Page 14 of Office Mistakes

Audra wassurprised by how much she and Charlie had in common.

Not just in the bedroom, even though—Audra smiled—they were more than compatible there.

The more time she spent with him, the more time she wanted to spend with him.

Her smile turned to a frown as she tapped a pen against her desk. That was the problem.

She knew what kind of trouble could come from an office romance.

What kind of hurt.

She’d made herself a promise to never get tangled up in another situation like that. And yet, here she was, breaking that promise.

At least they were managing to keep it quiet at the office.

They spent their days virtually ignoring each other and their nights lost in each other.

And not just in sex, Audra thought again. They had long discussions on the law, why they had chosen their focus—Audra, defense and Charlie, family—and debating on who was better: Iron Man or Captain America.

Audra pinched the bridge of her nose and leaned back in her chair.

Charlie was a delight, and she was beginning to develop serious feelings for him.

It was time to consider stepping back.

“Is everything okay?You’ve been quiet all evening.” Charlie handed Audra a glass of wine and sat across from her.

She absently wound and unwound pasta from her fork before answering. “I’m okay. I’m just a little nervous about tomorrow. Interviewing with all three partners is daunting. And I have to be honest with you, Charlie. I want this promotion. It’s the last step before becoming a partner.”

“Yeah.” Charlie propped his elbows on the table. “I’m almost certain you’ll get it.”

Audra looked up quickly. “Why? You’re just as qualified. You’re a great attorney.”

“I am a good attorney,” Charlie acknowledged matter-of-factly. “Family law can be a tricky bitch. Judge Stevens ruled against me today, and that’s two custody disputes lost in as many months.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Sympathy coated her voice. “I know how hard you worked on that.”

Shrugging, Charlie swallowed a bit of spaghetti. “It’ll be okay either way the partners decide. At least I get you tomorrow night, for New Year's Eve. I like that the firm always throws a bash for us. What time should we get there? Do you want to be fashionably late?”

Blinking, Audra frowned. “What? Charlie, we can’t arrive together.”

“Why not?”

“You know we have to be discreet.”

Charlie scowled. “No, we don’t. C’mon, Audra. We both know this has turned into a relationship instead of us just playing around in the sheets.”

“It needs to be kept quiet,” she insisted. “The promotion—“

“The winner will be announced tomorrow,” Charlie interrupted. “Then we can be open. I’m tired of feeling like we’re sneaking around, doing something dirty.”

“You agreed to this. We don’t need to go in to all that right now anyway, not with the interviews first thing tomorrow.”

Suddenly disgusted, Charlie shoved up. “You’re right, of course.” His tone was faintly mocking. “Nothing must take precedence over the promotion. I’ll leave you now, so that we can both have suitable time to prepare.

Audra heard the door close behind him as he left. She remained at the table for a long time, her thoughts tumbling over and over.

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