Page 134 of Dr. Bad Boy

I tell Hannah about the engagement as we eat salads she fetches from the deli, and she tells me she knew all along there was something about Max.

I did, too.

Igetin to the office early the next morning. One of my clients likes to meet at eight, so I get that out of the way, then I’m working on a filing when William knocks on my door.

My stomach flip flops as I stand up. “Yes, sir?”

He waves me back down. “Sit, please.” He’s frowning. “I thought our conversation yesterday was…clear. It was an unfortunate misunderstanding, but I understand matters of the heart, and all’s well that ends well, really.”

“Right. Yes. And I’m grateful for that understanding.” My palms are sweating as I try to stay within the bounds of what Gail will let me say. Lawyers are so bossy.

“I just got off the phone with the prime minister.”

Oh, shit. The flip-flopping stomach does a nose-dive. Morning sickness has nothing on fiancé interference. “I didn’t…I mean…That’s…Oh. I’m…”

He shakes his head. “I’m assuming you didn’t have anything to do with that.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “No. Not at all, sir.”

“Your fiancé loves you very much.”

“Yes.”

“I told his best friend that you’re a capable attorney who can fight her own battles.”

“I appreciate that vote of confidence.”

“But just to be clear here, there’s no battle. We’re all human, and I hope this is the last we hear of this business.”

“Well…” Shit. Sorry, Gail. “The thing is, William, I’m pregnant. So I’ll be taking some time off at the end of the summer.”

He stares at me, then laughs. “Okay. Congratulations on multiple fronts.” He shakes his head. “Jesus. Is that the end of it?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Get back to work.” He chuckles again and rises.

I hold my breath until he leaves, then I pick up the phone.

52

Max

I’m stillin Gavin’s office when Violet calls. He’s already laughing at me as I answer it.

“Hello.”

“Don’t hello me. What did you do?”

“I went to rounds this morning, and then I came to see Gavin for coffee.”And maybe asked him to make a phone call.

“He’s busy running a country, Max! And I do not need him interfering with myjob. I have it handled, in a normal, professional manner.”

I grin. “I know, but I just happened to mention the matter to an employment lawyer that I know…” Gavin waves for me to hand over the phone. “Hang on, love. Gavin wants to talk to you.”

I pass it across. He takes it and clears his throat. “Violet, good to talk to you again.”

He nods as she says something. I imagine she’s stammering now, dialling back the anger because he’s the PM and she’s nothing if not polite.

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