Page 80 of Objection to Love

His hand was on the door handle, but his eyes didn’t leave her face. The setting sun cast orange and red hues across his shoulder and the right side of his neck, illuminating the cab of the truck in a glowy warmth. When he spoke, it was in a low, almost strained voice. “If I don’t get out of this car now, Em, I don’t think I’ll be capable of leaving. And I need to be capable of leaving.”

The warmth from the sunset was nothing compared to the warmth that spread through her then. The look in his eyes made it hard to catch her breath. “Okay,” she said slowly—reluctantly, “let’s go eat.”

He started to open the door, hesitated, then released it and leaned back across the console, pressing his lips to hers in another coma-inducing kiss. “Alright,” he said, sitting back with a groan. “Dinner.” He met her eyes one more time, his jaw clenching. “Now.”

Tuesday, and the start of the Clayton trial, was not off to a good start. Garrett had surprised Em with pizza and ice cream when she’d gotten home Monday night—to celebrate the beginning of the trial the next day. But unfortunately, she hadn’t gotten home until after ten. Which meanthehadn’t gone home until over an hour after that. And she hadn’t gotten to bed until much later—a combination of nerves and last-minute prepping keeping her up.

And now her stomach seemed clenched into a perpetual knot, and she couldn’t seem to force herself to eat even toast. She’d done dozens of trials over her years with the county attorney’s office. Why was this one throwing her so much?

Because it was so much bigger than any trial she’d ever been trusted with before. And if she failed, there’d be no one to blame but her.

She swallowed as she stepped onto her porch. Immediately, her eyes went to Garrett’s house—but he wasn’t there. Her mouth pulled down into a frown, and she turned to lock her door. But as her keys were halfway to the lock, she noticed a folded square of paper taped to the wood. She pulled it off.

Em,

I had to go to work early this morning to prep the site for a review. I know, I know, it’s crazy that I had to go in before even you—the early bird to beat all early birds—but it’s the truth. I would have texted, but this was more fun. I’m sorry I can’t wish you good luck, but I know you’ll do great. Call me when you’re done.

Garrett

Her still-knotted stomach loosened a little as her eyes read the short note a second time, taking in the masculine handwriting and barely discernible signature at the bottom. She folded it back up and tucked it into her suitcoat pocket. She could have stuck it in her briefcase, but for some reason, she wanted the bolstering effect of having it nearby.

Her phone pinged as she climbed into the car.

April: Good luck today—love you!

Em smiled as she typed a quick reply. Just as she pressed send, another text came in.

Garrett:Did you get my note?

Em: Note?

Garrett: On your door.

Em: Oh, that was you? I couldn’t read the signature.

Garrett: *eye-roll emoji* And you couldn’t deduce who it was from?

Em: Could have been any one of my secret admirers. And look who’s eye-rolling now.

Garrett: Look who's rubbing off on me.

Garrett: Good luck today. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.

Em: Thanks *smiley face* I’m counting down the days till the weekend.

Garrett: Me too

Em’s smile had started to pinch her cheeks, so, with effort, she tamped it down while pulling out of the driveway. She was halfway to Woodcastle when she realized the knot in her stomach seemed to have come untied.

Chapter 27

Garrett

“Thesiteislookingperfect, Mr. Clarke. I’m impressed with your team and your management here. So impressed, in fact, that I’d like to offer you another job.” The company executive crossed his leg, resting his ankle on his opposite knee, and watched Garrett with expectation.

Garrett met the gaze of the man. “I appreciate that, Mr. Stevenson. This team has been incredible to work with. What did you have in mind for the next job?”

“The company has appreciated each of your contracts with us so much that we’d like to offer you a more permanent position. As head of the western regional division.”

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