Page 21 of Pride & Precedents

I can't help but laugh.

"No. Theleavingpart, not themisdemeanor assaultpart. I work at a law firm, remember?"

I take a deep breath, glad the threat of tears is gone.

"Anyway, I actually might not work at that law firm after pulling that little stunt. I was just…so…mad. I thought he was finally loosening up, but no! Same old Sub Zero."

Rory pats me on the back and holds out her hand.

"First, let's check whether you still have a job. You said you texted him?"

I place my phone in her palm.

"Yeah. I told him I was coming down with something."

She grins as she enters my passcode.

"Classic. I'm looking…I don't see anything from Henry in here." She locks my phone and hands it back to me. "Let's assume no news is good news."

"OK. But what about tomorrow? And the day after that? Shit, it's only Monday!"

"First off, breathe. You've got a great job, you're smart, and you're super sexy. Tomorrow, and every day following, you are going to torture him."

"Torture him?"

"Yes. You are going to wear the sexiest outfits you have. The tightest skirts, the highest heels, the lowest-cut tops. As scandalous as BBS&P's dress code allows. You're going to stop with thisold maid, no makeupbullshit and put on some lipstick and mascara. You are going to make him salivate every time he sees you, but you are going to completely ignore him."

While outlining her master plan, Rory jumps up, pacing and gesticulating. She truly is an evil genius. Thank goodness she's onmyside.

"Do I want to know how you came up with this plan so quickly?"

"No. No, you do not."

I laugh to myself and stand up, pulling her in for a big hug.

"I thoughtIwas supposed to be the big sister."

She hugs me back, and I can hear the sincerity in her voice.

"Youarethe big sister. And there's no way Gabe and I can repay you for taking care of us after…after everything. I'm just glad I can lend you my revenge skills to get even. It sounds like Henry really deserves it."

I step back and give her a mischievous grin.

"Oh, you havenoidea." We link arms and start walking back to the set. "I hope I can raid your closet. After years at BBS&P, I've got nothing that could make anyone salivate."

She jumps excitedly and claps her hands together.

"Yay! Makeover!"

Chapter eleven

Henry

Iread her text for the tenth time and try to ignore the sheen of sweat dampening the back of my dress shirt. That could not have gone worse.Please, God, don't let me lose the best paralegal in the firm over a harmless kiss!

I lean back in my chair, close my eyes, and remember the way it felt to pull her against me. The pleasant give of her hips in my hands. How my mouth watered when I felt her nipples tighten through her shirt. The sexy whimpers that raised the hairs on my arms.Harmless, my ass. That kiss was hotter than some sex I've had. And now that I've felt her, I can'tun-feelher. I'll always be thinking about it, especially if she's going to keep stomping around here, making her perfect ass shake sensually.Deep breaths, Henry.

I would've followed her. Maybe I should have. Despite her impressive poker face, I knew she was upset, but the lead pipe in my pants meant I had to stay seated. Bits and pieces of my dream—of what happened between us—kept flashing in my head, even while she was glaring at me, and I doubt chasing afterher with a divining rod pointed right at her would've helped my "let's keep things professional" argument. Letting her run out of here and pretending I bought the sick excuse was definitely for the best.Butshe wouldn't stay out tomorrow too, would she?

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