Page 31 of Pride & Precedents

I don't bother to hide my displeasure.

"I thought you said the cold shoulder treatment was over, Ms. Sanchez."

She looks at me confused and takes another step towards the elevators.

"Uh, it is, Mr. Park. I've had this commitment on your calendar since last week."

I come within touching distance of her, relieved she doesn't pull away.

"Really? I don't remember seeing anything."

She folds her arms, and that adorable pout is in full bloom.

"Yes.Really.And if I don't leave in the next ten minutes, I'll be late."

She turns to leave again, and I catch her arm by the elbow. I would worry I'd crossed a line if I didn't see her eyes dilate at my touch.

"Just a moment, Ms. Sanchez. I'll ride down with you."

She rolls her eyes but still waits as I grab my suitcase and lock my office door. I'm not getting anything done anyway.

We walk towards the elevator in silence, and I push the down button. I see her sneak a glance at me and hide my smirk.Your words say "let's keep things professional", but your body clearly wants a repeat of last night, Camila.

Too bad it looks like she's on her way to a date. I should have known. Today's velvet, indigo dress that catches the light and barely reaches mid-thigh has been doing a number on me all day. I follow her onto the empty elevator, sensing her nervousness as the doors close behind us.

"So…Hot date tonight?"

I miss "casual" by a mile and she rolls her midnight eyes at me again. Someone's earned a spanking.

"If you must know," she sighs irritably, "I have a meeting with my TA to go over some questions I had after the last exam."

"TA? Exam? Are you in school, Ms. Sanchez?"

She shifts uncomfortably, glancing at the numbers as they count down the floors.

"Y-Yes, actually."

I turn to face her, but she refuses to make eye contact.

"Well, Ms. Sanchez? Are you going to tell me what you're going to school for, or do I have to guess?"

She's worrying her bottom lip between her teeth now. Why wouldn't she want to tell me?

"I'm in l-law school actually," she admits hesitantly, her eyes still locked on the descending numbers.

I stare at her, mouth agape. A light breeze could knock me over, like the one from the elevator doors as they finally open. Camila dives out, eager for an escape. I recover just as the doors start to close, stopping them with my briefcase. She's already halfway across the lobby.

"Ms. Sanchez." She keeps walking. "Camila!" At her first name she reluctantly turns around. I quietly savor the pleasure I know she gets from hearing her name on my lips.

"Do you want to tell me why you would hide the fact that you're in law school from your boss, who just so happens to be a partner at a law firm?"

Her eyes dart between me and the revolving doors of the lobby.

"Mr. Park, I really do need to get going. Office hours end at seven."

I walk ahead of her and gesture to my car waiting out front.

"Murray and I will give you a ride. You can't drop news like that and think I won't have follow-up questions."

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