AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Tell me your experience.”
I brush my jaw stubble as her body remains tense, and she fidgets. Wearing four-inch heels in the frigid weather isn’t smart, but damn, her shapely legs look enticing. My hand falls from her silk green dress before I stray to her full behind.
“Ask permission next time.”
“Yes, Sir.”
My eyebrow rises as we gaze into each other’s eyes with curiosity. The scent of orange and clove softens my tight mouth as my right arm reaches across her shoulder for paper towels. She reminds me of the spiced eggnog Dad makes. I could sprinkle this beauty with cinnamon and drink from her luscious lips.
“I’ve worked for three premier law firms in the past year and am proficient in Lawcus software.”
“Why haven’t you kept a steady job?”
Her mouth tightens, and she turns away to dab the damp fabric. Behaving with arrogance and authority is my sole persona since losing Syd. Avoiding emotional connections with women by remaining distant keeps my grief buried.
A drunk driver killed Sydney on New Year’s Eve. It’s my fault. CFO Federman and I were filing last-minute donations to lower our tax burden. We planned to meet for a private meal at Atlanta’s finest steakhouse. I was going to propose.
Fate had other plans.
“I’m waiting for your answer.”
She lowers the paper towels to the counter and stares at the tile floor.
“My father's been ill, and the previous working environments were inflexible. He needs a partial knee replacement.”
Pity is not an emotion I allow.
My finger’s pads are about to text Mrs. Rogers to escort her out, when a second desire grips me. I want to care for this girl. It’s been over a year since I touched a woman for sex.
My hand reaches out and places itself on her shoulder. Her eyes dart up and she swallows hard. The urge to move my fingers across her collarbone to feel her breath rise and fall is overwhelming. I need more.
"Define inflexible, Miss Parks."
“The offices I worked for didn’t meet my ethical standards.”
“Why not?”
My body’s temperature skyrockets as she huffs and steps towards the elevator. This girl’s resurrecting my dormant desire for more than sex. Justice is what I live for, and she needs protection from sleazy lawyers. I beat those bastards in court most days.
Maybe I can find another great love. But cracking open my reticent heart could reopen the pain and grief of losing Syd.
The devastating news about her involvement in a drunk driving accident came from a sheriff’s deputy. A single tear dripped from my eye before I internally shut down. I hate myself knowing that had I chosen Syd over work, we'd be married right now.
Never again will I share my life with a precious woman. That's my belief. I’m a stronger man without her is the bullshit my therapist spews during my grief counseling appointments. The only reason I feel compassionate towards this knockout is my mother's early influence. She taught me to be empathetic and to comfort those less fortunate.
“No reason.”
Her whisper is firm, and I suspect the truth may not be forthcoming.
“Tell me everything. We have nothing but time.”
Her chest heaves, and the pouty lips open to explain. My eyes flick to the exposed skin beaming up at me from underneath her arms. I watch in awe as her red fingernail clicks across the hard surface, drawing an invisible pattern.
“Like I said, Sir, I’m saving money for my father’s surgery. Either give me an assignment or find another temp willing to work on Christmas Eve. My morals are none of your business, Mr. Barton.”
“Address me as Sir.”
Twinges of lust awaken my groin as her pupils soften, and a light flush crosses her face. Screw work. I’m long overdue to play.
