I started applying for jobs all over the country. I got this one and never looked back. We don’t talk much. I know that sounds terrible, but we are not a normal family. My parents, well, I don’t know if they really love me.”
“That can’t be true,” he quickly says. "
“I’m sure they love me, but if they had to choose, they’re not going to be like ‘oh we love each of you equally’, they are going to choose my brother. It wouldn’t even be a contest.”
“Paige, I’m sure they just have a weird way of showing it.”
She took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "Look, I don't want to make it sound like they don't care about me, because I know they do. But their love is conditional. They love me because I'm their daughter, but they love my brother because he's an extension of themselves. He's the one who followed in their footsteps, who became the lawyer they used to be, if not even better than both of them. I'm just the black sheep."
I nod, understanding the pain behind her words. "It's not your fault, Paige. Your parents are the ones who have the problem.”
I'm surprised to learn that she's never really formed relationships. I can't help but feel a pang of empathy for her.
“Thanks,” she smiles. “But enough about that. I’ll call and let them know I’m alive.”
"You don't need to try to be anything," I tell her, my voice gentle. "Just be yourself."
Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I can see the vulnerability lurking behind her tough exterior. Maybe she's not as unbreakable as she seems, and maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to see a side of her that no one else has ever seen before.
“You’re a good guy,” she smiles as she gets to her feet, collecting napkins and plates. “I know you try hard to put out this cocky, untouchable vibe, but I’ve seen your gooey center.”
I laugh and jump up to pull her into my arms. “How about I take you to my room I check out your gooey center?”
She wrinkles her nose. “I’m not sure that sounds as sexy as you think it does.”
I chuckle. “Good point, but it was too easy to pass up.”
Chapter 17
Paige
As I watch him walk away, I can't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. There's a warmth in my chest and a little bit of excitement, but also a hint of trepidation. I've spent my entire life avoiding feelings like this, but maybe it's time for a change.
I follow him into the bedroom, feeling a primal need to make him mine. It’s almost feral. I grab his shoulder and jerk him back, almost knocking him off balance. He turns around with surprise in his eyes. I don’t give him time to question my actions. I grab his face and pull him close, my lips colliding with his in a deep and passionate kiss. His arms wrap around me instinctively, pulling me closer as I use my grip on his shoulders to keep myself steady.
We break apart as we both gasp for breath. His eyes are wide and surprised as they meet mine, but they quickly melt into something soft and warm. There's definitely a spark there, something that's been simmering beneath the surface since I first saw him in those aviators.
